Timeline
09:00
Walk through the Boston Public Garden. Established in 1837, this is the oldest botanical garden in the United States. It was once a swampy salt marsh, but now features lush greenery and peaceful paths. Arrive at opening to enjoy the quietest atmosphere.
09:30
Walk four minutes to Hei La Moon for dim sum. This relatively new spot in Chinatown is a worthy competitor in the area. You can enjoy starters and mains in a relaxed setting.
10:00
End your morning at Commonwealth Books, a ten-minute walk away. This fantastic downtown bookstore specializes in the arts, architecture, history, literature, philosophy, and religion. Browse through antique, rare, used, and new tomes.
Local tip
The Public Garden is best visited early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Check the route for transit from South Station if you are not walking.
Check before you go
- The Public Garden opens at 9:00 AM.
- Hei La Moon is open from 08:00 to 22:30 daily.
- Commonwealth Books is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.
Worth knowing
- Commonwealth Books is open at 10:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).