Day : Downtown Boston
On the first day of our Boston travel guide, were going to spend the entire day walking from Fenway to North End. Along the way, were going to hit up all of the most eminent points of interest in Boston including, but not limited to, the Boston Commons and Quincy Market.
Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes because its going to be a long day!
Start by catching the T at Fenway Park, which is one of the most famous stadiums in the USA. Baseball rallies are held here regularly and most of the bars are packed, regardless if theres a game in progress or not.
Lets depart from Fenway and head deeper into Downtown. Cross the Back Bay Fens and Fenway Garden Society and head for Boylston Street, which is one of the citys main roadways.
Walk about 20 minutes through the Back Bay district until you reach one of my favorite spots: Copley Square.
This square hosts some of the most arresting buildings in Boston, including the Public Library, Trinity Church, and John Hancock Tower, all of which create a wonderful juxtaposition.
Continue walking east and soon youll arrive at the Boston Commons the largest and most important park in the city. The Commons is a very popular place to hang out in, no matter what time of the year. Going for a swan boat ride is somewhat customary in the Commons, if not a little touristy.
East Boston Has Something To Offer For Everyone
East Boston has a long and proud tradition as a major entry point for immigrants to the Greater Boston area. While the nations and cultures have changed over time, from the Irish & Eastern European Jews around the turn of the 20th century, to the Italians who defined the neighborhood for much of the 20th century, to members of the Latin community from Colombia and Central America who have become the majority of the population in recent decades the spirit of East Boston as the starting point for the American Dream has remained unchanged. These various influences have left their mark on the neighborhood, or if we are being more precise their flavor. East Boston is, pound for pound, one of the best food neighborhoods in Boston. While many know East Boston for legendary Italian restaurants like Rinos Place and the original Santarpios Pizza, the amount of high quality offerings are robust and reflect the true diversity of the community. We have everything from traditional deli fare at Meridian Market, to gourmet sandwiches at Dough East Boston, to some of the best pupuserias around. If you are on the go you can grab an amazing chicken burrito at Cactus Grill in Maverick Square. If you want to have a drink and a meal while watching a football game with friends you can
Value East Boston Hotels
If your vacation or business trip budget on lodging is not very high, you may want to consider these affordable hotels or affordable motels in East Boston area.These affordable lodging properties come with basic amenities and good comfort, for example amenities like Free parking, Swimming pool and Iron and ironing board.Some of the most affordable hotels are 2 star and 3 star hotels near popular landmarksOld South Meeting House, Witch History Museum and John Cabot Housein East Boston neighborhood Allerton, Waterfront, West End.You may want to consider bed & breakfast if you want to make your East Boston trip feel like you are at home.East Boston motels are another alternative lodging option you have.
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Harvard University & Harvard Square
Though not in Boston, Cambridge is right across the Charles River, and Harvard is a perfect example of the collegiate vibe Boston and Cambridge are known for. Harvard Square has neat shops and bookstores to explore, and you can extend your visit to the area by visiting MIT nearby as well.
Near MIT, dont miss the Kendall Square Rooftop Garden, on top of 4 Cambridge Center. This is quite the well-kept secret a rooftop oasis right in the middle of bustling Kendall Square! We love to come here to eat a snack or read a book at one of their tables or relax for a bit sitting in the nice grassy area.
If You Are Not Fully Vaccinated And Allowed To Travel To The United States By Air Through An Exception
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Stay at home or in your hotel room and self-quarantine for a full 7 days, even if you test negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Isolate if your test result is positive or you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you intend to stay in the United States for 60 days or longer, you must become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the United States or as soon as medically appropriate, unless you have a medical contraindication or are too young to be vaccinated.
Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.
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Connections To The Mainland
In the 1830s, the largest problem keeping East Boston from thriving was transportation. The East Boston Company believed the neighborhood could not become a valuable asset until people had a way to reach the area from the Boston mainland. As a temporary solution, they set up a paddle steamer to carry 15 people at a time from Boston Proper to the neighborhood. It was used primarily for occasional visits from public officials and laborers. Though they did not have the ridership to support additional boats, the company purchased the Tom Thumb steamboat.
The steam railroad system was still in its infancy at this point, and the East Boston Company was approached by an inventor of a new type of rail system, the suspension railway. This system was one of the earliest suspended railroads to be built. The railroad cars were propelled by a steam engine hanging from a suspended track. Henry Sargent, the inventor, stated “that his invention would make the Island a center of attraction to many people.” The Company allowed it to be built on its land and it was in use for nine days in 1834, then closed citing lack of ridership.
In the mid-1830s, the Company made several investments to further East Boston’s development. They continued attempts to get the Eastern Railroad to come to East Boston. The Maverick and East Boston ferries began service from Lewis Wharf on the mainland to East Boston.
