Guidebook for Boston
Food Scene
This is one of my favorite eats within walking distance. Great food, good drinks, cute and quaint space. It is typically difficult to get a table without a wait, however, the staff is always friendly and do their best to accommodate. If you don't mind eating at the bar, you'll do well here - many take this approach. If you are 2 or more for dinner, I reccomend the Gloucester Platter; it is a sample of a variety of shellfish crudités (oysters, scallops, shrimp, lobster, etc).
26 residents recomanen
Select Oyster Bar
50 Gloucester StThis is one of my favorite eats within walking distance. Great food, good drinks, cute and quaint space. It is typically difficult to get a table without a wait, however, the staff is always friendly and do their best to accommodate. If you don't mind eating at the bar, you'll do well here - many take this approach. If you are 2 or more for dinner, I reccomend the Gloucester Platter; it is a sample of a variety of shellfish crudités (oysters, scallops, shrimp, lobster, etc).
Bar Boulud
776 Boylston StJ.P. Licks
659 Centre StDelicious local ice cream joint.
This place isn't recognized for it's food, but rather the amazing view of all the city. It's located on the upper floor of the Prudential Tower in Back Bay, hence the name, Top of the Hub. It's certainly worth the price of a drink if you are able to score a table by a window.
156 residents recomanen
Top of the Hub
800 Boylston StThis place isn't recognized for it's food, but rather the amazing view of all the city. It's located on the upper floor of the Prudential Tower in Back Bay, hence the name, Top of the Hub. It's certainly worth the price of a drink if you are able to score a table by a window.
This one of my favorite eats within walking distance. It has a fun outdoor patio on Newbury Street if you enjoy people watching. The food is consistently great; dishes are smaller in the style of tapas. The menu changes, but I recommend trying any of the ceviche, the grilled octopus, and the grilled chicken skewers.
6 residents recomanen
PURO ceviche bar
264 Newbury StThis one of my favorite eats within walking distance. It has a fun outdoor patio on Newbury Street if you enjoy people watching. The food is consistently great; dishes are smaller in the style of tapas. The menu changes, but I recommend trying any of the ceviche, the grilled octopus, and the grilled chicken skewers.
Eataly Boston
800 Boylston StThis is a great spot to get anything and everything to eat.
Tapas and very lively bar with a full liquor license. Almost always crowded with a fun crowd from 4:30 till closing. The crowd is typically loud and active. People from the area and those who Ubered there to be with friends because of Ken Oranger's growing list of restaurants in Boston, NYC and overseas.
168 residents recomanen
Toro Boston
1704 Washington StTapas and very lively bar with a full liquor license. Almost always crowded with a fun crowd from 4:30 till closing. The crowd is typically loud and active. People from the area and those who Ubered there to be with friends because of Ken Oranger's growing list of restaurants in Boston, NYC and overseas.
This place is great at anytime of day with an open airy feel when they open the wall of windows and you are sitting and enjoying the bustle Newbury St. It is a wonderful place to have a cafe in the morning with a croissant, it servers a great brunch, lunch and dinner, and of course it also has a fun bar at night. It's also a place to spot some local athletes, musicians, actors and other famous people in the neighborhood.
67 residents recomanen
Sonsie
327 Newbury StThis place is great at anytime of day with an open airy feel when they open the wall of windows and you are sitting and enjoying the bustle Newbury St. It is a wonderful place to have a cafe in the morning with a croissant, it servers a great brunch, lunch and dinner, and of course it also has a fun bar at night. It's also a place to spot some local athletes, musicians, actors and other famous people in the neighborhood.
Simple but charming classic italian pizzeria bar in the North End that has become a Boston institution. Frequented by locals and tourists for their good pizzas at good prices. It offers a taste of what the neighborhood once was with signed photos of athletes, actors and politicians from today and yesteryear.
96 residents recomanen
Regina Pizzeria
11 1/2 Thacher StSimple but charming classic italian pizzeria bar in the North End that has become a Boston institution. Frequented by locals and tourists for their good pizzas at good prices. It offers a taste of what the neighborhood once was with signed photos of athletes, actors and politicians from today and yesteryear.
There are more touristy pastry shops in the North End ( think Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry rivalry on Hanover Street), but locals know Bova's is the best in the neighborhood and they're open 24 hours a day and just a couple blocks from North Church and Paul Revere's House.
44 residents recomanen
Bova's Bakery
134 Salem StThere are more touristy pastry shops in the North End ( think Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry rivalry on Hanover Street), but locals know Bova's is the best in the neighborhood and they're open 24 hours a day and just a couple blocks from North Church and Paul Revere's House.
A MUST DO when in the Seaport District! You won't be disappointed in this very Boston, very casual indoor/outdoor seafood mecca right on the harbor with great views and ambiance. It also has a bit of a bar and can get quite noisy when the picnic tables start to fill. This is one of our favorite spots.
