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48 Hours in Boston: The Perfect Itinerary

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If you’re looking for a New England destination to visit for a weekend, go ahead and book a trip to Boston . It’s easy to get to the city's top attractions in just 48 hours, especially if you take advantage of the MBTA , Boston's public transportation system.

While your itinerary is likely to change based on the time of year you visit (we suggest planning a trip for May, June, September, or October), we've created a sample itinerary to maximize your weekend. From exploring the sites along the Freedom Trail to visiting popular museums and neighborhoods, here's how to spend two days in Boston.

Day 1: Morning

10 a.m.: Upon landing at Logan International Airport , hop in a taxi or Uber and head to your hotel for check-in. While it’s easy to get around Boston and experience the different areas in one trip, you should still think about where you want to make your home base. If you want to stick close to the Boston Common and the city's best shopping, a hotel in the Back Bay neighborhood (like the Lenox, Sheraton, or Westin) may suit you best. For exploring the Seaport, Fort Point, Downtown and the North End, check out the InterContinental or Envoy Hotel. More information can be found in our roundup of Boston's best boutique hotels.

11 a.m.: Once you’re settled, plan on grabbing a quick bite to eat. You can find Tatte Bakery in nearly every neighborhood for coffee, pastries, egg dishes, avocado toast, and sandwiches. There is Café Nero and Dunkin’ Donuts all over Boston for even faster options. It's your call whether you choose to go heavier on food now or during the next part of the day, which will involve quite a bit of walking.

Day 1: Afternoon

12 p.m.: Now that you’ve cured your hunger, it’s time to set out for the day, and the best place to start is Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail . This 2.5-mile red brick pathway takes you from the Boston Common —the oldest park in the U.S.—to the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. It's easy to navigate the Freedom Trail on your own via a free self-guided tour, but guided tours are available as well. You can follow it in either direction.

While the Freedom Trail can be done in an hour without any significant stops, plan for it to take at least two hours. That way, you'll have time to explore the landmarks that most interest you, such as the Faneuil Hall Marketplace . Home to lots of stores and restaurants, this historic shopping center is a great place to grab something else to eat or drink. There are also full restaurants and smaller pop-ups inside Quincy Market.

Day 1: Evening

6 p.m.: Assuming you started the Freedom Trail at the Boston Common, you’ll wind up in Charlestown. Stick around for dinner on the water at Pier 6 , or enjoy delicious pizza at Figs by Todd English . You can also walk or take an Uber back over the bridge to the North End for Italian food . You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants on Hanover or Salem Street, most of which are authentic, family-owned Italian eateries.

8 p.m.: When you’re done with dinner, grab cannolis and other pastries at Mike's Pastry. Modern Pastry has a delicious assortment of treats as well, plus an underground bar for drinks . Nearby Bricco is known for their espresso martinis, and Lucky's is a great spot for live music. For other nightlife, check out our list of the best bars in Boston .

Day 2: Morning

Courtesy of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

9 a.m.: If you're with a group or want to try out a few different restaurants in a short period of time, head to the Time Out Market in the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood. Here, you’ll find a sampling of the area’s top restaurants all under one roof, each one serving up their most popular dishes. Try fresh bagels from Jewish deli Mamaleh’s Delicatessen , donuts from Union Square Donuts , and coffee from George Howell Coffee. 

11 a.m.: Spend your second day in the city exploring one or two of Boston's many museums . If you’re traveling with kids, the Boston Children’s Museum is sure to be a hit, or you can teach them a bit about the city’s history by throwing tea overboard at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum . Those interested in art will want to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, or the Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, the Museum of Science has more than 500 interactive exhibits, along with shows at the Charles Hayden Planetarium .

Day 2: Afternoon

1 p.m.: As long as the weather is nice, having lunch or drinks outdoors—preferably with a rooftop view of the city —is always a good idea. A few options include Legal Harborside, the Envoy Hotel’s Lookout Rooftop & Bar, Ristorante Fiore in the North End, or Six West at South Boston's Cambria Hotel. If the temperature is chilly, try any of the city's top restaurants instead.

3 p.m.: After lunch, spend a couple hours at another one of the city’s top museums. If you prefer to spend part of the day outdoors, go to the Back Bay neighborhood and stroll down Boston’s most popular shopping destination , Newbury Street. This picturesque area is filled with beautiful brownstones and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Nearby Boylston Street also features the Prudential Center and Copley Place shopping malls.

Day 2: Evening

5 p.m.: If you didn’t already do so, get a pre-dinner cocktail at a restaurant with a view of the city. Or, head to one of Boston's best breweries like Trillium in Fort Point or Night Shift at LoveJoy Wharf. Note that Boston doesn’t have happy hour per city rules, so you’ll unfortunately be paying full price for drinks wherever you go.

7 p.m.: For your second evening in Boston, try out a restaurant in the Seaport or Fort Point . These up-and-coming neighborhoods are both being built up with new restaurants, and offer plenty of lovely views of the Harbor.

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Boston Itinerary: How to Spend Five Days in Boston

One of the most historic cities in the United States , Boston is the city I called home for the first 25 years of my life.

More a collection of towns than a metropolis like New York , Boston is a city steeped in history (it contains a lot of historical firsts for the United States and played a pivotal role in its founding), delicious food, wide-open green spaces, first-rate museums, and warm, welcoming people.

Visiting Boston offers all the benefits of a big metropolis without the intensity and fast pace of New York.

Boston is easy to get around and compact, making it perfect for travelers. The subway will take you wherever you need to go.

So how many days do you need to visit Boston?

Most people visit for three to four days, and I think that’s a perfect amount of time. As someone who’s lived there, I can say that, since Boston is so small, you won’t waste a lot of time “in transit,” so you can pack a lot into your days. Obviously, you can spend longer here (slow travel is the best travel), but for the first-time visitor, three to four days is enough.

Here’s a suggested Boston itinerary that will allow you to see the best of Boston:

Table of Contents

Boston Itinerary: Day 1

Boston itinerary: day 2, boston itinerary: day 3, boston itinerary: day 4, boston itinerary: day 5, other things to see and do in boston.

• Boston Common
• Massachusetts State House
• Park Street Church
• Granary Burying Ground
• King’s Chapel Burying Ground
• Benjamin Franklin statue and the former site of Boston Latin School
• Old Corner Bookstore
• Old South Meeting House
• Old State House
• Site of the Boston Massacre
• Faneuil Hall
• Paul Revere House
• Old North Church
• Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
• USS Constitution
• Bunker Hill Monument

You follow a brick road through the city, and there are signs and historical markers all along the way. Given all the walking that’s involved, I would make this the main activity of the day. You’ll want to take your time and see all the sites thoroughly.

You can also take a guided tour from the visitor’s center. Tours run hourly between 11am and 1pm, with additional tours in the afternoon in the spring and summer. Tickets are $17 USD for adults, $15 USD for students and seniors, and $8 USD for children 6-12 (free for kids under 6).

4 S Market St, +1 617-523-1300, faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm.  

Browse for Books Located a stone’s throw away from the Boston Common, Brattle Book Shop is a family-run used bookstore that dates back to 1825. It’s actually one of the oldest surviving bookstores in the country! It’s home to over 250,000 books, maps, postcards, and other odds and ends. In addition to used books, the store is also home to an impressive collection of first editions and antique books.

9 West Street, +1 617-542-0210, brattlebookshop.com. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm.

Walk Around the Back Bay This area used to be an actual bay. Before the Europeans arrived, the indigenous population used the tidal bay to catch fish, as the bay drained completely during low tide. When the land was colonized, a dam was built and the tidal bay was eventually filled in, creating the Back Bay area.

The end of the Public Gardens meets Boston’s Back Bay, our version of New York’s SoHo and West Village. This is where Boston’s elite and wealthy live, and nearby Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with lots of expensive shopping and high-end eateries. It’s a beautiful space to stroll around, with pretty brownstones and tree-lined streets. You can still see plenty of old Victorian homes in this neighborhood that date back to the 19th century. ( Here’s a list of other neighborhoods worth checking out as well!

You’ll also find the Boston Public Library here. Opened in 1852, it’s one of the largest municipal libraries in the country, home to over 23 million items, with almost 4 million visitors each year.

206 Clarendon St, +1 617-536-0944, trinitychurchboston.org. The church is open for prayer and tours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 12:15pm-4:30pm. Tours are $10 USD for adults, though it is free to enter for worship.

Head up to the Prudential Tower Head back toward Copley to see the Prudential Tower, colloquially known as “The Pru.” You can actually go up to the top and get a bird’s-eye view of Boston. There are 52 floors in the building, which was built in the 1960s. These days, it’s the second tallest building in the city (the John Hancock Tower is first).

800 Boylston St, +1 617-859-0648, prudentialcenter.com. Open daily from 10am-8pm (10pm in the summer). Admission is $34.99 USD for adults, with discount available for students, seniors, and children.

47 David G. Mugar Way, +1 617-626-1250, hatchshell.com. See the website for an up-to-date list of events.

1 Science Park, +1 617-723-2500, mos.org. Open Saturday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Fridays 9am-9pm. Admission is $29 USD for adults, with discounts available for seniors and children.  

1 Central Wharf, +1 617-973-5200, neaq.org. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-6pm. Admission is $34 USD for adults, with discounts available for kids and seniors.

See the Skinny House When you’re in the North End, visit 44 Hull Street. Known as “the Skinny House” (or the Spite House), this incredibly narrow house has a rather interesting history. Built after the Civil War, it was a passion project of Joseph Euestus, who came home from the war to find that his brother had taken over more than half of the inherited land they were meant to share. Joseph decided to build on the remaining land — which his brother thought was too small to build anything on. Joseph went ahead and built a narrow four-story home on the small slice of land to block his brother’s view.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum Boston has a lot of great galleries and museums, so depending on your interest, you’ll want to check out some (or all) of the galleries and museums below. It will take more than an afternoon to see them all but you can always spread these visits out over a few days!

• Institute of Contemporary Art : If contemporary art is your cup of tea, this is for you. While it’s not my favorite style of art, I have to admit this place does put on some insightful exhibits. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, +1 617-478-3100, icaboston.org.
• Commonwealth Museum : This museum explores the history of Massachusetts. It’s actually really interesting and entirely underrated (especially if you’re a history nerd like me). 220 Morrissey Blvd, +1 617-727-2816, sec.state.ma.us/arc.
• Harvard Museum of Natural History : This natural history museum has exhibitions showcasing dinosaurs, animals, and minerals (including meteorites). It’s a great choice if you’re traveling with kids, though there is plenty of informative content for adults too! 26 Oxford St +1 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu.
• Harvard University Art Museums : Harvard actually has three art museums – the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum. They are home to both modern and historical art exhibitions. See what exhibitions are running by checking their website. harvardartmuseums.org
• Museum of Fine Arts : This museum has an impressive collection of over 450,000 pieces of fine art. It also runs all sorts of art classes throughout the year, both multi-week classes as well as single-day workshops. If you’re looking to learn something new or improve your skills, check out the website for more details. 465 Huntington Avenue, +1 617-267-9300, mfa.org.
• Warren Anatomical Museum : Founded in 1847, this macabre museum is filled with Civil War–era medical tools as well as some unique (and perhaps unsettling) medical mysteries. It’s super weird but super neat. A definite must if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path museum! 10 Shattuck St, +1 617-432-6196, countway.harvard.edu/center-history-medicine/warren-anatomical-museum.
• Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum : This interactive museum is home to some historic ships that have been authentically restored to show you what life was like at sea during the Boston Tea Party. It also has a really informative documentary about the events that led up to the Tea Party and the American Revolution. Best of all, you can actually throw fake crates of tea into the river yourself to see what it was like! 306 Congress St, +1 617-338-1773, bostonteapartyship.com.
• Paul Revere House : Built in 1680, this is actually the oldest building in the entire city (it’s been renovated but it’s still the original building). The museum is filled with the family’s furniture and artifacts, giving you a sense of what life was like in Boston before the Revolution. 19 N Square, +1 617-523-2338, paulreverehouse.org.
• Museum of Bad Art : The name says it all! This is a museum filled with terrible art. The MOBA has rotating exhibits throughout the year, so there is always something new and terrible to behold. If you feel like a laugh, definitely check out this quirky gallery! 55 Davis Square, +1 781-444-6757, museumofbadart.org.
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum This museum is home to an amazing art collection of over 20,000 items, including European, Asian, and American art. Opened in 1903, the museum is made up of a wide-ranging collection of paintings, tapestries, decorative arts, and sculptures. It’s one of the best museums in Boston. Don’t miss it. 25 Evans Way, +1 617-566-1401, gardnermuseum.org.