Fun Things To Do In East Boston
Since 1986 the Town Planner Calendar has been keeping families across America up-to-date about events and other fun things to do right in their hometown.
Delivered free of charge every December to millions of homes across America, our full-sized, full-color calendar is a time-tested and beloved tool for helping families stay organized. The large date blocks are not only loaded with lots of nearby events and fun things to do, there’s plenty of room for you to record your own family’s important events like birthdays, anniversaries, parties — anything you have planned — so everybody in the house can see them whenever they go to the fridge, out the front door, or wherever you choose to display it.
But there’s more! Every calendar is full of coupons from popular local merchants, so you can save money while supporting small businesses right in your hometown.
And don’t miss our beautiful full-color photography! Every month you’ll recognize a new photo from someplace close to home, submitted to us by a local photographer. If you’d like to have your own hometown photos included in our calendar, please contact your local publisher for more information.
If there’s something happening close to home that folks in your neighborhood need to know about, why not submit it to us today? Please note that publication of your event is subject to approval by your local Town Planner publisher.
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Spend A Saturday Afternoon In An Apple Orchard
Various locationsThere are fewer things more wholesome than a day spent plucking ripe apples from clusters of verdant trees. Throw in a drop dead gorgeous New England background and youre golden. From North Andovers Smolak Farms to Stows Honey Pot Orchards, weve got you covered with our list of the best farms near Boston for all things apples.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Strolling around the Boston Common and Public Garden, Bostons two premier parks are one of our absolute favorite things to recommend. Not only are these parks beautiful, but they are also historical indeed, the Common is the oldest city park in the U.S., dating back to 1634! Boston has a number of excellent parks that are easy to walk to and are simply delightful.
Dont miss the Emerald Necklace, a set of 6 interconnected parks stretching from Brookline to Dorchester, named for its location on the neck of the Shawmut Peninsula.
Of course, this was before the city had much of the surrounding landfilled in the 1800s, so the area looks very different now. The parks in the Emerald Necklace were designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Each of the 6 parks is worth exploring. Three are very close to each other : the Fens, the Riverway, and Olmsted Park. Jamaica Pond is a surprisingly large body of water with a lovely walking path, Franklin Park has a really fun zoo , and the Arnold Arboretum has 281 acres of flora and fauna to explore and learn about. However, we think the best way to relax in Boston is to meander along the Charles River Esplanade, for spectacular views of Cambridge across the river.
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Take In The City From Above
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The tallest observatory in Boston, and the tallest in all of New England, the Skywalk Observatory isnt a standalone building: its located on the 50th floor of the 228 metre tall Prudential Tower.
Take yourself to this business-oriented building and ride the elevator to the 50th floor for some pretty amazing sights across the city. Theres also a restaurant on the 52nd floor for even better views if youve got the money for dinner there. With its 360 degree views and even an audio tour, seeing the skyline from above has got to be one of the coolest things to do in Boston. Warning: its not cheap.
So You Want To Live In East Boston
by Leslee_atFlickr via Flick/Creative Commons
East Boston is the light at the end of the tunnel. The Callahan Tunnel, to be more specific. Encompassing so much more than Logan International Airport, Eastie is undergoing a real estate renaissance. An immigrant stronghold, the neighborhood has transitioned from overwhelmingly Italian in the early and mid-20th century to mostly Latino in recent decades. In the last few years, the neighborhood has become so popular with young professionals due to its reasonable prices and proximity to downtown, that investors and developers have capitalized on the areas potential, buying, renovating, and building up new properties at rapid speed. The result is a place where you can buy $1 pupusas within steps of a million-dollar condo on the water. This rapid gentrification has led to extensive conflict and displacement in the neighborhood. Many residents of the Jeffries Point neighborhood have seen their harbor views blocked by luxury apartment and condo buildings that seem to spring up every other day.
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Things To Do In Allston
Attend a Crimson basketball or hockey game at Harvard Athletic Complex. Spend the day boating, walking the trails, or enjoying a picnic at Charles River Reservation. Catch the latest rock concert at Paradise Rock Club. Learn how to train like a boxer at The Ring Boxing Club. Find fun takes on brunch favorites like Chipotle Pork Benedict and Breakfast Totchos at Lulus Allstonyou can even order a Mimosa Bucket to share! Make your own Seafood Boil, order fresh oysters, or enjoy a bowl of New England Clam Chowder at Holly Crab, one of the best seafood restaurants in Allston. Enjoy different kinds of burgers and tacos with a Downeast Cider or Harpoon IPA at The Avenue. Or grab shared plates and choose from the great selection of beers, spirits, and wine at neighborhood bar and kitchen Hopewell.
