It’s time to talk about Boston. As a local, I have plenty to talk about firsthand.
Boston is more than a city, it’s made up of suburbs that have more hidden gems than you can imagine.
As someone who has traveled all across the US, and most of Europe, I can say that this is and will forever be one of my favorite cities. You’ll love your stay too if you know where to look.
Some Serious History & Beauty
Not let’s discuss some of the non-edible options in Boston.
My absolute favorite place to go while I’m in the city is the Boston Public Library. It’s an insanely gorgeous building that dates back to 1895 as the first large free municipal library in the US.
BPL was built in the style of Beaux-Arts with a sweeping staircase made of marble. There are over 23 million items in their collection, and multiple buildings that have since been added. Lots of well-known movies were filmed here as well.
If you’re more of a fan of people like Sylvia Plath, Henry David Thoreau, and other prominent scholars, tons of them have used the resources at this library.
And you certainly can’t miss out on the courtyard, which boasts a gorgeous fountain, arches, and views of some taller city buildings. Hope you enjoy Boston Public Library.
Of course, you didn’t just come to Boston for the library, so let’s talk about some of the other gems of Boston.
The Historic Freedom Trail is a free way to see the city, and you can get lost in the culture while you’re at it. The trail is about 2.5 miles, and you can see most of these historic locations in Boston. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours in the city.
Let’s start with the bookends to the day, dusk and dawn.
Gorgeous Nature & Sunset Views
If you love seeing the sunrise like I do, then you need to head over to Pleasure Bay.
It’s a gorgeous area to walk, any time of day… but if you want to see the sun rise over the water, this is the spot. There is also an insane view of the Boston buildings and some beautiful brick houses.
Now if you want to see the sunset, then you’ll need to check out the Esplanade. Another walking path along the water.
The views of Boston from here are unparalleled. The walk stretches 3 miles, so you can stare at the sunset for a full hour of walking or just hang out in front of the Charles River, perhaps a picnic or you can start dancing squares, like I saw a group partaking in.
Make sure to check out my Top 10 Sunset Views in Boston post if you want to catch golden hour.
If you’re still in the mood to do some walking and want to enjoy some more nature while you’re in the city, the Boston Common is the perfect place for that.
It’s also right off the T with either Downtown Crossing or Park St. stops.
Affordable Experiences (That Still Feel Luxe)
If you’re visiting a few attractions, I highly recommend grabbing a Go City Boston Pass. I use it anytime I visit a major city.
It bundles top activities at a discount and saves serious cash if you’re planning to hit several spots in one trip. It’s a no-brainer if you’re doing tourist faves like museums, harbor cruises, or the aquarium.
One experience that’s worth a little splurge? The iconic Duck Tours. Yes, it’s a bit kitschy. No, it’s not the cheapest. But it’s also unforgettable and one of the best ways to see Boston… by both land and water. Pro tip: book in advance because these fill up fast.
Looking for the best view in all of Boston? Then you need to visit this spot. I won’t spoil it here, but it’s the second tallest building in the city, and it’s relatively affordable to see this view, with tons of great deals.
Head to View Boston; it’s part observation deck, part immersive experience, and has an indoor-outdoor skyline lounge if you’re feeling fancy.
And while you’re walking Newbury Street, don’t miss the Central Perk replica café (yes, that Central Perk from Friends). The drinks are actually affordable, and the nostalgic vibes are priceless.
Where to Stay (Without Blowing the Budget)
Boston isn’t cheap when it comes to lodging, but staying smart makes a difference. You can save a lot without sacrificing comfort.
