If you’re thinking about going to the United States but are not sure where you would want to go… well, look no further than Boston! A city that is rich with history, has great food spots, plenty of attractions and the most die hard sports fans around. Lucky for you, I’m here to be your Boston Travel Guide.
Becci and I travelled to Boston last year along with my sister & brother in-law for 5 days as a present for my 30th birthday (I prefer to say 29+1) and it was amazing! I have been lucky enough to travel to the US a few times and I can honestly say Boston was one of the best trips I have been on.
So, stick around as I act as your Boston Travel Guide and break down a 5-day itinerary that will ensure you leave knowing you got the most out of your trip.
DAY 1: BOSTON'S HISTORIC HEART
Morning: Kick off the day with a walk along the Boston Freedom Trail, the iconic 2.5 mile long trail will take you to all the historic sights of Boston. Including Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, the USS Constitution Frigate, and many more.
Afternoon: Head over to the harbour and take the opportunity to learn about the event that started the American Revolution at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This interactive experience has you in the thick of a town meeting, hanging with talking portraits and taking part in the tradition of tossing tea into the harbour! While you’re there, be sure to have coffee and cake in Abigails tea room.
Evening: Now we are at the harbour it only makes sense to relax there for the evening and enjoy the waterfront dining scene, an experience that is truly memorable.
Tips: Although the activities in the morning are not too far from the harbour, there is a lot of walking involved so I would suggest wearing shoes that you feel comfortable in. If you are struggling, Ubers are readily available in Boston and you usually don’t have to wait longer than a few minutes for one to arrive.
DAY 2: EXPLORE BOSTON'S CULTURE
Morning: Take a visit to Harvard University and explore the rich history that it has to offer by taking the virtual tour that is available through your phone. Here you can enjoy the vibrant food scene and help yourself to some Harvard memorabilia.
Afternoon: Before heading back to Downtown Boston, I would suggest making a stop towards Charlestown Navy Yard. Here you can go and see the famous USS Constitution and have a browse around the museum.
Evening: Explore trendy dining spots in Back Bay or South End where you will find a diverse mix of cuisines to chose from!
Tips: The Boston Underground has a station right outside Harvard which is really easy to get to from most locations around the city, and the USS Constitution is only a short Uber ride away.
DAY 3: DIVE INTO BOSTON'S FOOD SCENE
Breakfast: Start with one of the many local cafes dotted around the city and try some of Boston’s famous Bagels… I challenge you to only have one!
Day: Make your way over to Washington Street where you can spend the day in this Boston neighbourhood that has a distinct community, unique and seperate from the bustle you find in the city. Here you will find beautiful restaurants with an emphasis on local, organic food as well as quirky cafes and little shops.
Evening: Take the opportunity to visit the infamous TD Garden and watch the mighty Boston Celtics Basketball team play. A truly unforgettable experience which for me, as a die hard basketball fan, was the highlight of the entire trip!
DAY 4: FUN AND RELAXATION IN BOSTON
Morning: Take a tour of Fenway Park, America’s most beloved ballpark that is home to the Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately, this is the one thing that we didn’t get to do while we were there but after talking with other tourists that were in Boston, it is clearly a memorable experience.
Afternoon: Now, it’s the time we have all been waiting for… Shopping! Take the afternoon to peruse the outlet shops in Assembly Row at your own leisure with plenty of spots where you can stop for a coffee.
Evening: Try something fun and different by taking the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley tour. This tour is lead by a costumed host who will take you on a ride to the city’s spookiest corners where you will dive into the haunted history of Boston.
Tips: If you’re anything like us, you’ll plan to make the most of the shopping in the US outlets. So we decided to take our things in our hand luggage and took an empty suitcase to fill up with stuff we bought during our time in Boston. You may think thats overkill, but there is that many places and things to see, you will want to get something to remind you of your time in Boston.
DAY 5: THE LAST DAY OF YOUR BOSTON TRAVEL GUIDE
After an eventful 4 days of travelling around Boston, it is important you slow down and appreciate the city. So, use this time on your last day to relax, explore, and most importantly – eat till your hearts content. Here’s what I would suggest for your last day…
Morning: Spend the morning strolling through Copley place where you will find some more shops and boutiques and fantastic restaurants where you can watch the hustle and bustle of Boston.
Afternoon: Grab yourself a coffee to go and head back to downtown for a walk around Boston Common, the largest area of the city. During the summer you will be able to catch the swan boat around the common pond, but if you decide to go in the winter months you will be able to go skating on the frog pond!
Evening: To round things off, head back to Back Bay or South End and enjoy some well deserved food and drinks before you head back home.
Well, I hope this Boston Travel Guide and itinerary gives you an idea of what you would like to do during your time in Boston. Either way I can promise you will enjoy your time there no matter what!
I would love to hear about your time in Boston and your thoughts on my Boston Travel Guide. Please leave a comment below and if you like to read more travel posts, click below!