Among the oldest cities in the United States, the capital of New England and the beautiful state of Massachusetts, Boston has been captivating from the start. A human-scale city, elegant and far from the chaos typical of American metropolises, it immediately resonated with us.
Boston was a revelation. A city with a strong personality, we fell in love with it at first sight, enchanted by its perfect harmony of history and modernity. Walking through its streets felt like stepping
into a vivid painting: the warm red of historic homes, the deep blue of the sky reflected in the Charles River, and the golden autumn leaves adorning every corner. Every view is a brushstroke of stories, intertwining revolutions and innovations, where tradition melds with visions of the future. It is a city like no other, its soul suspended between the past that shaped it and the promises of a bright future.
Boston has played a crucial role in the history of the United States. The Native Americans who inhabited the area (the Massachusett, Nipmuck to the west, and Wampanoag to the south) had called it Shawmut since as early as 2400 BCE. The meaning remains uncertain, likely referring to the salty water that surrounds the peninsula.
In 1614, Captain John Smith explored the coast of what he named “New England” to make the region more appealing to colonists. However, within just a few years, over half of the Native American population in the area had succumbed to smallpox introduced by European explorers. By 1630, a fleet of ships led by Puritans from England settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Guided by John Winthrop, the group soon merged with the Pilgrims’ Plymouth Colony, about 70 kilometers south.
Originally called Tremontaine for the three hills in the area, the Puritans renamed the settlement Boston, after the English town many of them came from. As the city grew and prospered, tensions between the colonists and English governors escalated, particularly after the British Parliament passed the Molasses Act in 1733, imposing a six-penny-per-gallon tax on molasses imported from non-British colonies. Frustrated by taxation without representation, politicians and clergy began to protest. After the Boston Massacre of 1770, during which British troops fired on a crowd, killing five colonists, anti-British sentiment peaked. When the Tea Act of 1773 imposed taxes on imported tea, the Sons of Liberty staged the Boston Tea Party, dumping roughly 45 tons of tea (worth about $1.5 million today) into Boston Harbor. Many other key events of the American Revolution occurred in or near Boston, including the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere’s ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill.
During the 19th century, Boston continued to grow, and Massachusetts, long at the forefront of abolitionist movements, became the first U.S. State to abolish slavery. In the 20th century, Boston faced decline as old factories closed, replaced by modern facilities elsewhere with cheaper labor. Yet, despite numerous challenges, the city has emerged in the 21st century as a thriving, cosmopolitan hub of technology, education, and medical research, proudly preserving its past while looking toward the future.
What to See in Boston: A Three-Day Itinerary
In collaboration with Meet Boston, we developed, organized, and personally tested an itinerary to uncover the many facets of this splendid city. It’s perfect for a three- to four-day visit (three full days, so plan to stay at least four nights).
While not enough to see everything Boston offers, it’s enough to get a feel for the city and leave you eager to return.
What to do in Boston – Day 1: South Boston
To connect with Boston’s deep ties to U.S. history, begin your exploration with a modern chapter at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, located in Dorchester. This impressive building, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1979 to honor the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.
What are Presidential Libraries?
Until the mid-20th century, items belonging to U.S. Presidents were considered their personal property, with their historical importance only unofficially acknowledged. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President, 1933–1945) was the first to propose making his documents publicly available—in a building he donated—at his Hyde Park estate. This led to a series of laws (notably the Presidential Library Act of 1955) that established the public preservation of records and the system of Presidential Libraries, now managed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Each U.S. President has a library in their home state, housing documents, artifacts, State gifts, and museum exhibits related to their life and political career.
The first was the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, inaugurated on June 30, 1941.
Less than a year into his presidency, JFK—born in Brookline, Greater Boston—expressed interest in establishing a Presidential Library after leaving office. Just a month before his death, he chose Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard University (his alma mater), as the location. However, construction delays led his family to select the current site near the University of Massachusetts Boston campus in 1975.
More than just a scholarly resource, the library is a museum recounting JFK’s life and legacy. Interactive exhibits feature historical films, photographs, personal items, and documents chronicling his political career, vision for America, and pivotal moments of his presidency, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the start of the Space Race. The exhibit begins with Kennedy’s youth and political career, including his 1960 election victory over Nixon, the first election televised nationwide.
One of the museum’s highlights is a replica of the White House’s Oval Office, where visitors can see original furniture and iconic objects, including JFK’s desk, crafted from wood salvaged from the British ship Resolute.
Another popular section explores how Jacqueline Kennedy transformed life inside the White House.
The museum concludes with the events of November 22, 1963—JFK’s assassination in Dallas, a tragedy still shrouded in mystery. It also reflects on his legacy, illustrating how he reshaped America by championing freedom and justice, ideals central to the nation’s identity.
