Are you planning a trip to Boston, Massachusetts? Excellent choice! As someone who’s spent the vast majority of their life (26 years) in Boston and New England, this is a local’s guide to making the most of your 2 days in Boston!
Here, we’re covering everything you need to know to spend an amazing 48 hours in Boston, Massachusetts – How to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and more!
Read on for the perfect 2 days in Boston!
Is Boston Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, YES! While many may opt to head to New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, or another larger American city, what makes Boston unique is its more quaint vibes, its beautiful harbor (or “hahhbahh”as the locals pronounce it), and it’s rich history. While Philadelphia may claim to be the city where the United States officially declared their independence from Britain, the roots of the Revolutionary War and thoughts of independence started right here.
The city also prides itself on the large number of higher education institutions that surround the city.
Apart from Revolutionary War history and a legacy of education, Boston has lots of charm and natural beauty. The Boston Harbor, the Seaport District, the Charles River, the Boston Public Garden, and Boston Common add to the unique ambience that envelops the city.
For all these reason and so much more, Boston is one of the most iconic American cities, and it is 100% worth visiting for 48 hours!
How to Get to Boston?
Flights to Boston Logan International Airport
Boston Logan Airport is a major international airport and one of the most modern airports in the country. With it being one of the oldest American cities, most major airlines have direct flights here.
Public Transportation
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation System, or better known as simply, “The T” is Boston’s subway system. If you’re looking for a true local experience, take the T! You can easily map out your desired route by going to the “T” website here.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Boston?
No. The city is easily accessible via the “T” public transportation system, or grabbing a Taxi, Uber, or Lyft. The city of Boston is not on a grid, so we wouldn’t recommend renting a car. However, if you plan on venturing outside Boston to other parts of New England, then a car is worth it.
Caution: Boston is not especially well designed for traffic. Unlike many more modern American cities, Boston was not originally built on a grid. Expect lots of traffic and pay attention if you’re renting a car. A wrong turn can easily add a good 15-20 minutes on your arrival time
Boston Hotels?
Boston has many hotel options to consider. While we’ve stayed at different Hilton and Marriott chain hotels in the city, we recently had an excellent experience at The Revolution Hotel in Boston’s South End neighborhood! We love its more local, neighborhood vibes! We also recommend looking at properties on VRBO for a more homey feel.
2 Days in Boston: Day 1
The Freedom Trail & Boston’s North End
Start your tour of Boston by taking in “The Freedom Trail.” Be sure to wear comfortable walking or running shoes, as you’ll be walking on old cobblestone for much of the trail. Learn about the fascinating history of the founding of a country and America’s fight for independence. The trail meanders through many significant sites including Boston Common, the State House, the Old South Meeting House, Fanueil Hall, Paul Revere’s house, Old North Church, the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. You’ll learn about many important figures in American History including Paul Revere, Sam Adams, & Ben Franklin.
After building up an appetite walking “The Freedom Trail,” you’ll be ready to eat. The Freedom trail ends in the adjacent city, Charlestown, where you’ll be near the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution. From here, if you’re looking for more history (with the bonus of an adult beverage and great bar food) head to one of the oldest and most historical taverns in Boston, Warren Tavern. This establishment has been around since 1780 and was famously where George Washington and Paul Revere met frequently.
Following lunch and a drink at Warren Tavern, we recommend resting and relaxing at Paul Revere Park or North Point Park. You’ll find beautiful views of the Boston Harbor and the Charles River. Marvel at the architecture behind the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, one of the massive Big Dig projects.
Once you feel adequately recovered, meander through Boston’s North End. This neighborhood is known for its excellent Italian restaurants. Your taste buds won’t regret it! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Lucca – 226 Hanover St, Boston, MA
- This restaurant is named after the Tuscan town, famous for its extra virgin olive oil. It offers many classic Italian dishes and will have you savoring every bite.
- Giacomo’s – 355 Hanover St, Boston, MA
- While this restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, we love the down-to-earth Italian family vibes. Try not to go at their peak hours, as you’ll likely have to wait for a table.
- Panza – 326 Hanover St, Boston, MA
- This cozy, intimate restaurant is perfect for couple’s looking for a romantic night out. Anything on their menu is delicious, you can’t miss!
Leave room for desert and finish off your day by visiting one of the North End’s famous Italian bakeries, either Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry. While Mike’s pastry is slightly more well known, it can get very busy and crowded. Both are excellent options and we recommend grabbing some cannolis – one just isn’t enough!
