Even with simply 2 days in Boston, you’ll be able to cowl some severe floor and get a very good really feel for the town. Learn on for an in depth itinerary for how one can take advantage of out of a weekend keep within the Massachusetts capital.
Few cities within the United States maintain extra historic significance than Boston. When spending a weekend in Boston, you’ll get an perception into the town’s storied previous by means of its numerous landmarks.
Throughout my first action-packed go to, apart from getting a historical past lesson, I made certain to take pleasure in the attractive surroundings of Boston in its parks and alongside its waterfront. Add in a novel and scrumptious delicacies, and I have already got a protracted record of issues to do for my subsequent journey to Boston.
This submit was up to date to incorporate new Boston points of interest and actions for 2023.
Right here’s my itinerary for spending the proper weekend in Boston.
The Good Weekend in Boston
Learn on for how one can spend a fun-filled 2 days in Boston. In addition to historical past and meals, there are many different choices as effectively, from rooting for the house staff at historic Fenway Park to visiting the library of one of many nation’s most beloved presidents.
Boston can be dwelling to world-class museums and you can too tour a number of the greatest universities on the earth. And naturally, your tastebuds are in for a deal with while you indulge within the metropolis’s well-known seafood. Get excited for some mouthwatering clam chowder and lobster rolls (domestically often known as chowda and lobsta).
Day 1 in Boston
For the primary day, we’ll give attention to testing most of the metropolis’s historic points of interest.
Alongside the best way, there might be a number of alternatives to take pleasure in some window buying, seize a chew to eat, uncover hidden gems, and calm down with the beverage of your alternative.
Morning
Talking of drinks… I don’t learn about you, however I’m fairly ineffective earlier than I’ve had a cup of espresso. Thankfully I had no bother discovering a lot of nice native cafes in Boston. Two handy choices are Pondering Cup and Tatte Bakery & Cafe.
I selected these cafes resulting from their proximity to our first cease of the day — Boston Widespread. It’s been round since 1634, making it the oldest metropolis park in the US.
A pleasant stroll within the park is a good way to begin off your weekend in Boston. Take a look at the attractive Boston Public Backyard or calm down by the Frog Pond for a bit earlier than hitting the Freedom Path.
This 2.5-mile Freedom Path takes you to 16 completely different historic points of interest throughout the town. It begins at Boston Widespread and passes by landmarks such because the King’s Chapel and Bunker Hill.
An effective way to expertise this necessary piece of American historical past is by taking a Freedom Path strolling tour. Those that choose a DIY strategy can click on right here for a PDF map to make your personal strolling tour.
You will get an audio narration and a reside GPS in your smartphone for only a few bucks should you simply click on right here.
Lots of the sights alongside the Freedom Path are completely free to go to, however just a few of them require an entrance ticket, such because the Previous State Home Museum and Paul Revere’s home.
It’s price contemplating the Go Boston cross if you wish to go to ticketed sights. They’ve just a few completely different choices and the financial savings are nice should you plan to do a number of sightseeing.
Afternoon
Nevertheless you select to go to the Freedom Path, the proper stopping level is Faneuil Corridor. I take into account it a must-do in Boston and it was certainly one of my favourite locations to spend a sluggish afternoon.
As soon as upon a time, this was a gathering place for revolutionaries. That’s why it’s known as the “Cradle of Liberty” for its position within the independence motion.
As of late, Faneuil Corridor is a big market full of various retailers together with a number of eating places and bars.
There’s no time like the current to attempt a number of the metropolis’s well-known seafood at locations like Depraved Lobsta and Boston Chowda. Go forward and work in your Boston accent whilst you’re at it.
For a full record of all of the choices at Faneuil Corridor, head over to their web site.
There’s loads of buying to be executed right here as effectively should you’re trying to take dwelling a memento. Don’t go away earlier than taking in a number of the wonderful road performances that go on all through the time out entrance.
