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Public Transportation in Boston

Getting Around Boston: MBTA "T" Subway System

Navigating the MBTA "T" Subway System and More

Elijah-Lovkoff/Getty Images

One of the most daunting parts of visiting Boston for the first time is figuring out how to navigate the city’s public transportation: the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s (MBTA) subway and bus system, commonly known as the “T.” However, once you get a lay of the land and try it out a few times, you’ll likely find that it’s an easier — and more affordable — way to get around. Parking can be hard to come by, so you’ll be happy not having a car if you plan on staying in the city.

How to Ride Boston’s T (Subway and Busses)

The T is the United States’ oldest subway system, which started running back in 1897. It’s not particularly nice, but it will conveniently get you from one point to another within the city so you can see even more than you could by foot (though Boston is a walkable city). It also comes in handy during winter months when walking isn’t enjoyable.

• Fares : A single ride CharlieTicket for the bus is $2 and the subway is $2.75. However, you’ll save on each ride if you load money onto a CharlieCard (for example, save 50 cents per ride on the train). Do some research and determine if it make sense to purchase a 7-day unlimited pass, which you can use on both the trains and busses. There are also monthly passes available if you’re in town for an extended stay. Children under 11 who are with an adult ride for free, along with military personnel, police officers, firefighters and government officials. Reduced fares are available to students and seniors.
• Types of Passes: There are two types of passes and the best option for you depends on how often you’ll be riding the T, along with the modes of public transportation you want to take. First is the CharlieCard, which is ideal for those that plan on taking the bus and/or train frequently and will give you discounted one-way fares. Oftentimes a CharlieTicket is best for visitors, as they can be bought at any train station and loaded with cash or passes as you need them. While you won’t get discounts this way, they’re also valid on the Commuter Rail and Ferry and will allow you to ensure you aren’t spending more than you need on public transportation.
• Hours of Operation: Hours will vary depending on the line and station you plan on traveling on, but for the most part, you’ll find that the T runs from 5 a.m. to somewhere between midnight and 1 a.m. Don’t wait until it’s getting close to 1 a.m. to head to the train or bus though — that’s recipe for missing the last one from your station. Boston bars typically stay open until 2 a.m., so if you plan on staying out until they close, you’ll need to take an Uber, Lyft or taxi home.
• Subway Lines: The T consists of five separate lines, each of which connects at several locations within the city. The Green Line began as America’s first underground subway system in 1897. Today, the line consists of four separate branches (be sure to get on the right one). The other lines are the Red Line, Blue Line, Orange Line and Silver Line. The main stations that you can connect from one line to another are North and South Stations, as well as stops like Park Street and Downtown Crossing.

Map out your travels using the MBTA trip planner website , which will help you determine the best options for trip, as well as real-time departure and arrival information.

Where and How to Buy Passes for the Boston MBTA Trains & Busses

There are lots of ways to pay for your MBTA train and bus passes, most of which can be purchased online or at MBTA train stations throughout the city. These are the places you can purchase them, including which options accept cash:

• Fare vending machines: Fare vending machines can be found at all subway stations, as well as at the Lynn and Worcester/Union Commuter Rail stations. Here you can buy or renew CharlieTickets and CharlieCards, including 1-day, 7-day, cash value and monthly passes. These machines accept cash and major credit and debit cards, though keep in mind that some will be marked as not accepting cash.
• Retail sales locations: There are select stores in the Boston area and even Providence, RI where you can purchase a CharlieCard and add cash value or a pass to it or add to an existing CharlieCard or CharlieTicket if you already have one. Plan ahead and find a retail store closest to you . These locations accept cash or credit/debit cards.
• Online: If you already have a CharlieCard or order one ahead of your Boston trip, you can register for a MyCharlie account and easily add cash value or passes online. This can also come in handy because it protects you if you happen to lose your card somewhere along the way. Sign up for MyCharlie here — or you can load money onto an existing card here without logging in .
• At street-level stops along the Green Line or Mattapan Trolley: If you’re riding either of these lines, you can add up to $20 cash value on your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket right onboard at these street-level trolley stops. Note that this option does not apply to 1-day, 7-day or monthly passes. To pay at a street-level stop, you’ll need to use cash or coins.

Other Transit Options

• Airport Transit : There are two free MBTA options to get from Logan Airport to Boston. First, take the MBTA Silver Line SL1 Bus, which will go to South Station, which connects to the Red Line, Commuter Rail and several busses. Or you can opt for the Blue Line via a free Massport shuttle bus, which will take you right from the airport terminal to Airport Station on the Blue Line. Alternatively, there is a scenic water taxi that will take you to various destinations along the waterfront, but it’s not the easiest option if you’re traveling with luggage.
• Ferries : The MBTA has two ferry lines that travel to Boston, including the Charlestown Ferry and the Hingham/Hull Ferry, both of which are popular among commuters who live in these areas. Both go to Boston’s Long Wharf, which is easily accessible to many of the city’s hotels and attractions. If you’re looking to visit Boston area beaches, you may want to use the Hingham/Hull Ferry to get to South Shore towns.
• Commuter Rails to Nearby Suburbs: If you’re not renting a car, the Commuter Rails are a great way to get to Boston area suburbs. There are several lines to choose from that will take you in any direction. Rates will depend on where you are traveling to, as they are priced by zone.
• Ubers, Lyfts and Taxis: It should come as no surprise that there is an abundance of Ubers, Lyfts and taxis in the city of Boston. Ride-sharing services are oftentimes more affordable than taxis, though some prefer the convenience of picking up a taxi at a designated taxi stand.
• Bike Sharing: An increasingly popular way to get around Boston is through the city’s Blue Bikes bike share program . There are over 1,800 bikes at 200 stations throughout the city and it’s easy to use – simply become a member online, buy a pass from the app or a kiosk and pick up a bike in a location that’s convenient to you. When you’re done, find a drop-off location, check it in and you’re good to go.
• Car rentals: Car rentals are certainly available in Boston, especially by Logan Airport , but think about if you’ll truly need one before you book. Most Boston neighborhoods lack ample parking, especially without a resident sticker, so you may end up paying a good amount of money to park it. There are plenty of other ways to get around the city without a car. If you plan on spending a decent amount of time outside the city, then a car rental may be necessary. But you could also explore services like ZipCar to use one for a day, for example, which may offer cost savings.

Tips for Getting Around Boston

• Winter weather causes delays. Bad weather — especially snow — typically impacts public transportation, so plan for delays and resulting crowds. Unfortunately, this is due to the MBTA’s old infrastructure in many cases.
• Apps will help predict timing, especially for busses. The MBTA has gotten much better about providing riders with real-time updates on wait times for the trains, but apps can also be helpful. There is an MBTA-endorsed Transit App , as well as others that riders find helpful like the MBTA Bus app.
• Hours of operation end between midnight and 1 a.m. Don’t wait until 1 a.m. to catch the last train or bus — you’ll likely miss it.
• Taking the T can help avoid traffic. With the exception of the Green Line, which is above-ground for much of its path, the T is underground, helping you avoid traffic during peak hours.
• Avoid renting a car unless you plan to leave the city.  You'll find it's both easier and more affordable, as public city parking can be hard to come by and expensive.
• Plan ahead to determine if your best bet is public transportation, walking or Uber/taxi. Google Maps comes in handy here, as you can play out your options to determine which will be faster. It really depends on where you are going and what day of the week or time you’re traveling.
• Think through the best MBTA pass to ensure you get the best cost savings. As mentioned earlier, this depends on how often you’ll be using public transportation, as well as what you plan to see while you’re in town and the number of days you’re visiting for.
• Compared to other major cities, the T is affordable. Keep that in mind if you’re used to NYC fares, for example. Again, do the math before deciding how to get around the city.
• Pay attention to inbound vs. outbound when taking the T. It’s easy to get caught riding in the wrong direction if you don’t look at the map and enter the station on the correct side.

Park on the Mass Pike and Take the T Into Boston

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Beyond Boston

10 day trips from boston by train—local’s guide.

The nice thing about Boston is that you don’t need a car to go to some pretty cool places. This is all thanks to the Commuter Rail, which will take you to many towns within a couple hours of the city. As the name suggests, the train is mainly for commuters, but it also runs on the weekends.

After living in Boston for a few years, I’ve done some decent exploring of the area and want to share my favorite day trips for those looking for a short getaway.

These day trips range from cities to seaside villages to the countryside. They’re fitting for really any traveler—solo travelers, couples, friends, and families.

This post was written in 2019 and has been updated for 2023.

Table of Contents

How to Get to These Boston Day/Weekend Trips

All of these trips are accessible by the Commuter Rail, on different lines. I’ll be sure to specify which line and direction to take, and which station to leave from. You can always check up-to-date schedules on the  Commuter Rail site .

I highly recommend going on the weekend, as you can use the $10 unlimited Weekend Pass, cutting your transportation costs in half. Otherwise, most of these tickets cost around $20 roundtrip. With the Weekend Pass, you can take as many trips as you want for $10. You could even do one day trip on Saturday, and one on Sunday, if you’re feeling especially motivated 🙂

To be extra prepared, you can download the MBTA mTicket app, where you can purchase your tickets on your phone. You can also buy tickets on the train, but you’ll need to pay cash, and it may be more expensive (it’s unclear if Weekend Passes can be purchased on board). I’ve always used the app, and it’s super convenient.

Day Trips from Boston Without a Car

Note that this post contains affiliate links, meaning that I earn a small commission on any bookings you complete. This doesn’t cost you any extra, and it’s a great way to support my blog.

1. Providence, RI

How to get there:  take the Providence/Stoughton line towards Wickford Junction Train station in Boston:  South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles Distance:  1 hour

While the rest of these destinations are in Massachusetts, one of my favorite day trips is actually in Rhode Island. Being from the Midwest, I always found it mind-boggling that you could drive an hour in the Northeast, and end up in a different state!

Providence is just an hour from Boston by train, and it’s a charming riverfront city. With a population of under 180,000, Providence is highly-walkable, but be prepared for some hills!

Here are some top things to do in Providence:

Wander through the prettiest little library, the Providence Athenaeum . This library basically screams “insta-worthy.” It’s full of cozy reading corners and study spaces; you’ll probably spot some Brown University students, who are known for frequenting the Athenaeum. The best part is that visiting is free to the public—you even can bring dogs inside!

After visiting the Athenaeum,  take a stroll along Benefit Street  (right in front of the Athenaeum). This street is known for its lovely houses. You can also  walk around the campus grounds of Ivy League school Brown , which is just up the hill.

One of the most famous Providence attractions is  WaterFire . There are many braziers along the river, which are basically metal containers used to burn firewood. WaterFire is an evening event where all these braziers are lit up. It’s a bit of a strange experience, and feels kind of creepy at times (almost like a satanic ritual haha). The music was spooky, and the people lighting the fires are often dressed in all black. Regardless, the riverfront is especially beautiful with the light of the fire. The event also brings together community vendors, residents, and tourists. In typical years, WaterFire is scheduled about every other Saturday from late May to early November.

Active travelers will appreciate the East Bay Bike Path,  which also offers views of the city and riverfront. You could rent a bike, or go on a run.

Finally,  if you’re looking for a delicious vegan meal, check out Veggie Fun . It sounds like a sketchy restaurant, but the food is well-balanced, it’s conveniently located downtown, and the setting is modern. The seitan spareribs are so savory and filling, and I highly recommend them!

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  historic apartment near Brown and RISD , or if you’re feeling extra adventurous,  this yacht in a private marina .

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport or Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  30 minutes

Salem is notorious as the  location of the 17th century Salem Witch Trials.  Nowadays, the small town really plays up this haunted/witchy reputation, and there are countless witch museums, haunted houses, dungeons, and witch souvenir shops. You can even take a ghost tour . I’m not a huge fan of “haunted” things, so I have a whole guide on  non-witchy things to do in Salem .

I do think the history of the witch trials is important to learn and understand, so if you haven’t been to the  Salem Witch Museum , you might want to visit. The exhibits are educational, rather than spooky.

My absolute favorite thing to do in Salem is  go to the Salem Willows Park and Arcade,  which is on a little peninsula about 1.5 miles from the town center. You can play classic games like Skee ball, coin pusher, air hockey, and Deal or No Deal.

At the park, you’ll also find plenty of vendors selling comfort food, like ice cream, pizza, fries, and Chinese takeout. You can stroll along the marina, have a picnic, and watch the sunset.

In the town center, there’s no shortage of cute shops and restaurants though. I personally love the stores  Oak + Moss  (pictured above) and  Mark Your Spot —they’re incredibly aesthetic. For vegan-friendly pizza in a fun, retro setting, I recommend  Flying Saucer Pizza Company . It’s a little pricey, but the portions are massive!

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  historic cottage near the town center .

3. Gloucester

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 15 minutes

Gloucester is a small seaside town best known for its beaches, whale watching expeditions, fishing, and seafood.

Some popular beaches include:

• Wingaersheek Beach
• Good Harbor Beach
• Half Moon Beach
• Niles Beach

All of these beaches are at least couple miles from the town center, so expect a longer walk, or be ready to take an Uber/Lyft. Some, like Wingaersheek and Niles, offer residents-only parking on certain days—if you’re driving, be sure to double-check. Even if there is public parking, you may have to pay $30+ per car!

I’ve only been to Wingaersheek, and I especially liked it for its exposed rocks at low tide.  The rocks would create little pockets of water which were fun to wade in, and you could also spy the minnows darting around. The tide changes daily, so  check tide reports  if you want to visit at low tide.

After swimming and wading at Wingaersheek, we walked to  Jones Salt Marsh , which was about a mile away. The marsh is a popular boating and fishing destination, but it’s also just a lovely place to watch the sunset.

Many people come to Gloucester to whale watch,  as it’s conveniently located between two feeding grounds. I went on a trip a couple years ago, and it was really cool to see the whales in their natural habitat. If you do go, be sure to choose a responsible operator with a naturalist on board, such as 7 Seas Whale Watch .

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  beach house  that’s only a short walk to Good Harbor or  this apartment  with a great porch view of the harbor.

4. Newburyport

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 10 minutes

Newburyport is a charming, historic city right next to the ocean. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture take you back to another era.

You can walk and relax along the Waterfront Park , which has benches and shade. After that, walk down State Street and Water Street for local shops and cafes.

Newburyport seemed to be committed to sustainability, as there were many low-waste, Fair Trade, and vegan-friendly places.

I really liked Green House Goods , which was full of zero waste goodies. There was also Sea Bags, which had totes made from used sails.

For food, I had a vegan bowl and cookie at NU Kitchen . The bowl was good and filling, but the cookie was gluten-free so it wasn’t as chewy as I wanted. If you like coffee, Plum Island Coffee has Fair Trade roasts.

For some beautiful colonial architecture, make sure to stroll down Inn Street .

