Even with simply 2 days in Boston, you may cowl some severe floor and get really feel for the town. Learn on for an in depth itinerary for the way to 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 way of its numerous landmarks.
Throughout my first action-packed go to, apart from getting a historical past lesson, I made certain to get pleasure from the gorgeous surroundings of Boston in its parks and alongside its waterfront. Add in a novel and scrumptious delicacies, and I have already got an extended checklist of issues to do for my subsequent journey to Boston.
This submit was up to date to incorporate new Boston sights and actions for 2023.
Right here’s my itinerary for spending the right weekend in Boston.
The Good Weekend in Boston
Learn on for the way to 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 crew 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 even tour among the greatest universities on the planet. 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 called chowda and lobsta).
Day 1 in Boston
For the primary day, we’ll give attention to testing lots of the metropolis’s historic sights.
Alongside the best way, there will likely be a number of alternatives to get pleasure from some window procuring, seize a chew to eat, uncover hidden gems, and chill out with the beverage of your selection.
Morning
Talking of drinks… I don’t find out about you, however I’m fairly ineffective earlier than I’ve had a cup of espresso. Happily I had no bother discovering a number of nice native cafes in Boston. Two handy choices are Considering Cup and Tatte Bakery & Cafe.
I selected these cafes attributable to their proximity to our first cease of the day — Boston Frequent. It’s been round since 1634, making it the oldest metropolis park in the US.
A pleasant stroll within the park is an effective way to begin off your weekend in Boston. Take a look at the gorgeous Boston Public Backyard or chill out by the Frog Pond for a bit earlier than hitting the Freedom Path.
This 2.5-mile Freedom Path takes you to 16 totally different historic sights throughout the town. It begins at Boston Frequent and passes by landmarks such because the King’s Chapel and Bunker Hill.
An effective way to expertise this vital 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 may get an audio narration and a stay GPS in your smartphone for only a few bucks if you happen to simply click on right here.
Lots of the sights alongside the Freedom Path are completely free to go to, however a couple of 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 move if you wish to go to ticketed sights. They’ve a couple of totally different choices and the financial savings are nice if you happen to plan to do numerous sightseeing.
Afternoon
Nevertheless you select to go to the Freedom Path, the right stopping level is Faneuil Corridor. I think about it a must-do in Boston and it was one in every of my favourite locations to spend a gradual 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 function within the independence motion.
Lately, 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 strive among the metropolis’s well-known seafood at locations like Depraved Lobsta and Boston Chowda. Go forward and work in your Boston accent when you’re at it.
For a full checklist of all of the choices at Faneuil Corridor, head over to their web site.
There’s loads of procuring to be performed right here as effectively if you happen to’re trying to take dwelling a memento. Don’t depart earlier than taking in among the wonderful avenue performances that go on all through the day trip entrance.
From right here you have got a couple of totally different choices. These transferring alongside on the Freedom Path can head to Paul Revere’s home, the USS Structure and eventually Bunker Hill. If you happen to’re motivated, it’s positively attainable to sort out the entire path in simply in the future.
For individuals who aren’t fairly as passionate about historical past, you may head over to Boston Harbor as a substitute. One actually enjoyable possibility down right here is hopping on a duck tour.
This has nothing to do with the birds that quack however moderately with the amphibious automobile of the identical title. On these excursions, you’ll cruise round by land and sea to absorb the views of Boston.
Simply click on right here to be taught extra about this highly-rated, tremendous enjoyable tour and e book your tickets.
Night
For individuals who completed up the Freedom Path, you may 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, they usually 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 really performed a big function within the historical past of Boston and the nation as a complete?
It was proper right here in Boston’s taverns that revolutionaries like Sam Adams and Paul Revere gathered to share concepts over a couple of frosty mugs of beer.
Hop on this historic pub crawl to go to among the metropolis’s oldest taverns. Every one dates again to the 1800s and a few are even older.
Along with sharing tales, your information may also advocate some beers that you would be able to solely get in Boston. Excursions run at both 3 or 7 PM.
Beer lovers could wish to think about including a tour of the legendary Samuel Adams brewery to their itinerary. It’s one of the crucial well-known beers within the nation and you may bounce on a tour between 11-5 on Saturdays. Head to their web site to see the choices and e book your spot.
