Finding Some Freedom in Boston

There are so many different things to do in this beautiful New England city!

• Walk the Freedom Trail, a line of brick running down various sidewalks and walkways, taking you on a journey through the city as well as stopping by various historical landmarks of the Revolutionary War and some of the Founding Fathers of this country. Go through the cemetery housing Sam Adams, see Paul Revere’s house in the North End, and make your way to the Old North Church, made famous for the “one if by land, two if by sea” of the lanterns that hung to warn the colonists that the British were coming.

• Explore the North End, also known as Boston’s Little Italy, where countless restaurants, cafes, and bakeries line the streets and alleys. You won’t be disappointed with where you end up—the options are endless and the food is fantastic! Make sure to try a cannoli (or two or even three!) when you’re there and compare them all. Everyone has their favorite place; you just have to try them to find yours!

• Enjoy a picnic at the Boston Common park, the oldest public park in the United States. It is over 50 acres and easily accessible from various major streets running around it. There are various memorials and landmarks commemorating different events that have happened there throughout history, as it has been around since 1634, and it is a popular gathering place for tourists and Bostonians alike.

• A visit to Faneuil Hall and Marketplace complex containing the Quincy Market, the North Market, and the South Market is also a must for at least any first-time visitor! Known as being the “Cradle of Liberty” where early talks of wanting independence from the British were held, this hall can be found on the Freedom Trail. Within the Quincy Market building, you can find an abundance of food stalls offering everything from clam chowder and lobster rolls to corn dogs, poke, and everything in between! It’s a fun place to visit for the busy atmosphere, walking through historical buildings and sampling some of what Boston has to offer!

• If you can, go see a Boston Red Sox game at the iconic Fenway Park ballpark. Having been around since 1912, there is a lot of baseball history and memorabilia surrounding this place. It is a lively atmosphere steeped in history; if you get a chance, have your travel advisor help get you tickets to sit in the famous Green Monster section!

• For any sports fan, this is the place to go as it is also home to the Boston Celtics, the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins, and the New England Revolution. No matter what your favorite sport is, there are plenty of options to go and see a game! In addition, the 2026 World Cup will be coming to Boston, hosting seven matches including a quarter final game next summer.

These are just a few of the activities you can find to do in this city!

• While many argue that the best cannolis can be found in the North End at either Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry across the street (they’re both great—I still recommend trying both to compare!), why not stop at the lesser known Caffè Paradiso to relax and enjoy a cappuccino and one of their cannolis? You won’t be disappointed!

• Probably one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had was from a hole-in-the-wall Italian grocery store tucked away in one of the smaller streets in the North End called Monica’s Mercato. This little place has even won an award for Boston’s Best Sandwich, so you can’t go wrong with what you choose!

• For many, Boston means seafood, and you can find anything from upscale restaurants to cozy coastal cafes serving some of the best New England has to offer!

  • Ostra in the Back Bay offers a contemporary Mediterranean menu showcasing elegant coastal seafood meals: broiled Maine lobster dinners, offerings of various types of caviar, and a raw and oyster bar, as well as steaks for those who don’t eat seafood. There is something for everyone on the menu!

  • The Boston Sail Loft is a harborside restaurant with views of the Boston Harbor in a lively atmosphere. Fresh seafood is a staple on the menu. Keep in mind that there are no reservations here—it is first come, first served!

• Contessa is a must for reservations! This place is often booked solid and there’s a reason for it: the swanky surroundings, the fabulous view, and the delicious Italian food.

• If it’s farm-to-table you’re looking for, than look no further than Puritan & Company, which proudly shares that their food is locally grown and sourced from farms nearby. Think modern American cuisine with a New England twist such as the crab risotto or Denver steak for dinner, or go for brunch and have the brown butter pancakes or lobster roll.

• JiangNan is just one of the top places to check out if you’re craving dumplings, Peking duck, or other specialty dishes from around different regions of China. Located right next to Boston Common, it is easily within walking distance to some of the more popular attractions in the heart of Boston.

I know I could give so many more options, but then this list would go on forever! This city has such a range of high-quality cuisine that the variety can feel overwhelming (in a good way), which also means that it would be difficult to go hungry when there are so many choices to pick from! Bon appétit!