Still have some energy and looking for more Boston night life? Enjoy a Guinness while taking in some traditional Irish music at The Black Rose. This bar is open until 2 AM Thursday through Saturday. Like the Italian immigrants in the North End, the Irish immigrated long ago and have left their mark on Boston. Just look at the Boston Celtics, our storied professional basketball team. The Dubliner, and McGonagle’s Pub are two lesser known Irish establishments, but certainly worth a visit!
Looking for a map to tie everything together for this 1 day excursion? We got you covered! Check out this Google Map itinerary!
2 Days in Boston: Day 2
The South End, Back Bay, Boston Public Garden, and the Charles River
Fuel your day with a delectable brunch at Beehive Restaurant located in Boston’s South End. On weekends, you can experience live jazz, and we recommend their Bloody Mary with your meal. Beehive has a unique Bohemian vibe, which provides a nice change up from your more traditional North End Boston restaurants.
Following food, drink, and live jazz music at Beehive, use your newfound energy and take a 15 minute walk to the Prudential Center, where you can book one of the best tourist attractions in town, the Boston Duck Tour! The Boston Duck Tour is a one-of-a-kind experience where you’ll learn more about the history of Boston and take in the city’s many historical sites. Best of all, the amphibious Duck boats allow you to view Boston not just by land, but from the Charles River as well!
Once your duck tour has concluded and you’ve arrived back at the Prudential Center, it’s time to head on over to the magnificent Boston Public Library. This library is a breathtaking piece of architecture. In a city that is known for its density of excellent universities, a visit to the public library in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood is essential.
Around this neighborhood, you’ll also find Trinity Church and the Boston Marathon Finish line.
Trinity Church is a symbol of Boston’s large Catholic population, as many citizens can trace their ethnic origins back to largely Catholic countries like Ireland and Italy.
The Boston Marathon finish line is a unique athletic landmark. The event falls on Patriots Day each year, and runners from around the world come to compete.
Feeling inspired after visiting the library and looking to get your literature fix? Visit the Trident bookstore. This quaint bookstore is conveniently located very close to the library and has the perfect café to match.
Had enough of tours, libraries and information overload? No worries. On your way over to Boston Public Garden, stop by Parish Cafe & Bar. Every sandwich on the menu is delicious! They also have an excellent beer selection. This is the perfect spot to reenergize before taking a refreshing stroll and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Boston’s Public Garden and Boston Common.
The Public Garden and Boston Common are perhaps the most iconic and picturesque areas of the city. Boston Common is America’s oldest park and was established in 1634. The park is full of rich American history including where the British trained their forces during the American Revolution. It also has been the site of political events including historic Civil Rights protests. Notably, Pope John Paul II gave mass there in 1979 as well.
In the park, take time to find “Make way for Ducklings!” This statue is a heartfelt nod to the extremely popular 1941 children’s book by Robert McCloskey. Warning: risk of cuteness overload
Next door to Boston Common is The Public Garden. It was established in 1839 and is America’s first public botanical garden. This is the ideal place to relax in peace and serenity, surrounded by many varieties of flowers and stunning arrangements. You’ll also find the remarkable George Washington Statue, a salute to America’s top general during the Revolutionary War and 1st President of the United States. This is the largest bronze statue in Boston at 38 feet high. In addition, there is a 9/11 Garden of Remembrance, a memorial dedicated to the many New England lives lost during the brutal attacks that day.
Lastly, be sure to take a ride on the Swan Boats! This 15-minute ride around the Swan Boat Lagoon is the ideal way to conclude quality time in the park.
If your feet aren’t exhausted yet, we highly recommend a 6 minute walk to the Esplanade Playground. This is a wonderful area for kids to play. If you don’t have kids, traveling as a couple, or riding solo, use the playground as the starting point for a stroll down the Charles River waterfront and pass over the pedestrian friendly Harvard Bridge. This stretch of trail is also ideal for a light jog, or just to let your mind rest while taking in the beauty of the Charles River and the city skyline.
Speaking of colleges, a trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without venturing out to it’s neighboring city (Cambridge) and visiting Harvard University. Obviously one can take an Uber/Lyft, but we highly recommend local transportation via the T! This link provides options to either hop on the bus, or walk to the Kendall/MIT transportation Red Line stop. Take Kendall/MIT to Harvard.
Before heading to Harvard Yard, stop by Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage to indulge in some of the best burgers around. This no-frills college burger joint isn’t fancy, but their food is mouth-watering!
Want to simplify your travel plans? Use this Google Maps Day 2 excursion link to hit all the major landmarks previously mentioned.
We hope you enjoyed this post all about 2 Days in Boston!
Looking for an ideal hotel to add to your Boston experience? Check out our review of the Revolution Hotel located in Boston’s South End neighborhood!
Searching for more activities to fill your time while in Boston? Check out our post on 9 fun activities to do around Boston!
