I've been to Boston a few times since I have relatives there. Boston is the perfect size to explore on foot and has a well-rounded blend of historic, comfortable, ambitiousness, and absolute charm. Every neighborhood has a distinctive feel to it. As a bonus, Boston chefs have definitely stepped up to the plate in recent years, and now the city is becoming a culinary destination as well.
Not only is Boston steeped in history, it's a vibrant city.
Boston is not an inexpensive city to visit, unfortunately. But here are some suggestions that might help you save a few bucks.
Look into a Boston City Pass to see if it's worth your while to purchase one.
It covers 4 Boston attractions: It includes the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science, then you pick 2 more attractions of your choosing: Boston Harbor City Cruise, Franklin Zoo, View Boston Observation Deck, the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Currently this CityPass is selling for $79 (adult) and you can save up to 48% on Boston attractions.
Money $aving Tips: Discount and coupon codes here!
Check into the Go City pass as well.
The Go City Boston pass has two options:
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One where you choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions – This is great because you get to choose which attractions you visit.
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Another where you choose how long you’ll be in town–1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days–and you get to visit as many of the attractions as you like in that time.
Definitely get a Boston Museum Pass before you go!
The Boston Public Library offers these FREE passes that provide free or discounted admission to local museums, aquariums, and historic sites. Some passes may require you to make a reservation at the museum in advance.
Here are some options for coupon books and discounts in Boston:
Entertainment Coupon Book: Offers thousands of handpicked coupons for dining, travel, wellness, and more, with new
offers added daily.
Boston Discounts: A variety of deals, discounts, and sightseeing passes available for visitors and residents, with potential savings of 10%-50%.
Groupon: Find book discounts and deals in Boston, with potential savings of up to 70%.
Valpak Coupons: Provides printable coupons for local businesses in Boston, allowing you to save on various
services.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS!
Many museums/attractions are free or reduced price on certain days or at certain times. For instance, you can get:
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$5 admission to the Museum of Fine Arts every Wednesday beginning at 3 pm (they close at 4:30)
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Free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art every Thursday from 5-9 pm
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$1 admission to the Boston Children’s Museum every Friday night from 5-9 pm and half price admission during the last hour of the day every other day of the week *both currently on pause
But be sure to check each attraction individually to be sure. Try searching for: “[name of attraction or museum] free days”
Do not rent a car!
Whoever designed Boston's one-way no-rhyme-or-reason streets was on drugs! We once filed a missing person report on my cousin who didn't come home for 2 days! Turned out he was simply driving the Boston streets, trying to get home from work. He had to be sedated when he was finally located.
Boston has the oldest public transportation subway in the country. The “T” is straightforward to use. My suggestion is to buy a roundtrip CharlieTicket from a subway vending machine to start. The fare cost is the same regardless of which stop you get off at. You can always add more money for additional trips.
The city is extremely compact and if you stay in a central location, most attractions are within a 30-minute walk. For nights out, Ubers and Lyfts are always available.
Three MBTA bus routes (Routes 23, 28, and 29) will continue to operate fare-free until June 2026.
And of course you can always do what we do - bring our bicycles along!
Here are some options for rental bikes in Boston:
Bluebikes: This is the most popular bike rental program in Boston, offering various pricing and membership options. You can find more information on their official website here.
Urban AdvenTours: They provide a range of bicycle rentals, including eBikes and road bikes, along with bike tours. You can book online through their website here.
Landry’s Bicycles: One of the leading bike rental companies in Boston, offering a wide range of services including bike repair and high-performance road bikes.
Luxury
Four Seasons Hotel Boston is an absolute dream! From complimentary lattes to thoughtful kids’ amenities, every detail is tailored to perfection. The location, luxury service, and family-friendly features make this a standout choice for anyone visiting Boston.
The Liberty Hotel looks out to the Charles River in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. The Library’s claim to fame is that it was once a prison that housed incarcerated suffragists, WWII captives, and even Malcolm X. The unique architecture and prison cell remains add an edge to a beautifully designed hotel.
The Envoy Hotel has a modern vibe and tends to skew younger. Located in the innovative Seaport area, there are restaurants and cafes, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, pop-up shops, and a marina to explore. Envoy’s rooftop bar overlooking the city is a definite scene.
