Boston
A city of history and tradition, Boston offers a proud legacy of culture, education, and numerous sporting championships. The "shining city on a hill"s independent spirit has been displayed to the world ever since colonists were angry over a British tax on their beloved tea and dumped shiploads of it into the harbor in protest.
- See
- 115
- Do
- 71
- Eat
- 235
- Drink
- 128
- Buy
- 72
621 places
- SeeAllston-Brighton
1767 Milestones
Milestone #6
Proclaiming six miles to Boston, this milestone was placed here in 1729 by Paul Dudley. Once a part of a colonial "superhighway" called Boston Post Road, which stretched from downtown Boston to Wall Street in New York City. The settlers copped the idea from Native Americans, who called the trail Pequot Path and had been using it long before Europeans arrived. Seven markers remain in the greater Boston area. This one has somehow escaped being mowed down by a fire truck or errant moving van over the years. Can you spot the other one nearby? Hint: check out the library in Lower Allston.
24 hours dailyFree
- DrinkBack Bay-Beacon Hill
21st Amendment
Directly across the street from the State House, this is a great spot to relax or do a little politicking after work. The low ceilings with rustic beams and dark wood make it a cosy spot to imbibe a glass of your favorite poison. In wintertime, go during off hours, slide into a window seat and just watch the quiet snow fall.
11:30AM-2AM dailyBar food $8-12, drinks $6-12
- SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
54th Regiment Memorial
This monument serves as a reminder of the brave men who, as one of the first official African-American military units in the US, fought for the Union during the American Civil War. The sacrifice and fighting spirit displayed by these men was instrumental in encouraging the enlistment and acceptance of African-American troops in the north. Still, unfair treatment was institutional, and the men of the 54th would receive only $7 per month, in contrast with the $13 paid to their white brothers in arms. Refusing this monthly paycheck became a point of pride among the soldiers, who would wait about 18 months to see their wages paid in full.
24 hours dailyFree
- EatBack Bay-Beacon Hill
75 Chestnut
Casual (for Beacon Hill) restaurant with attached bar. Has a pretty typical American style bistro menu and tin ceilings. Also seasonally open for brunch on the weekends.
Sun-Thu 5PM-midnight, Fri Sat 5PM-1AM$18-26
- DoRoxbury
826 Boston
Bigfoot Research Institute
Volunteer and teach the next generation of poets and writers. Also sells a variety of "Big Foot" souvenirs, alongside books by local authors.
Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM
- EatBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Abe and Louie's
A happening steakhouse with some of the best cuts in town. Make sure to get reservations or come in on off hours. One sister location in Boca Raton Florida if that tells you anything.
Sun-Thu 11:30AM-11PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-midnightStarters $18-22, mains $30-50+
- SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Acorn Street
Spend a quick moment at one of the most photographed spots in the city. Your social media feeds will reward you.
24 hours dailyFree
- EatNorth End
Al Dente Ristorante
This Italian gem has an amazing selection. Choose from about a dozen homemade pasta and sauce types. The tangy vodka sauce is truly excellent. Sop up any remaining sauce with fresh bread, and wash everything down with a cold Peroni beer.
Sun-Thu 11:30AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 11:30AM-11PMStarters $9-12, mains $15-20
- DoAllston-Brighton
Alumni Stadium
Home of BC Eagles football, this stadium seats 44,500. Actually located within the city limits of Newton.
- BuySouth Boston
American Provisions
Farm to table grocer, selling only very high quality ingredients. Local and handcrafted preferred. Known for their cheese, meat and charcuterie plates. They also stock a wide selection of beer and wine for pairings.
Mon-Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat Sun 9AM-6PMMarket price, sandwiches $10
- DrinkEast Boston
Americano Espresso Bar
The only coffee shop in Eastie that isn't at the airport, or a Dunks or Honey Dew. It's not bad, and there's definitely better options across the harbor, but you aren't across the harbor now are you?
Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-2PMCoffee $2-5, salads and sandwiches $6-8
- EatSouth Boston
Amrheins Restaurant
Welcoming atmosphere, delicious American and Italian dishes, served on the oldest hand-carved bar in America.
Mon-Sat 11:30AM-1AM, Sun 10AM-1AMStarters $8-12, mains $18-26
- EatNorth End
Antico Forno
This busy little restaurant has a great atmosphere and good service. Dim lighting gives it a romantic setting with brick walls and a fireplace in the center of the dining room. This restaurant makes their own pasta and sauce from scratch. A good majority of the large menu includes pasta and seafood dishes, as well as pizzas fired in the aforementioned oven.
Sun-Thu 11:30AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 11:30AM-10:30PMStarters $8-16, mains $14-24
- EatSouth End
Appleton Bakery Cafe
A great place to have lunch. The menu has a variety of imaginative and delicious sandwiches as well as several prepared dishes changing daily. Appleton also brews very good coffee and carries an eclectic selection of chocolates and snack foods. There is a moderate amount of seating.
7AM-4PM daily
- EatSouth End
Aquitaine
A French bistro with great dinner and weekend brunch. Dinner will run about $120 including drinks, tax and tip. Brunch is much more affordable, around $15-20 a person. Small and slightly cramped, they take reservations for dinner and brunch.
