A single day in Boston affords the opportunity to sample some experiences unique to the city. You won't have time for full immersion, but you can touch on several singular attractions and destinations. Your focus will be the downtown area, home to the city's oldest and most historic neighborhoods.
Start: Boston Common (Red or Green Line to Park St.), 15 State St. (Orange or Blue Line to State), or Faneuil Hall (Green or Blue Line to Government Center).
1. The Freedom Trail
Boston's signature historic attraction is a 2.5-mile line of red paint and brick laid out at the suggestion of a local journalist in 1958. Following the whole Freedom Trail can consume the better part of a day, but several options that concentrate on the downtown section only take 2 hours or so. Your goal is to cover—at whatever pace suits you and as carefully or as casually as you like—the first two-thirds of the trail, from Boston Common through Faneuil Hall.
Start at the Boston Common Visitor Center with a pamphlet describing the self-guided tour or check out the online resources available from the Freedom Trail's website. If you prefer a guided tour, check the schedule of offerings from Boston By Foot and the Freedom Trail Foundation.
Make sure you spare some time for sites along the city's Black Heritage Trail, too. And while you're on the Common, pay a visit to The Embrace, a huge bronze sculpture representing the intertwined arms of civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, whose marriage had a pivotal Boston-set chapter early on.
(The Embrace in Boston Common | Credit: Heidi Besen / Shutterstock)
2. Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market
The indoor-outdoor Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a lively—and pretty touristy—spot encompassing shops, restaurants, food stalls, souvenir vendors, and street performers.
The central building, Quincy Market, has a gigantic food court on its main floor. If you grab something to eat, cross Atlantic Avenue to enjoy your lunch with a glorious view. Stake out a seat overlooking the marina next to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. If you'd rather eat indoors, head across the street to Union Oyster House.
3. Paul Revere House
Our favorite Freedom Trail stop is this little 17th-century home overlooking a picturesque cobblestone square. Inside, you'll learn about the silversmith–turned folk hero's home life and his role in the Revolutionary War.
4. The North End
The Freedom Trail continues here with another famous Paul Revere hangout, the fascinating Old North Church. But there's way more to the neighborhood than 18th-century history. Sometimes referred to as Boston's "Little Italy"—though Bostonions would never use that term—the North End is a great place for wandering around and trying Italian culinary mainstays like cappuccino and cannoli.
5. Hanover Street
The North End's main drag has plenty of tempting stops for reliably good espresso and cappuccino. To pair your caffeine with a fresh-baked pastry, settle in at Caffè Vittoria, Mike's Pastry, or Caffè dello Sport.
(By Boston Harbor | Credit: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock)
6. The Waterfront
In almost any direction, the gorgeous harbor is a short stroll from the North End. As the day winds down, you can take a sightseeing cruise from Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf—though a ferry ride from Long Wharf to Charlestown and back may be better for your schedule and budget.
If cruises aren't for you or are out of season, explore the New England Aquarium or the Boston Children's Museum. Otherwise, head for the nearby Seaport District (aka the South Boston Waterfront) and visit the Institute of Contemporary Art. It's a 20- to 30-minute stroll or 10-minute cab ride.
Alternatively, you can always abandon the sightseeing after the Paul Revere House and go shopping in the Back Bay, starting with a stroll along Newbury Street.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