In search of Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?
Day 2 in Boston
With simply 2 days in Boston, you’re going to should make some selections. Throughout my first go to to Boston, it was on the second morning that I actually needed to think about the way to greatest spend my time.
Sadly, you may’t see all of it in only one weekend! That’s why I’ll current you with a couple of choices for the way to spend day two. What you do will rely totally on the time of 12 months you go to and your pursuits.
Morning
Ease into one other large day of exploring Boston with a leisurely brunch. Peregrine within the Whitney Lodge is a superb selection, 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 have got some selections to make. If you wish to proceed the historical past lesson we began yesterday, you may take a look at the Boston Tea Social gathering Ships & Museum.
I’ll always remember how a lot enjoyable it was to relive one of the crucial vital occasions within the nation’s historical past by dumping packing containers of tea overboard in protest. Tickets value round $30 and you may click on right here to e book them on-line upfront.
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 way of interactive displays that embrace an enormous assortment of non-public paperwork. Tickets value $14 and may be booked on their web site.
The Boston space is dwelling to among the most prestigious universities on the planet, together with MIT, the College of Massachusetts, and Harvard. Two are named within the prime 3 universities on the planet — making them prime sights in Boston.
You possibly can 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 if you happen to’re so inclined.
It’s additionally attainable 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 modern Newbury Avenue.
Filled with historic brownstones, this scenic avenue has tons of boutique outlets, cafes, eating places, and bars to select from. Click on right here for a rundown of all the varied 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 data.
Even when there isn’t a sport happening, it’s effectively price it to make the brief journey over to Fenway Park. Residence to the storied Boston Crimson Sox baseball crew, that is the oldest ballpark within the nation.
Constructed over a century in the past, Fenway is called “America’s most beloved ballpark.” It’s positively 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 upfront and can be found on a first-come, first-serve foundation.
After all, it’s preferable to go to Fenway Park for an precise ballgame. As a result of it’s one of many smallest parks with one of the crucial profitable groups in current reminiscence, tickets aren’t straightforward to come back by.
If you happen to’re planning a weekend in Boston and the Sox are on the town, it’s greatest to safe your tickets effectively upfront.
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 crew.
Do you have to strike out on getting tickets or if there isn’t a sport, an alternative choice over right here is the Again Bay Fens park. Get pleasure from a peaceable stroll by way of a World Battle II-era neighborhood backyard and a rose backyard. There’s additionally a WWII Memorial and a Japanese Bell right here.
I understand that not everyone seems to be all in favour of seeing a baseball stadium whether or not there’s a sport or not.
If you happen to get stunning summer season climate in your 2 days in Boston, you could wish to spend your afternoon at Fortress Island. It’s dwelling to the historic Fort Independence, which is just open in the summertime. There are free excursions led by volunteers between midday and three:30.
You can too simply sit back and chill out on the scenic Pleasure Bay Seaside. I guess you weren’t anticipating a bit of seashore getaway in the midst of your Boston weekend journey! I fell in love with the place throughout the afternoon I spent stress-free within the sand.
One other enjoyable possibility for a weekend afternoon is that this VIP brewery & beer tasting tour. It consists of stopping at 4 totally different breweries to pattern some tasty craft beers, in addition to a hearty lunch or dinner.
You’ll get to pattern among the most interesting suds within the metropolis and luxuriate in a phenomenal buzz for the remainder of your day.
If you happen to didn’t take the Sam Adams tour on day one and nonetheless wish to go to a giant brewery, Harpoon is situated proper close to the harbor and in addition runs excursions till 5:30 on Sundays. You can too simply go to the taproom for some meals and some chilly ones.
Night
It’s been a reasonably wild two days in Boston up to now.
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 stay music fan, my private advice could be to move to a present. Boston has a thriving music scene with venues of all styles and sizes. I at all times examine Jambase to see who’s enjoying in a metropolis once I journey.
Maybe you simply wish to sit back and have a drink. It’s proper there within the title at Drink – a hip bar that’s “devoted solely to the craft of the cocktail.”
They’re so assured of their drink mixing talents right here that they don’t also have a menu. Drinks are created particularly to your style with the freshest components.