Mon-Thu 11:30AM-10PM, Fri 11:30AM-11PM, Sat 9AM-11PM, Sun 9AM-10PMStarters $12-16, mains $28-32
- SeeJamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Arnold Arboretum
Almost 15,000 different species of plant live in this gigantic park, covering 281 acres! Swing by the office for the particulars if you're interested, or just start exploring. Don't miss the bonsai collection, some are over 250 years old. If you want to have a picnic in this gorgeous place, make sure to do it on "Lilac Sunday", the only day picnics are allowed. It doesn't look it, but this is actually an active research facility, staffed by 20-30 people year round. Harvard University founded the Arboretum in 1872 by combining two large country estates after their owners passed. It's still owned by Harvard today. The land was deeded to the City of Boston in 1882, and leased back to the university for a thousand years. How's that for long-term planning?
Visitor center: 10AM-4PM daily, grounds: sunrise-sunset dailyFree
- BuyCharlestown
Artist Group of Charlestown
The AGC was started in 2002 and has become a staple of the Charlestown art scene ever since. There are many different types of art offered in this gallery. In addition to the group selling its own art, artists from the community who aren't members can display their art. Anything from watercolor paintings to sculptures to photography is on sale at the exhibits. In the spring and summer there is an outdoor festival held at City Square.
- BuyEast Boston
Atlantic Works Gallery
The art scene in East Boston has exploded over the years with the redevelopment of the East Boston Artists Group's Atlantic Works Art Gallery. Here you can drop in, view art at the dozens of studios artists keep in the historic building and, of course, purchase something for your wall.
Sat Sun 1PM-5PM
- EatFenway-Kenmore
B. Good
Offers vegetarian and health-conscious veggie burgers with great fixings, like salsa and guacamole, and sides of tasty steamed veggies. The fries are air-baked and taste like real potatoes!
Mon-Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-9PM$5-8
- BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Bacco's Wine & Cheese
Feeling French today? Then this is the perfect place to pick up a few quality comestibles before heading over to the park for your picnic. If you'll be imbibing, make sure to pick up a few unlabeled opaque cups to drink from. The laws here are not quite as tolerant as you'll find across the pond.
Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun noon-6PM
- BuySouth Boston
Baltic Deli & Cafe
Freshly baked goods, smoked meats, and a variety of imported items for sale. Patrons from around the metro area shop here to find extremely authentic Polish and eastern European delicacies. Owned by the same family that runs Cafe Polonia across the street. The very same pierogies can be found for sale here, sealed in hand labeled freezer bags. Gets a bit crowded on Sundays after church.
Mon Tue 9AM-8PM, Wed-Fri 8:30AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-8PM, Sun 8AM-4PM
- EatDorchester
Banh Mi Ba Le
Ba Le Bakery
Great little Vietnamese carry out restaurant and grocery store. Specializing in banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea. You can find many other delicacies for takeaway too. Friendly family business with good customer service.
5AM–8PM daily$
- EatSouth Boston
Barking Crab
Excellent seafood and American cuisine. Outdoor dining in a clam shack atmosphere, overlooks Boston Harbor and view of downtown. Kid friendly. Live music daily.
Sun-Thu 11:30AM-9PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-10PMStarters $10-16, mains $22-market price
- EatSouth Boston
Barlow's Restaurant
Extensive menu of traditional fare with a gourmet twist, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as homemade desserts and specialty cocktails. The menus feature fresh seafood, meat, pizza and pasta dishes. Housed in a renovated old mill with an outdoor patio.
Mon-Thu 11AM-11PM, Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat 10AM-2AM, Sun 10AM-midnightStarters $12, mains $14-18
- BuyFenway-Kenmore
Barnes & Noble
Take a moment to browse this once prominent national chain. It defies the odds and remains open, mainly because BU owns it and requires students to purchase schoolbooks here. Additionally, the famous Citgo sign sits atop this 6 story building.
Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM
- DrinkSouth Boston
Barrington Coffee Roasting Company
Grab a cup from this consistently top rated company. One of only two locations. Barrington sells beans that have been roasted in their factory located in the Berkshires.
Mon-Fri 6:30AM-7PM Sat Sun 8AM-7PM$3-8
- DrinkBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill Pub
Delightfully out of place. Beacon Hill is upper class Boston, but Beacon Hill Pub is a cheap, working class dive that has become popular with students. There is even a foosball table inside, perish the thought!
Noon-2AM dailyDrinks $6-9
- DrinkDowntown
Bell in Hand
Established in 1795, the bar (falsely) claims to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in the country. It also functions as far more of a club than a tavern. Downstairs is generally packed on weekends, upstairs is a multi-room club.
11AM-2AM daily
- SeeEast Boston
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
This protected Saltwater Marsh is Boston's last, and the perfect place to stroll and explore during fall, spring and summer months. The park itself is 241 acres, and 28 of them are available to the public.
9AM-dusk dailyFree
- DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Berklee Performance Center
Owned by the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this performance space has something going on about 200 days out of the year. The college uses the 1200 seats at this location to present its most popular events, mainly featuring current students and faculty. Musical offerings such as the Singers Showcase, International Folk Festival, and the Beantown Jazz Festival all take place here.
Box office: Mon-Sat 10AM-6PMFree to $100 depending on the date and performer
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