Finally, Plum Island is a popular beach destination. I didn’t find the beach particularly impressive (the water was also super cold and brown), but the area seemed quite lovely and it might be worth going to a different part of the beach (I went to the northernmost point). There’s no public transport here, so you’ll have to take an Uber or rent a bike.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? Check out this charming 1789 home .

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  50 minutes

Ipswich is another seaside town best-known for its beaches, farms, and history . The Commuter Rail takes you to the town, and from there, you can explore on foot or take the Ipswich Explorer shuttle .

The Ipswich Explorer costs $1.50 one-way and you can pay via your CharlieCard or in exact change.

The Crane Beach route of the shuttle takes you to to the following places:

• Crane Beach —beautiful, white-sand beach with a concession stand and bathrooms. The walk-on fee is $2 (which is much better than the $40 parking fee).
• Russell Orchards —farm with seasonal fruit picking, animals, and local goals for sale.
• Wolf Hollow —gray wolf sanctuary

There is also an Essex route that will take you to:

• Essex Shipbuilding Museum
• Famous seafood restaurants like Woodman’s
• River cruises and antique shops

The town itself is also quaint and has lovely restaurants and shops. In particular, I liked Sandpiper Bakery , which had a refreshing tofu sandwich and tempting pastries.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? Stay in this modern home near the beach .

6. Rockport

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 30 minutes

Rockport is another seaside village, and it’s just a hop away from Gloucester. You get a totally different vibe from this town though—it feels like more of an artisan’s community. Rockport is perhaps best known for its independent art galleries and local goods. One of the most famous shops is  The Pewter Shop , which offers products made by artists in Boston. The exterior of the shop is a popular photo op, with its red siding and bright blue door.

If you like sweets, you’ll want to stop by  The Ice Cream Store , which has another Instagram-famous façade. There are unfortunately no vegan flavors, but there is shaved ice that should be dairy-free (there are  plenty of vegan ice cream spots in Boston  anyways). There’s also the  Rockport Fudgery , with a lovely pastel storefront.

After walking past all the adorable shops, you’ll find yourself at  Bearskin Neck, a rock-covered peninsula . There’s not much to do there, but there are a couple cafes overlooking the water.

Unlike Gloucester, Rockport isn’t known for its beaches, but there is  Front Beach  just a short walk from the shopping district. On the way there, you might stop by  Bullseye Books—Flyboys,  which offers vintage books; along with the old-time music, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 70s.

Finally, it’s not a trip to Rockport without taking a photo of  Motif No. 1 , a red fishing shack that is reportedly the most-painted building in the world. With the ships in the marina, the fishing shack makes for a lovely seaside scene.

I also want to add that the best time to visit Rockport is in the summer, followed by the spring and fall. In the winter, many shops and restaurants are closed, though you can still find some things to do (I went in January). Just a heads up for y’all!

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  cottage near the town center  or this  quaint beach cottage .

7. Plymouth

How to get there:  take the Kingston line towards Kingston  (NOTE: the Plymouth stop was unfortunately suspended in April 2021 and may not be reinstated . You can, however, take an Uber/Lyft from Kingston for the remaining 5 miles).

Train station in Boston:  South Station Distance:  1 hour 30 minutes

You’ve probably heard of Plymouth (also spelled “Plimouth”) from your elementary school history lessons on the Pilgrims. This town is known as being the first landing spot of these English settlers.

For your local history fix, visit the  Plimouth Plantation.  There, you’ll find a  living history exhibit—the Wampanoag Homesite.  There, you’ll be able to see typical 17th-century Wampanoag homes, and Native employees practicing traditional skills like belt weaving. The  Plimouth Plantation website  has a section for how to interact with the Native People in a culturally respectful way.

In a similar vein, you’ll be able to visit a  17th-century living history English settlement.  There will be “Pilgrims” going about their daily lives in historical costumes, and you can speak to these employees to learn more about life as a settler.

Tickets to Plimouth Plantation are a little pricey, but you can also buy a combination ticket that will grant you entry to the  Mayflower II  and  Plimouth Grist Mill . The Mayflower II is a replica of the original Pilgrims’ ship, and the Grist Mill is a reproduction of a 17th-century, water-powered mill.

Before leaving town, take a gander at the original Plymouth Rock. It’s nothing special—it’s literally a small rock with 1620 engraved on it—but it’s kind of cool to see the landing site of the Pilgrims.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?   Search for available hotels in Plymouth .

8. Manchester-by-the-Sea

How to get there: take the Newbury/Rockport line towards Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  50 minutes

Manchester-by-the-Sea is a small, seaside town that was the filming location of the eponymous movie.

The biggest draw of Manchester-by-the-Sea is Singing Beach , a beach that gets its name from the unique sand that creates squeaking sounds when you step on it with enough force (you kind of have to give it a kick while stepping). The beach is unique not only for its sand, but its otherworldly feel. The rocks and trees that line the beach aren’t typical of New England shorelines; in fact, the rocks reminded me of a beach in Montenegro.

The beach is a 20-minute walk from the Commuter Rail station, and the walk-on fee is $10 per person. It’s actually much more convenient to take the Commuter Rail into Manchester-by-the-Sea to go to the beach, as beach parking is expensive and sometimes only open to residents.

The town itself doesn’t have much to offer, besides a few restaurants and a grocery store, but it’s charming. Plus, it’s convenient to grab some snacks on your way to the beach.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? Stay in this historic apartment in the town center.

9. Wachusett Mountain

How to get there:  take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusett; requires a 10ish minute Uber ride from the Wachusett stop, though there are free weekend morning shuttles during ski season (also some Wednesday afternoons)

Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 40 minutes

Waschusett Mountain is probably best-known for its  skiing , but the area offers outdoor activities in all seasons. In warmer months, you can go  hiking  on the mountain, or go  kayaking  in the nearby lakes.

The area is quite rural, so getting around without a car is a little trickier. I’d recommend taking an Uber/Lyft to the mountain from the train station, and then walking around the countryside the rest of the day.

If you time your trip right, you might also be able to catch one of the many festivals on the mountain, featuring great eats and live music. Some popular events include Oktoberfest, Applefest, and Boofest.

I think Wachusett Mountain is probably more fitting for a weekend getaway than a day trip; there’s not a lot to do outside of the mountain, so it’s really a place to unwind. There are also so many cute apartment rentals!

If you’re looking for more places to stay,  you might check out this  house near a lake . Or, you might like this large  lake house with canoes and a grill .

How to get there:  take Lowell line Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  40 minutes

Lowell is a sleepy former industrial town. Its old manufacturing sites were actually turned into the Lowell National Historical Park . You can walk along the canals (or take a boat ride) and visit the water-powered mills and learn about the Industrial Revolution.

Another way Lowell is distinctive is its high Cambodian population, which is the second-largest in the US. In some parts of town, it feels like you’re walking through a different country, thanks to the Southeast Asian grocery shops and locals playing traditional Cambodian games in the parks. If you like Southeast Asian food , you won’t be disappointed. I ate at Simply Khmer and found it good.

Other popular attractions include Mill No. 5 , which is an indoor streetscape with historic storefronts; nowadays the stores range from sweets shops to art stores. In a similar vein, if you like record shops, there are three within a few blocks of each other.

Finally, if you’re a distance runner, you may want to check out the Baystate Marathon and Half Marathon in October. It’s known as a fast and flat course, and I did the half in 2021 and found it well-organized.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? The UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center is well-located.

Map of These Boston Day Trips by Train

Here’s a map of these day trips so you can situate where they are and potentially plan a couple stops in one day.

I hope you learned about some new places to check out! If you know of other Boston day trips by train, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

You might also like these posts: Berkshires Travel Guide: An Outdoorsy Weekend Itinerary Best Hikes in Maine’s Acadia National Park

16 thoughts on “ 10 Day Trips from Boston by Train—Local’s Guide ”

wonderful. just what we were looking for, as we are planning a trip to Boston, without a car, and wanted some side-trip options. this is perfect. thank you

So happy it could help!

This was very helpful. Thank you for putting it together.

Where is the best to stay in Boston to be closest to the trains?

You’ll want to be close to North Station or South Station, depending on the places you want to go (different routes start at different stations).

Thank you for the suggestions. I travelled out to Providence and had a great day based on your suggestions.

I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you for letting me know 🙂

Thank you for the information. It was very interesting. We are planning on visiting May 2023

Glad it could help! I hope you enjoy your trip!

I want to go May of 2023 also, I am in need of cost friendly rooms but also want to be near train station and downtown if that’s possible. Help this weary traveler.

Have you seen my post on where to stay in Boston? It may help! https://roamingboston.com/where-to-stay-in-boston/

Wow, this is an amazing post! Thanks to you, I think I’ve just stumbled upon my new favourite library – the Providence Athenaeum. I would love to explore the Athenæum’s storied history, beautiful collections, and Greek Revival building as well as pick up a book or two written by Edgar Allen Poe. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Thanks for the great post! I’m planning a trip to Boston soon and this was really helpful. I’m looking forward to taking some of these day trips by train.

What is the easiest way to get from the airport to the north station? We’re spending our first night in Salem after we arrive.

I would recommend taking the Silver Line to South Station and then taking the Orange Line to North Station from there. If you put it into Google Maps, you’ll get real time info on schedules. You can also take an Uber/Lyft. Enjoy Salem!

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A Perfect Weekend in Boston | Itinerary + Guide

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: September 26, 2023

Up until recently, Boston was my favorite city that I’d never been to. Before I ever stepped foot in the city, I just had a feeling I’d love it there. We recently went to Boston for a long weekend, and I was pleased to have my suspicions confirmed. I loved it. If you too want to make your Boston dreams a reality, this is the post for you.

Follow along as we plan a perfect weekend trip to Boston, Massachusetts.

In This Post

• Getting to and Getting Around Boston

Where to Stay in Boston

• When to Go to Boston & How Long to Stay

Boston Weekend Itinerary

• Boston Walking Routes & Map

Other Things to do in Boston

How to get to boston.

If you’re coming from the Northeast, the train is a great option. We take Amtrak often and find that it’s usually on time and often very convenient. Amtrak has three routes with daily service to Boston.

• Northeast Regional: This train runs between Boston and Virginia. It makes stops in New Haven, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and many other cities along the way. The route separates near Alexandria and goes toward Roanoke or Norfolk.
• Acela: This train runs between Boston and Washington DC. It is a nicer train with Business and First Class only. It’s also a little faster and makes fewer stops than the Northeast Regional.
• Downeaster: This train runs between Boston and Brunswick, ME, stopping at 10 cities along the coast in between.

There are three Amtrak stations in Boston. The Northeast Regional and Acela trains stop at both South Station and Back Bay. South Station is the start of the line. If you’re traveling with a group in Coach on the Northeast Regional, I’d recommend traveling out of South Station. Since Coach is open seating, this gives you the best chance at finding seats together. The Downeaster trains stop at the North Station.

If you’re regional but not on a train line, driving is also an option. Boston isn’t the worst city to have a car. However, parking is expensive and not always available and/or complimentary at all hotels.

And finally, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport if you’re coming from further away. There is no Metro station at the airport. Instead, there are frequent buses that run between the terminals and the Blue Line station. Even with the connection, this might still be the fastest option. Traffic around Boston Logan can be brutal.

Getting Around Boston

Boston has a decent Metro system that comprises both trains and trams, plus a wider web of bus routes. We found the trains and trams ran pretty frequently, but they didn’t have many cars and were often very crowded.

The Boston Metro does not have tap-to-pay gates. To board, you need to first purchase a ticket or transit card before you board. There are ticket kiosks at all stations. You can buy a one-way fare, load money onto a transit card (CharlieCard) or purchase an unlimited ride pass (CharlieTicket). Buses in Boston accept all of those ticket types, plus cash.

Central Boston is also pretty small (Fenway to the North End is only 3 miles). If you’re willing and able to walk, you can cover a lot of ground on foot. In fact, we often found that the Metro took just about as long as walking. The streets in Central Boston are a bit windy — we definitely missed Chicago’s grid system a few times. That makes them tricky to navigate, but it also means you can take slightly different routes each time.

The first thing to know when it comes to hotels in Boston is that they are expensive — and some are really expensive. Regardless of the season or day, it’s tough to find a hotel room for under $200 a night. Most hotels are going to be closer to the $250-$300 a night mark, with luxury hotels easily double that.

So once you’ve swallowed that pill, it’s time to pick your poison. Here’s a look at the best neighborhoods to stay in Boston and what hotels we recommend in each.

• Downtown: This is the business district, which is centrally located between Boston Common and the North End. It has the highest concentration of hotels. It’s busy during the week and pretty quiet on the weekend. We recommend The Langham (luxury) and Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall (midrange).
• Back Bay: This upscale neighborhood is bustling all the time, particularly on nights and weekends. It has a great food scene and lots of shops nearby. It’s easily walkable to Fenway and Public Garden/Boston Common. We recommend The Lenox (luxury) and Courtyard Marriott Copley Square (midrange)
• Beacon Hill: This little pocket of town is charming as can be, but it’s a bit of a Metro desert. It’s not the best location for getting around to the rest of Boston. Stay here on your second visit when you plan to cozy up in Beacon Hill your whole stay. We recommend The Whitney Hotel (luxury) and Beacon Hill Hotel (midrange).
• Seaport: For a nautical New England vibe, head to this waterfront area on the south side of town. It is a bit trendier, has a lot of great views, and is close to its own set of activities. We recommend The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection (luxury) and Hyatt Place Seaport District (midrange).
• Fenway-Kenmroe: This is the area around Fenway Park. It is obviously a good pick if you’re just in town for a Red Sox game. There’s plenty of good restaurants and great parks nearby, too. We recommend The Verb Hotel or Residence Inn Back Bay/Fenway (both usually midrange, but expensive on game days).

We personally stayed in Downtown Boston at The Langham. The hotel was great, and it was a perfect location for our plans. The only thing we didn’t love was that several of the restaurants in the area were closed on weekends. Next time, I think we’d like to stay in Back Bay.

When to go to Boston

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to picking the best time to visit Boston.

First, there’s the weather. Boston has four distinct seasons with warm summers, cold winters, and consistent precipitation throughout the year. If you’re planning a lot of outdoor activities (like the Freedom Trail and parks), this matters a lot. We walked the Freedom Train when it was 85°F and sunny, and it was not fun. I assume it’s also not fun at 20°F.

The seasons also impact how the city looks and the activities that are available. In the fall, you might want to spend all of your time leaf peeping, taking colorful strolls through Public Garden and the esplanade. Christmastime will mean festive storefronts on Newbury Streets, Beacon Hill homes draped in garland and ice skating in Boston Common.

You also should plan for the specific things you want to do. Check the Red Sox schedule if you want to guarantee a game at Fenway. If you want to stay at a boutique hotel (like the Newbury Guesthouse), be sure to check their availability. Boston also has a handful of festivals you might want to plan around, like the Boston Seafood Festival in September or St. Anthony’s Feast in the North End in August.