If you've read this site, you know we're partial to the Fairmont Hotels. A landmark in Copley Square, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is more of an opulent hotel option. Though it may seem lavish, you’ll feel right at home after being greeted by the staff and hotel’s canine ambassador, Cori. The restaurant OAK Long Bar is also an excellent old-school setting.
They have a variety of rooms and suites to choose from and always offer a number of special offers. If you're a member of their free Gold Club even the better when it comes to pricing and perks.
I/we usually stay at the Fairmont when in Boston - but this trip was different.
Mid Range
You can usually find rooms at the Boston Park Plaza for under $150 a night. Located steps away from the Boston Public Garden, most landmarks are within walking distance. The hotel was recently restored and renovated so everything is very comfortable. The rooms are on the smaller size however.
They do have an on-site restaurant and bar that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have an Irish pub and a Starbucks.
Budget
The Revolution is a new budget hotel in the trendy South End neighborhood. The rooms are small (bunk beds and communal baths are an option!) but are perfectly designed to accommodate guests. The lobby features really cool decor and street art that celebrates all of Boston’s “firsts.”
Hotels in Boston can be pricey, especially if you visit in the peak summer season. But there’s always the option of renting a VRBO instead. Get that “living like a local” feeling while visiting Boston on a budget at the same time.
On this trip we stayed on a yacht in a marina. 2 bedrooms, could sleep 5, heat and AC, fully functioning galley with convection oven, salon with TV, both staterooms had their own attached bathrooms, a beautiful aft deck with furniture. We paid just a hair over $400 per night. A decent hotel room for 4 with a kitchen would've cost at least $2000 (if not more) in Boston.
The location was great - near the Freedom Trail and walkable to downtown.
VRBO is definitely the way to go in Boston and there are lots of different kinds of accommodations available that fall under that category: apartments, studios, condos. You can even rent a houseboat to stay on.
Morning: Get settled in your accommodations.
Contact Tours by Foot Boston to arrange free (pay what you wish) guided or self guided walking tours of
Boston or purchase a Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour through Get Your Guide. One or two day tours are offered. We found the hop on hop off trolley tour to be the easiest way to see Boston.
The Freedom Trail
I first walked the Freedom Trail as a teenager (before we had apps) and it was soooo interesting. Now you have a variety of ways to see the Freedom Trail. You can walk it without any kind of tour, although you'll miss the historical significance of what you're seeing; you can do a guided tour with guides in colonial period costumes or you can download the Freedom Trail Boston Guide. The app is “free” to download, but once in you’ll still have to purchase the Freedom Trail guided tour. But at just $6.99 for the full Freedom Trail tour, it’s much less than booking a guided tour.
Not to be missed on the Freedom Trail:
PAUL REVERE HOUSE
There is an admittance fee to tour the inside of the Revere house:
$17 Adult
$15 Senior/Student
$8 Child (Ages 6-12)
Free Child (Under 6)
Money $aving Tip: Check out ways to save on your tickets here
USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum
Photo credit: USS Constitution Museum
Believe it or not, "Old Ironsides" as she's called is still an active US Navy vessel! Currently she's not open for tours of the ship as she's undergoing restoration. However, she regularly goes "underway" and here are the best locations from shore to see that:
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The public can see “Old Ironsides” depart and return from the pier at Charlestown Navy Yard. Traditionally, the Ship departs at approximately 10:00 am and returns between 1 pm – 2 pm.
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South Boston’s Castle Island is the location of a 21-gun salute around 11-11:30 am. The public is welcome at this South Boston location where crowds traditionally gather.
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Additionally, the Ship can be seen from points along the Boston Harborwalk.
The museum is free to visit but because donations keep it open and running, the museum suggests the following donations:
The Museum has suggested admission tiers of:
Pay it Forward: $25 per person
Standard: $15 per person
Reduced: Free – $10 per person
Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, the Museum provides an immersive experience that highlights the legacy of “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and a wealth of artifacts, visitors can explore the ship’s storied past, its pivotal role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on USS Constitution.
I found the USS Constitution and its museum to be the most interesting part of the Freedom Trail, especially the museum.
Next 'don't miss' item on the Freedom Trail: Old North Church:
Photo credit: Flickr
Photo credit: NPS
“One if by land, and two if by sea!” With two lanterns shining from its steeple on April 18, 1775, Old North Church lit the way for the American Revolution.
