Boston is both a modern and historic city. From the historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the North End to the evolving Seaport district, there is a bit of everything. An ideal visit is a long weekend.
THINGS TO DO:
Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile route through Boston and Cambridge highlighting important Revolutionary War sites. This is ideal for first time visitors as the path directs you to key points of interest. You can explore on your own or take a tour. There is also a budget friendly app that gives you additional information but allows you to explore at your own pace. My favorite spots are the Boston Public Garden and the Bunker Hill Monument.
The New England Aquarium is a great option for a cold or rainy day. It is located at Central Wharf, near other popular attractions like the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
See a game at Fenway Park
If you visit during baseball season, you should check the Red Sox schedule to see if there is a game. Even if you aren’t a huge fan, you can still get inexpensive seats to experience the historic ball park. The area around the park is super fun with tons of bars and restaurants.
Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum is located in the Back Bay neighborhood. The museum has a unique atmosphere as it was designed after a Venetian Palace. The galleries have a variety of types of art.
A popular way to explore the city is with a duck boat tour. The amphibious duck boats drive throughout the city with narration but also tour from the water. This is a fun experience in good weather.
WHERE TO EAT:
SRV is a modern Italian restaurant offering a variety of small plates, pastas and entrees. They also have an extensive cocktail menu. We tried the tasting menu at this restaurant. Every bite was good and it was fun to try a bunch of things.
Neptune is a seafood restaurant in the North End. There is often a line so you may want to go at an off hour. They have very fresh raw bar. We also tried the Neptune Johnnycake which was a unique sweet and salty dish.
This is a seafood option just over the bridge to the seaport neighborhood. The laid back beach shack atmosphere is fun in the summer.
Yankee Lobster is close to Harpoon and a good stop for a lobster roll. The atmosphere is very casual and the service is prompt.
The Union Oyster House is a popular tourist spot. It is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. It isn’t the best food in the city but worth a stop for drinks and oysters.
The North End neighborhood is Boston’s Little Italy. Although I don’t have a specific restaurant to recommend, there are many Italian restaurants to try. I also recommend getting cannolis at Modern Pastry and Mike’s Pastry. Both are cash only so be prepared.
Cafes and Breakfast Spots
This is a fast casual spot for breakfast sandwiches. It seems very popular so it’s best to go early. We got the Lox and the Sunny Girl. Both sandwiches were very fresh and filling.
Tatte Bakery is a local cafe chain with over 15 locations throughout the city. They have a bunch of different pasties and coffee drinks. This is a reliable quick breakfast option.
Breweries & Bar
The Bell in Hand Tavern is the oldest tavern in America. It is worth stopping in for a drink or lunch. It is also convenient to the Freedom Trail.
This downtown beer bar is right next to Quincy Market. They have the classic beers with a bunch of local exclusives. It’s a fun brewery stop if you can’t make it to other breweries in outer neighborhoods.
We took the brewery tour about 10 years ago and had a great time. It is a bit far from the city center but you can take the T. This is now the experimental brewery for Sam Adams so you typically get to try something unique in addition to the classics.
Harpoon is located in the Seaport neighborhood. They have a sizable indoor and outdoor space making it good for a group. They have an extensive beer selection.
Trillium has multiple locations in the Boston area. The Fort Point location is conveniently located in the Seaport area. We did enjoy visiting their Canton location which is outside the city more. They have much more selection and space.
Lamplighter Brewing has two locations in the Cambridge area. The CX location is a nice space located near a park and has a few restaurants attached. We enjoyed all of the beers that we tried there.
Night Shift Brewing Lovejoy Whart
Night Shift has a decent variety and food menu. We noticed that it can get crowded. It is a popular spot for dinner and drinks before a game at the TD Garden.
Travel with Rebecca 
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