Finally, think about the day(s) of the week you’ll be visiting and how that impacts your plans. For example, the business district downtown can be pretty dead on weekends and many restaurants are closed. If you do the Freedom Trail on a Sunday morning, you might not be able to go inside the churches. Tours of the Massachusetts State House are only available Monday – Friday.

So when is the best time to go to Boston? Personally, I’d recommend late spring (May-June) if you want to see a Red Sox game or peak fall (October) if you don’t care about baseball.

A visit to Fenway can really anchor a trip and is absolutely worth planning around. Late spring/early summer will give you the best shot at a game with good weather. Fall in Boston looks like an absolute dream. I planned a fall trip that we had to cancel last minute. Now that I’ve seen Boston in the summer, I’m even more confident that Boston in the fall would be perfect.

I would avoid summer if you are interested in the Freedom Trial, because the long outdoor walks are no fun in the heat. Christmas in Boston looks lovely, but any chance of snow can make travel plans flimsy and stressful. So for that reason, I’d avoid winter too.

How Long to Stay in Boston

A long weekend in Boston is pretty perfect. Ideally, you want to have at least two full days. If you have an extra half day on either of your travel days, that’s even better. That will give you just enough time to get a taste of the city and check off some of your must-dos. You won’t have time to do it all, but it’s a good excuse to plan another trip during a different season.

If this is your only trip to Boston in the foreseeable future and you want to get the most out of it, I’d suggest giving yourself at least 4 full days. With that much time, you could easily spend a day on the Freedom Trail, explore several different neighborhoods, make it to a Red Sox game (if in town) and visit a few museums.

In these next few sections, we’ll walk through our Boston weekend itinerary. We’ll narrate our specific experience, while also providing tips and recommendations based on what we learned. Before we get into the specifics, here are a few things to note about this itinerary.

We traveled from New York City to Boston on a Friday morning and left Monday morning. That gave us 2.5 days to explore the city. We were traveling with an almost-3-year-old, so our schedule includes nap times (most days) and early bed times. Our trip was in mid-July in the middle of a record heat wave and the Red Sox were in town. We stayed Downtown at The Langham.

And a final disclaimer, this itinerary calls for quite a bit of walking. Boston does have a Metro, but it didn’t always connect the places we needed to go. In many cases, the Metro was only a few minutes faster than walking, so we chose to walk.

Our NYC toddler is a great walker, so this worked out for us. If you are traveling with a child who can’t walk that far, be sure to bring a baby carrier or stroller. Strollers are generally fine around most of Boston, but they won’t fare as well on the cobble stones of Beacon Hill or the narrow sidewalks of Newberry Street. Instead, we highly recommend baby wearing for trips like this .

Without any further ado, let’s get this itinerary!

Arrival Day – Back Bay

We arrived in Boston by train around 1 PM and then made a quick 10-minute walk to our hotel (The Langham, Downtown Boston.) We checked in and our room was ready. They immediately sent housekeeping to our room to make up the sofa bed, so our toddler was napping shortly before 2 PM.

With a good 2-hour nap under our belt, we set off for Back Bay. We took the Green Line Metro (C or D lines work) to Hynes Convention Center Station, ready to walk Newbury Street from west to east.

Back Bay is a high-end shopping and dining district with several residential streets and office buildings mixed in. It’s a charming neighborhood with rows of brownstone homes, which give the area it’s distinctive look.

The heart of Back Bay is Newbury Street between Massachusetts Ave and Public Garden. The west end has more affordable shopping and the highest concentration of restaurants and the east end has the designer shopping.

I absolutely loved Back Bay. Unfortunately, our toddler was being a bit of a terror that day. (What is it about travel days that just turns children into gremlins?) We didn’t get to spend nearly as much time here as I would have liked, so it will definitely be on my itinerary next time we visit.

Things to see & do in Back Bay

• Newbury Comics: Their comic collection actually leaves much to be desired, but they have some great apparel, toys and gift-y items.
• Trident Booksellers & Cafe: Lovely bookstore, but I don’t recommend eating here when there are countless better options just down the street.
• Boston Public Library: This historical public library is free and open to the public. It’s a beautiful building that’s worth visiting even without a library card.
• Emack & Bolio’s : Yes, this is a chain, but it originated not far away in Brookline, MA so it still feels a bit local. It’s also delicious.
• Dirty Water Dough Company : Easy dinner option with outdoor seating and clever pizza combinations (including a vegan option).
• Buttermilk & Bourbon: Higher end dining option for southern food and seafood.
• Clarendon Street Playground: If you have kids, this is a good detour.
• Copley Square & Trinity Church : This entire area was under construction in summer 2023, but it’s worth noting for a future visit. Old South Church is also over here and very pretty.
• Commonwealth Ave Mall: If you’re making a loop through Back Bay, walk one direction down Newbury Street and the other down the mall. This walk would be extra pretty in the fall.
• Charles River Esplanade : This narrow park along the water has paved paths for running or walking, a playground, kayaking in the lagoon, and more. Great views, too.

Newbury Street ends at Public Garden, which borders Boston Common. Though not actually a part of Back Bay, these parks are a great place to relax before or after a stroll down Newbury Street. We walked through both on our way back to our hotel.

Day 1: Beacon Hill & Fenway

If you had one day in Boston, I would follow this itinerary to a T (plus maybe add a few things during the time we spent napping.) We strolled through the cutest neighborhood in town, explored a waterfront park, and then spent the evening at one of the most beloved baseball stadiums in the MLB.

Here’s how we spent our first full day in Boston.

Coffee & Breakfast at Tatte

Tatte (pronounced like “latte”) is a bakery and coffee shop chain in Massachusetts and Washington, DC. There are many locations in Boston, including in Beacon Hill. We personally went to the location closer to our hotel before heading to Beacon Hill, but you could do it either way.

What I love about Tatte is that you can just stop in for a quick coffee and pastry to go, or you can order a full restaurant-quality meal to eat there. It was the perfect place to enjoy a delicious breakfast without spending quite as much time as we would at a table-service restaurant.

The food was incredible. I had the most delicious halloumi breakfast sandwich, Kenny had the sweet french toast, and our toddler got the pancakes with the toppings on the side. The pancake order came with three giant pancakes, so we took two to our hotel and had breakfast for the next two days.

A Walk Through Beacon Hill

We walked from Downtown to Beacon Hill via Beacon Street to Joy Street to Mt. Vernon Street and on over to Charles Street. Taking a winding path through Beacon Hill is highly recommended.

I said Back Bay was charming, but Beacon Hill is somehow even cuter. Beacon Hill is exactly what I pictured Boston to be and it was perfect in every way. (It reminded me a lot of Gold Coast in Chicago, if you’ve been there.)

The neighborhood is one of the oldest in Boston and is largely residential. The streets (some of which are cobble stone) are windy and hilly, lined with federal style row houses and street lights that glow with real flames. The main shopping street — Charles Street — runs along the west side of the neighborhood and has a lovely collection of local shops and stores that feel so quintessentially New England.

Here are my favorite spots in Beacon Hill:

• Beacon Hill Cafe & Books: This book shop is great for people of all ages, but the kids section on the top floor is absolute perfection. There’s a little kid-sized door, a train that runs around the rooms, and lots of little chairs for your little reader. The cafe looks incredible, but reservations book up quickly, so we didn’t get the chance to try it.
• Gus & Ruby Letterpress: I love a card shop, and this one is perfect. They have cards, but also a great selection of little gifts, party supplies, colorful pens, etc.
• Whitney + Winston: If you have little ones in your life, you have to stop here. They have the most adorable clothes (pricey, though) and unique toys (my toddler was in love with the wooden barista set).
• East Coast Ivy Boutique: Don’t worry, adults have cute boutiques on Charles Street, too. The only thing people love more than the curated style is the kind salespeople.
• Mt. Vernon Street: This street is one of the most lovely in Beacon Hill, but honestly it’s worth strolling around all the residential streets over here. There are two other popular streets (Acorn Street and Louisburg Square), that are very beautiful but have signs that they’re private to residents. If you choose to venture down those streets, please be respectful.
• Blank Street Coffee: This is a chain coffee shop that’s all over, but I’ll take it over Starbucks any day. They have the best seasonal specialty drinks that always set the mood.

Charles River Esplanade

There’s a pedestrian bridge that connects Beacon Hill to the Charles River Esplanade. The esplanade is a large park along the banks of the Charles River that is cut in half by a narrow lagoon.

There are paved pathways around the entire park, so it’s popular with runners, bikers, and stroller parents. You can watch the boats sail past on the river side of the park or kayakers in the lagoon on the land side. There’s a playground and baseball diamond on the north end of the park, a small outdoor amphitheater, seasonal beer garden, and a splattering of monuments. The Charles River Esplanade also has several public bathrooms, which were clean in our experience.

We came to the esplanade for the playground. After a morning shopping in Beacon Hill, our toddler was due for some running around. The playground over here was nice, but it’s definitely targeted to bigger kids. (My kid is almost 3 and needed help with most things.) There was one big slide, but it was broken (it had a small hole on the side and was blocked off with a cone). The only way to get to the top of the slide was by climbing a web of nets, which wasn’t easy. There was also several spinning apparatus and a zip line.

The Charles River Esplanade was nice in the summer, but it looks like it would be extra lovely in the fall. Honestly, all of Boston looks like it would be lovely in the fall. (Okay, but also aren’t all places better in the fall? I digress.)

Lunch at Clover Food Lab

It was noon by the time we left the park and we were starving. We walked back toward downtown to get lunch because it was on the way to our hotel. There are lots of good options around here, but we chose Clover Food Lab.

Clover Food Lab is a quick-service vegetarian restaurant with several locations in Boston. It’s a good pick for vegetarians and/or coffee snobs. They have seasonal plant-based sandwiches, bowls and plates that are a nice and healthy alternative to the Impossible burger, salad or pasta option that typically checks the vegetarian box at most restaurants. Plus they have a curated coffee menu brewed primarily via pourover.

We walked from the Charles River Esplanade to the Clover Food Lab on School Street (near the Old Corner Bookstore on the Freedom Trail). It wasn’t a short walk walk (0.9 miles), but Google Maps said taking the Metro would only save us one minute. We were fine to enjoy the walk, most of which was through Public Garden and Boston Common.

We ordered the BBQ seitan sandwich, Impossible meatball sub and the peanut better/banana/honey sandwich for our kiddo. It was a bit expensive for what it was, but everything tasted delicious. We also got a blueberry lemonade and hibiscus tea, which were incredibly refreshing in the summer heat.

Our toddler can make it all day without a nap, but it’s not ideal. We only like to skip naps when we have to (which we’d end up doing the next day), and choose to take a nap break at the hotel today. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t also appreciate the 2-hour AC break in the middle of a long day.

My husband put our kid down for the nap and then went for a run in the hotel fitness center. I laid on the floor watching cooking shows on my phone and falling in and out of sleep. Same, same.

Red Sox Game at Fenway Park

We knew we wanted to plan our trip to Boston around a Red Sox game. As luck would have it, the New York Mets were playing at Fenway during one of the free weekends we had this summer. (We line in Queens and are Mets fans.) We happily planned our Boston trip around that.

The game was originally scheduled for 4 PM (pretty much perfect for our toddler who naps 1-3), but due to a rain delay it was pushed back to 7 PM (much less perfect for a toddler who goes to bed at 7.) We briefly considered skipping it, but decided it was worth a shot. We figured there was probably enough ice cream and popcorn to keep our kid distracted from the late bedtime.

It turned out okay and the game was absolutely incredible. As former Chicago locals who spent a lot of time at Wrigley Field, we were thrilled to get back to a real historical baseball field. The park was great and everyone was surprisingly nice to us — from the Red Sox dads behind us to the Mets fan next to us to the Fenway staff member who averted a near total meltdown by replacing our spilled popcorn.

We spent way too much money on good seats, but it was worth it. Our toddler could actually see the ball and the game being played, which kept them interested longer. Plus we had seats that were the front corner of a section, so our toddler could be trusted to sit or stand in their seat space without us worrying about them bothering fans next to or in front of them. It was truly a magical evening of baseball.

I have a detailed First Timer’s Guide to Fenway Park , but there are two things I will say in this post.

2 things to know about Fenway

• Get there early — like early, early. The gates open 90 minutes before the game, but crowds get there much sooner. We left at 4 PM for a 7 PM game and we had very little down time. After navigating the crowds on the Metro and at the stadium, taking a walk through the ballpark, and getting food, we were barely at our seats by game time.
• The Metro after the game is awful . The Green Line that stops near Fenway at Kenmore is not a proper metro train. It’s a tram with 2 cars. That is not enough for a stadium full of people. Plus, they didn’t seem to increase service to account for the crowds. It took forever, it was packed, and it was extremely unpleasant. (That’s coming from people who frequently crammed onto Red Line trains after Cubs games. It’s way worse than that.) Depending on how you feel about that, you will want to skip it entirely, leave before the game ends, or just be mentally prepared for it to suck.

Day 2 — The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a literal brick trail that leads past a series of historical sites around Boston. In full, the Freedom Trail is about 2.5 miles long and passes 16 sites. Most of the Freedom Trail is in the Downtown and North End neighborhoods, with the final few stops across the river in Charlestown.

If you want to visit all of the sites on the trail, go inside the sites that allow it, stop for meals, etc, the Freedom Trail will take an entire day. And even still, you might be hard-pressed to do it all and still make it to the final attraction (Bunker Hill Monument) before the inside portion closes at 4:30 PM. Doing the entire Freedom Trail in a single day is pretty exhausting.

Alternatively, we recommend a shortened version of the Freedom Trail. You can spend a half day on the Freedom Trail and finish up at Faneuil Hall for lunch. Another good options is to add a few more stops and finish at Old North Church in time for dinner in the North End. If you’re interested in the details of a shortened route, be sure to check out our Boston Freedom Trail in a Day | Guide + Map post.

If you take a shortened route that ends at either Faneuil Hall or Old North Church, you have more flexibility in your schedule to add in some unofficial Freedom Trail stops. The Sam Adams Taproom, Mike’s Pastry or even just a leisurely lunch somewhere are all great options that you might not otherwise have time for.

I wouldn’t feel bad missing the final few stops. The walk there is long and boring, and I would argue that these final two sites feel disjointed from the rest of the trail. If you do really want to see these final sites, I would do it on a different day. Not only will you have more time and energy to enjoy them (the Naval Yard alone can fill an entire morning), but you also won’t have to rush through everything else to get there.

But hindsight is 20/20. Here’s how we actually spent a full day on the Freedom Trail.

Freedom Trail (and more!) Walking Route & Timeline

Note: The (*) indicates stops that were along the trail, but not technically part of it.