This is a beautiful old church with 300 years of history behind it - and a few surprises as of late! A mural that had remain hidden under layers and layers of white paint since 1912 was just discovered and restored, as was a crypt beneath Old North Church.
Enjoy our Crypt Combo Package for $10 or only $9 when you book online! The package includes a self-guided tour of the crypt where 1,100 people are laid to rest, our immersive audio guide, and general admission to the new exhibit in the church’s sanctuary. We’re also offering After-Hours Crypt Tours, a special 45-minute guided experience.
Old North Church is still a functioning Episcopal church that holds services Sundays at 11am. All are welcome to the inclusive religious services. Advanced reservations are welcome. Please click here to reserve.
For the kids, the church has a scavenger hunt as well as a fun exhibit on childhood in its North End.
Old North Church is open for tourism Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and on Sunday from 12:30 – 5pm.
Here's a free downloadable app to help you explore Old North Church.
Old North Church offers a variety of admission packages, starting at only $5.
Boston Massacre Site
Photo credit: The Freedom Trail
Old Corner Bookstore
Constructed in 1718, the Old Corner Bookstore is downtown Boston’s oldest commercial building and was home to the 19th-century publishing giant Ticknor and Fields, producer of many venerable American titles including Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Longfellow's Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, and the Atlantic Monthly including Ward Howe's Battle Hymn of the Republic.
For cyclists:
Afternoon: The Freedom Trail has several restaurants on it to choose from for your lunch stop.
Adults will like Faneuil Hall: Brews, Bites, and Boston’s Oldest Tavern. Whether you’re in the mood for local brews, fresh seafood, or a cozy tavern with centuries of stories, this stretch near Faneuil Hall delivers a flavorful detour that’s steeped in Boston tradition.
A few blocks from Old North Church, Monica’s Mercato serves up Italian-style sandwiches and antipasti. Their pizza and subs are perfect trail fuel and are more geared toward younger tastes.
Faneuil Hall
To walk the entire Freedom Trail, it typically takes 2 to 4 hours if you are moving at a relaxed pace and stopping briefly at sites. If you plan to visit attractions along the way and/or have little ones in tow, it can take a whole day. so spend the afternoon exploring it at a leisurely pace.
Evening: Most of the restaurants near the Freedom Trail are $$$$ but if you want a good mid-range priced dinner, stop at James Hook & Company. 440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston. $$-$$$
James Hook knows how to do lobster!
I've eaten a lot of lobster rolls in my day but the James Hook lobster roll was seriously one of the best I've ever had - fresh and packed with lobster! $28.99 Dine-in menu
That's one HUGE honkin' lobster!
James Hook & Company is a seafood market combined with a no frills restaurant so you can buy seafood there either prepared or to prepare yourself and they will also ship seafood for you.
If you're up for it, after dinner stroll along the Boston Waterfront. The illuminated city and landmarks like the Harbor Towers, Long Wharf and USS Constitution take on a whole different look at night.
Morning: Start your day off right with a cannoli breakfast at Mike's Pastry on the North end.
300 Hanover St, Boston (Tell the kids they're having dessert for breakfast when they wrinkle their noses and ask what a cannoli is.)
Mike's not only makes the best cannoli in Boston, they make 18 different varieties of it!
I'm seriously working my way down the list of all 18 each time I visit Boston.
They make a mean espresso too, btw.
Mike's is cash only.
Hours
North End:
8AM-10PM
Boston Commons
Photo credit: Get Your Guide
Boston Commons is the oldest park in the U.S. and it's totally free to visit. It's along the lines of NY's Central Park but much prettier.
The park includes ballfields, a tot lot and the Frog Pond, which provides skating in winter and a spray pool for children in the summer.
There's also a carousel for the kids to ride. $4 per ride.
Friends of the Garden offer free guided tours of the garden, all you need do is show up for the tour.
Tours convene at the
Ducklings statue. Please plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to your tour.
Tours last about one hour and cover approximately one-half of the Public Garden (from Beacon Street to the bridge). Your tour guide will be wearing a green apron. You may want to bring a hat, sunblock, and water on warm days.
