Whether you’re a culture lover looking forward to a day of museum hopping or a foodie hoping to indulge in the city’s tastiest flavors, Boston has plenty to do, no matter what piques your interest. From legendary historical landmarks to waterfront dining and donut tours, here are two ways to spend an epic day in the city!
Day 1: Arts, Culture, and History Exploration
Morning
Kick off your day at the elegant Tatte Bakery & Café, one of Boston’s most popular breakfast spots. Indulge in fresh pastries or a savory breakfast sandwich like smoked salmon, egg, and avocado. Alternatively, head to The Friendly Toast for creative menu items and bold, funky decor. Treat yourself to eclectic dishes like the crispy breakfast egg rolls or French toast sticks coated in Rice Krispies.
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through Boston Common, America’s oldest public park. Walk the grounds where centuries of events have occurred, from British Redcoat encampments in the 1700s to civil rights rallies in the 20th century. Cross over to the Public Garden, America’s first public botanical garden. Admire the famous swan boats, colorful flowerbeds, and exotic trees.
Cap off your morning with a visit to the Massachusetts State House, a must-see for history enthusiasts. Inside the iconic golden-domed building, take a guided tour to explore beautifully preserved rooms while learning about the pivotal moments that have shaped Massachusetts and the nation.
Afternoon
Ready for a quintessential Boston lunch? Head to Union Oyster House, the nation’s oldest restaurant, to savor hearty portions of traditional New England fare like clam chowder, oysters, and lobster rolls. Alternatively, go to Faneuil Hall Marketplace to dine at Quincy Market. Walk through the bustling market to explore 25 food stalls with various cuisines to try out, from sushi and enchiladas to pizza and seafood.
Embark on an afternoon steeped in history by touring the Freedom Trail, an immersive 2.5-mile path that guides you to 16 historical sites throughout downtown Boston. Travel back in time by stopping at famous landmarks like the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the Bunker Hill Monument.
If museums are more your style, Boston offers plenty of options to dive deeper into its rich culture and Revolutionary roots. Start with the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, a multi-sensory experience where you can relive the event that sparked the American Revolution. Throw tea overboard and explore replicas of 18th-century ships. Discover rare artifacts like the only surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party.
Next, head to the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can wander through over 100 galleries showcasing one of the world’s most impressive art collections. Discover ancient Greek sculptures and paintings by famed artists like Claude Monet. Walk through unique exhibitions like Beyond Brilliance, where you’ll find dazzling jewelry spanning 4,000 years. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, this museum is an incredible journey through space and time.
Evening
Make your way to the harbor for dinner at Legal Sea Foods while watching the cruise ships pass from this relaxed waterfront eatery. Order from the fresh catch menu to indulge in mouthwatering options like salmon, sea scallops, and rockfish.
For a more upscale dining experience, go to No. 9 Park to enjoy French and Italian-inspired cuisine prepared by James Beard Award-winning Chef Barbara Lynch. Delight your senses with refined dishes like the Foie Gras Terrine and Prune-Stuffed Gnocchi.
Cap off your evening at Symphony Hall with a performance by the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. Listen to the mesmerizing sounds of world-famous composers like Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart in a space that is widely believed to be one of the world’s top concert halls.
Day 2: Foodie Adventures
Morning
Fuel up for the day at Mike & Patty’s, a cozy spot that’s tiny in size but big in flavor. The local gem is known for indulgent breakfast sandwiches like the Carolina Caviar (fried egg, sausage, and pimento cheese on an English muffin) and Breakfast Grilled Crack (fried egg and bacon with four types of cheese on sourdough).
If you’re craving something sweet after your savory breakfast, hit the ground running on an Underground Donut Tour of the city. As the birthplace of Dunkin’ Donuts, Boston takes its donuts seriously, and this 2-hour tour is proof of that. Taste your way through diverse neighborhoods like the Financial District and Little Italy as you visit some of the city’s best artisanal donut shops and bakeries.
Round out the morning’s adventures by hopping on one of the legendary Boston Duck Tours. On this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll cruise past historical landmarks on land before splashing into the Charles River to explore the city by water. Don’t worry—you won’t get wet! The tour bus is an amphibious vehicle, so operating on land and in the water is safe.
Afternoon
No visit to New England would be complete without tasting an exceptional lobster roll, and Neptune Oyster is the place to get your fix. Order it hot and buttery or chilled with mayo and enjoy the best of Boston’s coastal cuisine. Be prepared for a wait, but know that it’s worth it. Not up for lobster? This popular, high-end oyster bar is still a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh seafood—check out the raw bar.
Dive deeper into Boston’s culinary scene with one of two fantastic tours. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, hop on the Boston Signature Brew Tour with City Brew Tours. Gain VIP access to some of the city’s best and biggest breweries while learning all about the fascinating history of beer and sipping craft beer samples along the way.
Still craving more of those diverse Bostonian flavors? Join Bites of Boston on the 3-hour Local Gems of the South End Tour to sample globally-inspired dishes at 5-6 beloved eateries. Chow down on Cajun-style comfort food, plant-based ice cream, and pillowy pastries. Between bites, you’ll chat with passionate chefs and restauranteurs while also exploring the country’s largest urban Victorian community.
Evening
Wind down with a traditional Italian meal at Fox & The Knife in South Boston, a warm and welcoming restaurant specializing in handmade pasta and vibrant antipasti dishes. Order the Tagliatelle Bolognese made with wild boar or savor the rich flavors of the Raviolo Carbonara with brown butter.
Alternatively, keep the seafood theme going by dining at the laid-back Boston Sail Loft. Admire stunning views of the harbor while feasting on lobster mac and cheese or the fried fisherman’s platter. Do yourself a favor and start with a bowl of their famous clam chowder—you won’t regret it.
If you left room for dessert, there’s no better place to go than the North End neighborhood. Indulge like a local by grabbing a decadent tiramisu at Modern Pastry or a chocolate-dipped cannoli at Mike’s Pastry. End your day at Lizard Lounge to unwind with live music and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The underground club is known for its moody red lighting and intimate performances by local talent. Order the Stiff Lizard – a mix of Tullamore Dew Whiskey, Kahlua, honey, and bitters – and settle in for the show.