• Boston Common (10:15 AM): We spent a half hour here, which included a stop at the playground and the small visitor center.
• Massachusetts State House (10:45 AM ): Tours are available, but we did not go inside.
• Park Street Church ( 10:50 AM ): We took a quick lap through the church, which has seen one too many restorations to be interesting.
• Granary Burying Ground (10:55 AM): We were offered a complimentary map which pointed us to the main grave sites. The large tour groups made this stop pretty awful.
• King’s Chapel (11:05 AM): You can usually go inside this church, but we caught it on a Sunday morning when it was closed to the public for service.
• Boston Latin School & Ben Franklin Statue (11:15 AM): The school is really just a mosaic monument and the statue is a statue. Quick and uneventful stop.
• Old Corner Bookstore (11:20 AM): The building still stands, but it’s no longer a bookstore. In fact, it’s a Chipotle restaurant. Another quick stop.
• Lunch break* (11:25 AM): We ate at said Chipotle and it was the worst Chipotle I’ve ever been to in my entire life. Just atrocious service, dirty store, and poorly made food. 0 out 10 recommend. Eat anywhere else in Boston.
• Old South Meeting House (12 PM): We bought a combo ticket to go inside this building and the next. The Old South Meeting House is one large room with a small museum exhibit along one side. They did have good, clean bathrooms downstairs.
• Old State House (12:15 PM): We used our joint ticket to go inside here, too. The museum portion was much bigger and well done, plus there was a gift shop (free to enter) and more clean bathrooms.
• Boston Massacre Site (12:30 PM): This is just a marker on the ground. Quick visit.
• Sam Adams Tap Room* (12:35 PM): We took a much needed break and enjoyed a beer (and a root beer) on the rooftop patio. The taproom is huge and the location across from Faneuil Hall is perfect. 10/10 recommend adding this to your route.
• Faneuil Hall (1:15 PM): This stop could take 5 minutes or 5 hours. There is Faneuil Hall Visitor Center which is mostly souvenir shops and then there is Faneuil Hall Marketplace which is massive and has a variety of restaurants and stores in and around it. We breezed through most of this, but would come back again.
• Paul Revere House (1:45 PM): I would have liked to go inside here, but the line was too long we were too hot and tired to wait in it. You can’t see much from the outside, so this was quick.
• Mike’s Pastry* (1:50 PM): This is a North End institution, so I was happy to wait the 20 minutes in line for a cannoli and slice of Boston creme pie. We ate our treats in the park by the Paul Revere Statue, which seemed to be the unofficial Mike’s Pastry seating area.
• Old North Church (2:40 PM): While Kenny got us some afternoon iced coffee, I took our toddler into the church. It was a $5 adult ticket, and kids 5 and under were free. The church itself was just okay, but they had a scavenger hunt for kids which mine loved . They got a sticker at the end for finishing it, and it was probably the highlight of the trip for them.
• Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (3:05 PM): We didn’t recognize any of the names of people buried here. We were so hot and tired by now that we just poked our heads in and carried on.
• USS Constitution (3:30 PM): We got to the Charlestown Naval Yard at 3:30 and immediately cooled off in the visitor center for a bit. The ship itself is free and was really cool, but we were just over it by now. You can also board the USS Cassin Young for free, which I popped into quickly while Kenny & Zoe relaxed in the shade. There’s also a museum, which we didn’t have time for.
• Bunker Hill Monument (4:40 PM): It was a hike to get here and a hike to get back to the train after and it wasn’t worth it. We didn’t want to go to the top, but it was closed even if we did.

After Bunker Hill, we walked 0.6 miles to the Orange Line stop at Community College Station. We took the train downtown and went back to our hotel. Instead of going out for dinner, we decided to go for a swim at the hotel pool and order room service.

If I sounded grumpy at the end, it’s because I was. It was just a really hot, really long day. The final stops just were not worth it for us. Looking back, we wish we would have just called it early and had dinner in the North End after the church.

Departure Day

Our train back to New York City departed South Station at 9:15 AM. We had a quick breakfast in our room and then walked to the station.

The Northeast Regional train starts in Boston at the South Station and then makes its first stop at the Back Bay station. Even if your hotel is closer to Back Bay, I’d still recommend traveling out of the South Station. This Amtrak train is open seating, so if you board at Back Bay, you might have a hard time finding seats together on a full train.

Otherwise, the train was very pleasant. It wasn’t quite as nice or as fast as the Acela, which we took too Boston, but it wasn’t bad. We snagged three seats in one of the few quads on the train, and it was perfect. (Oh! Also watch out for the Quiet Car, which is the second from the rear after the Business Class car. We accidentally sat there and had to move because our toddler definitely could not maintain a “library like atmosphere.”)

Boston Itinerary Walking Map

All of the walking routes in the itinerary above have been plotted out on the map below.

Before you dive in, here are a few quick tips for using this map.

• To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
• Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later. To access the map again, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.
• You can click the checkboxes beside each day’s walking route to add or remove those items from the map. This will help you see the map for one day at a time.

We easily filled 2.5 days in Boston, but left with a long list of things we still wanted to do. Here’s a peak at some other things to do in Boston that we didn’t cover here.

• Swan Boats at Public Garden: For under $5 a person, you can take a ride around the pond at Public Garden aboard the iconic swan boats. Boats run from mid-April to early September from 10 AM to 4 or 5 PM (varies by date).
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum : If you’re in Boston for history, this is probably a must-do for you. Tickets are pricy ($38 general admission) but include a 1-hour guided and interactive group tour.
• Boston Children’s Museum / Museum of Science: Both of these museums are good if you have kids and/or if the weather is bad.
• Eating & Drinking in the North End : The North End is Boston’s Little Italy. It’s filled with restaurants, bakeries and bars that are as tasty as they are historic. It’s a perfect place to end up after a Freedom Trail half day.
• Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park: We hardly saw the water at all during our Boston trip, and that’s wild to me! This park is beautiful and really gives New England harbor vibes.
• Back Bay Fens & Arnold Arboretum: If you’re visiting in the spring or fall and want to spend more time outside, both of these parks look stunning.
• Trillium Brewing Company: Drinking and Boston go hand in hand. If you’ve already checked off the Sam Adams Taproom and an Irish Pub, a brewery is next. Trillium is one of the best in Boston.
• Day trip to Salem, MA: It’s a quick 30 minute train ride to get from Boston to Salem. Most famously known for the Witch Trials and Hocus Pocus, this small town celebrates Halloween all year long (but mostly all of October.)

Closing Thoughts

I absolutely loved Boston. It had the conveniences of major city with the charm and walkability of a smaller New England town. (She says having been to no other New England towns). I loved exploring each of the different neighborhoods and re-learning a lot of the history. If you eat seafood, I can imagine you’d love Boston even more.

While Boston has a lot more to see and do, it’s still a great weekend destination for East Coast travelers. It’s easy to get to from around the region, which makes it appealing for repeat visits. We enjoyed our summer trip and going to Fenway, but I will absolutely prioritize fall for our next visit.

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Filed under:

• Boston Transportation

Boston-area mass transit apps: 5 for helping navigate the T

These handy websites as well as applications through Google and Apple are best for navigating a system that can be full of delays

Navigating the Boston area’s buses, subways, trolleys, and commuter trains can be tricky. And, given the system’s chronic delays ( and the odd derailment ), it can be a real headache too. These five transit apps and websites—all available through a wifi connection on smartphones or through apps downloadable from Apple or Google—can help ease the pain.

Trip Planner . This is pretty much the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s official portal for navigating the T and commuter rail.

It allows users to plan trips hours, even days, in advance; and users can search for wheelchair accessibility and trips with the fewest transfers or the least amount of walking (“Best route” is the default search function). It can also warn of track work or other realities that might delay trips.

Track the T . Software engineer David Newton started this free website after relying on the 73 bus to get back and forth from his private-sector job in Cambridge. Buses would “bunch up three or four behind each other with the timetable mostly fictional,” he said over email. He seized on the MBTA’s 2009 decision to make its real-time bus information public, and developed this app.

It tracks subway, trolley, and bus arrivals to the real-time second. It is especially helpful for riders if they’re at a stop along multiple routes going in the same direction. Newton’s Track the T will tell them when the next bus or train is coming that’s going their way—even if it’s not the one they intended to take. It’s a lifesaver when time is tight.

Aira . In early May 2019, the MBTA announced a six-month test of this app, which aids low-vision and blind people in navigating the T. Aira uses smartphone cameras to guide users in real time through public spaces such as train and bus stations, according to the Boston Globe . Available through Google and Apple, Aira is free for the six-month trial, but monthly plans generally start at $24.

Transit App . The MBTA officially endorsed this free app back in 2016 . It basically mimics the agency’s own Trip Planner site via tapping into the MBTA’s real-time data for arrivals and departures.

Transit App will also list departure times for nearby transit, in case other modes are going toward the same place; and the app includes ride-hail and bike-share options too. Finally, if riders are worried about missing a stop, they can set up Transit App to ping them when the stop’s coming up. Bonus: Transit App works for dozens of other cities and regions.

ProximiT . This free app that Jeff Lopes developed is available only through Apple. It lists arrival and departure times of buses, subways, and trolleys in order of how close they are to a rider’s location and desired time of departure.

Basically, ProximiT is another way to draw real-time information for commutes. In that, it bills itself as a kind of personal assistant for commuters.

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 20 best amtrak trips from boston.

Amtrak trains that depart from Boston can take you up and down the coast or as far west as Chicago. There are multiple options for day or weekend trips, so you don’t have to travel far to have a fun rail adventure. To get started, here are the best Amtrak trips from Boston with good arrival and departure times that don’t require train transfers.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page .

Explore Rhode Island’s capital with a 30-minute trip to  Providence, Rhode Island . Learn about the city on a  narrated boat tour , enjoy the scenery at  Water Place Park , eat amazing Italian food in the  Federal Hill  neighborhood, or head to  Roger Williams Park  for a zoo, botanical garden, boat rentals and walking trails. Don’t miss the  Rhode Island Seafood Festival .

Haverhill, MA

Only 50 minutes away from Boston on the train, Haverhill is an easy day or overnight trip on Amtrak’s Downeaster route. Ski Bradford is a top attraction for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, check out Willow Springs Vineyards and John Greenleaf Whittier’s birthplace .

There are multiple trains to choose from each day, with departure from the North Station . If you need to rent a car, an Enterprise office is in walking distance from the Haverhill Station. You can also walk to multiple restaurants and the Passaqua Playground. Otherwise, use Lyft or Uber to get around.

Westerly, Rhode Island  has beautiful beaches and a quaint downtown that are great to visit in the summer. Be sure to explore the  Watch Hill  village, which has a lighthouse,  historic carousel , ice cream shops, restaurants and retail stores. Travel time is over one hour from Boston on Amtrak. View the  top places to stay  and  best things to do in Westerly  to learn more.

Mystic, Connecticut  is a charming seaport city that’s 1.5 hours away from Boston via train. The Mystic Seaport Museum and the  last surviving wooden whaling ship  are top attractions, and the recreated  18th Century village  is a fun place to visit. Check out the  festivals and events  and the  best things to do in Mystic  to learn more.

For a historic getaway, travel 1.5 hours to  New London, Connecticut . There are  13 historic districts  on the National Register of Historic Places to explore or head to Ocean Beach Park for sandy beaches, amusement rides and more. Consider planning a summer trip around  Sailfest  and taking a ride on the  Cross Sound Ferry  to view lighthouses and coastal mansions. View the  best things to do in New London  to start planning your trip.

Home to Yale University,  New Haven  is about two hours away from Boston (slightly longer on the Northeast Regional). There are many wonderful  museums and art galleries  to visit on campus, or check out one of the many  university events open to the public . If you’re more of a nature person, don’t miss the views and hiking at  East Rock Park , which overlooks the city and Long Island Sound. New Haven also has  many festivals  that you can plan a trip around. Be sure to try the local “ apizza ” on your trip.

Portland  is Maine’s largest city if you’re looking for a charming destination that has a large selection of restaurants, breweries and sightseeing tours . Travel time is about 2.5 hours on the Downeaster , and there are multiple trains to choose from each day. Top attractions include the Old Port Historic District, Portland Head Light (pictured above) and the local oysters .

Springfield, MA

Springfield , Massachusetts is 2.5 hours away from Boston on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited route . There’s only one train each day, so you’ll need to stay overnight, but there are many family-friendly things to check out. Top attractions include the Basketball Hall of Fame , The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and Forest Park , which has greenspace designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead and a zoo . As another perk, the Springfield Amtrak Station is in walking distance of restaurants and hotels .

New York City

See a show, visit museums and attractions , shop and dine on a trip to New York City . Travel time is just under four hours on the Acela Express and almost 4.5 on the Northeast Regional , with departures from South Station and Back Bay Station. You’ll arrive in Penn Station ‘s new train hall with easy access to the subway, taxis and rideshare services. An overnight stay is recommended due to the Amtrak schedule and the many things to see and do.

Albany is five hours away from Boston via Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited train. There’s a lot of history and breweries to explore, including the 1899 New York State Capitol building, New York State Museum and USS Slater . In warmer months, you can also cruise on the Hudson River and walk around Washington Park .

Plan to stay at least one night in Albany as there is only one daily train in each direction. To get around, use Uber or Lyft, or arrange for Enterprise to pick you up at the train station with a car rental.

Philadelphia

Head to Philadelphia for cheesesteaks, special events and historic attractions including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You can book tickets on the Acela Express (five-hour ride from Boston) or Northeast Regional (five hours and 45 minutes away), with departures from South and Back Bay stations. Trains arrive at the historic 30th Street Station near The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Museum of Art , and there is easy access to bike rentals , commuter trains, subway trains and rideshare services.

With multiple trains to choose from each day, you can technically spend about five hours in the city and return to Boston same day.

For a relaxing getaway with parks , museums and a riverwalk , ride Amtrak from Boston to Wilmington , Delaware. Amtrak trains arrive at the historic Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station, and you can walk to downtown Wilmington, rent a car at the station or use Lyft and Uber to get around. Check out upcoming events that you can plan a trip around, and make arrangements to stay at least one night. Travel time is just over five hours on Acela and just over six hours on the Northeast Regional.

Baltimore is about six hours away from Boston by train on the Acela Express and seven hours away via the Northeast Regional trains. Because of the hour of time saved, the Acela Express may be worth the extra the cost. Uber and Lyft are recommended ways to get around once you arrive; the Inner Harbor is about a 10-minute car ride away. Top attractions in the area include crab cakes , National Aquarium , Fort McHenry National Monument , B&O Railroad Museum and the historic Fell’s Point neighborhood. Plan to stay at least one night in the city.

Almost eight hours away from Boston on the Lake Shore Limited, Utica is a charming city that has things to do all year long. Explore museums , the zoo , local breweries , a large public market and a scenic railroad . Plus, in the winter you rent a car at the nearby Enterprise and drive 30 minutes to the Woods Valley Ski Area . There are multiple hotels near the historic train station or check out vacation rentals in more scenic areas outside of town for a true getaway.

