5 Things to Know Before Visiting Boston

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“…Well I love that dirty water, oh Boston, you’re my home (oh, yeah)!” Those are lyrics written by Ed Cobb, made famous by the Boston-based band The Standells in 1965, and famously covered by the Dropkick Murphys. That said, it was my home growing up and I lived only about an hour away for the last 15 years before moving away. I know Boston well as a suburban resident, a nearby visitor, and a bit as a tourist. As you probably know, I have been all over the country and I know what Boston offers that other cities don’t, as well as what it doesn’t. Boston deserves a long-form article of its own, but today, let me guide you with the top five things you really need to know when visiting.

Just Walk (or Ride the T)

Boston is a very walkable city. Redfin ranked it third just behind New York City and San Francisco in most walkable cities. I do not disagree, but one thing I will add is that its small size makes that walkability even more valuable. If you are at a hotel downtown Boston and are heading to a dinner at a restaurant you found on OpenTable, the chances you can walk to it are far better than in NYC (and a lot less hills than San Fran). If you can’t walk or it’s just too far, Boston’s transit system is excellent (known as the T). There is no need to rent a car if you plan on staying in the general area of the city.

Don’t Miss the Free Stuff

Boston is expensive, that is just a fact. Oysterlink ranked Boston as the most expensive hotel city in the US:

“Boston, MA tops the list as the most expensive city in the United States for hotel stays, with average rates hitting $320 per night, a 5% increase from last year.”

There are many free things to do to offset that cost. Here are some:

• Take the Encore boat – The Encore Boston Harbor hotel offers a free boat ride from downtown to their casino resort, and it’s open to anyone. Take the boat over, explore the gaming, fine restaurants, and bars, or just take the boat up and back, it’s free!
• Public Garden – The Boston Public Garden is a beautiful spot in the middle of the city with lots to see for free.
• Boston Public Library on Boylston Street – Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library became the first large free municipal library in the United States. Its main building at 700 Boylston Street in Copley Square opened in 1895. Often considered “a palace for the people,” it reflects Boston’s long-standing emphasis on education and public access to knowledge. The building offers walkways to explore, a beautiful courtyard, and a tearoom and bar.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace – A large historical market offering shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
• Boston Public Market – A year-round indoor market with local vendors and food stalls.

Don’t Miss the History

I say don’t miss the history, but the reality is that it is impossible to avoid. Boston was the site of key Revolutionary events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party, and nearby battles such as Bunker Hill shaped the nation’s fight for independence. The city is home to many “firsts,” including Boston Common (1634), the nation’s oldest public park, Boston Latin School (1635), the first public school, and Harvard University (1636), the first college in America.

Here are some fun ways to enjoy the history without making your trip feel “educational”:

• Self-paced Freedom Trail
• Historic bars
• Harvard University and Harvard Square (across the river in Cambridge)
• Boston Common & Public Garden
• Paul Revere House

Go to a Sporting Event

Even if you are not a huge sports fan, a Boston sporting event is something special. Bostonians love sports and they love their teams. No matter when you are in town, the Bruins, Celtics, or my beloved Red Sox have a good chance of being home. The New England Patriots also call the Boston area home, but they play about 40 minutes south in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

That said, the team plays at Gillette Stadium, which is surrounded by Patriot Place, an outdoor dining and shopping center that is worth a trip of its own. If they are playing and you want to head to the game, it’s an easy train ride from downtown.

A Weekend Is Fine

Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty to do in Boston and if you are there for several weeks you can keep finding new and interesting things. However, you can get a lot done in a weekend. Boston is small and, like I said above, very walkable. It’s one of those cities you can add to your “weekend away” list.

In addition to being walkable, the airport is nearly right downtown. While it takes longer than I would like to go the short distance, there are many options, including a water taxi. If you spend a weekend in Boston, you will leave feeling like you did a lot and you’ll want to come back.

Summary

Boston is a great city to visit. Its compact size and excellent public transit system make it easy to explore on foot or by the T. While Boston can be expensive, the city offers plenty of free attractions, from the Boston Public Garden to the historic library in Copley Square. The city’s Revolutionary history is found at every corner, with landmarks like the Freedom Trail and Paul Revere’s House offering both education and entertainment. Sports are part of the city’s DNA, with Fenway Park and the passion of Boston fans creating an unforgettable experience. And the best part? You don’t need weeks to experience it all, a weekend trip is enough to enjoy the highlights and leave you wanting to come back.

Boston made the above list, learn why!