Boston Travel Guide

When visiting Boston, Tatte is a must-try for coffee, pastries and all day breakfast.

Written by contributor Jessica Lambi | @jessica.lambi

As someone who lives, works in, and truly loves, the city of Boston, putting together everything to see as a visitor is really hard– almost impossible– to narrow down. The number of restaurants that I would suggest alone could keep you here for a week at least. But, that just means there’s a little something for everyone on your next weekend or extended stay in this New England city.

What I really love about Boston is how each neighborhood is very different, yet it’s also small enough to really walk it entirely if you’re able; there’s a lot of different things to see and do, and on a manageable scale.

Looking for traditional Boston architecture and history? Wander through Beacon Hill. Want to see modern art and shop cool new brands in real life? Head over to the Seaport. So, pack comfortable shoes and some layers for unpredictable New England weather, and get ready to explore. Here’s my Boston travel guide.


 

The Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum is a unique Boston landmark with a greenhouse and indoor courtyard.
To Stay

XV Beacon
The Liberty Hotel
Hotel Commonwealth
Envoy
Ames Hotel
Airbnb – some of my favorites in the South End, North End, and Downtown Crossing

To Do

Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum
SOWA Vintage Market
Boston Public Library
Duck Boat Tours
Boston Public Gardens
Institute of Contemporary Art
Museum of Fine Arts
Harpoon Brewery
The Freedom Trail

Niche Garden Supply is a chic plant shop located in Boston's historic South End.

The Boston Public Library boasts grand architecture and marble decor, as one of Boston's most historic must-see's.

When visiting Boston, Follain is a must-see shop specializing in clean beauty, all-natural makeup, skincare and haircare products.

Shopping

Niche Plant Shop
Olives & Grace
Third Piece
Charles Street – Follain, December Thieves, Paridaez
Flock
Seaport Boulevard – For Now, Outdoor Voices, Away
Newbury Street – high end designer shopping and other big brand stores
Bodega – This men’s streetwear store is highly curated shop hidden behind the facade of a vending machine in a convenience store. Worth visiting just for the experience of finding it.

To Eat

Mida – dinner, particularly on Mondays for all-you-can-eat Mangia Monday
Toro – Spanish tapas, no reservations. Part of the experience is bumping elbows at the bar while you wait! Very worth it.
Coppa – lunch or dinner, Italian
Bodega Canal – lunch or dinner, Mexican and some of the best margaritas ever
Pabu – dinner, upscale sushi and Asian cuisine
Tatte – breakfast or lunch, a true Boston staple with locations all over the city
Bistro du Midi – dinner, great location and view of the Commons
Mistral – brunch or dinner, French
Envoy, drinks, rooftop bar with an awesome view, open all year and offering ‘igloos’ in winter
Bricco – lunch or dinner, classic Italian in the historic North End
North Square Oyster – lunch or dinner, a more refined and modern North End offering. Oysters and tuna tartare are musts!
Yvonne’s – drinks, an upscale speakeasy that you’ll have to find.. behind what appears to be a hair salon.
Banyan – dinner, Asian-inspired tapas, super unique menu.
Frenchie – brunch or dinner, French tapas in a super cute and intimate spot in the South End

North Square Oyster is a chic restaurant with a fresh seafood offering, located in Boston's well-known North End.

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20 Comments

  1. Rach wrote:

    I’ve always wanted to go to Boston! Totally saved this post for reference!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    4.11.19 | Reply
    • Jessica Lambi wrote:

      So glad to hear that Rach! – Jess

      4.12.19 | Reply
  2. Boston looks like such a stunning place! I have definitely added it to my bucket list!

    I hope you have a great Thursday,
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.com

    4.11.19 | Reply
    • Jessica Lambi wrote:

      You sure do, there’s so much to see and do, and eat! Thanks, Michael! – Jess

      4.12.19 | Reply
  3. Boston looks amazing, I cannot wait to visit next year 🙂

    http://www.aneditedlifestyle.com

    4.11.19 | Reply
    • Jessica Lambi wrote:

      Looking forward to your visit!! – Jess

      4.12.19 | Reply
  4. Kimber wrote:

    Great post! I’ve been to Boston so many times but there are so many things you’ve suggested I haven’t been to! I love all of the history and the amazing Italian food in the north end. In fact, my husband is on a flight home from Boston now and he picked me up some cannolis from Mikes (the ONLY cannolis I like). Thanks for sharing!

    4.11.19 | Reply
    • Jessica Lambi wrote:

      So glad to hear that! You’ll have to try some of these next time you’re here– Mike’s cannolis are truly the best!! Enjoy!! -Jess

      4.12.19 | Reply
  5. Boston is Massachusetts’ capital and largest city. Founded in 1630, it’s one of the oldest cities in the U.S. The key role it played in the American Revolution is highlighted on the Freedom Trail. Your article is very nice god bless

    4.17.19 | Reply
    • Jessica Lambi wrote:

      Thank you Andrew!

      4.18.19 | Reply
  6. Hana wrote:

    Wow, i heard about it but i have not added it to my list of priority earlier but your article made me to do so. After your article i have even search for other places, it’s so amazing and i would love to travel and visit it soon. Thanks for this great one handy!

    8.28.19 | Reply
  7. Rubina wrote:

    This popped up in my inbox
    Another place to add to the list, thanks to you guys! Beautiful photography as always.

    11.14.19 | Reply
  8. Anna wrote:

    All your guides are amazing! Do you think I need anything in particular to go to Boston? I’m going to order some stuff with noon coupons and I can still add something to my cart 🙂

    11.18.19 | Reply
  9. Christine wrote:

    Thanks, Jessica for sharing this guide. It helped me a lot in planning my trip to Boston. Actually this is my first solo trip and I’m very excited about that.

    12.1.19 | Reply
  10. Hey Jess! Is April the right time to visit Boston? As i’m planning a trip with my family, i want to know about the weather and best tourist attraction places. Rest assured i’ve got everything else covered with your blog post.

    2.9.20 | Reply
  11. umar wrote:

    how beautifull, Boston looks amazing, I cannot wait to visit next year
    @ (https://pesapak.com)

    2.19.20 | Reply
  12. Thank you for sharing guide on travel tips and It really makes helpful to me.

    4.6.22 | Reply
  13. Nice content about home décor. its really useful to me.

    5.6.22 | Reply