Washington D.C.

With free museums , stately monuments , numerous events and a huge restaurant scene , there is always something to do and eat in Washington D.C. The train trip from Boston is seven hours via the Northeast Regional and about 8 hours on the Acela Express. DC’s Union Station has a direct connection to the WMATA red line, so you can easily get around without a car. Many tours are also available to help you see the many sights.

George Washington considered  Alexandria, Virginia  his home town, and you can experience his colonial life in the well-preserved  Old Town  historic district. It’s a great place to walk around, shop and get something to eat. You can also rent a sailboat, kayak or standup paddleboard from the  Washington Sailing Marina  on the Potomac River. Or get on the  water taxi  to visit The  National Harbor ,  The Wharf  (pictured top of page) and  Georgetown . Travel time from Boston is around nine hours.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a family-friendly destination that’s 13 hours away from Boston on Amtrak. It’s the southernmost beach that you can reach on one train (otherwise, you have to transfer in New York City or D.C. to the Palmetto , Silver Meteor or Silver Star to reach the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida). The closest Amtrak station is Norfolk, where you will need to rent a car ( Hertz is closest and can pick you up) or take Uber or Lyft to the ocean. Don’t miss the  boardwalk , Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center  and  Neptune’s Park , which has free concerts.

Almost 14 hours away from Boston by train, Roanoke is in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and a great summer or fall escape. With a  rental car , you can go hiking at  Mill Mountain Park   and  Carvins Cove Nature Preserve . The Roanoke Valley Greenway and the  Virginia Museum of Transportation  are also top attractions in town. View the  top things to do in Roanoke  to learn more.

Williamsburg

Visit  Williamsburg, Virginia  to explore the  Colonial Williamsburg  living museum for an immersive step back in time. If amusement parks are more your thing, request a Lyft or Uber car at the Amtrak station and travel 15 minutes for a day of fun at  Busch Gardens . Travel time from Boston is about 15 hours — consider a fall trip for foliage and fun events. For more information, check out the  best things to do  and  top places to stay in Williamsburg .

If you want to an experience a long-distance Amtrak trip and spend a night on the train, travel from Boston’s South or Back Bay Station to Chicago . Travel time is about 22 hours on the Lake Shore Limited route, with the option to book a roomette or bedroom for private sleeping accommodations.

The Chicago Amtrak Station is next to a water taxi stop, or you can walk to multiple CTA train stations and hotels in The Loop. There’s something for everyone here, including beaches , museums , live music venues and plenty of restaurants for steak, pizza and everything in between.

Trains arrive in Chicago in the morning and depart at night, so you could technically get off and back on the train on the same day, but staying in the city at least one night is recommended.

More Information

• Boston to NYC on Amtrak
• Boston to Florida on Amtrak
• 7 things to pack for an Amtrak trip
• Best Amtrak trips on the East Coast
• Boston Amtrak Stations: The ultimate guide

Top photo credit: Wendell Ward

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10 Best Day Trips from Boston by Train 2024 (Using the MBTA Weekend Pass)

Looking for day trips from boston by train here are 10 amazing options to explore.

One of the best things about Boston and its surrounding areas is that you don’t really need a car to get around, which was made possible by the MBTA and its commuter rail. 

For adventurers like us, the MBTA weekend pass opens up options for numerous day trips from Boston to many towns and cities without needing to own or rent a car. 

I partnered with my friends Daphne and Larry from Our French Travels who have lived in Boston for over 3 years and have deep knowledge of the city to share about their favorite getaways from Boston by train! 

Let’s jump in! 

Day Trips from Boston by Train

10 best day trips from boston by train.

In 2018 the MBTA unveiled a $10 unlimited commuter rail pass. It was initially a pilot program for the summer, but it was so successful the MBTA made it a permanent weekend offering. Now we can all take advantage of inexpensive day trips from Boston by train.

After living several years in Boston and exploring its many neighborhoods , we decided to take on some exploring of the local areas. These day trips vary from cities to coastal towns to the countryside. 

✅ Download the MBTA Weekend Pass to Your Phone.

Salem is known for its 17th-century witch trials. Nowadays the whole town likes to lean into the witchy vibes, which is why October is the most fun time to visit Salem! 

The whole town is dressed up and they have a month-long festival, which is hosted in the town center. 

There are many museums that will teach you about the very real witch history of Salem, especially the Salem Witch Museum . Salem has more to offer than just witches, though!

Situated on the water, you can take a stroll along the shore. About 1.5 miles off the peninsula there’s a fun arcade.

Salem Willows Park is a great place to spend time. You’ll find many vendors selling comfort food walking around and it’s perfect for a picnic by the water. 

The town center is about 3 blocks from the Commuter Rail Station with the most stores, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll also find many guided walking tours like this History and Hauntings of Salem one!

>> Check availability for the History and Hauntings of Salem Walking Tour! <<

• Best times to visit: October is the best time of year to visit Salem. The whole town dresses up for Halloween. Every weekend there is a festival and many different spooky tours.
• How to get there: take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport or Rockport
• Train station in Boston: North Station
• Distance: 30 minutes

2. Providence (RI)

The capital city of Rhode Island is a quick train ride over from Boston. The Commuter Rail station drops you off in the middle of downtown and has extensive public bus transportation though the city is very walkable. Just be prepared for some hills.

There is a river that runs through the middle of Providence. For a quick day trip from Boston by train, Providence has a lot going on to spend the whole day.

A fun thing to do in Providence is a narrated boat tour . This is a great way to learn more about the history and architecture of Providence.

>> Check availability for the Providence Narrated Boat Tour! <<

In the river, you’ll see the metal containers that are used for the WaterFire event.

WaterFire is probably one of the most famous things about Providence. This event generally kicks off in April. The “braziers” or metal containers with wood are lit up. 

Music is played in the background and a group of people in black cloaks light up each brazier. It is a little creepy, but a beautiful sight of the river. These events bring together the community with vendors, locals, and tourists. 

Some other favorite things we enjoy in Providence are the 10,000 Suns sunflower field in the summer, walking up to Brown University , and wandering through Providence Athenaeum , which is free for visitors.

Like Boston , Providence has many great places to eat. Some of our favorite places to eat are New Rivers, Dune Brothers, Al Forno (a great romantic place), and Hot Club . 

• Best time to visit: Spring or Fall. Since you’ll be walking around a lot I’d avoid going when the weather is too hot or too cold.
• How to get there: take the Providence/Stoughton line towards Wickford Junction; get off at Providence
• Train station in Boston: South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles
• Distance: 1 hour

This is my second favorite town near Boston. The number one thing to do once you exit the train is to go to Bedford Farms Ice Cream for a nice large ice cream before walking into town. 

Concord offers a lot of history. Many famous writers spent time here and are buried here. 

Once you’ve hit up Bedford Farms ice cream, there are great options for things to do in Concord. 

• Walden Pond: Walden Pond is a great place to spend a hot summer day. 
• Minute Man National Historical Park: The first battles of the American Revolution were fought in Lexington and Concord. Minute Man National Historical Park preserves this history.

>> Be sure to check out the most immersive self-guided walking tour of America’s history! <<

• Old North Bridge: Old North Bridge is part of the route followed by British Troops to Boston.
• Historic Houses: Many famous writers called Concord their homes such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott. You can visit these! 
• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery: Not only did many famous literary people live in Concord, but many of them are also buried here as well. You can visit their graves at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. 

Check out the free Concord Trolley that can work as your “Hop on Hop off” bus while you’re in Concord. It will take you through the famous sites, houses, and Walden Pond. You can also explore concord by wheels with this bike share service .

Concord has many different walking tours . My personal favorite is the “ Chocolate with a History Twist ” . Given all of Concord’s historical ties to the American Revolution and many literary writers there truly is something for everyone. 

Honestly, one day is not nearly enough time to experience everything Concord has to offer.

• Best time to visit: Spring, Summer, or Fall. Since you’ll be walking around a lot I’d avoid going when the weather is too hot or too cold. But definitely visit Bedford Farms Ice cream.
• How to get there: take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusetts; get off at the Concord station
• Distance: 40 minutes

4. Rockport 

Rockport is my favorite town to visit on a day trip from Boston. Every time my friends and family came over to visit us in Boston, we’d bring them to Rockport. 

This small town found at the end of the Rockport Line is situated right on the water. When you get off the train there is a map right near the exit of the station that shows different painted paths on the sidewalk to downtown. 

The paths are very easy to follow and drop you right downtown, then you can take them back to the commuter rail station when you’re ready to leave. 

Wait until you make it downtown to grab a coffee or a snack. Once you’re on Main St. head to Brother’s Brew Coffee or Beans & Leave Cafe . From here we like to take our coffee to the beaches to enjoy our breakfast. 

Next, explore downtown and see all there is to offer. There are cute candy shops, fresh lobster stands, and an incredible ice cream store on Bearskin Neck. Once you reach the end of the downtown peninsula you can walk on the beach and water break. 

Rockport is not known for its beaches which means that they are generally a lot less crowded than Glouscter or Maine. The beaches are also a little rockier. 

There are lots of kayak, canoe, or sailboat rentals if you prefer to be on the water.

• Best time to visit: Spring or Summer. Being on the coast the fall and winter get very cold and gray plus the majority of restaurants and stores are closed in the off-season.
• How to get there: take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport
• Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Worcester

Worcester is the second biggest city in Massachusetts and is well known for its arts and sciences. It’s home to 8 universities and colleges, including UMass Medical School and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Places to visit include the Worcester Art Museum , with more than 35,000 works of art. The Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall both have regular shows worth visiting. 

For history lovers like us, the Worcester History Museum is all about the history of the area. There’s also the EcoTarium which is a mixture of a museum and a zoo. 

Since it’s a big city, Worcester has a great transportation network so you don’t need a car to get around. The MBTA commuter rail station is right in the middle of the city with a bus station across the street.

• Best time to visit: Any time really. Stuff to do indoors all year round, and a great transportation network will get you there without a lot of walking outside
• How to get there: take the Worcester line toward Worcester

6. Wachusett

Wachusett is a perfect place to visit in winter. You get to go to the mountains in just under 2 hours as a day trip from Boston by train. If you like skiing, then this is the trip you want to take. Wachusett is one of the many skiing options available in New England .

In winter there are “ski trains” that head out to Wachusett on the MBTA that has slots for your skis. In summer there’s one that has a slot for bikes.

Wachusett offers a free round-trip winter shuttle from the commuter rail station to the mountain. You get to go skiing without exerting energy to drive. 

In the summer Wachusett has some festivals and food truck roundups. The main problem is in the summer they don’t have a shuttle from the station to the mountain so you’re left needing to get an uber. I would not recommend walking because it is far and steep. 

Not far from the commuter rail station is Great Wolf Lodge. As a fun activity, they allow people to purchase day passes or ½ day passes to enjoy the indoor water park and adventure games.

• Best time to visit: Winter for skiing, fall for leaf peeping, and Summer for hiking
• How to get there: take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusett. This requires a 10-ish minute Uber ride to the mountain. During the Winter there is a shuttle on Saturdays.
• Distance: 1 hour 40 minutes

7. Plymouth

Plymouth most famously is known for Plymouth Rock where the pilgrims arrived at the “New World.” I will say it is a rock and not really interesting.

But since you’re in Plymouth, take a quick photo of it then move on to see the rest that this wonderful town has to offer! 

If you’re particularly interested in the Pilgrims’ history and settlement in Plymouth, head to Plimoth Plantation , a live museum that brings the Pilgrims’ daily life to life.

>> Check availability for Plimoth Plantation! <<

The main street is a little ways away from the commuter rail station. We took an uber because we did not feel up for the walk. On Main street, you’ll find many wonderful local shops, amazing ice cream, and a scenic walk along the bay. 

For such a small town Plymouth is bustling! You’ll find festivals or a museum on seemingly every corner. There are many lovely parks to walk through and stores with boatloads of locally made saltwater taffy. 

One of the things on my bucket list when we moved to Massachusetts was to go to a Cranberry Bog . Plymouth is the place for that! 

The Cranberry Bog Tours picks the group up, brings everyone to the farm, and teaches everyone about cranberries. Wading in a cranberry bog is such a unique opportunity! 

Try it for yourself. 

• Best time to visit: Spring for fewer crowds
• How to get there: Take the Kingston/Plymouth line towards Kingston then take an uber the final way to Plymouth
• Train station in Boston: South Station

8. Lawrence

Located just below the New Hampshire border, Lawrence is a growing city with lots of fun activities. 

The first stop should be Heav’ly Donut for some incredible donuts. After you’ve gotten your fill of incredible sweets, head to the Canal Street Antique Mall for some exploring. You could spend hours wandering the aisles of all the incredible treasures there. 

The city is also known for its incredible building-sized murals, ranging from the music legends mural to the Food for the World mural . Primarily you’ll find these on Essex Street, but you’ll be surprised to find them all over the city. 

Lawrence is definitely a city you can spend a few hours exploring, from restaurants to the arts and culture scene. 

The city is pretty spread out, but there is a bus system that will help you get around the city. The MBTA Station is centrally located, so there is a lot that you can get to just by walking as well. 

• Best time to visit: A good town to visit year-round
• How to get there: Take the Haverhill line
• Train station in Boston : North Station

9. Newburyport

The MBTA Commuter rail station is situated right on the Clipper City Trail. This 1.1-mile trail connects from the Merrimack River to downtown. Newburyport is located on the water.

Massachusetts is known for having whale migrations between May through October. 

There are at least 3 kinds of whales and a variety of different sea animals. This whale-watching tour takes you from downtown Newburyport through the Merrimack river into the Gulf of Maine on a 149-passenger ship. 

Joppa Flats Education Center teaches students all about wildlife in Massachusetts. This center offers summer activities for adults and children alike. It has helped band, research, and aid over 36,000 birds. 

My favorite festival in Newburyport is the Old Christmas Tree Bonfire . After Christmas is over the Newburyport firefighters will collect Christmas trees. The trees are piled high and then set on fire. 

There are vendors selling hot chocolate and marshmallows. It is cold before the fire is set, but then quickly warms up. This is a fundraiser for the Volunteer Fire Department so there is a small fee to enter.

• Best time to visit: Fall for the whale watching
• How to get there: Take the Newbury/Rockport line towards Newburyport

10. Hyannis

While this stop is not on the Weekend Commuter Rail pass it is definitely a must-visit. From Memorial day through Labor day, you can head to Cape Cod on the CapeFlyer . On weekends a round-trip ticket can be $20. 

The mile-long Main street in Hyannis has 120 shops and restaurants, 3 museums, and some lovely beaches. One of the main attractions is to take a tour of the local glass factory, Sandwich Glass Museum . 