Your weekend in Boston can even come full circle if you happen to head over to twenty first Modification. If you happen to’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 approach to finish the Boston weekend.
Weekend in Boston for Foodies (prime 5 experiences)
I’m going so as to add a complete 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 would be able to get pleasure from within the afternoon, or night.
1. North Finish Strolling Meals Tour – Eat your manner by way 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 wish to miss! If you happen to’re into sampling among 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 fascinating (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, recent 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 couple of 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 have got an superior time in Boston with the assistance of this itinerary. I’m certain you’ll have a fair higher one if you happen to observe the following pointers as effectively, all of which served me effectively on my fabulous go to to Boston:
Skip the winter – This itinerary is greatest suited to the hotter months. It received’t be practically as pleasing within the typically bitter chilly Boston winter.
E book early for summer season – Summer time in Boston is nice. There’s little question about that. Sox video games, seashore days, outside concert events, beer gardens, and extra. You’re not the one one with the intense 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 examine the calendar to see what’s happening. If you find yourself there the weekend of a playoff sport or a giant music pageant, it is likely to be a bit of chaotic making an attempt to drag off this itinerary.
Speak to the locals – This is applicable all over the place you journey, however I really feel like I must make it some extent right here. I solely spent a weekend in Boston however had a number of nice conversations with locals. They’re keen about sharing recommendation and suggestions 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 all in favour of sports activities, however this metropolis is extremely captivated with its groups. That is very true of the Crimson Sox. Do your greatest to make it to a sport, or at the very least crowd into an area sports activities bar if you happen to 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 situated in East Boston only a few miles from downtown. You will have a couple of totally different choices for the way to get there.
Non-public Constitution Bus
GoGo Charters in Boston is an organization that gives a enjoyable and sensible approach to get across the metropolis. If you happen to’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 get together, a company occasion, a household reunion, or only a enjoyable getaway with a gaggle of pals, having a bus is a novel mode of transportation.
See all of the sights in Boston in fashion, and don’t fear about consuming 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 manner to make use of the T regardless of the place you’re staying in Boston.
If you happen to’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 Crimson Line as effectively.
It’s additionally attainable to take the Blue Line subway, however it’s important to get a shuttle simply to get to the station after which purchase a ticket for $2.75. My vote goes for the free bus experience.
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. If you happen to insist on taking one, simply be sure that they use the meter and you may 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 by way of practice or bus. Usually, 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 way of Boston. You possibly can simply journey to or from Boston by practice from NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
There are additionally a number of corporations operating bus routes, together with Greyhound, BoltBus, and Megabus. I solely have expertise with the latter in Boston but it surely was nice and low cost. E book early and it can save you quite a bit in your tickets.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Milwaukee
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 may simply use the free airport bus and doubtless simply stroll to your lodging. I don’t find out about you, however I wish to spend extra time exploring and fewer time in site visitors. Boston in 2 days is doable, simply be sure you select lodging in location.
Staying downtown additionally places you proper in the midst 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 by way of 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 a couple of totally different choices for the place to remain in downtown Boston:
If you would like these harbor views and don’t thoughts paying a premium for them, you may seek for resorts on the Waterfront as effectively. Again Bay can be a enjoyable space to remain in for its proximity to Newbury Avenue and Fenway.
FAQs for a Weekend in Boston
Listed here are solutions to some steadily 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 a complete lot of enjoyable for a weekend journey.
Filled with sights and landmarks, Boston’s compact metropolis heart means that you would be able to expertise quite a bit in solely 2 days. From historical past to nature to meals, there’s loads to get pleasure from in Boston on a 2-day journey.
The very best 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 various to the Massive Apple.
Boston is thought for the Crimson Sox and Fenway Park, the Boston Marathon, prime universities (Harvard, MIT, and so on.), vital 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 underneath the pores and skin of the town, it’s actually a pleasant introduction. I felt like I acquired 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 come back again and do it once more!” There’s loads 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, consider 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 beneath and tell us. I hope you loved this 2 day Boston itinerary.
Photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com. Click on right here to be taught extra about their royalty-free movies and pictures.
Like This Article? Pin It!