Harvard University, +1 617-495-1000, harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours.

125 Arborway, +1 617-524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu. Open daily 7am-7pm. Admission is free.

Take the Sam Adams Brewery Tour After four days of sightseeing, you deserve a beer or five. Luckily, this brewery is located near the Arboretum so it’s easy to visit and a great way to end your day. Sam Adams is a major brewer in Boston, and locals drink it widely and frequently. The brewery offers free tours, starting in mid-afternoon and departing every 45 minutes. You get a few free samples along the way. If you’re under 21, don’t worry. You can still go — you just can’t drink.

30 Germania St, +1 617-368-5080, samueladams.com. Tours are available Monday-Thursday and Saturdays 10am-3pm. On Friday, tours are available between 10am and 5:30pm. Their Sam Signature Experience is 45 min long and costs $10 USD.

4 Yawkey Way, +1 877-733-7699, mlb.com/redsox/ballpark. See the website for an up-to-date schedule.

(The Sox not in season? No worries. We have the Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots. No matter the time of year, you’ll be able to find a game to see!)  

Visit the Children’s Museum If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to spend part of your visit. It’s the second oldest children’s museum in the US and has permanent exhibits on health and exercise, construction, space, art, and diversity. It also has a real two-story house from Kyoto, Japan, that teaches kids about life there (it’s actually pretty cool!).

308 Congress Street, +1 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm. On the first Saturday of the month, the museum opens at 10am. Admission is $20 USD for both adults and kids (free for infants under 12 months).

Charlestown Navy Yard, +1 617-426-1812, ussconstitutionmuseum.org. The ship is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (with extended hours in the summer); the museum is open 10am-6pm (with extended hours in the summer as well). Admission is free, though the museum has a suggested donation of $10-15 USD.

Visit More Museums – With any extra time, visit more museums! There’s plenty of them to see! Try not to skip the big ones!

725 Commonwealth Avenue, +1 617-353-2630, bu.edu/astronomy/community/open-night-observatory/. Viewings are Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the autumn and winter and 8:30pm in the spring and summer. Make sure to get there 10 minutes early as they don’t permit entry once it starts.

See the Mapparium – Located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story inverted globe serves as a giant map of the world that you can walk into via a glass bridge. It is constructed of over 600 stained-glass panels and shows the world as it looked in 1935.

200 Massachusetts Avenue, +1 617-450-7000, marybakereddylibrary.org. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission to the Mapparium is $6 USD for adults, with discounts available for students, children, and seniors.

Head to Castle Island – Castle Island is located in South Boston and is famous for Fort Independence. When the fort was no longer needed for defense, it was actually used as the first state prison. The island covers 22 acres and has excellent beaches, as well as some running trails that are popular with the locals. There’s also an area for picnics and you can visit the old fort for free. The place gets pretty busy on the weekends during the summer, and you can often see school groups exploring the fort during the spring.

Relax at the Lawn on D – This massive green space is new to the city (when I was growing up, there was nothing in this area so you would never go there). There are all sorts of free activities happening year-round, from concerts to festivities and everything in between! There’s public seating, free Wi-Fi, art exhibitions, and a few games, like table tennis and bocce. To see what events are happening during your visit, check the website for details.

420 D St, +1 877-393-3393, signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d. Open Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday from 7am-11pm and Thursday & Sunday from 7am-10:30pm (hours may vary for events). Admission is free.

Hike the Blue Hills – This park is a bit out of the way, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to get out and stretch your legs. The 7,000-acre park is home to over 100 miles of trails and offers some picturesque viewpoints. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as boating, fishing, skiing, and rock climbing (depending on the season). It can get busy in the summer on the weekends, so just be sure to arrive early.

Tour the Custom House – Built in the 17th century, the Custom House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. In 1915, a tower was added to the building, making it the tallest building in the city at the time. The building is owned by Marriott Hotels now, though you can still take a free tour (by appointment) to go up to the observation deck on the 26th floor.

3 McKinley Square, +1 617-310-6300, marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosch-marriott-vacation-club-pulse-at-custom-house-boston. Tours are free though they are by appointment only.

Boston is a great city (and I’m not just saying that because I grew up there). I’ve never encountered a person who hasn’t liked it. This Boston itinerary will give you a good overview of the city at a relaxing pace. You’ll be moving around a lot, though, so make sure you get an unlimited “T” pass (subway/train pass). If you have more time, you can squeeze in some other activities .

But why rush such a beautiful place?

Take it slow. Mix and match the itinerary to suit your needs but this is how I’d structure my days if I was visiting Boston!

Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For the best hostels, check out this post on the best hostels in the city.

If you want to know the best neighborhoods, here’s my guide to all the best areas in town !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Boston? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Boston for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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2 Days in Boston: The Ultimate Weekend in Boston Itinerary

We adore Boston, and I love writing detailed travel itineraries–so you’d think this 2 days in Boston itinerary would have been fairly easy to write, right?

As it turns out, a full summer of living in and exploring Boston in-depth with the intention of blogging about it resulted in having more favorite things to do in Boston than can be squeezed into a 2 day Boston itinerary–but lots of research and writing later, I managed to whittle down the best of Boston into a 48 hour Boston itinerary.

And, that surprisingly consequential summer led to another reason to return to Boston again and again: my Dad met my fabulous now-stepmom during that visit (hi, Christine!), and with 30 years of living in Boston under her belt, she has brought Boston and New England as a whole into our lives forever (and yes, she has provided many tidbits to help us enhance this Boston itinerary even further).

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

From someone who spent 3 months living there and fell head-over-heels for the city despite assuming that wouldn’t happen, here is everything we recommend you do–plus all the logistics you need to know–to pull off the perfect 2 days in Boston.

Delicious food, literary interests, American history, pretty neighborhoods, penguins, and more can all be covered with just 2 days in Boston–but fair warning, your feet might be a bit sore at the end!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate 2 Day Boston Itinerary

But what about walking the freedom trail, don’t want to walk consider a duck tour., where to stay in boston, the boston go card: worth the money, have more than 2 days in boston, ma, where to eat in boston, getting around during a weekend in boston, read more about visiting new england (and beyond).

Day 1 in Boston Itinerary : Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Beyond

Start your morning in the boston public garden..

The Boston Public Garden is one of our favorite places in the city: quiet and beautiful, it’s a great place to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a bit of peace and (relative) quiet in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Be sure to check out the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, put in place for the famous children’s book that features Boston, while you’re there! If you’d like to enjoy views of the Boston Public Garden from the water, the swan paddle boats in the garden’s pond are famously inexpensive at $4.50/ride.

Head to Back Bay for brunch and beautiful houses.

Back Bay is one of Boston’s trendiest addresses: here is where you’ll find stunning mansions, high-end shopping, and the occasional burst of surprising quirkiness (like The Fairy Shop , which features oodles of Harry Potter memorabilia and makes my inner eleven-year-old quake with joy).

Here are a few of the best places to check out as you explore Back Bay on foot!

Commonwealth Avenue

Some of the most fashionable addresses in Boston can be found on Commonwealth Avenue!

S tretching into Back Bay from its endpoint at the Boston Public Garden, don’t miss the chance to walk down this stunning street and gawk at the beautiful homes.

This is a fantastic place to start your explorations of Back Bay.

Trinity Church

One of the most beautiful churches in Boston, this 19th-century church sticks out amongst the more modern feel of Back Bay.

Boston Public Library

In addition to being exquisitely beautiful, bibliophiles across the USA owe a debt of gratitude to the Boston Public Library for its continuing advances forward.

This was the first publicly funded library, the first library to open additional branches, the first to lend books out, and more recently, the first to install free wifi.

In other words, they’re pretty cool (and the reading room is a must-see during 2 days in Boston).

Peruse Brattle Bookshop.

As a book lover, I can’t write a 2 days in Boston itinerary without including the epic Brattle Bookshop !

Dating back to 1825 and specializing in used and rare books, Brattle Bookshop is located just off Boston Common and includes three stories and–my favorite–an outdoor courtyard stuffed to the brim with books.

Even if you don’t make it inside, the courtyard is worth seeing. I t boasts hundreds of inexpensive, used books (perfect for a cheap souvenir!) and enormous murals that climb the courtyard walls.

Stroll through Boston Common and enjoy views of the Massachusetts State House.

Boston Common is the heart and soul of Boston (and it’s definitely the Common, not the Commons, as locals will be quick to tell you).

W ithin a few minutes walk you can be in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, at the Massachusetts State House, at the theatre, shopping at Downtown Crossing (this is where you’ll find all the standard chain stores), or exploring a piece of American history.

The park is gorgeous to walk through, too. Be sure to stop by the carousel, take in the views of the gold-domed Massachusetts State House while you’re there , and count how many impeccably groomed golden retrievers you pass (it will be a lot) while you’re there!

Pay a visit to Beacon Hill.

Beacon Hill is my favorite neighborhood to explore in Boston.

This is the Boston you see on postcards: redbrick mansions, black shutters, a cobblestone path or two, tree-lined streets.

It is absolutely stunning to wander through–we recommend walking from Boston Common up to Louisburg Square, which boasts some of the most prestigious addresses in Boston (former Secretary of State John Kerry lives here), and then taking a quick stroll to Acorn Street to take advantage of one of Boston’s most photogenic spots.

Keep in mind that Acorn Street is very popular these days! Make sure to be respectful of people’s property (some residents have complained about visitors using their stoops–best to stick to the cobblestones).

Visit Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground.

After enjoying a bit of time in Beacon Hill, head back down to Boston Common and pay a visit to the Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground, which are right next door to the Common.

You’ll notice a large monument with a very familiar name in Granary Burying Ground: Benjamin Franklin’s parents are buried here, and a monument to the family is erected toward the center of the cemetery.

Stop by the King’s Chapel & Burying Ground.

The King’s Chapel is my favorite church in Boston to go inside–not because it is ornate, but because it is so unusual among US churches.

Built originally as an Anglican Church in the 18th century, the church has enclosed “boxes” instead of rows of pews.

Originally, prominent families who were members of the church would have a box of their own that they would sit in each Sunday.

The King’s Chapel still has an active congregation–but these days, instead of Anglicans, Unitarians call the chapel home.

Eat the original Boston Creme Pie at Omni Parker House.

Think you need to make a reservation and sit down to a meal to eat the original Boston Creme Pie?

You definitely don’t!

The Omni Parker House has a small shop on the first floor selling the delicious cakes, and we recommend stopping to pick one up.