- Home Price: $776,224 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Boston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
More Travel Options In East Boston
Whether you are traveling to East Boston for a romantic getaway, business trip, golf, or a family vacation, East Boston has great hotels which can fulfill all your needs.It’s important to select the right hotel, motel, or resorts based on your trip goals.When traveling, some amenities can be the decision-maker on your vacation, business trip, or family getaway.Imagine reserving a hotel for a business trip that doesn’t provide free Wi-fi for its guests.You can narrow down your hotel search and get everything you want by viewing accommodation types like motel, resort, inns, B& B, and lodge that provides amenities like pet-friendly, free breakfast, and gym or by different activities like golf, beach, ski, or casino.
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Go On A Sightseeing Tour
Just because the sun has gone down doesnt mean you cant take a tour of the city. There are still quite a few places you can visit and learn about after dark.
Here are a few of the best tours available at night in Boston:
If youre interested in seeing the skyline of Boston from the water, consider taking either a dinner cruise or a sunset cruise.
Dont forget that you can always take a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail for free whenever you want. This is a great opportunity that is available both day and night.
Day : South And East Boston
On the final day of our travel guide for Boston, were going to explore the edges of the city. Well drop by the infamously unabashed South Boston, revisit the outskirts of Downtown, and then finish at the tragically underappreciated East Boston.
Lets start in South Boston home of Irish haunts and all things wicked. South Boston had a bad wrap for a lot of years, being the headquarters for much of the citys organized crime, but it has really cleaned up its act in recent years.
South Boston aka Southie is now one of the most desirable areas of the city.
The most noticeable trait of South Boston is the Southie accent, which has served as the inspiration for just about every bad Boston impression. While the accent isnt as strong these days, hearing some old Southie ask for aqua-ffee regula from Dunkin Donuts might really make your day. Eavesdrop on some local banter before the accent disappears altogether.
Next, head up to the South Boston Waterfront. This district is undergoing a huge renaissance and is home to many of the citys best museums. Here youll find excellent institutions like the Childrens Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, and Tea Party Museum.
Wrapping up South Boston, head across the channel and back into the Downtown area. Youll first run into Chinatown/Leather District but head north to eventually arrive at the Long Wharf.
The Long Wharf is home to many of the citys most well-known attractions, including the Boston Aquarium and Quincy Market.
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Festivals Fairs & Expos
Biologists havent quite figured out why cider doughnut cravings correlate with temperatures in the 60s, but some West End bars arent waiting around to cash in on the phenomenon. On Oct. 2, in an admittedly cheeky twist on tradition, six bars and restaurants will serve Downeast Hard Cider paired with a variety of doughnut flavors such as Cannoli Cream, Oreo Madness, and Apple Fritter . While you probably wont get to pick apples during this event, feel free to do your best Matt Damon impersonation outside the window of every spot you visit. Joel Ang
Run by the City of Boston and the Skating Club of Boston, the Pumpkin Float at Frog Pond taking place Oct. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. offers a low-key way to enjoy Halloween as a community. Children and families can bring their carved pumpkins from home to the Frog Pond in Boston Common. There, event staff will turn them into jack-o-lanterns, releasing them to float on the ponds surface so the entire pond will light up. Pumpkins must be eight inches or less in diameter, or they wont be able to float. Local businesses and organizations are welcome to submit a pumpkin for the float as well. Event-goers are encouraged to dress up in costumes and invited to partake of a variety of activities, from games to eating snacks, to making crafts and listening to music. Victoria Zhuang
Brian Samuels Photography
A Guide To Eating And Sightseeing
East Bostons waterfront location made it a center for shipbuilding and other marine industriesa legacy that continues today. Photo by BU Photography
For many, East Boston is synonymous with Logan International Airport, New Englands largest and the nations 19th busiest airport, with approximately 33 million passengers annually. But with its prime waterfront property, this working-class enclave has some of the most breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the citys skyline to be found.
Established in 1836, the neighborhood was created using landfill to connect five Boston Harbor islands. The waterfront location made it a center for shipbuilding and other marine industriesa legacy that continues today.
Long a home to various immigrant groups, East Boston offers a wide range of restaurants and cuisines as well as recreational activities. Canadians settled here in the 1840s, followed by the Irish in the 1850s. Russian and Eastern European Jews were the next to arrive, and Italian immigrants came at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, its home to a mix of people of Italian and Irish descent and newly arrived Central and South American and Southeast Asian immigrants. The neighborhoods many ethnic stores and restaurants reflect the tastes and traditions of its diverse residents.
BU Today has compiled a list of some of the best places to visit in East Boston.
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