Curator’s statement
I’ve taken all kinds of trips to Boston—family vacations, girls’ getaways, even work travel—and it truly offers something for everyone. The city’s diverse food and arts scene, rich history, and vibrant mix of professional and college sports make it an exciting destination year-round. It’s also a scenic, walkable city that shows off its charm in all four seasons.
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Things to do in Boston
Our family's Boston Pops holiday concert
Boston Tea Party Museum is a perfect place to take the family. The characters dress and stay in character and allow the visitors to join into the fun. What a way to learn about the Boston Tea Party!
Take in a Boston Pops concert, especially if you happen to be visiting during the holidays or Fourth of July. What a spectacular time!
Walk the Freedom Trail and take in the sites of the earliest moments in American history. The Old North Church is beautiful!
Cheers! Don't you want to go where everybody knows your name? For myself, a child of the '90s, this was a must. So fun. Have lunch and enjoy a drink. Take lots of photos!
Harvard! You know you're curious. It's beautiful. I took my kids. None of them have ended up going to Harvard. However, I always want them to be thinking about their future, so I have been taking them to college campuses when we travel for a long time.
Karaoke! There is an alley near Faneuil Park where you can do karaoke with your friends at a number of karaoke bars that are right in a row. Sissy K's, Hong Kong at Faneuil Park, and Wild Rover are just a few options.
Shopping. If you're lucky enough to be in Boston during the holidays, there is a fabulous market downtown. Enjoy some holiday snacks and purchase ornaments and artisan gifts for the ones you love.
Places to eat & drink in Boston
My sons and I having dinner at Tony & Elaine's
Monica's Mercato & Salumeria: If you like sandwiches, this place needs to be on your list. Monica makes the best Italian sandwiches in America.
Mike's Pastry: The reason everyone goes here is because it is amazing. Take cash. Give yourself time.
Tony & Elaine's: Old-school Italian. All of their food is good. It's not fancy, but they have delicious food and they are open late.
Caffe Paradiso: They have good coffee and tiramisu, sure. But that pistachio martini ... goodness gracious.
Carmelina's: Small, quaint, amazing. Make a reservation or get there when they open and sit by the kitchen.
James Hook & Co: If you go to Boston and do not have lobster roll, you're doing it wrong.
Neptune Oyster: There is a line to get in because it is justified. The food is so good.
Tatte Bakery: This is a great coffee shop and breakfast/brunch place. I often order a salad to go for my trip home. Their salads are stellar. They serve shakshuka and it looks so fabulous and it always makes me jealous (I'm allergic to eggs).
The Black Rose because ... Irish pub!
Mooo.... Seaport for steaks and fine dining. Shout out to the beef Wellington.
Need to know
Parking can be expensive in Boston, so I typically skip renting a car unless I know I’ll be driving often. When I stay downtown, I just bundle up and walk—Boston is a very pedestrian-friendly city. It’s also an excellent place to stay before flying to Europe, with a wide selection of nonstop routes across the Atlantic.
Travel Advisor
Nicole Davis
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