If you want to also try the original Parker House rolls (which are, in fact, delicious), consider planning a meal–home to one of Boston’s many historic restaurants –at the Omni Parker House as well.

And, while we’ll talk more about hotels later, suffice it to say that if you’re looking for a luxurious, historic, and centrally-located place to stay in Boston, the Omni Parker House is a great choice .

Take a peek at the Old Corner Bookstore.

The former home of Anne Hutchinson has acted as a bookstore, apothecary, home, Boston Globe souvenir shop, diamond store, and now a Chipotle: talk about evolution!

The building is still worth a nod as you go by, though, and also happens to be set right across from the Irish Famine Memorial–a striking statue worth taking a look at during your 2 days in Boston.

Pay a visit to the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre.

As you wander your way through Boston on your way to the Old State House, be sure to note the Old South Meeting House along the way!

The Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre that is right out front is the perfect final sightseeing stop on your first day in Boston.

As the oldest surviving public building in Boston, the Old State House has seen more than its fair share of American history: it was once the seat of the colonial government, then became the seat of the Massachusetts state government and eventually Boston City Hall.

The Old State House has been a museum since the 19th century, after more than 100 years in public service and a brief stint as a commercial building.

Day 2 in Boston Itinerary : Marketplace District, the North End, and the Waterfront

Begin in the marketplace district..

The marketplace district is all about the food, so come hungry and ready to explore as you start the second day of your Boston itinerary (just ignore the hideous city hall that’s across the street).

Here are the essential stops to make when visiting Boston’s marketplace district!

Boston Public Market

Looking for some New England specialties, whether to devour immediately or to take home?

Boston Public Market is the perfect spot for that: featuring exclusively New England-based products and companies, you can pick up anything from produce to donuts to crafts here.

This is one of my favorite spots in Boston–and not just because of how good the ice cream is!

If you’re lucky enough to have your 2 days in Boston overlap with a Friday or Saturday, be sure to swing by Haymarket (located right in front of the Boston Public Market) to check out a fabulous farmer’s market!

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Made up of closely located Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, South Market, and North Market, this is the heart of Boston’s historic market district–and also one of the most touristy places in the USA.

While we definitely feel it’s worth stopping by during your 2 days in Boston to appreciate the markets and the history behind them (Faneuil Hall dates back to the 18th century), unless crowds, chain stores, and overpriced food are your thing, you won’t need to stick around long.

Stop by the New England Holocaust Memorial.

Right in between the Boston Public Market/Haymarket area and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace sits the sobering New England Holocaust Memorial.

It takes very little time to walk through–no line, no entrance fee–but it is worth taking a moment to slow down and appreciate it.

Head into the North End.

Boston’s North End (also known as “Little Italy”, though you won’t catch a local calling it that) is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and a fascinating sort of place.

It’s one of the oldest parts of Boston, and is famous for being a neighborhood popular with Italian immigrants, though there are more tourists than Italians there these days.

It’s home to tons of Italian food (from the very good to the very bad), beautiful architecture, several noteworthy spots in American history, and a couple of very famous pastry shops.

Paul Revere House

The oldest remaining building in downtown Boston once belonged to none other than Paul Revere!

Whether you head inside for a tour or simply admire the facade as you walk by during your 2 days in Boston, be sure to note this piece of American history sitting in the North End.

Old North Church

And speaking of Paul Revere…

The whole “one if by land, two if by sea” story? That lantern was said to have been hung here, at the Old North Church.

(Modern note: there is a popular scam around the world that consists of fake monks collecting money–and they have a big presence right here. Best not to engage with them!).

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and the Spite House

Boston’s second-oldest cemetery holds more than 1200 marked graves that include plenty of notable burials from the colonial era… but that’s not the only reason to visit.

Right across from Copp’s Hill Burying Ground sits the Spite House (also known as the Skinny House), which is home to one of my favorite Boston stories.

As the story goes, two brothers inherited land from their father. While one was away serving in the American Civil War, the other brother built a large home, taking over part of the soldier’s inheritance.

When the soldier returned home, he built the “Spite House”–incredibly skinny, and yet incredibly effective at blocking his brother’s view.

The legitimacy of the story is somewhat questionable, but it sure is a classic Boston tale.

Mike’s Pastry and/or Modern Pastry

If you’ve heard one thing about eating cannoli in the North End, it’s probably about how delicious Mike’s Pastry is.

If you’ve heard two things, it’s probably that Modern Pastry is better and more “unknown”.

Here’s what we can tell you firsthand: Modern Pastry is tasty, and the line at Mike’s Pastry was always too long for us to bother with (though we’ve heard from others it dies down sometimes–if you visit in the offseason, you might get lucky!).

And, if you are looking for a fantastic interior and an atmosphere that feels slightly like actually being in Italy, Caffé Vittoria is an even better option, though I’d have to do a back-to-back comparison to offer an opinion on the pastries (all of these places have tasty treats, though).

Regardless of where you choose to get one, we certainly recommend eating a cannoli or two during your 2 days in Boston.

Take a whale-watching cruise or visit the penguins at the New England Aquarium.

It doesn’t get more classic New England than a whale-watching cruise!

While the cruises require a bit of a time commitment (3-4 hours), if you’re hoping to hit the water during your weekend in Boston, a whale-watching cruise like this is an incredibly memorable option.

Of course, like all attractions involving animals in the wild, there’s no guarantee regarding how many whales you’ll see–but so many whales call Boston home that your odds are much better here than in many popular whale-watching ports around the world, to the point that many captains even guarantee at least one sighting during a trip.

Book your whale-watching cruise in Boston today!

Prefer to stay on dry land, or visiting Boston in the dead of winter when whale cruises aren’t available? If so, the New England Aquarium is one of the best aquariums we have ever been to.

T here’s a huge emphasis on conservation, the exhibits are striking and education-focused, and the aquarium’s location on the harbor means that it is even able to use the natural seawater for some of its exhibits!

Though the five-story ocean tank, complete with an ancient sea turtle named Myrtle, is incredible, the real showstopper for us is the penguins.

We adore penguins, and the New England Aquarium is home to several species.

If you want to see something truly adorable, visit the aquarium at 9:00 AM or 2:30 PM–aka penguin feeding time.

Want to avoid waiting? Purchase a  skip-the-line aquarium ticket  before you get there!

Take a stroll along the Harborwalk.

At around 43 miles long, you definitely won’t see even a quarter of the Harborwalk with only 2 days in Boston–but this continuous trail along Boston’s coastline is definitely worth checking out for a little bit.

Luckily, the New England Aquarium is located right on it, making it easy to go for a walk before or after your visit.

Enjoy the sunset from the water with a harbor cruise and/or dinner in the North End.

The perfect end to a 2 day Boston trip isn’t in Boston at all–it’s in the water, staring back at the city that boasts one of my favorite skylines in the world.

If you didn’t already take a whale-watching cruise, we recommend taking a harbor cruise around sunset to enjoy the end of the day.

C ruises are available at literally all price points, from a basic group cruise in a shared boat to a memorable cruise on a tall ship and beyond.

For a less expensive harbor cruise,  this sunset cruise  is a great option!

Had enough of the water for today–or want to enjoy a fabulous dinner after the boat ride?

If so, consider saying goodbye to Boston with a fabulous Italian-American dinner in the North End.

Like many iconic neighborhoods around the world, you’ll find a mix of mediocre-to-terrible tourist traps and delicious restaurants here, so it’s imperative to check reviews before sitting down!

We have loved our experiences at both  Ristorante Euno  and  Tresca  (pictured below: everything was delicious, but their house special of chicken parm made with vodka sauce was a standout!).

If you know one thing about what to do in Boston, it’s probably the Freedom Trail.

T he famous 2.5-mile trail covers 16 historical sights related to American history in Boston and is easily one of the most popular things to do in the city.

So don’t worry–it’s definitely on the list!

In fact, 14 of the 16 sights on the Freedom Trail are covered in this 2 days in Boston itinerary, including Boston Common, Park Street Church, King’s Chapel, Faneuil Hall, every historical sight I discuss in the North End, and more.

If you follow this itinerary during your weekend in Boston, you’ll spend quite a bit of time walking the Freedom Trail, and you’ll have tons of opportunities to check out the brick markings that denote where it leads!

Rather than simply list something so vague and malleable on our 2 days in Boston itinerary, though, we wanted to be sure to give specific suggestions.

A fter all, the trail can be seen in any order and doesn’t need to be done all at once .

Cheesy? Yes.

Entertaining? Absolutely.

Boston’s Duck Tours are famous for the unmistakable truck-slash-boat contraptions that they cart tourists around in by both land and sea.

Corniness aside, if you’re looking for an excellent way to get an overview of Boston’s most famous sights and history without too much walking, signing up for a Duck Tour might be the right choice for you!

The tours do sell out, especially in the summer, so be sure to book in advance if you want to make a Duck Tour part of your 2 days in Boston itinerary!

Book your Boston Duck Tour today!

With only 2 days in Boston, we recommend staying somewhere close to the T (aka Boston’s subway) that is near the center of the action.

The North End is a tempting option, but it is fairly difficult to get in and out of. Instead, we’d recommend staying somewhere in Back Bay or the Historic Downtown if possible. The Theatre District (near Downtown Crossing and Chinatown) is another solid option with a great central location.

If budget is an issue, you may need to go a bit further out. That’s not a problem–just make sure you’re within walking distance of a T stop!

For budget travelers not willing to sacrifice on location,  the HI Boston Hostel  is a great option.

Mid-range travelers will love the location (and breakfast) at  the Boston Park Plaza .

Want access to a kitchenette in your room?  Copley House  features some studios and apartments!

For travelers looking to splurge, the  Boston Omni Parker House Hotel  has it all: history, a prime location on the Freedom Trail, plenty of ambiance, and of course, the original Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie served right on-site.

Check rates & book your stay in Boston today!

The Boston Go Card is promoted as an all-access pass, allowing you to buy included and/or discounted tickets to dozens of Boston attractions at once.

With this 2 days in Boston itinerary, you won’t need it: the 2-day pass won’t allow you to break even or get ahead with the attractions we opted to include here (after all, so much of Boston is about exploring outside, on foot–which is free).

However, if you’re staying in Boston longer, or you are interested in participating in a Hop On/Hop Off trolley tour , completing a Fenway Park tour, visiting View Boston on top of the Prudential Tower (the new version of the old Skywalk Observatory), or visiting several museums, then the Boston Go Card is probably the right option for you.

Find out more about the Boston Go Card and see if it’s right for you!

Boston is full of things to do: even after 3 months in the city, plus return trips, we still have a list of unchecked Boston bucket list items longer than we would like.

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 2 days in Boston, consider visiting Revere Beach (it’s the oldest public beach in the USA!), touring the Samuel Adams Brewery, attending a Boston Red Sox game (or just touring Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in the USA), taking a walk along the Charles River Esplanade, or heading out a bit farther along the Freedom Trail to take in the two remaining sights not covered on this itinerary, the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Memorial.

If you’re a museum fan, Boston has enough to keep you occupied for months: for example, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is built in the form of a Venetian palace, holds gorgeous artwork, and is the victim of a heist .

For science lovers, the home of MIT and Harvard has you covered: the Boston Science Museum and MIT Museum are both worthy of a visit.

With time to plan in advance, consider going stargazing at the Coit Observatory.

If you’re visiting in the summer, a visit to the Harbor Islands is always a good idea for nature lovers .

Looking for day trip ideas? Salem, Rockport, Newport, Concord, and Lexington are all popular for good reason, and less-iconic but gorgeous New England beach towns like Hingham, Cohasset, and Hull offer less-crowded and more easily accessible day trip options than the Cape.