Money $aving Tips: Free August Adventures is a special program hosted by the Highland Street Foundation that offers free admissions to selected attractions in Boston on Fridays.
Bunker Hill Monument & Museum
The Bunker Hill Monument and Grounds commemorates the Revolution's first major battle.
On June 17, 1775, New England soldiers faced the British army for the first time in a pitched battle. Popularly known as "The Battle of Bunker Hill," bloody fighting took place throughout a hilly landscape of fenced pastures that were situated across the Charles River from Boston. Though the British forces claimed
the field, the casualties inflicted by the Provincial solders from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire were staggering. Of the some 2,400 British soldiers and Marines engaged, some 1,000 were wounded or killed.
To climb the Monument, enter the Bunker Hill Lodge. Last climb is 30 minutes before closure.
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Only 20 people are allowed in the Monument at a time.
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The Monument may close for climbing due to weather conditions and/or other safety considerations.
Admission is free to both the monument and the park.
Standard Monument Hours:
Sunday : Open 10 am to 5 pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Saturday: Open 1 pm to 5 pm
Museum Hours:
Sunday: Open 1 pm to 5 pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Saturday: Open 1 pm to 5 pm
Afternoon: Break for lunch about 3 miles from the next stop on your itinerary, at Main Streets Market.
42 Main St, Concord, MA. $$-$$$
I loved this cute little market and the food was bang on.
It's a 5th generation family market/restaurant serving Full Bar, Coffee, Ice Cream, Lobster, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads & Fried Seafood as well as Breakfast & Dinner entrees.
Your lunch & dinner choices include veggies that they grow on their family farm. The produce has been grown & delivered to this same location for over 100 years.
You can choose to eat inside or at one of their two outdoor patios.
The market/restaurant is housed in the Old Grist Mill building which makes for a really cool ambiance.
Open Monday - Saturday 8 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 7 pm.
Minuteman National Park
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
I suggest you start your tour of Minuteman Park with the 27 minute multimedia show, "The Road to Revolution". The show gives you the background of the park and what you'll see there.
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
Located at the Minute Man Visitor Center, this award winning, multimedia theater program gives an excellent introduction to the historic events of April 19, 1775.
"The Road to Revolution" multimedia presentation shows during their open season of May - October each year. It runs every 30 minutes starting at 9:00 a.m. The last show runs at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. The show runs 27 minutes in duration.
This show runs when Minute Man Visitor Center is open. For specific days and times check the Minute Man Visitor Center page.
Minute Man offers a variety of ranger programs to the visiting public. These programs run from Memorial Day weekend in May through the end of October.
Hike the Battle Road Trail.
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775.
In some areas the trail leaves the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests.
The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Visit the Maps and Directions page for more parking information and pick up a park map at the Minute Man Visitor Center.
Visit Hartwell Tavern.
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. The tavern sits on a beautifully restored section of the battlefield and is the heart of our Living History operations at Minute Man. The grounds around Hartwell remain open sunrise to sunset.
If you visit during the operational season, you will have an opportunity to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about popular drinks consumed in the 18th tavern room!
During the summer and fall National Park Service staff will also conduct musket firing demonstrations outside the tavern.
Park at 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA, walk dirt path 1/4 mile north to Tavern.
Next stop in Minuteman Natl. Park, the Meriam House.
Built around 1705, the Meriam House has seen significant change in its 300 year history. From sustainable agriculture to bloody battles, this home has witnessed incredible events. We invite you to come explore the house and learn about the fateful events of April 19, 1775, and the generations of 3 families that once lived here.
Parking is located at 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742
The Nathan Meriam house is located roughly 700 feet west along the Battle Road Trail.
For the kids, join the Junior Ranger Program.
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
The park welcomes interest in Minute Man National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger Program. It is a seasonal program run in the park annually from May 7 to October 31st.
The Junior Ranger program at Minute Man was designed as an in-person experience for Junior Rangers and their families to complete onsite. As a result, booklets are only available at the park; they are unable to mail them, so be sure to complete the activities before you leave the park to be eligible for a badge.
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to guide your exploration of the park at Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington or North Bridge Visitor Center in Concord. Complete the activities as you visit different sites in the park. Before you leave, show your work to a park ranger at either visitor center to get your Junior Ranger badge!
Admission to the park and everything in it is free.