Though you may have taken many MBTA train rides from Boston, check out the scenic historic train ride in Hyannis. Cape Train has many themed rides with stunning views.

The day trip from Boston by train to Hyannis is longer than other trips, but it is by far one of the most scenic. Cape Cod is what Massachusetts is known for and is where many people spend their summer. Expect it to be busy in the summer and mostly closed in winter. 

Hyannis is the “beginning” of the Cape which is formally known to include Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. For a longer trip onto the Cape, you can take a ferry from Hyannis to the islands. 

• Best time to visit: Summer
• How to get there: Take the CapeFlyer
• Train station in Boston : South Station, Braintree, or Brockton
• Distance: 2 hours 20 minutes

How to Take Day Trips from Boston by Train

What is the MBTA Weekend Pass?

Back in the summer of 2018, the commuter rail of Boston launched a pilot weekend pass program. This meant that for $10 you had unlimited rides on the commuter rail on Saturday and Sunday. This was a game-changer.

Typically the commuter rail fares are between $4.60-$26.50 round trip depending on the zone. Each leg of the trip has its own variable cost which makes exploring towns along the route very expensive.

After such a successful pilot, the MBTA decided to make weekend passes a permanent option! Now you can purchase the ticket on the mTicket app and enjoy a weekend of hop-on hop-off train exploration!

How Much Does the MBTA Weekend Pass Cost?

The MBTA Commuter weekend pass costs $10. Keep in mind that this is only for the commuter rail. 

The regular MBTA system does not have a discounted weekend price and those will remain the same. If you need to take the train from your local station to North or South Station that is additional to the $10 unlimited pass.

The local subway is $2.40 one way and the bus is $1.70 one way. There is a free transfer from the subway to the bus.

How to Use the MBTA Weekend Pass

Using the ticket is very simple! You can either download the mTicket app to get your ticket or purchase your ticket at the North and South train stations. 

If you’re not leaving from Boston’s North or South Station, you can purchase the ticket on the train.

Note: Each person in your party will need to download the app to their phone, you cannot have multiple tickets in one app.

After you’re on board and settled, the train conductors will start making their rounds to check the tickets. Activate and show your ticket on the mTicket app or have your physical ticket marked off–don’t worry it’s still for unlimited use.

Personally, we found the app to be the easiest way to travel with the weekend pass. It’s easy to activate, easy to show the conductor, and hard to lose. 

FAQs: Best Day Trips from Boston by Train

When is the best time to take a day trip from boston by train.

Larry and I like to leave on an early commuter train out to our selected location. Since the trains leave Boston and come back on the same track there is a 1-2 hour lag between each time the train leaves Boston. 

By leaving on the first train of the morning, we get to make the most out of the commuter rail’s weekend pass. 

I recommend heading to North or South Station for the 8 AM train out to your destination. If you time it right, you can go to 2-3 places in a day.

Do I need to rent a car when taking a day trip from Boston?

Definitely not! All these towns and cities are very walkable. You can explore easily and let the MBTA Commuter Rail do the transportation while you enjoy the scenery. 

If you have more time, take a 10-day road trip from Boston to Portland, Maine !

Is the train ride from Boston scenic?

Absolutely! The routes can take you along the bay for some beautiful ocean views. Some other routes take you through Massachusetts through forests and peaceful rolling hills. Not only do you get to spend your day trip from Boston in a new place but you get to go by train.

Final thoughts: Best Day Trips from Boston by Train

Boston is a fun city, but the fact that it is centrally located in New England means that there are lots of places easily accessible to visitors. Not only are there many road trips to take , but Boston makes it easy to visit the area by train. 

Massachusetts is dotted with wonderful small towns and cities that are worth visiting. You can really explore so much of Massachusetts when you use the MBTA commuter pass for $10 on unlimited trips for 48 hours.

Ready to get started on your day trip? Check out these travel essentials to make your day trip smooth!

About the Authors: Daphne & Larry French are the married couple writing for Our French Travels . They lived in Boston for over 3 years and share a love of travel. They have collectively traveled to over 70 cities.

More related content:

• 10 day New England Road Trip Itinerary (Portland to Boston Drive)
• The Perfect 3-Day Portland, Maine Itinerary
• Best Travel Products

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My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

• Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
• For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
• When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
• For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
• Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
• Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
• Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
• Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
• Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
• Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
• Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
• Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
• Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
• Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
• What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

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Home » North America » Boston

BOSTON Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Boston is the capital of, and largest city, in the state of Massachusetts. Boston was founded all the way back in 1633 making it one of the oldest cities in the United States, and it played a very crucial role in the American Revolution. You can learn all about its fascinating and important history during your weekend in Boston.

Planning a trip to Boston has never been this easy! The thriving port city has a myriad of exciting activities to take part in, as well as a multitude of sightseeing attractions.

If you’re up for the hustle and bustle of city living, with the peace and tranquility that comes with staying by the seashore, then a Boston visit is on the cards!

Here’s everything you need to know, to create your very own Boston itinerary!

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Best Time To Visit Boston

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If you’re wondering when to visit Boston , the answer is: there’s no time like the present! But there are certain weather patterns at different times of year that might suit your schedule best.

The most popular time to travel to Boston is between June and October. The weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor festivals, football games and other exciting entertainment options to take part in!

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From November to February Boston gets very cold, but if you can stomach it you’ll have plenty to celebrate! You’ll get the chance to enjoy reduced prices of accommodation, tours, and activities around the city, which is a major plus if you’re on a budget! Just remember to pack warm clothes as you’re sure to need them this time of year.

Between March and May is Boston’s springtime. The weather starts to warm (ever so slightly), but you can still enjoy discounted rates and peace and quiet at the many Boston attractions. If you’re a little wary of the weather, just take a few Boston walking tours as they’re sure to get your heart pumping in no time!

With a Boston City Pass , you can experience the best of Boston at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Looking for accommodation can be a tough job, so we’re going to make your life a little easier by telling you about the best place to stay in Boston !

South Boston is a great place to stay, especially if you’re a first time visitor to this wonderful city. The neighborhood hugs the bay and is home to the scenic waterfront! The waterfront is a stretch of land about 1-mile long, where Bostonians walk their dogs or go for romantic strolls in the evening.

In recent years, the neighborhood has experienced an influx of young professionals, so expect the days to be quiet and the evenings to be abuzz with activity and youthful cheer!

Jamaica Plain is a very diverse neighborhood, where everyone who aspires to be different tends to stay. You’ll find hipsters of every variety staying in this old and quaint neighborhood! Jamaica Plain is home to Jamaica pond, which is a large urban park, perfect for those looking to get out of the hotel for a jog or even a leisurely stroll.

Davis Square could be considered one of the most happening neighborhoods in town. The neighborhood is home to a lively mix of students, young professionals, and old-timers who still like to party! You’ll find a multitude of restaurants and cafes, bustling with a community of thriving individuals.

Need to know to where the best hostels in Boston are? Here are our top accommodation picks for your Boston trip itinerary!

Best Hostel in Boston – HI Boston

HI Boston offers an incredible communal setting that leaves you feeling refreshed to start touring Boston every morning! After indulging in a free breakfast at the hostel, be sure to play pool and engage with your fellow travelers. With a great central location, there’s no better hostel to add to your Boston itinerary!

Best Airbnb in Boston – Studio in Prime Location

Spack dab in the heart of Back bay is this astonishing home that offers one of the most comfortable stays in the city. It’s definitely one of the best Airbnbs in Boston . Located on the lively street of Newberry, you have access to the most premier shopping in the city and the award-winning restaurants you’ve only seen on tv. Speaking of food, the kitchen is small but does have everything you need to cook a quick meal, but being in the popping neighborhood, you will most likely be enjoying all the cafes he neighborhood has to offer anyways.

Best Budget Hotel in Boston – YOTEL Boston

This wonderful hotel is located in Boston waterfront and offers a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city! Guests can indulge themselves at the on-site restaurant that serves absolutely delectable dishes. Make sure you make use of the on-site fitness center and take a visit to the many nearby Boston attractions!

Best Luxury Hotel in Boston – The Eliot Suite Hotel

This historic hotel is located in Bostons’ iconic Back Bay area. The Eliot Suite Hotel is elegant and offers many perks, such as the on-site sashimi bar! Guests can also enjoy free access to the sports club and business center that provides a constant flow of entertainment for visitors to the hotel.

There are a hell of a lot of things to do in Boston . In order execute your Boston itinerary, you’re going to need to know how to get around!

When traveling through a few neighborhoods, taking the commuter rail is a great option! It travels around the outskirts of the suburbs, giving you access to a few different areas. It’s also a fairly cheap option, and possibly the best way to tour Boston.

Taking the bus is a very common way to get around the city. It’s perfect for intercity travel and is always decently priced. There are also extensive late-night routes for those still out and about in the early hours.

BlueBikes is a bicycle sharing system with over 100 stations and over 1000 bicycles throughout the city. If you’re looking for an easy way to get around while staying active, this may be the way to go. You can purchase a 24-hour card that gives you access to bikes all around the city for a day.

Of course, taking a taxi around the city is always an option, although traffic does tend to be an issue in rush hour, so be careful of the times you choose to take this form of transport. Taxis are also more expensive than other forms of transport, so we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re on a budget.

Boston Public Garden | Boston Pond | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Trinity Church | Little Italy

If you’re only spending one day in Boston, it’s important to hit some of the most popular tourist attractions in Boston . You’ll spend the day strolling through the Boston Gardens and taking a ride in the famous swan boats, before checking out an art museum, Trinity Church and finally exploring Little Italy!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Stroll Through the Boston Public Garden

• Why it’s awesome: A large garden located in the heart of Boston, which is also the perfect place for a morning stroll.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: The Friendly Toast Restaurant is a local favorite for those looking for early morning breakfast! After a stroll in the gardens you’re sure to have worked up an appetite, so be sure to try their delicious French toast or their incredible gluten-free pancakes!

Boston Public Garden is the oldest public garden in America, giving it a very old-timey feel. A Victorian bridge crosses the pond, and intricate statues are scattered around the lawns.

There is a series of paths that wind their way through the lawns, providing visitors with a wonderful view of the English-style garden. There is a formal garden area that was planted by the city in an attempt to make the garden even more appealing than it already is. The flowers planted blossom throughout the year to create a beautiful show.

The pond that acts as the centerpiece for the public gardens is home to a great number of ducks in the warmer seasons, as well as a few swans. There are even swan boats that have become a very popular tourist attraction in Boston during the summer.

While going for your morning stroll in the public gardens, be sure to look out for the Equestrian statue of George Washington, which is a very interesting piece that seems to have gained popularity over the years.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Ride on the Pond

• Why it’s awesome: There are many ways to enjoy the pond, depending on what time of year you decide to visit Boston.
• Cost: Adults USD $4 and Children USD $2.50
• Food nearby: Saltie Girl is a highly unique restaurant that has become a favorite amongst the locals. They serve incredibly fresh seafood in a diverse range of dishes, and boy do they do it well! The atmosphere is also lovely.

After strolling around the Boston Public Gardens, you’re sure to be in need of a ride around the pond. Since 1877, there have been boats that sail the pond that are adorned with a swan body at the back of the boat.

If you decide to go for a ride, you’ll hop in the boat and be paddled around the pond by a tour guide who sits comfortably in the swan part of the boat. This can be a very peaceful and fun experience for the whole family!

Unfortunately, the boats are only in operation during the summer months. But that doesn’t mean that in winter you miss out on all the fun. The pond is only 3 feet deep, so it freezes over easily in winter and makes for the perfect ice rink.

Be sure to take a skate on the ice if you do happen to be staying in Boston during the colder months.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a woman’s personal collection of artworks that she and her husband collected throughout their lives.
• Cost: USD $15
• Food nearby: Wahlburgers is a famous burger joint starter by Mark Wahlberg and his brothers. They serve deliciously meaty burgers as well as a multitude of other delectable main courses. Be sure to try their spiked milkshakes if you’d like a creamy treat to get your buzz on!

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is housed in the personal home of Isabella Stewart Gardner and shows off her personal collection of incredible artworks.

In the museum, you’ll find artworks from famed artists such as Botticelli, Titian, Fra Angelico, and John Singer Sargent, as well as many others.

When Isabella passed away in 1924, she instructed in her will that her house should be opened to the public as a museum. Unfortunately, in 1990 there was an art theft at the museum and 13 paintings were stolen. Amongst them were artworks from Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as 11 others that were never recovered.

There is also a beautiful garden in the center of the museum, which is a lovely place to sit and relax, as well as taking a photo under the luscious vegetation.

Isabella was a Boston Red Sox fan, so anyone wearing Red Sox paraphernalia when visiting the museum gets a discounted entry fee. Discounts will also be given to anyone named Isabella!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Visit Trinity Church

• Why it’s awesome: The original Trinity Church was built in 1733 but was burnt down in the famous Great Boston Fire. The current version was built shortly afterward to replicate the original.
• Cost: USD $10
• Food nearby: Eataly Boston is a fantastic collection of indoor restaurants that provides you with a wonderful selection of delicious Italian food. With one communal dining area, visitors can all get their meal from a restaurant that suits their preferences whilst still dining together. Expect a selection of wonderful pasta dishes, seafood delights and a wide selection of delicious comfort food.

Trinity Church is the first Romanesque style building to be built in Boston and makes a real statement in its surrounding area. The church is still operational to this day, as people go to worship every Sunday!

For a small entrance fee, you’ll get the opportunity to tour this Boston landmark and see the incredibly intricate architecture that makes this building so great!

The building is built in the shape of a Greek cross, which was truly unique for its time, and it features murals by the famed artist John La Farge. The stained glass windows were done by various different artists but remain a prominent feature of the beautiful church.

Trinity Church consistently ranks in the top 10 for America’s most significant architecture and is a wonderful sightseeing adventure.

If you’re a fan of statues, ornaments, paintings, and intricate architecture, be sure to add this amazing activity to your Boston itinerary.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Take a Walk Through Little Italy

• Why it’s awesome: Little Italy is the oldest inhabited area in Boston and has the same feel as a quaint cobbled street in Italy.
• Cost: Free to explore!
• Food nearby: La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that serves delectable Roman cuisine in healthy portions! If you’re looking for a wonderful mix of Italian seafood dishes and other hearty meals, then this is the perfect restaurant for you to visit during your time in little Italy. Be sure to add this wonderful restaurant to your Boston itinerary! If you have more time, you could even take a food tour of Little Italy in Boston !

Taking a stroll through the cobbled streets of Little Italy is one of the most amazing Boston points of interest. Many of the buildings in this area were built during the late 1600s and early 1700s, so they’re lots of fun to look at and to explore.

In the early 20th century, the area experienced an influx of Italian immigrants and remains the most popular place for Italians to frequent in the city.

The neighborhood has maintained its Italian character over the years and is now home to a variety of Italian restaurants, bakeries, and vendors.