I could keep going forever, but suffice it to say: you can do a lot with only 2 days in Boston, but you can’t do it all!

We are far from experts on Boston cuisine, but we have had some truly stellar meals in Boston. .. and also asked my stepmom to help us round this section out a bit.

Here are some delicious restaurants that can easily fit into your 2 days in Boston itinerary!

Buttermilk & Bourbon — Commonwealth Avenue (Back Bay)

I love biscuits.

More than that, I love southern biscuits, and I’ve been eating them all my life, in North Carolina and beyond.

So when I say that Buttermilk & Bourbon serves southern-style biscuits so delicious that I still think of them fondly a year later, I really mean it.

All of the food we had was incredible, and we can’t recommend their brunch enough (and I assume lunch and dinner are fabulous as well).

Neptune Oyster — Salem Street #1 (North End)

I’m not a huge oyster fan, but Jeremy sure enjoyed these (and the lobster roll he happily consumed after downing the oysters).

A friend of ours took us here when she came to visit us in Boston, touting it as one of her favorite restaurants–and judging by the fact that she looked to be having almost a religious experience the entire time she was eating their oysters, it’s a well-earned spot on her list.

As the resident non-oyster eater, I can attest that their burger was delicious.

Ristorante Euno — Salem Street (North End)

Many Italian restaurants in the North End are duds.

Ristorante Euno is not one of them–in fact, this is the only restaurant in the USA we have eaten in that even begins to approximate having dinner in Italy.

We ate here with a big group and had the opportunity to taste everything from several kinds of pasta to veal to steak to we-stopped-counting-at-some-point amounts of wine, and it was all delicious.

Tresca — Hanover Street (North End)

I mentioned this restaurant above as well, but it’s worth repeating!

Offering a more modern twist on Italian food, Tresca draws inspiration from Tuscany in particular (though is solidly Italian American food, not traditional Italian).

The food, service, and ambiance were all excellent, and you can’t go wrong ordering the chicken parm with the house vodka sauce!

Tatte Bakery and Cafe — Charles Street (Beacon Hill)

Tatte Bakery & Cafe has several locations around Boston (and they’ve even expanded to the DC area since we first ate there), but the Beacon Hill location is easy to reach as part of your 2 days in Boston itinerary!

Home to delicious sweets, tasty sandwiches (I had a brie and prosciutto sandwich that was incredible), and pastries that look too beautiful to eat, Tatte Bakery is a great place for a snack or quick lunch while you’re running around trying to see Boston in 2 days.

Bell in Hand Tavern — Union Street (Marketplace District)

America’s oldest tavern has been pouring ale since 1795, so you’d assume that puts them at risk of being gimmicky with mediocre food, but nope!

We never had a bad dish at Bell in Hand Tavern, and their burgers are incredible.

If you’re hungry while in the marketplace district, this is the stop for you!

Union Oyster House — Union Street (Marketplace District)

Right across the street from America’s oldest tavern sits America’s oldest restaurant, which has been serving up seafood (and especially New England chowder) since 1826.

We didn’t eat here personally, and reviews are mixed–some say the food is excellent, some say it is just okay. Most agree that you’re paying a bit more to eat at a historical location, which is not surprising.

Regardless of the ups and downs, though, I couldn’t bear to leave it off–even if you just snap a photo of the exterior as you walk by on the Freedom Trail, it’s worth being aware of this landmark during your 2 days in Boston.

La Voile — Newbury Street (Back Bay)

Looking for delicious French food served in a beautiful setting?

If so, head to Back Bay to indulge at La Voile, where you can either order a la carte or opt for the nightly 3-course prix fixe menu.

You can enjoy your meal either indoors or outdoors, weather permitting, though you may want to make a reservation if you have a preference!

Parker’s Restaurant at Omni Parker House — School Street (Historic Downtown)

I’ll admit: the main dishes here were good-not-great for the prices they charge… but gorging ourselves on the original (and delicious) Parker House Rolls and Boston Cream Pie made us glad we experienced the food once.

If you want to try out Parker’s House, we recommend going for lunch or brunch to keep costs down a bit.

Dunkin’ Donuts — Literally Everywhere

… Or is that just “Dunkin'” now?

Okay, this is (mostly) on here as a joke–but okay donuts and subpar coffee aside, there’s no denying that grabbing a coffee at Dunkin’ is a true Boston cultural experience.

Boston is consistently rated as one of the most walkable cities in the USA and is also home to one of the densest public transportation networks in the country.

During our 3 months in Boston, we relied exclusively on the subway, the occasional bus, and our feet to get around the city, and we recommend you do the same during your 2 days in Boston.

There are two ways to buy tickets to the T, aka the subway/metro system: with a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket (which are free and reloadable), and individually.

The CharlieCards can be picked up from any attendant in the subway stations, but they aren’t always available.

While they can making paying for the T simpler, with only 2 days in Boston, I wouldn’t worry too much about getting one.

Bonus piece of history: if you ride the Green Line of Boston’s metro system, specifically between Park Street and Boylston, you’ll be riding on one of the oldest metros in the world (and arguably the oldest one in the USA).

Excited to hit the road soon and ready to keep planning your trip?

You can browse our 100+ blog posts about traveling in the USA here , or check out these guides:

• 55 Best Things to Do in Boston (+ Travel Tips!)
• 21+ Best Places to Visit in November in the USA (Fall Vacation Ideas!)
• 15 Wicked Fun Quotes About Boston
• USA Bucket List: 50 Best Places to Visit in the US
• 13 Epic East Coast Cities for Weekend Getaways

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

31 thoughts on “2 Days in Boston: The Ultimate Weekend in Boston Itinerary”

I’ve never been to Boston before but I would love to see Beacon Hill in person. It looks beautiful from the photos in your post. I also have a slight obsession with Boston Creme Pies so that’s a must try as well lol

Haha, yes, it definitely is! There are SO MANY amazing Boston Creme Pies in Boston… including in Beacon Hill! ;-)

Thank you so much for the time you spent in Boston so I could so easily enjoy the city on a quick stop. Your writing is engaging and your personal insights and recommendations so valuable. I have saved your site for future trips.

Thanks so much, Connie! We appreciate you reading. :-)

Hi! Great Itinerary! I’m heading to Boston this Friday for a week and I’m super excited to check out these places :)

Thanks so much, Evelyn!

Hope you have an amazing time during your trip to Boston! :-)

loved your page with all its information. I have a question : we are going to be staying at the North End soon at Battery Wharf , what is the fastest way to Salem ? I have heard there is a train from the North End straight to Salem. But I am really confused. Can you tell me your opinion ? I have copied your page and will use it for my trip. Thanks

Hi Kathy! Thanks for reading. :-)

Yes, a train runs from North Station (which is essentially right next door to the North End, it’s a quick walk away) directly to Salem. It’s a commuter rail, so very dependable and easy to use. We visited Salem that way personally and had no issues–it takes a little over half an hour to get there if I remember correctly.

Brilliantly written. Unfortunately not many of the pique my interest. Definitely worth the read and also learn a few things. Love it!

Thank you for this 2-day itinerary! We are looking forward to our time in Boston, and this will help us make the most of our short time there.

So glad we could help, Regina! Have a great time in Boston. :-)

Hi! Thanks for the info. Invaluable! Question. Can this be done easily on bikes or at least the harbor walk? Do you think we could fit in a Sam Adams tour in? What would you cut out?

So glad you found it helpful, Milissa! Yes, the Harborwalk is also a bike path, you can definitely ride there.

You can definitely rearrange things to fit a Sam Adams tour in! As for what to cut, it’s completely up to what you guys most prefer–I adored the penguins, for example, but some people wouldn’t care about the aquarium at all.

Some of the sites, such as Faneuil Hall or the Boston Common, can take anywhere from a few minutes to get a quick look at to an hour or more of perusing it in detail, so there’s a lot of flexibility with timing built in depending on your tastes.

Beacon hill is a tough pedal up, otherwise biking is fairly easy, although bike lanes are inconsistent.

I’d personally prioritize the uss constitution. It’s a free tour and think they are going below decks again as they weren’t for a while during covid.

Sam Adams is a good tour, but I might recommend harpoon instead. It’s closer, is almost as old, and is still local.

Hi, My husband & I will be in Boston in October for two days and I love this itinerary! Great job! So we’ll written! Thank you for sharing! One question… we will have a rental car and driving from Freeport, Maine. What is the best place to stay, B&B preferably, so that we can just walk from our B&B to all of these sites… and just leave our car at our B&B. Is that possible? We plan on driving to Plymouth and onto Rhode Island and then Connecticut after our time in Boston. Thank you for your help and suggestions, Pam

Thanks so much, Pam!

I’m not familiar with any BNBs off the top of my head that would meet both of those needs–generally, if you’re staying close enough into town to be within walking distance of the sights, small BNBs will have limited or no parking available.

I’d recommend plugging your requirements into your preferred hotel booking site (we use Booking dot com), including parking as a requirement, and seeing if anything pops up in a central neighborhood.

That being said, you can also park (paid, but convenient) in the garage under the Boston Common, which is very convenient for sightseeing!

Great post! Just what I was looking for. Real advice from a real person. Thanks for all of the great tips and restaurant suggestions.

Thanks so much, Andrea! Hope you guys love Boston as much as we do!

I love your post. Me and my husband will use your itinerary this weekend. Please give us suggestions of the hotels we can stay. We will be driving from Hanover NH and plan to park the car in the hotel, and we will just walk to all the places you mentioned for 2 days. Please let me know of your hotel suggestions. Thank you so much for your help.

Hi Susan! We have a few hotel recommendations in the post, after the itinerary section.:-)

Great review of my beloved city!!! But… I’m not sure how you could focus on Back Bay and not mention Newbury Street–filled with some of Boston’s best shopping and restaurants. Also, since I am a local, we would never refer to the T (formally known as the MBTA) as a metro. Honestly, if you said “metro” to any Bostonian, we wouldn’t know what you were talking about. Lol. Thank you for appreciating all the beauty Boston has to offer!!

Thanks so much, Patty! I hadn’t realized we didn’t mention Newbury Street in this post–it’s in our things to do in Boston post, though. :-) Beautiful street, I love it there!

Great 2 days itinerary!Really useful tips and informative content about boston.Thanks for sharing.

Hi Kate – loved the write up! We came to Boston in 2010 and fell in love with the town – and hence, have stayed on. If you ever edit the article – do please consider adding two great experiences: (1) that the Boston Library has one of the finest “afternoon tea” experiences in the world but has to be booked 4+ months in advance and 2) the nearby towns of Lexington (I live here) and Concord still have a ton of historical sites and ceremonies connected to the first revolutionary war… and are just 20-25 Min away at most from Boston Backbay.

I’ve had the Boston Library tea on my bucket list for years! One of my friends got to do it and raved about it. :-) Maybe next time!

This article and guide has been fabulous. My cousin and I are planning our first trip to Boston. It will be short, two and half days, prior to boarding a cruise ship. I cannot thank you enough for making it easy to map out, for the recommendations of places to eat and stay and for the history and photos. We want to make sure and hit all the highlights and to see the real Boston. This covers it all. Over the top great and I am so very thankful!!!

It makes my day to hear that, Sharon! Hope you and your cousin have a fantastic couple of days in Boston! :-)

Thank you for this post! My husband and I will be first-timers in Boston in October (14-18), and I was wondering if there are any fall specific activities/sights you’d recommend?

The main thing will simply be to appreciate the foliage, which you should definitely see! I’d plan to spend extra time in the parks, burying grounds, etc, as they’ll all be decked out in color.

