Boston: A Slow Travel Guide

Freedom Trail

Celebrating Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, this 2.5-mile trail offers a stroll through history, leading visitors to 16 significant sites and providing a glimpse of the modern city’s beauty. You don’t have to see it all at once—you can concentrate on the North End sites (Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Granary Burying Ground), for example, then stroll around the North End and enjoy a nice dinner in one of the many fine Italian restaurants.

Museum of Fine Arts

The MFA boasts an impressive collection on display, ranging from the wonders of ancient Egypt to modern and contemporary American masterpieces. The museum also boasts the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan. It’s comprehensive enough that you don’t have to see it all in one visit.

Emerald Necklace

The Emerald Necklace is a string of parks and green spaces in Boston, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it showcases his landscape architectural vision with lakes, walking paths, and diverse trees. The Necklace includes Boston Common, Public Garden, the Fens, and Arnold Arboretum. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride through scenic areas, with easy access to urban amenities.

Harvard Square

Harvard Square is lined with bookstores, cafes, shops, and restaurants, attracting both locals and visitors. It’s a hub of activity, featuring street performances, art shows, and events that reflect the vibrant community spirit. You can explore nearby attractions such as the Harvard Art Museums and the iconic Harvard Yard, making it a must-visit destination if you’re interested in history, education, and culture.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Founded by philanthropist and supporter of the arts Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum houses her private collection and works to uphold her life’s mission of encouraging the development of new artists. There is a nice courtyard where you can refresh and recharge if you need it.

North End

The North End is Boston’s oldest residential community, having been continuously inhabited since the 1630s. Known as ‘Little Italy,’ it is celebrated for its rich Italian heritage, with numerous authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and cafes lining its narrow, cobblestone streets. The neighborhood is home to several historic sites, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, which played pivotal roles in American history.

JFK Library

A tribute to the 35th president of the United States, the John F. Kennedy Library features several fantastic interactive exhibits and all the information you could need about Boston’s most famous son.

Symphony Hall

Home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall is considered one of the top classical music venues in the United States. A US National Historic Landmark, the hall is also known for its beautiful interior and is considered to have one of the best acoustics of any music hall in the world.

Fenway Park

Be sure to visit historic Fenway Park to see Boston’s Major League Baseball team, the Red Sox. The park has been in use by the Red Sox since 1912, making it the oldest stadium currently in use in the MLB, and it has one of the liveliest game day atmospheres in baseball.

• Ostra: Situated in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, the menu features a variety of fresh seafood options, including raw preparations like Hamachi Crudo and Faroe Island Salmon Tartare, as well as cooked dishes such as Salt-Crusted Branzino and Paella Valenciana.

• Prairie Fire: Prairie Fire is renowned for its wood-fired cooking, offering a menu that highlights the flavors of locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to roasted meats and seasonal vegetables, all prepared with a focus on simplicity and quality.

• The Block at Woods Hill: The Block at Woods Hill is a farm-to-table restaurant and market located in Boston’s Seaport District. The menu features small tapas plates and larger dishes that celebrate seasonal, sustainable ingredients, with a focus on locally sourced meats and produce.

• Harvest: Harvest offers contemporary New England cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Its interior features a redesigned open kitchen, a spacious bar, and fireside dining, complemented by a private garden cafe with blooming flower boxes and heaters for cooler nights.

• Dali: Dali offers an authentic Spanish dining experience with a diverse selection of tapas. The menu features both hot and cold dishes, including poached octopus, grilled pheasant, paella, bacon-wrapped prunes, and tuna-stuffed squid. For those seeking simpler options, dishes like short ribs and lamb meatballs are also available.

• Table Boston: Situated in Boston’s North End, offers a unique dining experience with a prix-fixe, communal seven-course Italian-American feast. The menu includes standout items like whole roasted garlic, artichoke risotto, grilled octopus, and award-winning meatballs.