From right here you’ve just a few completely different choices. These shifting alongside on the Freedom Path can head to Paul Revere’s home, the USS Structure and at last Bunker Hill. In case you’re motivated, it’s undoubtedly potential to sort out the entire path in simply at some point.
For individuals who aren’t fairly as passionate about historical past, you’ll be able to head over to Boston Harbor as an alternative. One actually enjoyable possibility down right here is hopping on a duck tour.
This has nothing to do with the birds that quack however somewhat with the amphibious automobile of the identical identify. On these excursions, you’ll cruise round by land and sea to soak up the views of Boston.
Simply click on right here to study extra about this highly-rated, tremendous enjoyable tour and e book your tickets.
Night
For individuals who completed up the Freedom Path, you’ll be able to simply spend the remainder of your night over there in Bunker Hill/Charlestown. Choices embrace the legendary Warren Tavern in addition to the Brewer’s Fork beer backyard.
I hit them each in the identical day, and so they supplied a pleasant style of the historic facet of Boston’s nightlife. Plus the beer was first-rate.
Talking of beer, do you know that beer truly performed a big position within the historical past of Boston and the nation as an entire?
It was proper right here in Boston’s taverns that revolutionaries like Sam Adams and Paul Revere gathered to share concepts over just a few frosty mugs of beer.
Hop on this historic pub crawl to go to a number of the metropolis’s oldest taverns. Each dates again to the 1800s and a few are even older.
Along with sharing tales, your information may even advocate some beers that you may solely get in Boston. Excursions run at both 3 or 7 PM.
Beer lovers could need to take into account including a tour of the legendary Samuel Adams brewery to their itinerary. It’s some of the well-known beers within the nation and you’ll leap on a tour between 11-5 on Saturdays. Head to their web site to see the choices and e book your spot.
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Day 2 in Boston
With simply 2 days in Boston, you’re going to must make some decisions. Throughout my first go to to Boston, it was on the second morning that I actually needed to take into account how one can greatest spend my time.
Sadly, you’ll be able to’t see all of it in only one weekend! That’s why I’ll current you with just a few choices for how one can spend day two. What you do will rely totally on the time of yr you go to and your pursuits.
Morning
Ease into one other large day of exploring Boston with a leisurely brunch. Peregrine within the Whitney Resort is a wonderful alternative, as is The Emory. Name forward to make a reservation to keep away from disappointment and lengthy waits.
After a giant meal and maybe a bit of little bit of the bubbly, you’ve some decisions to make. If you wish to proceed the historical past lesson we began yesterday, you’ll be able to try the Boston Tea Social gathering Ships & Museum.
I’ll always remember how a lot enjoyable it was to relive some of the necessary occasions within the nation’s historical past by dumping containers of tea overboard in protest. Tickets value round $30 and you’ll click on right here to e book them on-line prematurely.
An alternative choice for historical past buffs is the JFK Presidential Library. Be taught all concerning the lifetime of the thirty fifth President of the US and Boston native by means of interactive reveals that embrace an unlimited assortment of non-public paperwork. Tickets value $14 and may be booked on their web site.
The Boston space is dwelling to a number of the most prestigious universities on the earth, together with MIT, the College of Massachusetts, and Harvard. Two are named within the high 3 universities on the earth — making them high points of interest in Boston.
You may discover the Harvard campus on a strolling tour led by college students. There’s the choice to tack on a go to to the Museum of Pure Historical past as effectively should you’re so inclined.
It’s additionally potential to make your personal tour of Harvard. Simply click on right here to obtain a free map together with an accompanying audio tour.
Afternoon
Within the afternoon, it’s time to move to the Again Bay space of the town, which is dwelling to fashionable Newbury Road.
Stuffed with historic brownstones, this scenic road has tons of boutique retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars to select from. Click on right here for a rundown of all the assorted choices.