If you have a chance to take a day trip outside of Boston, apple-picking (and apple-cider-donut eating) is a classic fall activity with plenty of options close to Boston. :-)

Salem is ridiculously crowded in October, of course, but it’s also an easy day trip from Boston, and arguably there’s no better time to visit than October! The whole town goes all-in on spooky season.

Thanks so much for this information! We will be traveling with my parents, and will have a couple of days in Boston. Mom gets around fine, but occasionally has trouble with her knees. Would you recommend a hop on/hop off bus or the duck tour instead of walking? I’m wondering about steep hills, and stairs – things of that nature. I am just asking for a general idea – I realize you have no way to assess someone’s abilities, lol! Your blog post will be a great help!

So glad you’ve found it helpful!

Much of the route is fairly flat, but Beacon Hill in particular has very steep sections–I’d be on the lookout for that.

A hop on/hop off tour might be a great compromise between going alone versus a fully scheduled option like a duck tour, as you can walk as much as makes sense but also always have another stop fairly close by. That way, you don’t have to commit to an enormous amount of walking at one time if energy starts to wane.

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The Perfect 3 Days in Boston Itinerary (2024 Update)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Planning a trip to Beantown and wondering what to do? Keep reading for an incredible 3 days in Boston itinerary!

Few cities are as important in the history of the United States as Boston. In fact, the capital of Massachusetts is known as the “Cradle of Liberty” for its role in the American Revolution.

Those interested in the early history of the USA will absolutely love visiting Boston. And you can cover some solid ground over a long weekend in the city.

In addition to all the historical sights, Boston boasts several world-class museums and some of the best universities in the world.

It’s also a top-notch sports city, with some of the most successful teams of all time like the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots.

If you’re ready to plan a perfect vacation in Boston, read on for a solid gameplan for visiting this historic American city.

My epic itinerary will take you to:

READ MORE: Check out our brand new, complete guide on the best things to do in Boston !

Table of Contents

When to Visit Boston

Getting around boston, boston citypass, freedom trail, faneuil hall, finish the freedom trail, back to the park, newbury street, skywalk observatory, explore the waterfront, choose your own adventure, christopher columbus waterfront park, new england aquarium, take a unique tour, hit a museum, visit a brewery, catch a game, museum of your choice, back bay fens, fenway park, jfk national historic site, best hostel in boston – hi boston, best mid-range hotel – newbury guest house, best luxury hotel – boston waterfront hotel, how to spend a perfect 3 days in boston, travel tips for visiting boston.

The first step in crafting a 3-day Boston itinerary is figuring out when to visit. Winters here can be brutally cold and unforgiving, which is not exactly ideal for exploring a city.

Of course, the warmer weather of the summer months also brings hordes of tourists and their selfie-sticks. For a nice happy medium, you may want to consider visiting Boston in late spring or early fall.

Whenever you visit Beantown, there’s sure to be a lot going on. In a city with so many major sports teams, art museums, and a lively music scene, you have tons of options for entertainment.

I don’t know about you, but I always check the calendar of events in a city before travelling there. If you’ve only got a few days in Boston, you might want to check and see if there are any games, concerts, or performances you’d like to attend.

Wherever you decide to lay your head during yours Boston itinerary, getting around the city is a breeze. Boston is a very walkable city and it also has excellent public transportation.

You can get most places in Boston on the metro, which is known as “the T” here. There are also local buses and ferries, as well as a commuter rail.

For visitors, your best bet is buying a CharlieTicket 1-day or 7-day pass. The 1-day costs $12.75 and the 7-day runs $22.50, so it’s actually a good deal even though you’re only spending a short time in the city.

Head here to read more about the various options for getting around Boston.

Read Next: Don’t forget to plan to enjoy some of the best Boston road trips !

Finally, the one thing I seriously recommend is investing in a Boston CityPASS , which is basically a card that gives you discounts at many of the main attractions in the city.

You buy the pass for $64, and it gives you entrance into the following Boston attractions:

• New England Aquarium,
• Boston Museum of Science
• Boston Harbor Cruise or
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Franklin Park Zoo

If you bought all of these separately, it’d cost $120.65, so you save 45% by buying the Boston CityPASS.

Now that you know a bit more about the city, let’s get this show on the road and take a look at what to do in Boston in 3 days.

Day 1 – Morning

If you want to start your day like a true Bostonian, grab a coffee and a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts and get a move on!

With a nice sugar high and a caffeine buzz, you’re primed and ready to kick off this itinerary.

When it comes to the best things to do in Boston, walking the Freedom Trail definitely tops the list.

This is a 4km-long path through downtown that takes you to 16 different historical sites, many of which played a role in the American Revolution. Follow the footsteps of the founding fathers as you take a walk through American history on the trail.

The best place to start out is Boston Common, which is actually the oldest public park in the country.

You’ll have to save chilling in the park for later, though, as we’ve got a busy Boston itinerary to get to!

Heading north out of the park, you’ll visit several important historical landmarks on the North End.

There’s the Massachusetts State House, King’s Chapel Burial Ground, the Old South Meeting House, and Old State House, among others.

The latter is the site of the Boston Massacre, which served as a catalyst for the Revolutionary War.

Following the Freedom Trail through the North End on your own is quite easy, as it’s well-marked and there are plenty of informative signs along the way.

You don’t have to join a guided tour. If you’re on a budget, you can just make your own tour.

Click here to download the official brochure of the Freedom Trail and then head here to check out an interactive map.

Those who prefer listening to reading can drop down a cool $15 to download a 2-hour audio tour . Just download the app and purchase the tour and you’re ready to rock.

Finally, you can sign up for an official tour and have a knowledgable local guide lead you around town.

READ NEXT: Looking for more history? Be sure to check out our list of the best things to see and do in Philadelphia !

Day 1 – Afternoon

How long you spend on the Freedom Trail is entirely up to you. Most of the sites are free to visit, but a few of them charge an entrance fee (Old State House, Old South Meeting House, and Paul Revere House).

Some people like to linger and read all the information, while others prefer to breeze through and snap a photo or two. Personally, we spent about three hours visiting a bulk of the sites along the way.

After taking in so much history in so little time, you’re probably ready to chill and grab some food. Thankfully there’s a spot on the trail that makes for the perfect lunch break.

READ MORE: Check out our other epic city guide on how to spend 3 days in New York !

With only a few days in Boston, you’ll definitely want to try as much local food as possible. Hopefully, you’re nice and hungry by this point in the day, because there are lots of options at Faneuil Hall on the edge of North End.

This is one of the most historic sites in all of Boston, as it’s where the Sons of Liberty gathered to discuss independence from Great Britain. It’s been an important meeting place and market ever since it was built in 1742.

To learn more about the importance of Faneuil Hall, you can join a free talk in the historic Great Hall. These begin every half an hour between 9:30 and 4:30.

Oh yeah, back to the food! Sorry folks – there’s just so much to cover with only so much time! Inside the hall, you’ll see lots of excellent options in Quincy Market.

When in Boston, one must eat a bowl of chowdah . For those unfamiliar with the Boston accent, I’m talking about clam chowder – a creamy seafood soup that’s a local favorite.

Or splurge and get a classic New England lobster roll!

If you want to be a mega-tourist, add a stop at Cheers. This bar is a replica of the one from the famous TV show and while a bit cheesy, is a fun place to grab a drink.

Before you go, be sure to check out the amazing street performers outside of the hall. From magicians to jugglers to clowns to mimes, there are some incredibly talented people here.

If you’re feeling the history vibe, then you can keep on cruising along the Freedom Trail and cross over the Charles River.

You could easily spend the rest of your afternoon crossing the remaining sites off your list, among them Paul Revere’s House and the USS Constitution.

Both charge an entrance fee ($5 and $10 respectively) so you may want to take that into consideration.

Should you feel a bit tired of reading plaques and looking at statues, just head back to where the day started and spend some more time exploring Boston Common.

Take a walk through the park and cross Charles Street, and you’ll find yourself in the Boston Public Garden. Cruising around the pond on a swan boat in Boston Public Garden is definitely among the top things to do in any Boston itinerary.

Near Boston Public Gardens and Boston Common is Beacon Hill , another gem of the city. Beacon Hill is one of the most beautiful Boston neighborhoods, so if you have time time it’s worth strolling around.

Beacon Hill is a residential area full of picturesque brick buildings, old fashioned apartments, and lots of greenery. Beacon Hill is always charming, but it is especially scenic if you visit in winter when there is snow falling everywhere.

Read Next: Looking for more history on the east coast? Check out our awesome 3 days in Philadelphia itinerary !

Day 1 – Evening

After a very busy start to your Boston itinerary, it’s time to enjoy a bit of leisure time to wrap up day one. And I know just the place to do that!

Once you’re satisfied with your time in the garden, head out to nearby Newbury Street. This popular commercial area is famous for its well-preserved brownstones that house a wide variety of businesses.

Unless you’re looking to drain your wallet, move quickly along the street. You see, the higher end of the street is full of luxury brands, earning it a reputation as one of the most expensive streets in the US.

As you get to the lower numbers, you’ll find some more budget-friendly options. Take your pick from the countless cafes, shops, and bars here before our last stop.

To wind down day one, head to the nearby Skywalk Observatory for the best panoramic views of Boston.

The observatory is located atop the Prudential Centre and it’s the only sky-high vantage point in the city. Try to time your visit around sunset for an absolutely epic view!

Tickets are a bit pricey at $21 for adults, but it’s worth it on a clear day. You can even see into the neighbouring state of New Hampshire on a nice day here.

In addition to the observatory, your ticket also includes admission to the Dreams of Freedom Museum. This museum celebrates the diversity of Boston and the importance of immigrants in shaping the city.

If you’re looking for a nightcap, there are plenty of bars in the area. Otherwise, head home and get some rest to gear up for the remainder of your time in Boston.

Day 2 – Morning

Rise and shine, because we’ve got another big day in Boston! Grab some brekky and coffee, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s go!

Thanks to its location, Boston has a beautiful waterfront with plenty to see and do, particularly on the North End. This makes for the perfect place to spend a relaxing morning in Beantown.

The thing about the Waterfront is that there’s just so much going on here that there’s no way to pack it all into your Boston itinerary. That’s why it’s time to…

While I’m here to help you explore Boston in 3 days, I’m not giving you a concrete Boston itinerary. Travel is all about going with the flow, after all. That’s why it’s time to choose your own adventure at this point in the tour!

Here are just a few of the many things you can do along the Waterfront:

This beautiful green space offers some fantastic views of Boston Harbor on the North End. On a nice day in Boston, there are few places better to be than this!

In addition to enjoying the views, you can also take a walk in the rose garden or head across the street for a ride on the Greenway Carousel.

Another option while you’re over here is the New England Aquarium. It’s a very impressive aquarium, highlighted by their Giant Ocean Tank. This is home to the aquarium’s most famous resident – Myrtle the Sea Turtle.

You can also catch a show at the IMAX theatre or join a whale watching tour here. These tours run between April and November and make for an unforgettable experience.

Click here to buy an entry ticket to the New England Aquarium. Unless you already have a Boston CityPASS, in which case the ticket is included!

HOT TIP: The New England Aquarium is included with your Boston CityPASS!

In the Waterfront area, you have plenty of options for a unique guided tour of Boston. Take your pick between an Old Town Trolley Tour , a Boston Harbor Cruise, or a Duck Tour.

If you’re wondering about that last one, I’m not talking about exploring Boston with a flock of birds.

A “duck” is a special amphibious vehicle that brings you on a tour of Boston before splashing down into the Charles River.

