Don’t get us wrong -- these are definitely tourist attractions, but in the best sense of the term. If you’re in Boston
for a couple days and only could see these 5 things, you’ll leave with
the feeling that you got to “see” Boston and had a great time doing it.
Want more info about what to do in Boston? Return to the main page of our Guide to Boston.
1
Andrew Malone
Freedom Trail
The No. 1 thing you should do while in Boston is to follow the 2.5-mile redbrick trail from Boston Common to Bunker Hill. Set aside 1 to 3 hours -- depending on whether you want to speed through the historical sites or go on a tour with a guide in Revolutionary garb. Be sure to make a pit stop for a beer at America’s oldest bar, Bell in Hand Tavern.If you need to cut the tour a little short, a natural break is to follow the trail until the bridge and save the Bunker Hill Monument for another day. It’s definitely worth making it up to the North End to see Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church, where the famous “One if by land, and two if by sea” signal was sent. For more information, maps and tour schedules call 617-357-8300 or visit the website.
2
Wally Gobetz, flickr
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
In the heart of downtown Boston, and along the Freedom Trail, is Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The original Faneuil Hall dates back to 1742 and the festival marketplace now encompasses the North Market, Quincy Market and South Market buildings.If you don’t have much time, we suggest skipping the chain stores like Ann Taylor and Urban Outfitters in favor of grabbing a bite beneath the Quincy Market canopies, picking up unique finds from pushcarts and pausing to taking in a street performance or 2. Hours are generally 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Monday-Saturday) and 12 p.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday) with restaurants and bars staying open later and the Quincy Market Food Colonnade opening earlier. Discounted parking is available at the 75 State Street Garage, for more information call 617-723-9109 or visit the website.
3
Jason Mrachina, flickr
Fenway Park
There’s nothing quite like taking in a game at Fenway Park, one of America’s most beloved baseball stadiums since it opened in 1912. But even if the Red Sox aren’t playing, you’ll want to swing by and visit the Green Monster on one of the 50-minute tours offered daily. For game tickets or more information call 877-733-7699 or visit the website.If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite or a beer near the stadium, you can’t beat The Bleacher Bar, in Fenway itself. Like the name suggests, it’s beneath the bleachers in center field with a window that looks directly into the park. Call 617-262-2424 or visit the website for more information.
4
redjar, flickr
Cambridge
You don’t have to be a coed to warrant a trip to Cambridge. Home to 2 of the most prestigious universities in the country, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), its stunning architecture and incredible diversity of restaurants and shopping attracts a mix of students, locals and sightseers.Pop into a coffee shop and stroll through the historic Harvard Yard, you’ll find maps and information at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, John F. Kennedy Street and Brattle Street. Follow Brattle Street outside the square and you’ll be walking along Tory Row, nicknamed for residents loyal to King George during the Revolution. You can also tour Longfellow House, the yellow mansion at 105 Brattle St that was home to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For more information call 617-876-4491 or visit the website.
5
Rob Young
Cheers
Fans of the television show won’t be able to resist popping into the bar shown in the opening credits of this ‘90s sitcom. Formerly named Bull & Finch pub, it has since been renamed to the more tourist-friendly Cheers. Just be prepared to hear your friends at home sing, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” when you tell them you visited. For the menu and more information call 617-227-9605 or visit the website.Afterward, make sure to take advantage of all that Beacon Hill has to offer. Just up Beacon Street is the State House, and across the street is the Public Garden where the Swan Boats will be out in the warmer months. Make your way to Newbury Street for some afternoon shopping (or window shopping) at the upscale boutiques.
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