Evening: We were in the mood for Mexican so found this little gem, Dig Inn.
557 Boylston St, Boston
Despite being located in the heart of Boston, their prices were surprisingly wallet-friendly. It's not often that you find such high-quality food at such reasonable prices.
What impressed us the most about DIG was the freshness of their food, obviously made with high quality ingredients and numerous menu options to choose from.
The atmosphere was inviting and lively, the service fast and efficient.
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Morning: Before you have breakfast, stop at the Boston Children's Museum, pay your admission, get your ticket and take it to City Tap Kitchen & Craft, where you'll be having brunch. Show your BCM admission ticket receipt and get a free appetizer with the purchase of 2 entrees.
Boston Children's Museum
The Boston Children's Museum is a great place to take the kids. Heck, even I enjoyed it as an adult.
You can take a virtual tour of the museum here.
The Museum is open Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesdays. Advance tickets/reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, school vacation weeks, and TJX $1 Sunday Afternoons.
On the first Saturday of each month, the Museum opens at 10:00. Hours are subject to change, please check calendar on ticket purchase pages.
If you wish to redeem Museum passes, Go City passes, or to pay in cash, please call 617- 426-6500 option 0
or e-mail Orders@BostonChildrensMuseum.org to make a reservation.
Regular admission for adults or children is $24. There is no admission fee for infants under 1 year old.
Money $aving Tip: $1 admission to the Boston Children’s Museum every Friday night from 5-9 pm and half price admission during the last hour of the day every other day of the week.
*This offer was on pause during the government shut down so call first to see if the offer has resumed.
617- 426-6500 option 0.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Photo credit: Heroes of Adventure
At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, you can be a part of the famous event that forever changed the course of American history through a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels!
Storm Aboard the 18th Century sailing vessels Brig Beaver and Eleanor!
Experience life at sea aboard an 18th-century sailing vessel as you join a Son of Liberty and take part in the “Destruction of the Tea”! Throw tea into the very same body of water where the Boston Tea Party took place over 250 years ago. Yep, you'll really throw tea into the harbor!
(LMAO! Jay just piped up we should gather up all those D.C. swamp scum bottomfeeder politicians and throw them in the harbor!)
Griffin's Wharf is located on the same body of water where the Boston tea Party occurred over two centuries ago. Explore the open air deck and full-scale replica 18th century sailing vessels, as well as the other cargoes that accompanied the fated tea to America. Meet the Sons and Daughters of Liberty and learn about the Boston Tea Party of 1773!
Protected and preserved for more than two centuries, the Robinson Tea Chest is the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Experience the compelling history of this significant artifact from its humble beginnings in China through the Boston Tea Party and being handed down through the generations. The Robinson Tea Chest is proudly displayed at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum from the permanent collections of Historic Tours of America, Inc.
Our multi-sensory film, “Let It Begin Here®”, dramatically depicts the events of April 19, 1775, including Paul Revere’s famous “Midnight Ride” and the beginning of the American Revolution.
Barely 16 months after the tea was destroyed in Boston Harbor, militiamen rallied on Lexington Green as the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. The theater’s panoramic movie screen places you in the middle of the battle action as you see, hear, and feel the sensations of horses galloping, soldiers marching and muskets firing through the countryside. Join the ranks of the militiamen as they stand against the British Regulars.
[Note: The film can be loud and intense for some. Museum tour Hosts will remain present should guests require assistance or exit.]
Admission varies by day so check here for what admission would cost and to purchase tickets.
General admission to the ships and museum is between $35 and $40.
Tour Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Discounted Parking Located at:
The museum is located at 306 Congress St.
Evening: Dinner at Saltie Girl. 279 Dartmouth St, Boston $$$
Right: How we order and eat the Saltie Girl Seafood Tower - Jay gets all the slimy raw stuff he loves on the bottom tray and I get all the good stuff on the top tray.
It's a win-win for both of us.
Salties does seafood right and has a great menu selection of it.
I'd never heard of fried lobster on waffles before...but Salties has it! $36
It's good...but different. Then again, I'm fussy about what goes on my waffles even if it is lobster and in my book, syrup shouldn't go on lobster. That's just me...
Locals and tourists alike rave about Saltie's seafood, especially their notable clam chowder.
Mon 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wed 1:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thu 1:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