A Duck Tour is a super family friendly way to explore Boston by road and by water.

Alternatively, you can book a Boston Harbor cruise . Boat cruises are always fun, and there is a wide variety of boat tours in Boston to choose from.

Choose between a historical sightseeing cruise , a Boston Harbor Cruise with buffet lunch , or a sunset yacht cruise.

You can also tour Harvard University , one of the country’s most famous schools. The grounds are beautiful and lots of cool history happened at Harvard University, so it’s worth checking out.

Day 2 – Afternoon

Whatever you decide to do on the Waterfront, make sure to include a quick stroll along the scenic Rose Kennedy Greenway.

This is one of the best places for cafes and restaurants in the area, so go ahead and take your pick for a lunch break.

There are several great museums to choose from in Boston, and a few of them are located right over here.

If you’re ready to dive back into the history lesson we started on day one, head to the Boston Tea Party Museum & Ships. Here you get to go aboard a replica ship and actually re-enact the famous event.

The Boston Tea Party is one of the most well-known events in American history so it’s kind of like meeting a celebrity.

Tickets for the museum cost $40 for adults and you can save a few bucks by booking online . This is a rare museum that’s fun for the whole family, so it’s a great choice if travelling with kids.

Speaking of the kiddos, the Boston Children’s Museum is located right next door. It’s an interactive museum and is super fun, even for big kids! Tickets cost $18 and you can book online .

While Ben Franklin may not have ever actually uttered the words “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy,” there’s still a lot of wisdom behind the quote!

It’s been a busy time in Boston so far, so I’d say it’s time for a cheeky brew!

Cruise over to the nearby Seaport District of Boston to find Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall. They run tours every day and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check their website for all the details.

If you just want a drink and don’t need a brewery tour to go along with it, another option is the Fort Point location for Trillium Brewing . These guys make some killer beers and have a solid restaurant as well.

While it’s a bit of a hike from the harbor, Samuel Adams is probably the most famous Boston brewery.

They’re located in the Jamaica Plain part of the city and their last tour starts at 5 PM. Check their website to read about all their tour options.

Read next: Fantastic Boston To Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Day 2 – Evening

How you choose to spend your evening totally depends on what time of year you visit, your interests, and your energy level. After all, it’s already been a huge experience in Boston so far!

With so many options and so many variables, you know what that means. It’s time to choose your own adventure.

As a native Detroiter I hate to admit it, but Boston is one of the best cities for sports. Not just in the US, either, but in the entire world.

I mean, they won the Super Bowl AND the World Series in the same year and were just one game away from adding the Stanley Cup. That’s unreal!

If you’re in Boston between October and May, there’s a good chance either the Celtics (NBA) or Bruins (NHL) have a home game at TD Garden.

Even if they’re away, the bars around the arena are lively. I particularly enjoyed the hilariously named “The Greatest Bar.” Yeah, they’re not too humble around here when it comes to sports and drinking!

While the New England Patriots (NFL) are technically a Boston team, they play pretty far outside of the city centre. If you’re willing to make the trek, most home games are on Sunday afternoons between September and January.

If the Red Sox are in town, you should definitely try to score tickets. After all, baseball is America’s pastime! Plus, the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in the country.

Historic Fenway Park has to be on your list of what to see in Boston, even if there’s no game going on.

You can book a 1-hour guided tour of the sports ground here .

Live music lovers will be happy to hear that there are plenty of options for jamming out in Beantown. From a classy night out with the symphony to a wild night of head-banging along to some heavy metal, you can find it here.

To figure out where to go for some tunes in Boston, I recommend checking out this article on the 25 best music venues in the city. I always use Jambase to see what shows are on in a city when I’m travelling there.

Of course, you can always just go out and see where the night takes you. This is a city that likes to party so you’re guaranteed to find something fun. You’ve got to go big at least one night!

Day 3 – Morning

Depending on how your night wound up, it might be a slow start to the final day. Thankfully there’s no shortage of places to get a late and leisurely brunch in this town!

We hit up Zaftigs Delicatessen ( click here for directions) during our Boston itinerary and really enjoyed it. There’s nothing like some eggs benedict and a strong coffee to bring you back to life!

Let’s finish up this itinerary with a bang!

To kick off day three, head to the Fenway-Kenmore part of the city. Here are some of the best museums in town, including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston , which dates back to the 19th century.

You could honestly spend the entire day in here and not even scratch the surface. They have such a vast collection of art from all over the world it’s mind-boggling.

Be sure to have a look at their visitor guide so you can make a gameplan. Tickets cost $25 for adults and you can book online ahead of time to skip the line.

Another one of the best art museums is the nearby Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum . This incredible art museum is located in the former home of its namesake, which was built in the style of a 15-century Venetian palace.

Inside, you’ll see three floors full of art, surrounding a lovely courtyard and garden. This has got to be one of the nicest looking museums out there!

At just $15, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is well worth the price of admission to add this one-of-a-kind museum to your itinerary.

Click here to book tickets online.

Another option is the Institute of Contemporary Art . Located on the waterfront, this stunning museum showcases so much interesting contemporary art and often has performances and exhibitions. Visit the website for more info!

HOT TIP: The Museum of Science is included with your Boston CityPASS!

Whichever museum you choose to visit, be sure to drop by the nearby Back Bay Fens on your way out. This tranquil green space is a part of the larger Emerald Necklace chain of parks throughout Boston and Brookline.

This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll after a jampacked 3 days in Boston. While you’re here, don’t miss the beautiful Kelleher Rose Garden.

In addition, you can visit one of only two remaining “Victory Gardens” in the US that were planted by citizens to help grow food during World War II.

There’s also a temple bell here that was donated by Japan after the war as a symbol of peace.

Day 3 – Afternoon

After a moment of peace and quiet out in nature, it’s time to finish up your Boston itinerary! Next up, we’re headed to one of the most iconic places in the city – Fenway Park.

Since it’s a major sporting venue, there are tons of places to eat and drink around Fenway. Go ahead and take this opportunity to grab some lunch and take a load off before visiting the ballpark.

Dating back to 1912, Fenway is the oldest ballpark in America. It’s home to the city’s beloved Red Sox, and is a must-see when you visit Boston.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s worth it to visit Fenway even if there isn’t a Boston Red Sox game going on. They run tours of the ballpark from 9-5 during the season, even on game days (tours run 10-5 from November to March).

In an age of excessive corporate sponsorship and tacky theme park-esque ballparks, it’s nice to visit one of the originals. I’m a Tigers fan for life but I’ve got to admit that going to Fenway Park is an incredible experience.

On a tour of Fenway, you’ll get to learn all about the unique features of the ballpark, such as its famous “Green Monster.”

You need to book ahead of time if you want to do a tour, and you can do that here .

If there’s not a game going on at Fenway or you’re just not into baseball, let me present an alternative option.

Not too far up the road is the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, birthplace and childhood home of the 35th US President.

You can normally tour the grounds, but the National Historic Site is actually closed until 2023 for maintenance and renovations. But when they are ready to reopen, it should definitley have a place on your Boston itinerary. Check their website for more information.

If you’d like to learn more about JFK and his legacy, you can also consider adding a trip to his presidential library and museum to your Boston itinerary.

Day 3 – Evening

Congratulations on making it to the end of a busy stay in Boston! I definitely didn’t go easy on you with this one…

If you actually followed this beast of an itinerary, chances are you’re pretty spent by now. It’s your last night in Beantown, though, so power through and head out for one last night.

With so many options in Boston, it’s time once again to…

We’ve already covered sports and live music here, but there are lots of other great options for entertainment in Boston.

One popular option is an escape room. There are a few near Boston Common, including Trapology and Escape the Room . Find the clues and solve some mind-bending puzzles to make your escape in time!

Perhaps you’d rather wind down your time in Boston with some laughs. The city is home to many excellent comedy clubs, including Improv Asylum.

Check out their website to see what’s playing while you’re in town.

If you’d prefer to just have a nice dinner and a few drinks, the area around the Waterfront is full of great restaurants and bars.

South Boston, locally known as “Southie”, also has great nightlife.

And that about does it for how to spend 3 days in Boston!

Boston Travel Guide

Where to stay in boston.

This isn’t the biggest city, but you still want to give some consideration to where you stay. Downtown is the hub of tourist activity and thus has the biggest selection of accommodation.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of your time in Boston in museums and at the ballpark, the Fenway-Kenmore area is a better choice. Those focused on fine dining and shopping should look to the Back Bay area of the city.

Beacon Hill is centrally located, but it’s quite expensive.

In these areas, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation choices.

Boston is home to budget hostels, mid-range hotels, luxury resorts, and everything in between. Here’s a top choice for each category:

When it comes to hostels, you just can’t beat HI Boston. It’s in a great location, just steps away from Boston Common and the start of the Freedom Trail.

Hosteling International is all over the world and they know what backpackers like! They offer free breakfast as well as free walking tours, a nice TV room to chill in, a pool table, and much more.

HI Boston also has laundry facilities and a nice cafe with free WiFi if you need to get a bit of work done or just post pictures from your awesome 3 days in Boston.

Dorm beds here are comfy and each one has a light and outlet. These range from $40-60 a night depending on the number of beds in the room.

This fantastic hotel is located in one of Boston’s most historic neighbourhoods – Back Bay. Here you can see 19th-century townhouses.

They have four different room types, from their standard room to their luxury bay window king room. All rooms include free WiFi and breakfast.

All guests can enjoy their nice common area, where there is a computer and printer along with free tea, coffee, and cookies. Yummy!

If you’re hoping to catch a game at Fenway, this is an excellent choice as the ballpark is just a mile away. Rooms start at $259 a night here.

If you’re looking to live it up, the Boston Waterfront Hotel on the North End is the place for you. This 5-star hotel is located right on the Rowes Wharf and is known for its “classically current” style.

All of the 232 rooms here are beautifully designed with tremendous attention to detail. These range from their Superior Room all the way up to the unreal John Adams Presidential Suite.

There are several options for wining and dining on-site, including the Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar and Brewer’s Alley. You can also get room service here 24/7!

As if that weren’t enough, they also have a state-of-the-art gym here with a three-lane pool and a spa. You’re really living the good life if you stay here!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Sasha and Rachel

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I would love to visit Boston in the summer! This itinerary looks perfect!

This is an excellent itinerary for anyone planning a short trip to Boston! Your suggestions for must-visit sights and activities are well thought out and cover a good range of interests, from history to food to outdoor exploration.

Thank you so much. We appreciate it 🙂

Great 3 days itinerary!Really useful tips about and informative content about boston.Thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much. Glad the article was helpful. 🙂

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The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Boston Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the oldest cities in the country, Boston is filled with history. It’s a mash-up of cobblestoned streets and historic buildings with modern skyscrapers. There are a few places you cannot miss while spending a few days in Boston, as well as some lesser-known parts of the city we’ll cover here.

As one of the most dynamic and historic cities in the country, there is a lot to do in Boston and so much that you can’t miss. From American history to esteemed universities to excellent museums and fantastic food (there’s more than clam chowder!), Boston has something to offer everyone.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Boston?

When in the initial stages of planning a trip, many do wonder how many days to spend in Boston in order to do this New England city justice.

With 2 days in Boston, you’re just scratching the surface. Most of the city’s main attractions are clustered together, so you could see a lot in 2 days, but you’re also missing out on some cool parts that make the city unique.

If you have 3 days, you’re in good shape to see all the highlights as well as some lesser-known sites. You’ll be able to strike a balance between visiting historic landmarks and more trendy neighborhoods.