After exploring the JFK Library, head to Castle Island to visit Fort Independence (tours of the fort are organized – free of charge – only on weekends during the summer months). Previously known as Castle William, as it is still called by many, it is one of Boston’s oldest fortifications and one of the oldest English-built forts in the United States. Although the current structure dates back to 851, the first fort on this site was constructed in 1634. During the American Revolutionary War, it was used as a prison for British war captives and, over time, has hosted notable figures, including Edgar Allan Poe, who began his military career serving here in 1827. It is also rumored that Poe based his story The Cask of Amontillado on a duel between two officers at the fort.
Known for its defensive structure, the fort was built to protect the city from sea attacks. The entrance features two heavy doors and a sliding metal gate that served as a trap, allowing soldiers to fire upon intruders caught inside.
Inside, the fort includes exhibits showcasing military life, such as the old oven, restored in the 1970s, which was used to bake bread for the troops. Historical flags, including those from the colonies, are on display, and Rodman cannons illustrate the coastal defenses of the era. A modern walkway provides safe exploration of the walls.
From the fort’s bastions, you can enjoy views of the harbor and historic landmarks such as the Boston Light (1716), the first lighthouse in the United States, and Nixes Mate, where condemned pirates were hanged. Looking inland, you can see Logan Airport and, in the distance, the famous Rainbow Swash, the largest copyrighted artwork in the world and one of Boston’s most controversial pieces, created by Sister Mary Corita Kent, one of the most influential artists of the 1960s and 70s (and a teacher of visionaries like Alfred Hitchcock and the Eames Brothers).
To wrap up your first day, take a stroll through the vibrant Seaport District, one of Boston’s trendiest areas. Originally a muddy part of the harbor – much of the area was submerged until the mid-1800s – it became strategically significant in the 20th century when ships began delivering raw materials to the emerging factories in the area. A century later, however, the factories closed or relocated, and much of the neighborhood fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until 1968 that the district, transformed into a ghost town, caught the attention of Mayor Kevin White, who played a pivotal role in beginning the Seaport District’s revitalization. Later, Mayor Tom Menino pushed for the construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Institute of Contemporary Art, branding the area the “Innovation District.” Today, it’s a hub of innovation, with modern skyscrapers, trendy restaurants, and stunning views of Boston Harbor. The district also boasts numerous public art installations and one of the city’s most fascinating museums, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), which overlooks the water with a spectacular panoramic terrace.
The area is also ideal for enjoying fresh seafood: Boston is famous for its clam chowder and lobster rolls, and where better to try them than while strolling along the city’s waterfront?
What to do in Boston, Day Two: Fort Point, the Freedom Trail, and Skyline Views
Start your second day with one of Boston’s most immersive experiences: the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This interactive museum takes you back to the pivotal evening of December 16, 1773, when a group of colonists threw tons of tea into Boston Harbor in protest. And when I say “it takes you back in time”, I mean it almost literally: you’re transported to that evening to relive it minute by minute through costumed actors who engage everyone as if you were all “Sons of Liberty.” The visit begins inside a replica of the Old South Meeting House, where one of the historical characters – awaiting the arrival of Samuel Adams – narrates the story of how the colonists resisted the unjust taxation imposed by the British Empire. Everyone is assigned a historical character to play, and the passion of the rebels, their anger, frustration over unfair laws, and desire for independence are palpable. Next, you board the ships – faithful replicas of the Eleanor and the Beaver, two of the vessels involved in the Boston Tea Party – where you’ll learn about the sailors’ living conditions and the events of that fateful night. You can even toss tea into the harbor just as the rebels did! The museum tour continues with costumed actors guiding you through 3D videos, original artifacts, and modern technology (watch out for the portraits!) to bring history alive in a moving way. I even found myself in tears during the documentary on the Battle of Lexington and Concord! The visit concludes at the charming Abigail’s Tea Room, where you can sample the five varieties of tea thrown into the harbor that historic night. We discovered a delicious smoky tea variety! It’s a perfect way to end the experience and relax after delving into this crucial chapter of American history.
Right across from the Tea Party, you’ll find the Boston Children’s Museum, a true paradise for kids (and for adults who want to feel like children again). Founded in 1913, it is one of the oldest children’s museums in the world and spans over three floors, offering a myriad of interactive exhibits ranging from art to science and culture. It was here at the Boston Children’s Museum in the 1970s—thanks to director Michael Spock—that the revolutionary idea of letting children handle objects in a museum was first introduced. This allowed kids to explore, interact, and unleash their curiosity.
Today, children can engage in all sorts of hands-on activities at the museum: from building giant structures to climbing suspended courses, creating art, enjoying sensory experiences, conducting scientific experiments, and even playing with a green screen!