I particularly loved some intensive shopping in Newbury Comics. Right here you’ll discover a huge assortment of popular culture memorabilia, from comedian books to vinyl information.
Even when there isn’t a sport happening, it’s effectively price it to make the brief journey over to Fenway Park. Dwelling to the storied Boston Purple Sox baseball staff, that is the oldest ballpark within the nation.
Constructed over a century in the past, Fenway is named “America’s most beloved ballpark.” It’s undoubtedly a particular place to go to, and you are able to do so on an hour-long guided tour. These go on sale 30 days prematurely and can be found on a first-come, first-serve foundation.
In fact, it’s preferable to go to Fenway Park for an precise ballgame. As a result of it’s one of many smallest parks with some of the profitable groups in latest reminiscence, tickets aren’t straightforward to return by.
In case you’re planning a weekend in Boston and the Sox are on the town, it’s greatest to safe your tickets effectively prematurely.
It’s effectively price splurging on good seats to see a sport on this legendary ballpark. Seize some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and root, root, root for the house staff.
Do you have to strike out on getting tickets or if there isn’t a sport, another choice over right here is the Again Bay Fens park. Get pleasure from a peaceable stroll by means of a World Battle II-era group backyard and a rose backyard. There’s additionally a WWII Memorial and a Japanese Bell right here.
I notice that not everyone seems to be desirous about seeing a baseball stadium whether or not there’s a sport or not.
In case you get stunning summer season climate in your 2 days in Boston, you could need to spend your afternoon at Fort Island. It’s dwelling to the historic Fort Independence, which is barely open in the summertime. There are free excursions led by volunteers between midday and three:30.
It’s also possible to simply chill and calm down on the scenic Pleasure Bay Seaside. I wager you weren’t anticipating a bit of seashore getaway in the course of your Boston weekend journey! I fell in love with the place through the afternoon I spent enjoyable within the sand.
One other enjoyable possibility for a weekend afternoon is that this VIP brewery & beer tasting tour. It contains stopping at 4 completely different breweries to pattern some tasty craft beers, in addition to a hearty lunch or dinner.
You’ll get to pattern a number of the best suds within the metropolis and revel in an exquisite buzz for the remainder of your day.
In case you didn’t take the Sam Adams tour on day one and nonetheless need to go to a giant brewery, Harpoon is positioned proper close to the harbor and in addition runs excursions till 5:30 on Sundays. It’s also possible to simply go to the taproom for some meals and some chilly ones.
Night
It’s been a reasonably wild two days in Boston to this point.
You’ve lined a ton of floor in a short while and completed up a whirlwind tour of the town. That’s why it’s time to do no matter your coronary heart needs in your final evening on the town.
As an avid reside music fan, my private suggestion could be to move to a present. Boston has a thriving music scene with venues of all styles and sizes. I all the time verify Jambase to see who’s taking part in in a metropolis once I journey.
Maybe you simply need to sit back and have a drink. It’s proper there within the identify at Drink – a hip bar that’s “devoted fully to the craft of the cocktail.”
They’re so assured of their drink mixing skills right here that they don’t actually have a menu. Drinks are created particularly in your style with the freshest elements.
Your weekend in Boston may also come full circle should you head over to twenty first Modification. In case you’re not well-versed in US historical past, the twenty first modification repealed the 18th one, formally ending the prohibition of alcohol.
They’ve a trivia evening on Sundays, which is a enjoyable solution to finish the Boston weekend.
Weekend in Boston for Foodies (high 5 experiences)
I’m going so as to add an entire part right here for a foodie’s weekend journey to Boston. I discovered some actually enjoyable, extremely rated, and reasonably priced foods and drinks experiences in Boston that you may take pleasure in within the afternoon, or night.
1. North Finish Strolling Meals Tour – Eat your means by means of Boston’s North Finish (Little Italy) and uncover genuine spots to eat. Pattern meats and cheese within the oldest Italian Salumeria in Boston, go to an Italian bakery, and extra. Discover out extra right here.