If you’re lucky enough to have 4 days, you can see more of the city at your leisure or use the fourth day to take a day trip to somewhere nearby. There is no shortage of historic sites and beautiful nature just outside Boston. 

Getting To & Around Boston 

You’re most likely arriving in Boston through the Logan International Airport. You can easily hail a cab, take the GO Boston Shuttle, pre-book a transfer or use public transportation to reach downtown.

If you’re visiting from another city or town in New England or even some city further south such as Washington DC or New York , you might arrive on a train or bus. Make sure to find out which train or bus transfers you need to make depending on where you’re coming from. You can view schedules here.

The Massachusetts capital is a very walkable city and it’s not actually that big. In fact, one of the best things to do in Boston is walk the Freedom Trail. Many of the most historic landmarks are located near each other.

Boston is also well-connected via a subway system, known locally as the T. You can easily get around the city using this if you want to reach somewhere a bit further afield.

Alternatively, there is the Hop On/Hop Off Trolley Tour that provides a convenient way to see the city. Taxis and rideshare are both readily available as well. It is also included in the Boston Go City Pass , which will also save you on entrance fees to many of the paid attractions listed here.

2, 3 or 4-Day Boston Itinerary

If you’re spending a few days in the Massachusetts capital, then there are a number of guided tours that you can take to get an overview of the city such as this historical walking tour , this bike tour or this food tour.

Day 1 – Freedom Trail, Museums, Quincy Market & More

Walk the freedom trail.

This 2.5-mile trail covers many of the historical highlights in Boston. You’ll want to dedicate a few solid hours to walking the trail. You can opt to walk the entire thing or a portion of it.

There are also guided tours available such as this 2-hour walking tour , which could be helpful for providing context to the landmarks as you pass them. Here are the landmarks you can expect to see:

• Boston Common & Boston Public Garden
• Massachusetts State House
• Park Street Church
• Granary Burying Grounds
• Boston Latin School/Benjamin Franklin Statue
• Old South Meeting House
• Old State House
• Faneuil Hall
• Site of the Boston Massacre

Paul Revere House

• Old North Church
• USS Constitution
• Bunker Hill Monument

You could spend however long you’d like walking the Freedom Trail and note that it doesn’t cost anything to walk the trail, but there are generally entrance fees for the various sites.

Depending on how long you want to spend, take the time to walk by these places and pick one or two that interest you to plan to visit those places. With that in mind, plan to spend 2-3 hours on the Freedom Trail.

Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum

Veer off Freedom Trail just slightly to pay a visit to the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum.

The museum is chock-full with historical experts, interactive exhibits, full-scale replica sailing vessels, and historic artefacts to make this monumental event in America’s history come to life. You can pre-book tickets here.

If you have some time to spare, you can watch an award-winning documentary in Minutemen Theatre that depicts the events that led up to the American Revolution. 

Next to the museum, don’t miss the Observation Deck at Independence Wharf, either, where you can get excellent views of the harbor.

Quincy Market

Quincy Market is where old and new seamlessly merge. Here you can find hundreds of shops, both inside and outside the building. The market was established in 1825 and spans three buildings: Quincy Market, South Market, and North Market.

It’s another great place to stop as you’re walking the Freedom Trail to grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping. The market is especially charming during the winter months when it’s decorated for the holidays. Quincy Market was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. 

Go to a Red Sox game

Go see the “Green Monster” for yourself during your visit to Boston. Even those who wouldn’t consider themselves baseball fans will enjoy seeing a game at Fenway Park.

It’s been the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912, making it the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. If you don’t have time to see a game, you can still take a guided tour of Fenway. It’s a great way to wrap up your first day of sightseeing in Boston. 

If it’s not the season for baseball or you don’t care to go to a game, then use this time to stroll along the Charles River Esplanade or, perhaps, visit the nearby Boston Museum of Fine Arts. You could also simply relax in the tranquil surroundings of Back Bay Fens Park.

Day 2 – Boston’s Museums

John f. kennedy presidential museum & library .

This exceptional museum is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Here, you’ll wander the permanent exhibit that uses large-screen projections, interactive displays, original artefacts, and re-mastered films to learn more about the former president’s life. Consider reserving tickets online in advance to save you time at the door. You can also opt for a guided tour.

A visit to the JFK Presidential Museum & Library is a great way to kick off your second day. 

Institute of Contemporary Art

If you have 2 days, you should consider visiting one of the many local museums. A city that’s so full of history has some great historical museums, but it also has notable art museums like the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Here you’ll find both permanent and rotating exhibits featuring contemporary artists and their work. The museum is located in a beautiful building on the waterfront overlooking Boston Harbor, so you can also take in the view. It’s recommended that you book tickets in advance. 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This museum is known for its beautiful architecture and courtyard garden. It’s a great museum to visit if you want one that is a little less crowded than other larger museums in the city. Beginning in the late 1800s, Isabella started collecting rare books, manuscripts, and pieces of art to fill her home.

Over the course of her worldwide travels, she acquired art like Rembrandt’s Self Portrait and Titian’s Europa. The museum as it stands today was built in 1901. She lived on the fourth floor and spent the remainder of her life arranging the art throughout its halls.

It’s a unique museum that’s a quiet way to spend the afternoon. If this or any of the other museums don’t interest you, there are plenty of other museums in Boston to take in. For instance, the Museum of Science – located in a building overlooking the Charles River, is an excellent place to visit if you happen to be traveling with children.

Day 3 – Boston Common, Trinity Church, Paul Revere House & More

Boston common.

You might’ve already passed through Boston Common if you walked the entirety of the Freedom Trail. If you didn’t stop for long then, it’s worth your time to dedicate a couple hours to really enjoying the park. Boston Common is America’s oldest public park having been established in 1634 and is located in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood of Boston.

Today, the park is filled with fountains, picnic tables, and green spaces for visitors to lounge and enjoy the day. Make sure to stroll through the adjacent Public Garden, as well, to truly enjoy this urban green space. If you’re seeing Boston in 3 days, then a visit to Boston Common is a great idea.

Trinity Church

When you start exploring Boston, you’ll immediately notice Trinity Church in Copley Square. This historic stone church sits squarely in the middle of downtown’s towering skyscrapers. It’s considered by the American Association of Architects as one of the top 10 buildings in the country.

The parish located there today was founded in 1733, which is more than 150 years before the church was built in 1877. You can enter Trinity Church on your own or schedule a tour with a knowledgeable tour guide to learn more about the church’s history. 

It looks striking as it’s sandwiched between modern skyscrapers like the John Hancock Tower and the Prudential Tower and really symbolises Boston’s mingling of old and new.

Located in the North End neighborhood, the Paul Revere House was the former home of the famous Founding Father Paul Revere. He played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, noted in history books for his famous “midnight ride” to warn colonists that the British were approaching Boston.

The home was built in 1680 and is downtown Boston’s oldest building. Inside, the home is set up to mimic what it would have looked like while Revere lived there. In fact, 90% of the structure today is original material, including doors, windows, flooring, and internal wall material.

You can pop into this Boston museum for a self-guided tour or try to time your visit to see colonial reenactors demonstrate key moments of America’s history. 

If this doesn’t interest you as much or if you’re traveling with children, consider, as well, heading to the nearby New England Aquarium where you can learn all about local marine life or you can take a food tour of North End.

The Museum of Bad Art

You’ve probably never been to a museum that focuses on bad art. The Museum of Bad Art houses “art too bad to be ignored” and is a highlight worth adding to your time in Boston. It’s the world’s only museum dedicated to bad art that began in the basement of a private home.

The museum has since grown into a local favorite that shines the spotlight on quality bad art. It’s a quirky and fun addition to your Boston trip, especially if you happen to be planning a 3-day itinerary. 

Day 4 – Lexington & Concord, Salem or Cape Cod Day Trip

Lexington and concord.

Lexington and Concord is arguably the most famous site of the Revolutionary War. For history buffs, this is a great way to round out your 4 days in Boston. It’s where the first shots of the war were fired.

To reach Lexington, you’ll take the subway and bus for a total travel time of about 45 minutes before getting off at Lexington Battle Green. You can reach Concord by taking the MBTA directly from Boston.

Lexington Green is a good starting point for your visit. This small town is home to the Belfry that sounded the alarm in 1775 to call the militia to fight. Here, you’ll also find John Hancock’s childhood home or Buckman’s Tavern. In Concord, make sure you visit the Old North Bridge.

You can also find Walden Pond, made famous by writer Henry Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott’s “Orchard House”. There’s a lot to see during a day trip to Lexington and Concord, so make sure you leave early in the day to give yourself ample time. 

You’ve most likely heard of Salem, Massachusetts due to its famous 1692 witch trials. Salem is only about 30 minutes from Boston, so it’s an easy day trip. You can easily reach it by taking the commuter train that connects the cities, a high-speed ferry or an organised day tour.

During your day in Salem, make sure to visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Peabody Essex Museum, the Old Town Hall, and the Witch House. You can end your day with a visit to Winter Island Park and Lighthouse.

As you might’ve guessed, one of the best times of year to visit Salem is Halloween. The little town comes to life with spooky decorations.

Without a doubt, Cape Cod is beautiful, especially in summer. This stretch of coastline is full of charming towns, great seafood, and relaxing beaches.

Cape Cod is about 3 hours from Boston by car, which tends to be a little long for a day trip. Instead, you can take the Cape Cod Fast Ferry from Boston to Provincetown, which is the largest town on the Cape.

In Provincetown, you can enjoy the local art galleries, lounge on the beach, and walk around and enjoy the quaint homes and shops.

If you have more than 4 days in your Boston itinerary, spending more than one day on the Cape is a relaxing way to bring your time in the area to a close.

Where to Stay in Boston

Harborside Inn – This 3-star hotel in downtown Boston is a great choice for mid-range travelers to the Massachusetts capital. There are a number of great rooms to choose from, a wonderful location for exploring the city and plenty of other amenities to enjoy.

Omni Boston Hotel – If you’re looking for luxury while in Boston, then this sophisticated hotel is a great option. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer and an unbeatable location for exploring all this historic city has to offer.

HI Boston – Those visiting Boston on a budget will love this backpacker’s hostel in the center of the city. They have a range of both dorms and private rooms on offer along with other perks and great common areas for guests to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Boston hotels!

The perfect itinerary for Boston is the one that’s packed with what excites you most. If you’re a history buff, you’re going to love it here. Foodies, explorers, and everyone in between will find something to love in Boston.

Are you planning a trip to Boston? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Cape Cod Itinerary

Martha’s Vineyard vs Nantucket: Which Island to Visit?

17 Best Stops on a Boston to Bar Harbor Road Trip

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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Serendipity3 is opening a second location in times square.

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Serendipity3 will open its first NYC outpost at OYO Times Square in early September 2024. Shown is ... [+] an illustration of part of the restaurant's interior.

Fans of Serendipity3 might first think of this popular New York City dessert spot for their signature treat — the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

Starting in early September 2024, they will have two places to head to, Serendipity3’s original Upper East Side location or their new outpost in Times Square.

In timing with the restaurant’s 70th anniversary this year, Serendipity3 is opening Serendipity3 Times Square. Its location is within OYO Times Square, a hotel along West 47th Street at 7th Avenue. This branch is scheduled to open publicly on September 5.

“What prompted our second location was our need for more space to be able to better serve our guests,” explained Chef Joe Calderone, Serendipity3's chief creative officer. “What better place than Times Square — the crossroads of the world.”

Serendipity3's signature item is their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

Founded in 1954 by three friends, Calvin Holt, Stephen Bruce, and Patch Carradine, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Serendipity3 is now marking its first expansion in NYC. In the past, the brand had outposts in Westport, Conn., Boston, Boca Raton, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. and even in Tokyo.

