Boston Travel Guide
It was my first time visiting Boston during my recent trip, and it’s safe to say I fell in love with the city! It’s incredibly clean and picturesque, and I felt like there was so much to do. It’s a great metropolitan city, but honestly a lot different from what I was expecting after visiting places like New York City and Los Angeles. I love how the city is filled with trees and parks, but above all I love the historic charm. You walk through the city and you can feel how much history it has. When I go back, I’d love to do some kind of historic tour to better understand all the history that happened there.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel
When Vanessa and I were looking up hotels to stay at, The Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel was at the top of our list. It had just won number one boutique hotel in the city, and if you know me, I prefer smaller, more quaint hotels over the larger resort style. The rooms were SO nice and very spacious. Again, another surprise from my previous experiences with hotels in big cities. I love the modern decor, which felt very ‘bachelor pad,’ and the it had great views from the window since it’s located nearby Boston Public Garden. I’ve stayed at several Kimpton hotels in the past, and I continue to be impressed by the level of service, quality of the rooms and hotel amenities.
The location of the hotel could not have been more perfect for all the things we wanted to see and do around town. It’s centrally positioned off the Boston Public Gardens with walking access to most of downtown including the famous Newbury Street, which has great restaurants and shopping. The concierge service was very helpful recommending some great restaurants and letting us know the easiest was to travel where we wanted to go. I highly recommend you take advantage of this service when touring around town.
Included in your hotel stay is daily breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Better Sorts Social Club. The buffet breakfast is European style, and you can also order a la carte items off the menu. My favorite item was the chocolate croissants (typical), which I think came from one of the any authentic French bakeries in town. They were SO good. Other amenities you can take advantage of at the hotel are renting hotel bikes to tour around town, use of their complementary services including an in-house historian, salon services and a social media guide to Boston. The hotel even includes a fitness center as well as in-room spa services. It’s the perfect hotel for y0ur next stay in Boston.
Things to do in Boston
There is SO much to do in Boston, that I could go on and on about what I recommend, but these are the top things I recommend doing during your next stay in Boston:
- Go shopping down Newbury Street, which is the famous street with designer shops and endless boutiques.
- Go for a run through Boston Commons/Boston Public Garden. It’s a beautiful park right next to your hotel, Kimpton Nine Zero. Think Central Park in Boston.
- Stroll the brownstone streets in Beacon Hill. This area is quintessential Boston, and a cute area of town you won’t want to miss exploring.
- Walk the Freedom Trail, or go on a history tour of the city.
- Take a brewery tour, don’t miss the famous Sam Adams Brewery.
- Go to a sports game. The Boston Red Sox is what I’d recommend since it’s in the middle of town and the classic ballpark, but New England Patriots game would be a lot of fun, too!
- Visit the famous Acorn Street, one of the most beautiful cobblestone streets in town.
- Visit the Boston Public Library to see it’s beauty. It was one of the prettiest buildings I’ve ever seen.
- Take a trip to the North End of town and eat at any Italian restaurant, they’re incredibly authentic.
- Visit the Envoy Hotel rooftop bar for happy hour and amazing views of the city.
Where to Eat in Boston
Vanessa and I reached out on Instagram for your recommendations of where to eat during our visit, and I wanted to share some of the most mentioned restaurants. As you probably know, Vanessa and I are HUGE foodies, and we loved every restaurant we are at, so you can’t go wrong with the food in Boston.
- Barcelona Wine Bar – One of my favorite restaurants we visited during the trip. It is small plates tapas with amazing cocktails, amazing vibe.
- Stephanie’s on Newbury – Great place to stop in for brunch while shopping on Newbury Street.
- Lolita – A must-do during your trip to Boston. Amazing food and the best margarita I’ve ever had. It’s a Mexican restaurant with ‘day of the dead’ decor/theme.
- Top of the Hub – Recommended to us as a great place to eat dinner and enjoy city views of Boston.
- The Beehive – Was recommended as a great brunch spot.
- Beacon Hill Tavern – Everyone said this place is a little ‘divey’ but has amazing mac and cheese.
- Mike’s Pastry – Amazing bakery recommended for cannoli’s in the north end of town.
- Legal Harborside First Floor – Recommended for the a amazing seafood.
- Sail Loft – Low-key restaurant off the harbor with the best New England chowder in town.
- Yvonne’s – Recommended we visit for late night drinks/cocktails.
- The Daily Catch – We did not visit this restaurant in Boston, but were able to go to the Woodstock location in Vermont. The seafood fettuccini pasta was amazing!
- Bacco in North End
- Tatte Bakery – great bakery in Beacon Hill with amazing coffee. Would be a perfect lunch spot.
- Other restaurants of notable mention that we did not get to try: Toro Boston, Red Lantern (sushi), Citrus and Salt, Lucca, Bacco (Italian) in North End, Row 34.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of all my favorite things to see and do while in Boston. If you have any questions regarding the recommendations, I am always happy to help! Just leave me a comment below on this post, and I’ll be sure to get back to you. Xoxo.