There are hundreds of activities where kids can have fun, learn, experiment, imagine, and explore. They can even burn off some energy through sports activities. Special attention is also given to nutritional education and understanding the world around them. This goes beyond traditional children’s activities, immersing them in a world entirely dedicated to their growth, where parents can join in to help them dream (and do it together).
Nearby, you’ll also find Martin’s Park, a public park dedicated to Martin Richard, one of the young victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The park is known for its wonderful playgrounds, designed to be inclusive and accessible to all children. The pirate ship is particularly stunning—a large wooden vessel where kids can climb, steer the wheel, raise and lower the flags, and play as fearsome pirates! I was impressed by its size—I climbed aboard and found it so big that I could even run around on it!
What to See in Boston: Alternative for Adults – The Freedom Trail
For those who aren’t traveling with children or prefer to explore the city and dive deeper into its history, an excellent alternative is walking the renowned Freedom Trail, a path that takes you to 16 significant sites from the American Revolution.
The trail begins at the stunning Boston Common (a park that looks like a postcard, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen) and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. Along the way, you’ll visit the Old North Church (in the picturesque Little Italy), the Paul Revere House, the Old South Meeting House, and many other fascinating locations.
The route is easy to follow, marked by a red line that guides you through the various stops, retracing the footsteps of America’s patriots.
I’ll dedicate a detailed article to it soon, but in the meantime, here’s a PDF map with all the stops, and on the Meet Boston website – accessible here – you’ll find an interactive map illustrating all 16 points of the Freedom Trail.
To conclude such an intense day, head to View Boston to enjoy the sunset and a 360° view of the city.
Located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center—constructed in the 1960s, it’s one of Boston’s tallest buildings, second only to the John Hancock Tower—this newly opened observatory debuted in 2023 and has already been named one of the world’s top observation decks.
In addition to the breathtaking views of the entire city – on clear days, you can see up to 60 kilometers away through floor-to-ceiling windows – the observatory features interactive installations to learn more about each visible landmark, a spectacular 3D model of Boston showcasing the city’s history, seasonal changes, and unique spirit. It also has two restaurants and the Cloud Terrace, an open-air deck on the lower floor that offers an incredible panoramic view of Boston, which, in my opinion, is even better than the upper level.
What to See in Boston, Day Three: Downtown and the Duck Tour Adventure
The third day is all about exploring the city center.
Start at the enchanting Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, founded in 1634 (it was purchased by the colonists, who paid six shillings each to the landowner, Reverend William Blackstone). Originally used as a communal grazing ground, Boston Common became a military encampment for British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. It is a place rich in history and remains the city’s vibrant heart, hosting political rallies, celebrations, and outdoor concerts featuring historical figures such as Generals Washington and Lafayette, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul II, and many more.
The park is filled with landmarks to explore, including Brewer Fountain Plaza, the famous and beloved Frog Pond, The Embrace – a beautiful sculpture dedicated to Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King – the Parkman Bandstand, a Greek-temple-style structure, the Central Burying Ground, and various commemorative sculptures like the Boston Foundation Monument and the Boston Massacre Memorial. Don’t miss the most famous sculpture of all: Make Way for Ducklings, created by Nancy Schön. It depicts the duck family from the children’s classic by Robert McCloskey, which tells the story of two ducks searching for the perfect place in New England to raise their family and finally settling in Boston Common.
After exploring the park, head to Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s most picturesque areas. Once the heart of the anti-slavery movement, it was home to notable residents like Senator Charles Sumner, a fervent abolitionist. Later, Beacon Hill became the social and political hub of 19th-century Boston. Today, it is one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets, red-brick houses with dark shutters, gas lamps, and colorful doors adorned with plants, creating a timeless atmosphere. It is one of Boston’s most historic and well-preserved neighborhoods, also known for its charming boutiques, quaint cafes, and enduring elegance.
You can also walk the Black Heritage Trail, which winds through homes, schools, and churches, chronicling the history of Boston’s free African-American community. Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1790, and this community played a vital role in fighting racial discrimination. The trail includes sites such as the Robert Gould Shaw & the 54th Regiment Memorial (the first Black regiment), the George Middleton House (the oldest house built by African Americans in Beacon Hill), and the Phillips School, one of Boston’s first interracial schools.
Another stunning landmark in Beacon Hill is the Massachusetts State House, which dominates the north side of Boston Common. This majestic building, designed by architect Charles Bulfinch (inspired by two London buildings: Somerset House and the Pantheon on Oxford Street), was completed in 1798, and its golden dome is one of Boston’s most iconic symbols. The State House serves as the seat of Massachusetts’ government and visitors can join a free tour to learn about the state’s political history and admire the elegant interior rooms.