2. North Finish Little Italy Pizza Tour – A pizza-forward tour that you just received’t need to miss! In case you’re into sampling a number of the greatest pizzas the North Finish has to supply, this one is for you. Be taught extra right here.
3. Underground Donut Tour – Not solely will you pattern attention-grabbing (and engaging) donuts, however you’ll be strolling and studying concerning the historical past of Boston from the native information. Be taught extra right here.
4. Seafood and Historical past Strolling Tour – Feast on a tasty lobster roll, clam chowder, contemporary oysters, jumbo shrimp, and extra. Benefit from the meals whereas strolling round Boston together with your information and studying the historical past of the town. It’s a few 2.5-hour expertise. Discover out extra right here.
5. Brewery Tour with Lunch – On this enjoyable brewery tour, you’ll go to cider homes, breweries, and distilleries, whereas sampling drinks in any respect of them. Lunch or dinner is included (relying on which era of day you e book) in addition to transportation. Be taught extra right here.
Insider’s Ideas for a Weekend in Boston
I hope you’ve an superior time in Boston with the assistance of this itinerary. I’m certain you’ll have a fair higher one should you observe the following tips as effectively, all of which served me effectively on my fabulous go to to Boston:
Skip the winter – This itinerary is greatest fitted to the hotter months. It received’t be practically as satisfying within the typically bitter chilly Boston winter.
Guide early for summer season – Summer time in Boston is nice. There’s little question about that. Sox video games, seashore days, outside live shows, beer gardens, and extra. You’re not the one one with the brilliant thought to spend a summer season weekend in Boston, although, so e book early.
Examine the calendar – There are many large occasions happening in Boston all year long. It’s greatest to verify the calendar to see what’s happening. If you find yourself there the weekend of a playoff sport or a giant music competition, it is perhaps a bit of chaotic making an attempt to drag off this itinerary.
Discuss to the locals – This is applicable in every single place you journey, however I really feel like I have to make it a degree right here. I solely spent a weekend in Boston however had a number of nice conversations with locals. They’re smitten by sharing recommendation and proposals for his or her metropolis, and plus you get to listen to the superior Boston accent.
Go to a sport – I do know not everyone seems to be desirous about sports activities, however this metropolis is extremely captivated with its groups. That is very true of the Purple Sox. Do your greatest to make it to a sport, or a minimum of crowd into a neighborhood sports activities bar should you can’t snag tickets.
Getting Round Boston
These touring to Boston by aircraft will arrive at Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS). It is a main hub with direct flights to all corners of the globe.
It’s positioned in East Boston only a few miles from downtown. You might have just a few completely different choices for how one can get there.
Non-public Constitution Bus
GoGo Charters in Boston is an organization that gives a enjoyable and sensible solution to get across the metropolis. In case you’re visiting Boston with a gaggle of individuals, why not rent your personal minibus, or full-sized bus to take you round?!
Whether or not you’re touring to Boston for a stagette or stag celebration, a company occasion, a household reunion, or only a enjoyable getaway with a gaggle of buddies, having a bus is a novel mode of transportation.
See all of the sights in Boston in fashion, and don’t fear about ingesting or driving while you head out for the evening. Take a look at GoGo Charters and get a free quote.
Taking the T (MBTA)
The “T” is brief for the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) and refers back to the metropolis’s environment friendly public transportation system. There’s a means to make use of the T irrespective of the place you’re staying in Boston.
In case you’re staying downtown, the Silver Line bus route will take you to South Station. Better of all, it’s completely free! These staying in different areas can use a free switch to the Purple Line as effectively.
It’s additionally potential to take the Blue Line subway, however you must get a shuttle simply to get to the station after which purchase a ticket for $2.75. My vote goes for the free bus journey.
For an in depth have a look at all of the choices, head to the MBTA web site.