52 residents recomanen
The Barking Crab
88 Sleeper StA MUST DO when in the Seaport District! You won't be disappointed in this very Boston, very casual indoor/outdoor seafood mecca right on the harbor with great views and ambiance. It also has a bit of a bar and can get quite noisy when the picnic tables start to fill. This is one of our favorite spots.
Drinks & Nightlife
Simple but delicious bar fare especially on their Taco Thursdays (6pm-close). A mainstay with locals and travelers alike. Good service with friendly staff.
22 residents recomanen
Corner Tavern
421 Marlborough StSimple but delicious bar fare especially on their Taco Thursdays (6pm-close). A mainstay with locals and travelers alike. Good service with friendly staff.
Must Do if you like baseball!
This fun little hole in the wall is actually located beneath Fenway Park's Green Monster and has a great window into the ballpark except while games are in session.
23 residents recomanen
Bleacher Bar
82A Lansdowne StMust Do if you like baseball!
This fun little hole in the wall is actually located beneath Fenway Park's Green Monster and has a great window into the ballpark except while games are in session.
Get a taste for the brewing experience at Samuel Adams. Jim Koch combined pride, confidence, passion, and optimism to helped start the Craft beer revolution when he first brewed Boston Lager over 30 years ago - the revolution that is going strong to this day with close to 5,000 independent Craft brewers nationwide.
164 residents recomanen
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
30 Germania StreetGet a taste for the brewing experience at Samuel Adams. Jim Koch combined pride, confidence, passion, and optimism to helped start the Craft beer revolution when he first brewed Boston Lager over 30 years ago - the revolution that is going strong to this day with close to 5,000 independent Craft brewers nationwide.
This is another great local brewery offering tours and tastings located in the Seaport District. Famous for their IPA and UFO beers, they also offer a fun selection of seasonals. I happen to love the UFO Big Squeeze Shandy (made with grapefruit juice); it's one of my summer favorites!
114 residents recomanen
Harpoon
1 Harborside DrThis is another great local brewery offering tours and tastings located in the Seaport District. Famous for their IPA and UFO beers, they also offer a fun selection of seasonals. I happen to love the UFO Big Squeeze Shandy (made with grapefruit juice); it's one of my summer favorites!
Arts & Culture
Great venue for musical performances located across the street from Fenway Park.
77 residents recomanen
House of Blues Boston
15 Lansdowne StGreat venue for musical performances located across the street from Fenway Park.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
301 Massachusetts AveThe first US public library and a fantastic historic building that also emerged as a very modern space since it's renovated wing was completed.
288 residents recomanen
Biblioteca Pública de Boston
700 Boylston StThe first US public library and a fantastic historic building that also emerged as a very modern space since it's renovated wing was completed.
World class art museum in the Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood of Boston. It houses an art collection including significant examples of European, Asian, and American art, from paintings and sculpture to tapestries and decorative arts. In 1990, 13 artworks with an estimated value of $500Million (including Rembrandts, a Vermeer and a Manet) were stolen from the museum. This, yet to be solved, heist has helped earn even more interest in the museum. I recommend reading Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures by Robert K. Wittman.
500 residents recomanen
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans WayWorld class art museum in the Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood of Boston. It houses an art collection including significant examples of European, Asian, and American art, from paintings and sculpture to tapestries and decorative arts. In 1990, 13 artworks with an estimated value of $500Million (including Rembrandts, a Vermeer and a Manet) were stolen from the museum. This, yet to be solved, heist has helped earn even more interest in the museum. I recommend reading Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures by Robert K. Wittman.
One of the newest additions to Boston's museum-scene. Exhibits change every so often, and the museum is big, without being overwhelming! Right on the water in a remarkable location; it's a great starting point to many restaurants and bars in that area. Enjoy a beautiful walk to the North End along the harbor walk.
Free on Thursdays from 5 PM to 9 PM.
299 residents recomanen
Institut d'Art Contemporani, Boston
25 Harbor Shore Dr One of the newest additions to Boston's museum-scene. Exhibits change every so often, and the museum is big, without being overwhelming! Right on the water in a remarkable location; it's a great starting point to many restaurants and bars in that area. Enjoy a beautiful walk to the North End along the harbor walk.
Free on Thursdays from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Essentials
Back Bay Laundromat
409 Marlborough StThis is the closest laundry and dry cleaning option.
trader joe's
230 Heath StNearest grocery store.
Marlboro Market
45 Massachusetts AveConvenience store that also sells beer, wine and spirits.
Quality Mart
21 Massachusetts AveConvenience store that also sells beer, wine and spirits.
Shopping
TJ Maxx Flagship store on the top of Newbury Street for all you "fashionistas".
