Tips for visiting Boston

[Goldeneye]

A bucket list item for me is going to watch a game(s) at Fenway and my wife and I are in the early stages of planning to go in May of 2025. I do not know much about Boston and was wondering what are some of the key things to see and do outside of watching baseball during a 4 or 5 day trip.  Also, any recommendations of where to stay? Any advice would be appreciated. 

[BoliDan]

5 hours ago, Goldeneye said:

A bucket list item for me is going to watch a game(s) at Fenway and my wife and I are in the early stages of planning to go in May of 2025.  I do not know much about Boston and was wondering what are some of the key things to see and do outside of watching baseball during a 4 or 5 day trip.  Also, any recommendations of where to stay?  Any advice would be appreciated. 

Skip the bars across from Fenway, they get crazy packed after games. Definitely do the whale watch + aquarium. Then a very short walk over to Quincy market for food, street performers and shopping one day.

The tour buses that drive around the city with commentary are highly entertaining and valuable to get your bearings. They are great if you're a history nerd as well. These will also be near the aquarium/whale watch boat. 

Plan a dinner in North End for Italian. Mama Marias is great.

Another day check out the commons, cheers bar is across the street. It a touristy thing to do but worth it once. They got a killer fried shellfish platter. Its also in the theater district so plenty of shows in old 1800 theaters. Can take the green line to Newbury and Mass ave for the art district cafes and lunch/dinner. 

I've tagged @BrightonCorgi who will have even better suggestions. Learn your Sweet Caroline hooks, by Neil Diamond for the game. BAH BAH BAH

[BrightonCorgi]

Walking around the Back Bay is good. Newbury St, Boston Common. Historic and unique for USA. Eataly is fun. Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is renowned. Harvard Sq is hoot if you haven't been. Good cigar shop in both Back Bay near the common and Harvard Sq. North End of Boston (Italian section) is worth going around and eat for dinner. F1 opened a bar/arcade that is supposed to be something, but I haven't been yet.

It would help if we knew what you were both into for more focused recommendations. Cigar bar is in the North End. Weed dispensaries are everywhere. Irish bars every other block.

[Wookie]

I’d add make sure you like tight seating because Fenway makes a sardine tin look like first class. Boston Guild of Artists on Newbury Street showcases all the best regional artists including the Cape Ann Scene which is worldwide famous…Gruppe, Metcalf, Mulhaupt, Hibbard, etc.  Also the Boston School, made famous by Tarbell, Weston, Paxton etc. MFA has all the Boston School guys. The Harvard art museum is free admission and has an amazing standing collection. My good buddy John McGee owned Mama Maria’s…he sadly passed away at 59 a few years ago. His daughters still run the restaurant and it is really solid cuisine in North End. Lots of good, pricey bistros in Back Bay and Beacon Hill. 

[Goldeneye]

Thanks for the responses and great ideas, looks like it will be very easy to find things to do and places to see, all the ideas sound fantastic. As for accommodations we are looking for a 3-4 star hotel in a good location walking distance (30 minutes) to Fenway or by transit to get around. Would like to stay in an area close to the things you all mention or easy to get to. Really appreciate the comments and ideas and can't wait to watch some baseball in Fenway.

[Dr vonPuffenberg]

Be sure to set aside a half day or so to walk the Freedom Trail. I found it VERY cool and interesting. It’s about 12 or so historical sites from the revolutionary era that are connected by a yellow (red?) stripe down the sidewalk. It’s free. When you get to Bunker Hill, be forewarned, the tower is tall and the stairwell is barely wide enough for 2 men to pass each other. If you’re not in good shape, just take a picture from the ground. Be sure to grab a pint at the Green Dragon, the founding fathers drank there!

[joeypots]

10 hours ago, Goldeneye said:

Thanks for the responses and great ideas, looks like it will be very easy to find things to do and places to see, all the ideas sound fantastic. As for accommodations we are looking for a 3-4 star hotel in a good location walking distance (30 minutes) to Fenway or by transit to get around. Would like to stay in an area close to the things you all mention or easy to get to. Really appreciate the comments and ideas and can't wait to watch some baseball in Fenway.

Boston is small.

Google up the map for Back Bay to see where Fenway is and how close the other neighborhoods are to it. 

Bricco, North End. Our new favorite

Toscanno, Beacon Hill/Charles St. Our Ould favorite.

If you stay on the Waterfront it’ll be a bit far from the ball park. I’d suggest looking at the hotel options at Prudential and Hynes Convention Center. A few blocks away is the Fairmont Copley Plaza if you are going all out.

I tell everyone to check out the Mapparium and the old Christian Science Building in Back Bay. Check to see if it’s open before you go. It’s a one of a kind.

[Glass Half Full]

The original "Daily Catch" in the North End -- totally casual; family owned and operated for decades.  The black pasta is incredible:  https://thedailycatch.com

ICA if you enjoy modern art -- small and thought provoking IMO:  https://www.icaboston.org. 

LJ Peretti Cigar Store -- Great history and selection. Carlito's son worked there while going to college:  https://ljperetti.com/product-category/cigars-cat/

 

[JY0]

Definitely walk the Freedom Trail. 

[Thirdcoastwatch]

Neptune Oyster. Hot lobster roll.   

They don’t do reservations so put your name in early afternoon and walk around for a while.  

[Goldeneye]

On 10/19/2024 at 7:09 AM, joeypots said:

Boston is small.

Google up the map for Back Bay to see where Fenway is and how close the other neighborhoods are to it. 

Bricco, North End. Our new favorite

Toscanno, Beacon Hill/Charles St. Our Ould favorite.

If you stay on the Waterfront it’ll be a bit far from the ball park. I’d suggest looking at the hotel options at Prudential and Hynes Convention Center. A few blocks away is the Fairmont Copley Plaza if you are going all out.

I tell everyone to check out the Mapparium and the old Christian Science Building in Back Bay. Check to see if it’s open before you go. It’s a one of a kind.

Thanks for this info, a big help in picking a hotel, much appreciated.