By Taxi
Taxis are available as effectively however there’s no flat-rate possibility and there are some unscrupulous drivers about. In case you insist on taking one, simply be sure that they use the meter and you’ll observe the route in your cellphone. Count on to pay round $20-25 for downtown.
Rideshare
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft each work from Logan as effectively. Be aware that there’s a $3.25 airport price added to any journeys to or from the airport.
By Practice and Bus
Boston can be simply reached through practice or bus. On the whole, it’s straightforward to maneuver up and down the East Coast and that is very true between the large cities.
Amtrak has a number of routes passing by means of Boston. You may simply journey to or from Boston by practice from NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
There are additionally a number of corporations working bus routes, together with Greyhound, BoltBus, and Megabus. I solely have expertise with the latter in Boston however it was fantastic and low cost. Guide early and it can save you so much in your tickets.
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The place to Keep With 2 Days in Boston
Within the curiosity of comfort and luxury, it’s greatest to remain downtown on a Boston weekend journey. Doing so ensures you spend much less time in transit between the airport, which is essential for such a brief journey to the town.
By staying downtown, you’ll be able to simply use the free airport bus and possibly simply stroll to your lodging. I don’t learn about you, however I need to spend extra time exploring and fewer time in site visitors. Boston in 2 days is doable, simply ensure you select lodging in a very good location.
Staying downtown additionally places you proper in the course of all of the motion. You’re proper there close to the Freedom Path and the Waterfront, which is the place you’ll be spending most of your time.
From right here, it’s additionally straightforward to entry locations like Harvard and Fenway Park through public transportation. There are many nice choices for locations to buy, eat, drink, and keep right here as effectively. I stayed downtown throughout my go to there, and I strongly advocate you do to.
Listed here are just a few completely different choices for the place to remain in downtown Boston:
In order for you these harbor views and don’t thoughts paying a premium for them, you’ll be able to seek for motels on the Waterfront as effectively. Again Bay can be a enjoyable space to remain in for its proximity to Newbury Road and Fenway.
FAQs for a Weekend in Boston
Listed here are solutions to some ceaselessly requested questions on spending a weekend in Boston.
Completely! With historic landmarks, pure magnificence, glorious (typically seafood-based) delicacies, and a thriving bar and brewery scene, Boston is an entire lot of enjoyable for a weekend journey.
Stuffed with points of interest and landmarks, Boston’s compact metropolis middle means that you may expertise so much in solely 2 days. From historical past to nature to meals, there’s lots to take pleasure in in Boston on a 2-day journey.
The most effective time to go to Boston is from June to September. Sidewalk cafes are open, baseball season is on, and the chilly of winter hasn’t but set in.
There’s little question that Boston is an costly metropolis, although not as costly as NYC, making it a very good various to the Massive Apple.
Boston is understood for the Purple Sox and Fenway Park, the Boston Marathon, high universities (Harvard, MIT, and so on.), necessary occasions in American Historical past such because the Boston Tea Social gathering, iconic seafood dishes, and the bar from Cheers (amongst many different glorious watering holes).
Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to Boston
Whereas 2 days in Boston isn’t actually sufficient time to get beneath the pores and skin of the town, it’s actually a pleasant introduction. I felt like I acquired a very good really feel for the town and had been in Boston for for much longer than only a weekend.
I’m certain you’ll have the identical thought that I did, and that’s “I’ll simply have to return again and do it once more!” There’s lots to see and do right here to warrant a number of return journeys to this iconic American metropolis.
I personally had an absolute blast with my weekend in Boston, absorbing the historical past on the Freedom Path, digging into a giant ole’ bowl of clam chowda, and cheering for the Sox (which was powerful as a Tigers fan, imagine me), and extra.
Do you have to come again out of your journey to the town with any glorious suggestions of your personal, please drop a remark under and tell us. I hope you loved this 2 day Boston itinerary.
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