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Yet visitors and patrons continue to flock to its flagship address on East 60th Street so much that it’s essential to book reservations beforehand.

In return, the dining experience can have its own rewards. In July 2024, Serendipity3 recognized a longtime customer named Barbara Silverstein with a special day-one sundae made in her honor.

Other regular customers or first-timers involve many celebrities. Marilyn Monroe often came to Serendipity3 to study her scripts. Apparently, you can book a reservation for the table that she sat at.

Since 1954, Serendipity3 has continued to welcome a good mix of customers. In July 2024, the ... [+] restaurant honored its longtime patron, Barbara Silverstein, with a special-custom made sundae.

Andy Warhol was a Serendipity 3 patron and paid for his meals with his illustrations. For 2024’s National Pop Art Day (January 28), Serendipity3 partnered with Madame Tussauds New York to honor this icon with a culinary masterpiece — the “Madame Tussauds x Serendipity3 POP! Art Sundae.”

Other celebrity sightings have included Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Joan Rivers, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, Jay-Z and their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Selena Gomez also has eaten here and was once a part-owner and investor in Serendipity Brands , a Serendipity3-inspired line of various ice cream flavors and desserts.

Another story goes that First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wanted to have the recipe for Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for serving it at the White House; she was turned down.

“Serendipity3 has been wildly popular for many, many years; really since its inception,” said Calderone. “After being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show three times, and having the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate on Oprah's Bucket List, our popularity grew even further.”

What makes this bestselling beverage stand out is its smooth-frosty play on a hot drink. This icy solid chocolaty serving comes in a glass bowl with a pair of straws and is topped with a whip cream swirl and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings.

In a July 2021 photo, Chef Joe Calderone, Serendipity3's chief creative officer, stands in front of ... [+] the restaurant's flagship location on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Serendipity3 reopened that month after a year-long renovation. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Serendipity3)

In late 2023, Cher (who also has frequented Serendipity3) and Jimmy Fallon shared the 30 millionth Frrrozen Hot Chocolate on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Serendipity 3 holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the world’s most expensive milkshake . It once offered $200 French fries embellished with imported goose fat and edible gold.

The restaurant’s diner-reflecting menu encompasses burgers, fries, mac and cheese servings, salads, hotdogs and sandwiches plus desserts like their popular Chocolate Blackout Cake. It’s also possible to order a regular sundae.

The restaurant also has had a good amount of screen time. It was a filming location for Serendipity , the 2001 romantic comedy starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Other credits include One Fine Day, with George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer; Trust the Man, with Julianne Moore and David Duchovny; and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, which is based on the children’s book.

The interior of the upcoming Serendipity3 Times Square has wall decor that gives a nod to Marilyn ... [+] Monroe. The actress often came to the original Serendipity3 location to read her scripts.

As for Serendipity3 Times Square, its design by Wid Chapman Architects is described as having a more modern approach. “The decor is a new 2024 take on the iconic, eclectic decor of our 1954 landmark location,” said Calderone.

Glass mosaic artwork will emulate vintage Tiffany lamp shades within the original location. Amid mirrored mosaic domed ceiling, other furnishings extend to Warhol-inspired wallpaper and a giant clock salvaged from a building in London.

As for the menu, Serendipity3 Times Square will be very similar to the UES location but also will possess a full liquor license. One addition is the Sunday Chicken Dinner Sundae, a giant goblet that literally seems to hold a whole meal.

While the original recipe remains intact, the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate now comes in 13 varieties. There are complimenting flavors like mint, peanut butter, salted caramel or s’mores along with a vegan version.

“The secret to Serendipity3's staying power is that it hasn't changed much over the past 70 years!” said Calderone. “Our key to our longevity and popularity is our ability to continue to create a fun, whimsical experience using our incredible food, desserts and over-the-top decor.”

With Serendipity3 Times Square at OYO Times Square, the hotel’s address is 157 W 47th St. The original Serendipity3 is located at 225 E 60th St.

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7 Last-Minute Escapes for Labor Day Weekend

If you’re still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places in North America that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away.

By Shannon Sims

It might sound like an impossible request: a last-minute Labor Day getaway with gorgeous weather and minimal crowds that you can squeeze into a long weekend. There are good reasons many destinations across North America won’t fit the bill. Wildfires are burning in some parts of the West, tropical disturbances are brewing in the Caribbean, the East Coast’s coastal retreats are packed, and much of the South is sweaty and oh so steamy. But if you’re still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away.

Here are seven inspirations in North America for a Labor Day getaway.

North Carolina

Hike to magical waterfalls

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Asheville, N.C., and covering 500,000-plus acres, Pisgah National Forest is a magical place to be immersed in nature. American goldfinches and Carolina chickadees sing high above waterfalls framed by lush green trees, and babbling streams pour down moss-covered rocks hiding salamanders, newts and crayfish.

During the summer, these wooded areas are chock-full of children at summer camp, and the trails are often busy with hikers. But by Labor Day, most of the kids have returned home, while the weather is often perfect, with average temperatures in the seventies. You have your pick of activities — bird-watching, fly fishing, waterfall dousing and hiking.

Easy trails can be found at the North Carolina Arboretum , but for a shaded, moderate hike to a waterfall in which you can douse, check out Catawba Falls Trail . For another moderate hike (but no swimming), there is Linville Gorge and Falls , nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians. Advanced hikers can summit the 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell , the highest peak in the Eastern United States, in Mount Mitchell State Park, which is surrounded by Pisgah Forest.

Later, make your way back to Asheville , where a robust restaurant and brewery scene offers a perfect setting for sharing stories of your day. Local favorites include Cúrate for upscale tapas, Chai Pani for Indian food and Wicked Weed Brewing for hoppy deliciousness.

See San Francisco’s best-loved sights

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” may be a clichéd phrase, but anyone who has visited this California city during the summer most likely experienced fog, dank air and brisk wind. But September and October are San Francisco’s warmest and brightest months of the year.

A long weekend is just enough for first timers to sample the city’s best-known attractions. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge . Board a cable car as it clangs up and down the city’s hills. Explore Alcatraz Island on a three-hour tour (book ahead). Take in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, which may be less chaotic with many children back in school. Watch a home game of the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park , right on the bay. Or check out the Presidio Tunnel Tops , a newly developed stretch of national park land featuring stunning panoramic views.

The city is a particularly special destination for those interested in L.G.B.T.Q. history. The GLBT Historical Society Museum , nicknamed the Queer Smithsonian, is a good place to start, as is a stroll through the Castro neighborhood or a stop at the Castro’s first gay bar, opened in 1963 as the Missouri Mule (now called Beaux).

Swim, fish, boat, then sip, at the Finger Lakes

One of the largest Finger Lakes in upstate New York, Keuka Lake stretches about 20 miles and draws visitors with clear-water swimming, paddling, kayaking and fishing. Labor Day marks the end of its high summer season.

Visitors can use picnic tables, playgrounds and swimming areas off sandy beaches at Keuka Lake State Park near Branchport or Red Jacket Park in the village of Penn Yan, on the lake’s northern end.

On its southern shores, the charming village of Hammondsport has cafes, shops and restaurants, many of which are clustered around the Pulteney Square Historic District .

Fishing is a big draw, with brown trout, yellow perch and more inhabiting the lake’s deep waters. You can buy your own fishing equipment at Jake’s Boat Livery , or get the professionals to do it by chartering a fishing expedition through Summit to Stream Adventures .

Don’t forget the wine: 20 vineyards are scattered around the lakeshore, with six part of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail . You can visit most wineries on your own or with a tour.

Keuka Lake is a one- to two-hour drive from airports in Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse or Buffalo. The lake is about a five-hour drive from New York City.

Soak your stress away in alpine splendor

During Labor Day weekend, the I-70 corridor that connects Denver to the ski towns to the west, like Winter Park, Keystone and Breckenridge, can be bumper to bumper, especially getting back on Monday.

But nestled in the San Juan Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Telluride, is Ouray, an often overlooked gem for outdoor fun. Sure, there’s great hiking and canyoning, but there aren’t many towns where you can stroll down Main Street and stop into a boutique for shopping, a cafe for coffee and a hot springs for soaking. Ouray Hot Springs Pool is sulfur-free — in other words, no rotten-egg stink — and offers not just one pool but many: The family-friendly pools feature water slides, a volleyball net and a rolling log, while the adults-only soaking section is kept between 102 and 106 degrees.

Montrose Regional Airport , about an hour’s drive from Ouray, has direct flights to Chicago, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver.

Sample delicious urban delights

You won’t scratch the surface of what Mexico City offers in a long weekend, so consider tossing away those checklists and instead soak up the atmosphere in one or two neighborhoods.

Start by signing up for the city’s bike share app, Ecobici , for an easy way to get around town. The Roma neighborhood, a favorite among travelers, has shaded, walkable streets; inviting plazas; and some of the city’s best restaurants. For a neighborhood with a tad fewer tourists, try La Condesa , a short bike ride from Roma and between the two lovely green spaces called Bosque de Chapultepec and Parque México . Shopaholics should visit Polanco , where the commercial thoroughfare Presidente Masaryk Avenue offers luxury stores.

Whichever neighborhood you pick to explore, you’ll be delighted by the quality and flavors of food offered at the city’s restaurants, food carts and 11,000-plus taco shops. Even if a corner spot looks shabby, it might be producing food that could rank among the best bites you’ve ever had. Look no further than Taquería El Califa de León, an unassuming taco stand that won a Michelin star this year , as an example of the culinary magic that lies around any given corner.

Nova Scotia

Time-travel in a 1700s fishing village

About 62 miles southwest of downtown Halifax along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, breezy Lunenburg is a fishing village with charm — and fresh seafood — to spare.

Old Town Lunenburg is considered by UNESCO as the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Its colorful homes face tall ships moored in the harbor, transporting visitors back to the 1700s. Stroll around the area on your own, popping into local shops and restaurants, or sign up for a walking tour .

At the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic , part of the Nova Scotia Museum , you can experience what life was like in a fishing village throughout the centuries, from early Mi’kmaq communities to the arrival of Black Loyalists in 1783 to today. The museum is housed in an old fish processing plant, and the Old Fish Factory Restaurant now serves Nova Scotia lobster rolls on a wharf-side patio.

Fresh lobster is available year-round in Nova Scotia, so check out some stops on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail . But don’t forget much of the Atlantic’s bounty: mussels, scallops, halibut, Arctic char, cod — even a seaweed called dulse — can be found on local menus.

Roam and ride in the sand dunes

The Great Lakes were made for summer, but the challenge is finding a spot that isn’t too crowded. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a destination even many Michiganders don’t know about.

Located an hour-and-a-half drive from Grand Rapids on Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, the dunes comprise 2,000 acres and are part of Silver Lake State Park. Even though they are situated in the heart of the United States, the dunes will make you feel as if you’re roaming the sands of Arabia.

Activities at the park include swimming, canoeing and horseback riding along the beach, or hiking through the surrounding evergreen forests.

But a classic way to explore the dunes is through Mac Wood’s Dune Rides , a local company that for nearly a century has been taking visitors in open-top trucks for thrilling and informative rides through the sand.

While in the area, be sure to visit the Little Sable Point Lighthouse , an 1874 tower that was made more accessible to the public in 2010. Climb the tower and take in the lake, forests and dunes below.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this story included a photo caption that misstated the location of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. It is in Centro district, not Polanco. It also misstated the location of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The dunes are on Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, not western.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.