Boston City Breaks

Things to do in Boston

The must-visit places in Boston

Boston is above all a major university centre; Harvard and the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) are schools that enjoy a solid international reputation. Head to Harvard Square to tour the libraries and make the most of this centre of intellectual emulation. 

During your short break in Boston, make sure you don’t miss the Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of objects from all over the world. 

Boston is nicknamed the “Athens of America”, so take the time to explore its streets and admire the facades of its opulent homes, such as in Beacon Hill.

If you would like to discover an iconic building of the city’s history, visit the church of the Old North. Built in 1723, it houses the United States’ oldest bells. 

The best places for partying 

Boston is not the place for compulsive party animals wanting to revel until the small hours at unforgettable parties. It’s difficult to eat in a restaurant after 10:00 p.m. and the nightclubs close at 2:00 a.m. To party Boston-style, you need to be like a Bostonian and go to a pub to watch a Red Sox game, who are the local baseball stars. Over a couple of pints, you’ll have the chance to meet some friendly locals during your city break in Boston.

If you want a weekend in Boston, try to go there in summer where all kinds of concerts and festivals are held in halls with affordable tickets, or even free street shows. 

To party like a true Bostonian, make some friends there and get yourself invited back to their place – that’s the only way you’ll get to find out what a real Bostonian party is like. 

Public parks and baseball grounds 

If the weather is nice during your break in Boston, one of the nicest places to spend a few hours outdoors is the Charles River Esplanade. This is a large public park that stretches for three miles on the southern bank of the Charles River Basin, close to the Museum of Science. Make your way to Beacon Hill and you’ll see the iconic golden dome of Massachusetts State House. If you want to explore the inside of the State House, there are regular tours that will guide you through the political history of the building. For many Bostonians, the most important building in the city is Fenway Park – home to the Boston Red Sox and a great place to watch a game of baseball. 

Things to see in Boston

Like any American city, Boston is right for you. Couples can meander down the streets of the colonial city, dreaming of times gone by, while families can visit the museums and enjoy a picnic at the Charles River Esplanade, and students can hang out at Harvard Campus.

Revolutionary history

The Boston Tea Party was a key moment in the lead up to the American War of Independence, and you can learn about this momentous event at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Here you’ll find Tea Party Ships moored beside a multimedia museum with a range of exhibitions on the Boston Tea Party. Another key location in Boston for the Tea Party was the Old South Meeting House, where 5,000 colonists gathered in 1773 to protest against British taxes. Benjamin Franklin was also baptised at the meeting house and today the building hosts regular reconstructions and other live events. Every American student learns about the legendary ride of Paul Revere, and at Paul Revere House you can learn more about the man who rode to warn patriots of the coming British troops. Another key location is the Boston Massacre Site outside the Old State House, which marks the location where blood was first shed for the Independence movement in 1770.

Academic excellence

Boston is renowned for its prestigious academic institutions, making it an excellent destination for a city break steeped in learning and history. Harvard University and MIT offer free campus tours, full of interesting facts and a great excuse to walk around two sets of beautiful campuses. Another key educational point of interest is Boston Public Library, built in 1852 in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo. The interior of the building is decorated with exquisite detail, and as you explore inside you’ll find John Adams' personal library. John Adams was a founding father of America, the second president of the USA, and a leading campaigner for American independence from Great Britain.

How do I get around? 

On foot! For the main things, you can easily discover Boston on your own two legs. But if you are a little tired, then the public transport system is very efficient. Whether you’re there for a day or a week, it’s well worth getting a tourist pass giving you access to the entire network. 

Food and gastronomy

Oysters and clam chowder 

No city break in Boston is complete without tasting some local seafood. Legal Sea Foods is an excellent place to sample authentic New England claw chowder, while the Union Oyster House and Neptune Oyster are both great places to try oysters, crabs and mussels. To go with your seafood, why not order a Samuel Adams beer, that has been brewed in Boston? You can even take a tour of their brewery to see how the beer is made – and sample even more of their range of beers. 

Another typical recipe, the Boston Cream Pie, is in fact more like a cake than a pie. It’s a sponge cake filled with a delicious vanilla pastry cream, all topped with a delicious chocolate glaze. It's a must-try, even on a short break.