26 residents recomanen
T.J. Maxx
525 Harvard StTJ Maxx Flagship store on the top of Newbury Street for all you "fashionistas".
One of the historic fun stores in Boston and now one of the last comic/music/movie stores around.
10 residents recomanen
Newbury Comics
348 Newbury StOne of the historic fun stores in Boston and now one of the last comic/music/movie stores around.
Also known as South End Open Market, this big outdoor market in the South End is comprised of the Farmers Market, Arts Market, and Food Trucks. Open every Sunday 10am-4pm May through October.
54 residents recomanen
SoWa Open Market
500 Harrison AveAlso known as South End Open Market, this big outdoor market in the South End is comprised of the Farmers Market, Arts Market, and Food Trucks. Open every Sunday 10am-4pm May through October.
Parks & Nature
This a peaceful place to go for a walk or jog to enjoy the Charles River. There are also a few kids playgrounds located along river.
13 residents recomanen
Charles River ceremonial esplanade
This a peaceful place to go for a walk or jog to enjoy the Charles River. There are also a few kids playgrounds located along river.
Established in 1634, America’s oldest park is a fun place to hang out and watch all kinds of interesting people. In summer, it's the perfect place for a picnic, catch a Frisbee, listen to student musicians. In winter, ice skate on the frog pond and warm up with a hot chocolate. They even have a carousel set up for the kids.
567 residents recomanen
Boston Common
139 Boylston StEstablished in 1634, America’s oldest park is a fun place to hang out and watch all kinds of interesting people. In summer, it's the perfect place for a picnic, catch a Frisbee, listen to student musicians. In winter, ice skate on the frog pond and warm up with a hot chocolate. They even have a carousel set up for the kids.
The Public Garden was established in 1837, when philanthropist Horace Gray petitioned for the use of land as the first public botanical garden in the United States. It is also home to the historic swan boats that have been in operation for more than a hundred years.
440 residents recomanen
Boston Public Garden
The Public Garden was established in 1837, when philanthropist Horace Gray petitioned for the use of land as the first public botanical garden in the United States. It is also home to the historic swan boats that have been in operation for more than a hundred years.
Sightseeing
These historic Boston swan boats glide across the Lagoon in the Public Garden, just as they have every year since 1877. Swan boat season in Boston begins in mid-April, and lasts through the last Sunday in mid-September.
39 residents recomanen
Swan Boats
4 Charles StThese historic Boston swan boats glide across the Lagoon in the Public Garden, just as they have every year since 1877. Swan boat season in Boston begins in mid-April, and lasts through the last Sunday in mid-September.
Cheers
84 Beacon StAcorn Street, often mentioned as the "most frequently photographed street in the United States." It is a narrow lane paved with cobblestones that was home to coachmen employed by families in Mt. Vernon and Chestnut Street mansions.
35 residents recomanen
Acorn Street
Acorn StreetAcorn Street, often mentioned as the "most frequently photographed street in the United States." It is a narrow lane paved with cobblestones that was home to coachmen employed by families in Mt. Vernon and Chestnut Street mansions.
Since 1912, Fenway Park has been the location for the Boston Red Sox, the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. It is the oldest ballpark in MLB.
815 residents recomanen
Parc Fenway
4 Jersey StSince 1912, Fenway Park has been the location for the Boston Red Sox, the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. It is the oldest ballpark in MLB.
Located along the Freedom Trail, this bustling marketplace is home to more than 50 shops, 14 restaurants, and 40 food stalls, but also a lot of history! It's an open air market building built in 1742 and the site of historic speeches by Samuel Adams & Frederick Douglas.
517 residents recomanen
Mercat de Faneuil Hall
1 S Market StLocated along the Freedom Trail, this bustling marketplace is home to more than 50 shops, 14 restaurants, and 40 food stalls, but also a lot of history! It's an open air market building built in 1742 and the site of historic speeches by Samuel Adams & Frederick Douglas.
A Must Do!
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path starting at the Boston Common, but easily picked up at any point along the way, the Trail passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Look for the red trail painted on the sidewalks; it's easy to follow and there are several smartphone apps that you can download to enhance your experience.
470 residents recomanen
Freedom Trail
139 Tremont StA Must Do!
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path starting at the Boston Common, but easily picked up at any point along the way, the Trail passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Look for the red trail painted on the sidewalks; it's easy to follow and there are several smartphone apps that you can download to enhance your experience.
Known the world over. Adjacent to Harvard Yard, the historic heart of Harvard University, the Square (as it is sometimes called locally) offers shops, restaurants and cafes.
342 residents recomanen
Harvard Square
Brattle StreetKnown the world over. Adjacent to Harvard Yard, the historic heart of Harvard University, the Square (as it is sometimes called locally) offers shops, restaurants and cafes.