Boston in a Day

[vsimeone]

I have a work trip to Boston next week. We are often too busy to do anything but on this trip, we arrive in Boston at about 9am on Tuesday (7/6) and don't work until Wednesday (7/7) so we'll have all day to tour/sightsee in town.

We are staying at the Courtyard by Marriott on Tremont. What are some "must see/dos" that we can accomplish in one day? We'll also have the evening of the 7th. Any good restaurant recommendations? Any festivities left over from the Fourth of July?

Thanks for your help!

 

[eduk8r26]

You can walk the Freedom Trail--all or part. Just follow the red painted lines. Ride the swan boats in the Public Garden. Visit the shops and restaurants in Faneuil (sp) Hall.

 

[r&kmommy]

When you say "we" is this a family thing or work colleagues? That would influence my sightseeing recommendations

I recommend Legal Sea Food down on 255 State Street... awesome view of the harbor and aquarium, delish food and good bar (not a socializing type hanging out bar, but good drinks for your meal)

 

[pdchris]

You can walk the Freedom Trail--all or part. Just follow the red painted lines. Ride the swan boats in the Public Garden. Visit the shops and restaurants in Faneuil (sp) Hall.

+1

Like the OP, I had 1 day before training started so a co-worker and I did the Freedom Trail. It was really interesting. It's a pretty good walk but well worth it.

 

[vsimeone]

When you say "we" is this a family thing or work colleagues? That would influence my sightseeing recommendations

Actually... BOTH!

I will be in town with a colleague for work but my mom is tagging along with us! She's along for the ride and she's on her own while we're conducting training on the 7th!

 

[3boymthr]

The Freedom Trail is awesome - and mostly free.

Or you could try the Duck tours.

Or the Swan Boats.

For Dinner or a fancier Lunch, try the Union Oyster House, located just outside of Fanueil Hall (so it's near the Freedom Trail) it's the oldest continuously running restaurant in America. It's a bit pricey, but if you're lucky you can sit in JFK's favorite booth. Be prepared for a wait to sit down but the atmosphere is amazing, it's just soooo old.

If you want to try your hand at the public transportation, downloadable subway maps are available at mbta.com.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'd recommend Jasper White's Summer Shack over Legal's (I think there are more of the latter, while there are only a couple of Jasper's and they're gooooood ). Union may be old, but it gets less-than-good reviews.

Duck Tours are good, and unique to Boston. Tour Fenway Park - there's no game that night, I think, so the tour would be at 2. Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market. Yes, the Freedom Trail or any part of it.

 

[clori]

unfortunately you missed the July 4th activities - Boston Harborfest runs 6/30-7/5

 

[alyssa810]

I'd also say summer shack over Legals too (I think Legal Seafood and the Budget Board are an oxymoron!) Legal's is overpriced and there are plenty of other good seafood restaurants...however, if you did want to try it, grab a chowder; there aren't too many chowders that can top it. You're also a short walk to the North end, and there are tons of restaurants there.
There are museums: art, science, children's, aquarium- I'm taking it that you aren't traveling with kids though?
Copley Square area is fun to walk around and window shop; you could go to the Top of the Hub for drinks & dessert and really see an awesome view of the city!

 

[okeydokey]

The Duck Boats give you a very nice and enjoyable tour and will only take up part of your day.

 

[MNT568]

Take a harbor cruise. I also agree, take a tour of Fenway. Check out the shops on Newbury Street. Head over to the North End for some great desserts!

 

[Judique]

I'd recommend Jasper White's Summer Shack over Legal's (I think there are more of the latter, while there are only a couple of Jasper's and they're gooooood ). Union may be old, but it gets less-than-good reviews.

Duck Tours are good, and unique to Boston. Tour Fenway Park - there's no game that night, I think, so the tour would be at 2. Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market. Yes, the Freedom Trail or any part of it.

2nd the Summer Shack as well. Duck Tours are in a few other cities now - Philly, Washington, etc - not unique to Boston anymore!

For one day and convenience for a first timer, I recommend the trolleys - Beantown Trolley - has pickup at quite a few hotels and points of interest - you can get on and off all day, so if you want to spend time at Fenway and do the tour, get off, and do the tour then get back on and go downtown. They point out interesting stuff as you ride by and give commentary. They are not cheap but keep you on track so to speak.

We really enjoyed a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, on Huntington. We also visited the Aquarium, Contemporary Art Institute, walked some of the Freedom Trail, Old State House, Paul Revere's house, North End, Fanuiel Hall, Quincy Market, Copley, Beacon Hill, Public Gardens/ Swan Boats, and spent time stuck in traffic in the tunnels when we were ready to leave. Parked at hotel (pricey) drove some places and took public trans other times. there is a lot to see and do in Boston - great town to visit!

 

[kaytieeldr]

2nd the Summer Shack as well. Duck Tours are in a few other cities now - Philly, Washington, etc - not unique to Boston anymore!

True - but we had 'em first !