A fun fact: the dome of the Massachusetts State House wasn’t always golden. Initially made of wood and covered with copper, it was gilded in 1874 to make it more visible. During World War II, for security reasons, the dome was painted black to avoid being a landmark for potential air raids. After the war, it was restored to its original brilliance.
Not far from the State House lies Acorn Street, one of the most photographed streets in the United States. This small cobblestone lane, lined with ivy-covered brick houses, is the epitome of Beacon Hill’s timeless charm.
Once home to many servants and artisans in the area, today it’s considered one of the most exclusive and desirable places to live in Boston. The houses along this street have remained largely unchanged over the years, giving it a unique appeal and the feeling of stepping back in time.
In the afternoon, you can try a unique way to explore Boston: the iconic Duck Tour. This tour takes place on amphibious vehicles that travel first on land and then dive straight into the water! It’s an alternative way to discover the city from an entirely different perspective, as the guide – nicknamed the “ConDUCKtor” – shares historical anecdotes and fun facts in a lively and humorous way.
The vehicles are military-grade amphibious transports based on the DUKWs used during World War II to carry troops and supplies between land and water. The tour begins with a drive through the city streets, passing by major attractions like Quincy Market, the Old North Church, and Trinity Church. The real excitement begins when the “duck” enters the Charles River: in an instant, the vehicle transforms into a boat and starts sailing, offering a breathtaking view of Boston’s skyline. Guests can even try steering the vehicle themselves, including children (and those who do are rewarded with a special sticker to commemorate their experience as a “duck driver”)!
The Duck Tour is suitable for everyone, adults and children alike, with its perfect mix of history, humor, and adventure.
Three days in Boston provide the perfect introduction to the city, blending revolutionary history, picturesque neighborhoods, and modern, immersive activities. From the elegant tranquility of Beacon Hill to interactive museums like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and the fun of Duck Tours, every day is an opportunity to discover all the shadows of this vibrant city.
But Boston has much more to offer: from its dynamic culinary scene to walks along the Charles River Esplanade, cultural districts like the North End with its Italian roots, and prestigious universities such as Harvard and MIT. There’s always a reason to come back… and keep coming back!
Where to Eat in Boston: 3 Spots to Try (and 1 You Can’t Miss!)
Here are some recommendations for places we enjoyed the most in Boston:
Cobblestones
Located in Beacon Hill, this is the perfect spot for a lighter, delicious meal: salads, sandwiches (more Italian-style than traditional burgers), and vegetarian options. The place is small, with limited seating, making it ideal for a quick bite. We tried the sandwiches and loved them! They also offer cold pasta/rice dishes.
Back Deck
Situated below the Opera House, this is a classic American-style restaurant, excellent for grilled meat and BBQ. Their desserts are unique, and the Kid’s Menu (which even includes salmon!) is also impressive. Prices are a bit on the higher side, but the quality is worth it.
New York Pizza
If you’re craving classic American-style pizza, this is the place to go. They serve the iconic New York-style pizza, known for its massive slices. They also have a great selection of fried appetizers. It’s
perfect for a quick meal or takeout (if you can manage to eat such a giant slice while walking!).
Cheers
Last but definitely not least is Cheers. Yes, the same Cheers from the 80s TV show! (Could I not mention a movie or TV reference in this article?)The show told the story of a former Red Sox player running a pub, focusing on the lives of its staff and patrons. The pub retains its 80s atmosphere, and to top it off, the food is excellent. Be prepared for a long wait to get in, though!
(Read this article if you want to discover more about Filming Locations in Boston!)
Where to Stay in Boston: Best Western Adams Inn Quincy-Boston
During our Boston trip, we stayed at the Adams Inn Quincy-Boston, and despite its distance from the city center, I highly recommend it. Though it’s not right in the heart of Boston, it’s easily accessible via the Metro’s Red Line (MBTA), which is about a 15-minute walk away.
The hotel overlooks the scenic Neponset River, offering a relaxing view and opportunities for pleasant riverside strolls. The other side of the neighborhood isn’t as picturesque, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience, as the hotel feels like its own peaceful enclave.
Breakfast was a delightful surprise! The buffet is varied and plentiful, with sweet and savory options, including lactose-free and gluten-free choices, perfect for starting the day with plenty of energy.
Rooms? Spacious and bright, with large windows offering calming river views. The atmosphere is one of total tranquility, no disturbances at all. The hotel is impeccably clean, and the staff is always friendly, always ready to assist with a smile.
Another feature we loved was the hotel’s pub, a great spot to end the day with a beer or a simple meal without needing to head out.
The icing on the cake? The prices! They’re much lower compared to hotels in the city center, making the Adams Inn an excellent choice for exploring Boston without breaking the bank.
