While visiting Salem, MA, (Two Day Itinerary for Salem, MA) my mother and I took a day trip to visit Boston. From unsolved art theft to the midnight ride of Paul Revere, Boston is full of both colonial and modern history. With less than 24 hours in a city we both love, we made the most of it. Here’s how you can too!
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Before finding parking in the heart of the city, start your day by visiting the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. This is one of, if not the most, beautiful museums I have visited in the United States. Mrs. Gardner’s world travels are evident in the architecture of the immaculate courtyard and rooms throughout the property. Upon her death, she provided an endowment to keep the museum operating and stated that nothing in the galleries should ever be sold or changed. Unfortunately, this wish was not respected by a group of bandits who in 1990 stole thirteen works of art from the museum, making headlines as the largest property theft in the world. To this day, the art has not been found and true crime junkies will be happy to know you can still view the empty frames. Get yourself in the mood before visiting by watching the Netflix series This is a Robbery. There are also tours and audio guides available on premises.
Beacon Hill Neighborhood: Tatte Bakery & Acorn Street
Explore the beautiful, predominately brick, buildings in Beacon Hills neighborhood on your way to Tatte Bakery and Cafe. Here you can fuel up with some lunch and caffeine. For coffee, they use Stumptown beans, a personal favorite of mine. If you are looking for something a little heartier, fans of the 1980’s television show Cheers will be happy to know that you can eat at the very pub that acted as inspiration to the show at Cheers Beacon Hill. While in the area, snap a pic at the Instagram-famous (and rightfully so) cute, cobblestoned, Acorn Street.
Boston Common
Take your time enjoying the nearby Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. Established in 1634, Boston Common was America’s first public park and two centuries later Boston Public Garden became America’s first public botanical garden. These two parks offer nearly 50 acres of nature in the heart of the city and are featured in Good Will Hunting, Ted, Little Women, and many of your other favorite movies. Our highlight? Finding delicious empanadas from a street vendor.
Granary Burying Grounds
Head through the park to Granary Burying Grounds. Among the approximately 2,300 markers, there are stones and tombs for Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and many other patriots. This is Boston’s third oldest cemetery, founded in 1660. As you are leaving the cemetery and walking the rest of the day, you may notice a red line under your feet marking that you are on the Freedom Trail, a path that connects many of the major revolutionary locations across the city. On a trip when you have more time, it’s worth walking it in full, but in just a day you can hit some of the highlights.
Chinatown and The Boston Tea Party Museum
If you are making good time, consider walking a little bit further to Boston’s historic Chinatown. Here, you can grab some delicious eats and walk under the famed gate, gifted to Boston by Taiwan in 1982. This also positions you to walk past the Boston Tea Party Museum, located on Fort Point Channel. Their replica and reenactments bring to life the momentous event of 1773. If in a rush, it is still neat to simply see the boats and get a view of the water.
Quincy Market
For dinner, follow the red line and grab a bite at Quincy Market, also known as Faneuil Hall Market. The market first opened to the public by mayor Josiah Quincy in 1826 and received a multi-million dollar restoration in the 1970’s. It serves as a perfect place for food, shopping, and meeting up with friends. It’s one hell of a good spot to get some New England clam chowder, a must-do during your time in Boston.
Paul Revere House
Continue on the red line to the Paul Revere House. Built around 1680, this home is the oldest standing building in downtown Boston and was owned by Paul Revere from 1770-1800. You can just shout “the British are coming” as you walk by, or tour the home and see artifacts of the patriot as well as gain an understanding of what life was like for the 18th century family.
Old North Church
Make Old North Church your final historic stop. If you have followed this itinerary, you won’t be arriving to the church before 4pm so sadly you will not be able to tour the church or the crypt underneath, but keep this in mind for a trip where you have a bit more time. Regardless, as a history nut, I think it is worth seeing the starting point of Paul Revere’s ride. You will still be able to view the Church’s peaceful surroundings. Old North Memorial Gardens honor fallen soldiers of various wars.
A Nightcap
While we ran out of time, I’m a sucker for ending travel days with an adult beverage. If you are looking to keep the night going, less than a ten minute walk from the church grounds you’ll find Night Shift Brewing at LoveJoy Wharf. Grab a beer and enjoy the waterfront views of the illuminated Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, or head back toward the Beacon Hill neighborhood. Located in the Liberty Hotel, the Liberty Lobby Bar is in an elegant ninety foot rotunda. While only guests are allowed to access the seating on the catwalk, anyone can make a reservation to enjoy food or cocktails in the jail cells of Alibi or Clink.
Getting From Point A to B
This itinerary is strategically planned to make logistical sense if you are navigating the streets by foot and want to make the most of your time. Boston is beautiful and one of my favorite cities in the U.S. It’s a great place to simply walk around and absorb your surroundings, allowing you to get a true feel of the vibrant life here. 24 hours gives you a taste, but it is a trip worth expanding.
As with many major cities, parking is not easy and your trip will be significantly less stressful if you leave your car in one place. Here is the link to Boston Common Garage, where we parked on our trip. While we opted to spend the full day on our feet, the T (Boston’s above and below ground public train system) is convenient and budget friendly as well.
Other Top Posts!
Your Ultimate Trip To Kauai: Exploring the East Shore
From the logistics of hotels and rental cars to the fun stuff like beaches, rum tastings, and lighthouses, we’ve got you covered on Kauai’s East Shore!
Top 7 Things to do in Seward, Alaska: Your Epic 48-Hour Itinerary
From a glacier hike and boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, to coffee on the water and fish chowder downtown, we’ve got you covered on planning your next trip to Seward, Alaska!
Ultimate Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary (Part 3)
Through the Cairngorms to Edinburgh, let the third and final part of this Scotland 8 day travel itinerary help you start planning your next adventure today!
Ultimate Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary (Part 2)
From the Isle of Skye to Loch Ness and Inverness, let part 2 of this post help you plan the most epic Scotland 8 day travel itinerary!
Ultimate Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary (Part 1)
From Edinburgh Airport to Glencoe and the Isle of Skye, let part 1 of this post be your guide to an ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary!
Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Prague, Czech Republic
From the city’s red roofs to the walls of the “Yellow Submarine” pub, there is plenty of history to explore in Prague; medieval and modern.