On the last weekend of August every year, the area hosts The Feast of All Feasts , where you can experience vendors lining the streets selling wonderful smelling and tasting delights. If you’re not in the area during this time, there are still plenty of tasty treats for you in the surrounding restaurants and from vendors in the area.

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Bunker Hill Monument | USS Constitution Museum | Museum of African American History | Greenway Carousel | Boston Common

If you’re spending 2 days in Boston , you’re going to need more activities. You’ll climb a monument, visit two museums, ride a very unique carousel and end the day in Boston Common.

Let’s dig into day 2 of your 2 day itinerary in Boston!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Climb Bunker Hill Monument

• Why it’s awesome: Bunker Hill was where the first battle between colonial and British forces took place in America.
• Cost: Free to visit!
• Food nearby: Monument Restaurant and Tavern serves delicious and unique brunch meals that will fill the hole in your stomach created by the invigorating climb to the top of Bunker Hill Monument. Enjoy a variety of comfort food options in a cozy setting that allows you to sit back and relax while indulging in your meal.

The Bunker Hill Monument was built in remembrance of the first bloody battle between colonists and the Britsh forces and stands an impressive 67 meters tall. After picking up a free climbing pass at the bass of the monument, you’ll be able to climb right to the top, which provides spectacular views of the beautiful city!

At the base of the monument, you’ll see a metal statue of Colonel William Prescott, who was the leader of the rebel forces. He was the one who gave the famed instructions “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”.

Although the British won that battle, it was a significant one that proved how much damage the rebels could inflict on them.

Climbing the monument is an activity you simply must add to your Boston itinerary as you’ll get the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the city below. Be sure to take your camera along for this activity as the sight is incredible!

Day 2 /  Stop 2 – Visit the USS Constitution Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world that is still afloat.
• Cost: USD $10 – USD $15
• Food nearby: Brewer’s Fork is a cozy and rustic restaurant that serves delicious wood-fired cuisine. The pizzas are fantastic and the other dishes are very comforting! It’s the perfect place to stop off for lunch before heading to the next activity on your Boston itinerary!

The USS Constitution was commissioned by President Washington and set sail to the high seas in 1797. The ship is best known for defeating five British warships in the war of 1812. The ship now sits in the naval yard, and contains a whole host of wartime and maritime memorabilia, and serves the public as a museum.

Visitors are allowed to board the ship and explore the decks as well as take photos onboard.

The wooden-hulled ship is known lovingly by Bostonians as Old Ironside and matches the old-timey feel of Boston city as a whole.

If you care for a stroll around the navy harbor, it’s always an educational experience and is one of the best places to visit in Boston . You can take a guided tour of the harbor, or venture out on your own. Either way, you’ll have a learning experience second to none.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Explore the Museum of African American History

• Why it’s awesome: The Museum of African American History is an informative museum that gives you the opportunity to learn about slavery and segregation in Boston.
• Food nearby: The Paramount serves American style comfort food in a cafe style diner that has a wonderful atmosphere. Tuck into a pancake stack, fluffy french toast or a juicy burger that will tantalize your taste buds.

The building in which the Museum of African American History is housed was built in 1835 as Abiel Smith School and was the very first public school in Boston for African American children.

It was used for this purpose for twenty years until in 1855, when African American children were integrated into all public schools.

The museum not only shows what the school was like when it was in operation but also what life was like as an African American individual during the 1800’s.

If you’re interested in the history of oppression in the city, then this museum is a must-see on your Boston itinerary.

The museum is part of the Black History Tour that is run in Boston, so if you’re planning on taking the tour, then give this activity a skip on the 2nd day of your Boston itinerary.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Ride the Greenway Carousel

• Why it’s awesome: The Carousel is located in the Tiffany & Co Foundation Grove and is a fairly new addition to the grove.
• Food nearby: Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is an upscale restaurant that serves a wonderful variety of delicious Brazilian cuisine. They specialize in meat dishes but also have a fantastic selection of vegetarian meals. If you haven’t tasted Brazilian cuisine, this is the perfect place to try it for the first time, so be sure to add this tasty experience to your Brazilian itinerary.

The Greenway Carousel is an activity that’s not only for kids but for adults too! The carousel contains a variety of different animals that you can ride, all of which are native to Boston. This makes the experience all the more unique and educational.

You can find lobsters, harbor seals, owls, grasshoppers, bunny rabbits, and eagles, as well as a whole hoard of other animals.

The carousel was designed with adults and children with physical disabilities in mind. So you’ll find it’s very easily accessible and has many features that make it a more inclusive experience.

Unfortunately, the carousel only operates on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s great for a weekend in Boston , but you can visit on any day just to see what it looks like. Each animal on the carousel is a work of art, and worth going to see whether it’s on or not.

Be sure to take your camera along for this activity.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Stroll the Boston Common

• Why it’s awesome : The Boston Common is the oldest park in America as it’s been in use since 1634.
• Food nearby: Pho Basil serves a mix of authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. They serve a multitude of Vegetarian, Vegan, meat and fish dishes, so there really is something for everyone’s taste buds and dietary requirements. The meals are served in a generous portion which you’ll be very grateful for after a day of exploring and adventuring.

This 50-acre park is one of the most popular Boston landmarks as it’s visited by locals and tourists daily. We recommend visiting the Boston Common in the early evening when locals are on their way home from work, and often stop for chat or a vendor meal in the park.

The Boston Common was once a cow pasture, and then a British camp, before becoming an execution ground. Luckily for us, the area is a lot calmer now and has been used as a public park for almost 400 years.

The area is often used for public speeches, gatherings, protests, and concerts. Some of the most notable speakers to give a speech at the park were Martin Luther King Jr and Pope John Paul II.

This park is one of the stop-offs in the Freedom Trail, so you’ll see plenty of tour guides dressed in revolutionary period clothing.

HI Boston offers an incredible communal setting that leaves you feeling refreshed to start touring Boston every morning!

• Free Breakfast
• Reception (limited hours)

Freedom Trail | Black Heritage Trail | Boston Harborwalk | Harvard Yard | Mapparium

If you’re spending 3 days in Boston, you’re going to need a few more activities! Here’s what to do in Boston if you’re staying for a few more days!

Walk the Freedom Trail

• 5-mile walk
• 16 historically significant sites

The Freedom Trail is a wonderful activity to take part in during your time in Boston. Although there are many guided tours that take you along the Freedom Trail, it’s easy enough to take the tour on your own.

A series of bronze markers are embedded in the sidewalk, which point you in the right direction and allow you to follow them all 2.5 miles!

Along the way, you’ll get to stop-off at 16 historically significant sites, where you can learn a little more about the cities past before continuing along the route. The great part about taking a self-guided tour is that you decide where you’d like to spend the most time. You can also take a break to enjoy lunch at a restaurant or street-food vendor of your choice.

Most of the stops along the route are free to visit, which makes this great value for money as you’ll only have to pay admissions at 3 of the 16 sites (Paul Revere House, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House). If you’re on a tight budget, you can give these places a skip.

If you’re a history lover, then this activity simply must be added to your Boston itinerary!

Black Heritage Trail

• Boston walking tour
• 5 mile walk
• Beacon Hill neighborhood

The Black Heritage trail leads you down a 1.5 mile trail where you’ll get the chance to visit some of the most significant places in Boston relating African American history. The Beacon Hill neighborhood was home to Boston’s black population before the civil war.

After the civil war, the African American people staying in Beacon Hill were integrated into the rest of the city with all the other Bostonians.

Along the trail, you’ll visit the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial which is situated in the Boston Common. You’ll also visit the African Meeting House, which was a secret meeting place for African American individuals before the civil war.

You’ll then visit the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House which is the home of the famed abolitionists. There you’ll learn about the plight of African Americans who were fighting for their rights. You’ll visit a few more sights, including the first public school for African American children.

There are tours that can lead you along the trail. These take place a few times a day and may offer extra insights into the past, however it is easy enough to take yourself on the trail if you’d like to save some cash!

Take the Boston Harborwalk

• 47 miles long
• Stunning views
• Activities along the way

The Boston harborwalk is something you have to do while you’re in the wonderful city! Although the walk is rather long and you probably won’t be able to walk all the way (especially in one day), you could hire a bicycle, or just complete part of the walk on foot.

It’s a wonderful way to end off the day, walking along the seaside while the sun sets. There are also plenty of activities to take part in along the way if you’d like to make a day of it.

While you enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea, be sure to stop at the USS Constitution, the Boston Tea Party Museum, the New England Aquarium, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.

End your day of exploring at Castle Island, a piece of Boston that juts out into the ocean and contains many of the best restaurants, cafes and high-end shops in the city.

If walking that distance seems a little intimidating, why not take a boat ride or a cruise along the shoreline to experience the route from a different perspective. If you’re spending more than a week in Boston, be sure to complete the route before you leave as it’s quite an accomplishment! It will leave you with some great memories and magnificent views etched into your memory.

Explore Harvard Yard

• The oldest part of Harvard University
• The central hub of Harvard
• Surrounded by attractions

The Harvard Yard is the central hub of the university, and is a great place to pick up on the atmosphere of this incredibly diverse school. Here you’ll find students playing outdoor games, whether it be a game of frisbee or a quieter game of chess.

In the Harvard Yard, you’ll see the John Harvard Statue to commemorate one of the founders of the university in 1638. The statue is made of bronze and serves as an integral part of the yard.

The Harvard Yard is the oldest part of the university and is surrounded by the Harvard library as well as the Memorial Church. The area opens up into the Harvard square, which consists of restaurants, bars and shops which are continually filled with cheerful students from the university!

You can roam this area of the campus as you please, and explore the different buildings that make up this wonderful university. Guided campus tours are lead by the students of the university at different times throughout the day. However, you can easily take yourself on a self-guided tour of the area!

See the Mapparium

• See the world globe without distortion
• Built in 1935
• Three-story map

The Mapparium can be found in the headquarters of the Christian Science Monitor. It’s a huge glass globe the size of a three-story building. To view the globe, you step inside and view it from the inside.

The Boston Mapparium is the only place in the world where you can see the entire globe without a distorted perspective. If you stand in the middle of the floor, your eyes will be equidistant to every point on the map, allowing you to see the globe for the first time, as it really is.

The globe was built in 1935 and lights up so that you’re able to see each point accurately. The perfect spherical shape of the globe allows this masterpiece to be a whispering gallery too. If you whisper into one side of the globe, another individual will be able to hear you at the opposite end of the globe.

In order to enter, you’ll have to take a guided tour which takes place every 20 minutes. Be sure to check the tour times before venturing out to the awesome Boston attraction.

If you’re a fan of geographical artifacts, this is a wonderful thing to do. Although some of the names of the countries are a little out of date, you’ll still find it to be very geographically accurate!

For the most part, Boston is a fairly safe place. However to pass a safe vacation in Boston you should excercise some precautions. In recent years, theft has become a bit of a problem in recent years so it’s important not to avoid “run down looking” neighbourhoods.

Crime tends to increase at night in quiet areas, so be sure to stick to the more populated areas if you find yourself out and about during the evening.

Smoking in Boston is forbidden in most areas! To ensure you don’t get into trouble with the law, make sure you don’t start lighting up just anywhere. There are actually only a handful of places you’re allowed to smoke, so be sure to check for a sign stating you’re allowed to smoke before lighting that cigarette.

If you’re visiting Boston in winter, it’s important to be prepared. Bring shoes with rubber soles and warm jackets as it can snow at any time during the winter months. You don’t want to get caught in a sleet storm unprepared!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Boston

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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If you’re spending a little more time in this wonderful city, you should consider taking a few day trips from Boston . Here are a few of our favorite day trips that you should be adding to your Boston itinerary!

Boston Duck Tour

The Duck is a unique amphibious vehicle that allows you to discover Boston from a completely different perspective. A duck is a vehicle that was used during World War II to travel on both land and in the water.

You’ll start off touring the historic streets of Boston before plunging into the Charles River, where you’ll enjoy an 80-minute tour of the city. Along the way you’ll get the chance to learn about the unique heritage of the city that gave birth to freedom in America.

All this while enjoying splendid views of the city from the perspective of the water!

Guided Tour of Fenway Park

Fenway Park is home to the beloved Boston Red Sox Baseball Team. On this guided tour, you’ll learn about the stadium which is now over 100 years old and about it’s famous home team.

You’ll learn about the many unique features of the Fenway Park Stadium and about the careers of some of its very best players. You’ll also browse the stadiums 170,000 artifacts and over 150,000 photographs.

If you’re a sports fanatic, this tour is the perfect one for you while you’re visiting Boston.

The Boston Tea Party Interactive Day-Trip

During this Boston day-trip, you’ll get the opportunity to go back in time, and learn about the Boston Tea Party , which triggered the American Revolution. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against unfair taxes, so you’ll get the chance to throw tea overboard to recreate the actions of the sons of liberty.

Along the way, you’ll see holographic characters that will teach you about the events that triggered the American Revolution. You’ll also explore a replica of 2 of the Tea Party Ships that belonged to the Dutch East India Company.

Boston Guided Trolley Tour

On this trolley tour, you’ll travel past 120 of the best sightseeing highlights in Boston. You’ll travel through Beantown from Little Italy, all the way through to the waterfront. Be sure to take an amble around the waterfront as there are a myriad of awesome restaurants and wonderful shops to explore.

You’ll be able to stop for photos at any point along the route, so be sure to bring your camera along for this adventure!

You’ll follow along the freedom trail, stopping off at many of its main attractions before the tour comes to an end.

Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip and Island Tour

Take this day trip from Boston that gives you the opportunity to travel to Martha’s Vineyard without the hassle of booking land and ocean transport.

On the tour you’ll see the homes of many famous celebrities, a gingerbread house and America’s oldest carousel. All of which are great sightseeing opportunities.

Enjoy magnificent views as you travel through the water to the wonderful island. You’ll visit all 6 towns on the island before hopping back on a ferry and heading back to Boston. The tour is all-inclusive so snacks and lunch will be provided during the day.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Boston itinerary.

What should you include on a 3 day Boston itinerary?

Make sure to check out these Boston hotspots: – Little Italy – Bunker Hill Monument – Boston Common – Black Heritage Trail

Where should you stay for a weekend in Boston?

Back Bay is a great option if you’re short on time as it offers easy access to top attractions. For nightlife, base yourself downtown.

What can you do in one day in Boston?

Walking the Freedom Trail (or part of it) is a great way to see Boston’s top historical attractions. Head to Little Italy for food, and chill out in the Public Garden.

Are there any good day trips from Boston?

There are plenty of Boston trips to choose from. Hop on a Boston Duck Tour, a guided Trolley Tour, or head out to Martha’s Vineyard for an island tour.

Boston being one of the oldest cities in the United States has so many heritage sights to see and history lessons to learn. Although the city does have a dark past, Boston is also the birthplace of freedom in America.

Boston leaves little for the heart to desire as it provides sea-side views, as well as a vibrant city life that is comparable to that of the hustle and bustle of New York.

Stroll through the waterfront in the morning and spend the evening exploring the thriving nightlife in Boston, before heading back to one of the best places to stay in Boston.

No matter what your vacation preferences are, this holiday is sure to blow your mind and keep you coming back.

So what are you waiting for? Start booking the most exciting tours in Boston for your travels! Can you hear it? The hustle and bustle of Boston’s city life is calling your name!

Mary Beth Skylis

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How do I ride the MBTA for the marathon? A guide to stops, prices, schedule and more

Thinking about supporting and cheering on the 33,000 runners participating in the Boston Marathon on April 15, but unsure how to get there?

With the roads that the races uses being closed, the MBTA is a great alternative to having to take detours and finding a place to park (most likely someone's yard).

There's no good stop to get you to the new(ish) starting line but the first stop on our list is close to the original starting location in Ashland.

If you're thinking about heading out to the course to watch the race, here's what first-time Marathon attendees need to know while using public transit to get to a key viewing spot. Some Commuter Rail stops drop off passengers right along the route; others require a short walk.

Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail schedule for Marathon Monday

The Commuter Rail will run a weekday schedule to accommodate Boston Marathon crowds. Due to increased ridership, bikes will not be allowed all day. Trains depart in each direction about every hour, outbound toward Worcester and inbound toward Boston .

With the Red Sox first pitch at 11:10 a.m., the 9:05 a.m. and 10 a.m. inbound trains will also have fans headed to Fenway.

How much will it cost to ride the MBTA on Marathon Monday?

The MBTA is offering a $10 unlimited ride ticket for the Commuter Rail all weekend (April 13-15), not just Marathon Monday. Tickets went sale on the mTicket app (available on both Android and iOS ) on Monday. They will not be available in ticket kiosks. A one-way ticket between Ashland and Back Bay is normally $10.50 , so most spectators will want to take advantage of the deal.

Which trains should I take to watch the Marathon?

If you want to watch the competitive divisions, the 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. trains out of South Station should get you to viewing spots in time. The 7:30 is an express train, skipping Newton, Wellesley and Natick stops. The 7:55 a.m. train might cause you to miss the wheelchair divisions if traveling to Ashland.

Coming from Worcester, trains departing at 8:13 a.m. or earlier should get you to viewing locations for the competitive runners.

For competitive races, any other morning train should allow you to see runners on the course.

Which Commuter Rail stations are along the Boston Marathon Route?

There are several Framingham/Worcester stops within a short walk to the Boston Marathon route:

• Ashland station : This stop is within walking distance of the 3.2-mile mark on the course. While there, you can check out the new statue of Spencer , the golden retriever who was a familiar face to runners.
• Framingham station : Located directly on the Marathon route, Framingham's station is at the 6.6-mile mark.
• West Natick station : A quick walk through the parking lot will get you onto Route 135 and the course. Runners passing by will have hit the 8-mile mark as you cheer them on.
• Natick Center station : Walk about a block down Main or Washington streets, and you'll be near the course about 10 miles from the start.
• Wellesley Center station : This station will get you to about the halfway point on the course. It's also the closest to Wellesley College and its famous "scream tunnel."
• Wellesley Hills station : The Wellesley Hills station is a mile closer to the finish line than Wellesley Center.
• Wellesley Farms station: This station is about a half-mile walk through a residential neighborhood to get to Mile 15.5 on the course.
• Landsdowne station: As the name implies, this one is closest to Fenway Park. It's where runners reach the home stretch, with a little more than a mile left.

MBTA will have limited subway service along the Boston Marathon route

Don't just look on a map and pick a nearby spot if you want to use the Green line and get close to the action. Copley Station, the closest to the finish line, will be closed all day on Monday, April 15. Other Green Line stops, including the St. Mary's, South and Kent Street stations, will be closed for most of the race.

The B line and C line each have stations that are near the route and will be open: Woodland, Boston College, Cleveland Circle, Kenmore and Hynes Convention Center.

Many bus routes that normally traverse the course be rerouted or canceled.

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How to plan a weekend in Le Mans, gateway to France's Loire Valley

Le Mans may be best known for its 24-hour car race but the French city offers more than high-speed thrills. Explore its old town then venture into the Loire Valley for canoe trips and chateaux stays.

To most people, ‘Le Mans’ means racing cars. For over a century, this medieval city in the Loire region of northwest France has hosted the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, an iconic rally around the Circuit de la Sarthe that’s as much a test of stamina as speed. You’ll find plenty of nods here to this rich motoring history, from postcards of classic Aston Martins to a dedicated museum that displays numerous race cars.

But you don’t need to be a petrolhead to fall in love with Le Mans; it’s a place with the most evocative of ancient centres, featuring cobbled alleys, some of the world’s best-preserved Roman walls and a blockbuster of a cathedral with beautiful stained glass. There are both intimate restaurants and busy al fresco bars by the river where you can take a bench seat and soak up the atmosphere. And Le Mans is a springboard to much more besides, from the pottery centre of Malicorne and the rustic charm of the Mancelles Alpes area to the royal city of Loches. And all this can be reached flight-free, with the train journey from St Pancras International taking just four-and-a-half hours.

Day 1: River trails & Old town strolls

Morning Le Mans can wait — start your day with a 20-mile drive south west to Malicorne-sur-Sarthe. The pretty town, with its 12th-century church and watermills, has been a heartland of French earthenware since the 18th century. Set in a former ceramics factory, the Malicorne Museum of Earthenware and Ceramics lets you try your hand at pottery-making and browse displays of earthenware, from tobacco jars to white Malicorne ducks with yellow feet. Down the road, Boutique Métiers d’Art sells the work of local artisans, including potters and jewellers. Have lunch at quirky Salon Arthé (7 Place de la République), run by painter Katrin Ehlers, with its dining room-cum-studio full of easels and canvases.

Afternoon On the way back to Le Mans, stop at Roëzé-sur Sarthe to enjoy a riverboat ride. Nautical Adventure rents out watercraft including electric boats, so spend an hour looking for kingfishers on this peaceful stretch of water. After that, crank up the pace at the Motor Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans . It showcases 140 racing cars and reveals the history of the epic race with fascinating archive footage. Its Heroes’ Alley tells the tales of individuals who have made special contributions over the years, focusing not only on the drivers but also the engineers who play such a key role in getting the cars across the finish line in the endurance race. You can take a tour of the circuit, too.

Evening Arrange an evening tour of Le Mans old town with tour guide Nathalie Jupin . You’ll stop at the town hall that was once the palace of Matilda, granddaughter of William the Conqueror, who gave birth here to the future King Henry II of England, and at the Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans, home to a 12th-century stained-glass window. Equally engaging are the town’s smaller details, such as the stone obelisks on street corners that once protected buildings from carriage wheels and the fourth-century arch that leads to a section of Roman wall. Wrap up the day with a meal of veal steak and heritage vegetables at the intimate, wood-beamed Bistrot des Gourmets 6 Rue Barbier.

Day 2: Canopy climbs & abbey visits

Morning Drive 40 minutes north to the Mancelles Alpes, a region of wooded hills, jagged cliffs and charming villages that follows the valley of the River Sarthe. You can take to the river once more, this time in a canoe or kayak rented from Préférence Plein-Air , just outside the Camping du Sans Souci site in the village of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. Alternatively, don a safety harness and try a spot of tree climbing in the commune of St Léonard-des-Bois. Parc Aventures du Gasseau has constructed a series of rope walkways, tunnels and swings among the oak trees in the grounds of its restaurant, La Maison du Gasseau . Afterwards, enjoy a lunch made from organic, local produce on the atmospheric terrace of the chateau.

Afternoon Heading back to Le Mans, make a stop 10 minutes from the centre at the L’Épau Abbey . This Cistercian complex was founded in 1229 by the English queen Berengaria of Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, who’d been killed in battle 30 years earlier. A skeleton discovered in the abbey church in the 1960s is thought to be hers and has since been reunited with her tombstone here. You get a real feel for monastic life as you explore, calling in at the dormitory, where the monks slept on mats on the floor; the scriptorium, where they copied manuscripts; and the church, where they prayed eight times a day. Afterwards, take a walk through the Arch of Nature , a two-square-mile reserve that abuts the abbey grounds and includes a nature trail featuring artworks inspired by local wildlife.

Evening Dinner is in Le Mans at Brasserie Madeleine (7 Place des Jacobins), a family-run restaurant in a square overlooking the cathedral. it serves a good selection of seafood dishes — lobster, oysters, mussels and more — and a fabulously creamy rillette on thick pieces of toast. Then it’s time for La Nuit des Chimères , a free light show. At sundown every day in summer, more than 20 of the city’s buildings, walls and trees are illuminated with colourful images, from fairytale characters and historical symbols to portraits of locals who’ve made a special contribution to life here. The tourist office has a map with a walking route that takes in the illuminations. Round off the evening with a drink at Guingette des Tanneries (Square des Tanneries, Quai Louis Blanc), a relaxed riverside restaurant.

Where to stay in Le Mans

1. La Maison du Gasseau A blue-grey stone chateau with green shutters in the Mancelles Alpes, this place was built as a family home in 1939 and now offers six guest rooms with exposed beams and wooden floors. The breakfast features freshly baked scones, local honey and home-churned butter.

2. Domaine de L’Epau With grass rolling over their roofs, the six eco-lodges here look like Hobbit homes buried in the landscape. The interiors are unfussy and modern, with terraces perfect for an evening tipple. Kitchenettes mean you can self-cater but the complex also has a bar and restaurant.

3. Montmirail castle Parts of this castle, standing proud between Le Mans and Chartres, date back to the 12th century. Its guest rooms brim with a sense of history, and each is individually decorated with heritage features such as four-poster beds and elegant wood panelling.

4. Aventure Nautique Set on the banks of the River Sarthe in Roëzé-sur-Sarthe, Aventure Nautique has 10 bell tents that allow full but comfortable immersion in nature. Hire one of the site’s paddleboards or electric boats for a river adventure then kick back with a mojito at the characterful bar set in a shack.

5. Maison Courtin In La Chartre-sur-le-Loire, Maison Courtin is owned and run by Grégoire Courtin, who rents out a couple of guest rooms furnished in 19th-century style. He’s also the proprietor of the adjacent brush shop and homeware museum and will gladly give you a tour of his hoard of curiosities, ranging from model Aston Martins to 18th-century medical instruments.

What to eat in Le Mans

1. Rillettes A pâté of shredded pork cooked in fat that’s typically smothered on toast, rillettes originated in nearby Touraine but became associated with Le Mans when a local started selling it to passengers passing through on the train. There are several annual celebrations of the speciality, including the annual Spring of Rillettes festival held in Sarthe.

2. Chenin blanc One of the Loire’s wine-producing areas in the south of Sarthe, Jasnieres is well worth a look. Its Chenin Blanc wines date to the Middle Ages when they were made by Cistercian monks. They range from dry to fiercely sweet. Try them at the Domaine des Gauletteries winery in Ruillé-sur-Loir.

3. Sablé biscuits The classic Sablé biscuit, a crimp-edged shortbread, is thought to have originated during the 17th century in Sablé-sur-Sarthe. Named after the French word for ‘sandy’, there are both sweet (orange, lemon, almond) and savoury (green pepper, parmesan) versions. Take a tour of the Biscuiterie La Sablésienne biscuit factory, in operation since 1962.

What to do in Loches

1. Château de Loches and the Donjon The royal city of Loches is dominated by its elevated medieval royal quarter, surrounded by a fortified wall and featuring Charles VII’s royal residence, famously visited by Joan of Arc in 1429. Most impressive of all is the Donjon, an 11th-century castle tower containing dungeons etched with the graffiti of unfortunate former captives. The castle has a varied royal history that includes occupation by the one-time king of England, Richard the Lionheart, in the 12th century. Visitors are issued with interactive tablets that bring the past to life by showing how each of the rooms would have looked in its prime.

2. Cultu’raids Concept The city sits on the Indre River, an idyllic tributary of the Loire. You can gain a deeper appreciation of it by renting a canoe from Cultu’raids Concept, which has a base near the centre. From here, you can explore a quiet stretch of the water, allowing you to feel a world away from civilisation. The river is narrow and shallow, winding through a tunnel of overhanging trees. One option is to paddle five miles to the watermill at St Jean, perhaps escorted by grey wagtails, flashing yellow as they flit from stone to stone on the river bed. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of red deer through the branches on the banks. You can also rent standup paddleboards from the company.

3. Green Route A 35-minute drive south west of Loches is the village of Abilly, where you can rent bikes and e-bikes at Les Vélos de Paulette (8 Avenue des Termelles) and join the Green Route, a relaxing cycle path through woodland and fields of sunflowers. After five miles, a road takes you uphill through the village of Le Grand-Pressigny to a 12th-century chateau — guarded by a large model of a woolly mammoth — that now houses a museum of prehistory . Returning to Loches, if you wish to stay overnight, check in to the Hôtel de la Cité Royale , housed in the 19th-century Palais of Justice. Its terrace has views over the city’s castle and church.  

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Travel advisory: president biden visiting seattle later this week – plan ahead and expect travel delays.

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At-a-glance:

• President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Seattle later this week.
• We expect significant travel delays and detours in the greater Seattle area in the coming days.
• Continue to check traffic conditions before you leave, and give yourself plenty of extra travel time.
• To stay informed, check King County Metro’s service advisories and sign up for transit alerts . You can also follow tweets from King County Metro , SDOT Traffic , and WSDOT Traffic .
• Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this Presidential visit to our region.

During President Biden’s visit, the U.S. Secret Service has the authority to provide security, including requiring intermittent closures of freeways and streets. The flow of buses and cars in downtown Seattle and around the region will be affected.

While the president’s exact travel route and timing are not published in advance, travelers can still plan ahead by anticipating delays and temporary road closures., what to expect and how to get around.

You can check media reports and the websites of local jurisdictions and transit agencies before you leave, so you have the latest information about travel conditions. Remember to give yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination.

If you can, please consider options to get around without driving. Riding transit and biking can be good ways to avoid traffic, but please note that some bus routes may also be affected by temporary traffic closures or detours, including short-term re-routes.

Our Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) engineers can adjust traffic signal timing within the city of Seattle based on expected closures and any necessary re-routing. We may also post messages on dynamic message signs when needed.

How to stay informed

King County Metro publishes service advisories online and sends transit alerts to riders notifying them of bus re-routes and travel changes. You can see if your route is affected by visiting Metro’s service advisories page .

We also encourage you to sign up for Metro’s transit alerts and to monitor local news reports and social media updates.

• Sign up for King County Metro transit alerts
• Follow tweets from King County Metro , SDOT Traffic , and WSDOT Traffic .

Thank you again for your patience and cooperation during this Presidential visit.

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