Source
r/boston•
pgriz1

We're planning to visit Boston over the Easter weekend, driving down from Montreal. What to do and see in three days?

I've visited Boston a long time ago, and my wife has never been. She's an artist and teacher, I'm an amateur photographer. Any pointers to what to see, where to go, places to eat? I've heard that traffic can be really bad, but we're already used to that in Montreal. So kind people, what can you suggest for us?

​

Edit: Came, visited, will come back again.

​

Ended up staying at an Airbnb in Salem, took the train in each day ($10/weekend pass is a great deal!), then used local bus/subways to get around. Walked a lot - it's a great city for walking. Lots of good local brews, good food. Went to several museums, lots of churches, the Public Library, stops along the Freedom Trail, Bova's bakery (yum!), the NE Aquarium, the hop-on-hop-off trolleys, the harbour... Also spent a day in Salem (Peabody museum, various older buildings near the waterfront, several restaurants), before pouring rain made the idea of going home a necessary option. The Airbnb we stayed at was very comfortable, the host was informative, supportive, and made sure we were comfortable. Weather was not ideal (drizzle, strong winds on Saturday), but despite that, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you, Boston (and Salem)!

Posted Apr 12, 2019, 1:41 AM UTC · edited

031
MrRemoto•

Go see the Bruins in the playoffs!

5
pgriz1OP•

That may be interesting for me, but my wife doesn't share the enthusiasm for the sport. Good luck to your team!

2
MapsachusettsAllston/Brighton•

Even if she did, Bruins/Leafs might not be the most fun matchup for people from Montreal.

2
pgriz1OP•

;)

1
Dajbman22Canton•

Sorry^(not sorry) your season is over.

2
Dajbman22Canton•

Check the sidebar. If you have specific questions after reading our travel guides, ask those.

4
pgriz1OP•

I've started with the Wiki, and there's a lot of information (that's good) that needs to be put in context and understood (that's where the problem is). I'm trying to figure out a logical (logistical?) starting point that allows us to sample enough of stuff without running back and forth and losing a lot of time sitting in the car.

0
Dajbman22Canton•

Here is a central tip: don't drive around Boston. Park your car and take the T where you need to go, and also walk. Boston is an incredibly walkable city. Check the places on a map, see what is near what, and plan around that.

Boston is an entire city, it's hard to just come up with a sightseeing plan for a complete internet stranger with nothing to go off of besides where they are coming from and your jobs.

16
MapsachusettsAllston/Brighton•

I was going to say basically the same thing. And it’s exactly what I do when I go to Montreal. Ditch the car where you’re staying and keep it there until you leave. Both are great walkable cities and what you can’t walk to you can easily take the subway to.

Love to see people from MTL coming down. Our two awesome cities are much closer than a lot of people realize and it’s a great easy way to see another country.

5
Dajbman22Canton•

MTL is even better for walkability/travel in winter. I once went for "spring" break in March and there was a major blizzard, and I still could get all over downtown through the metro and underground city no problem.

Boston needs an underground city.

3
pgriz1OP•

Well, half of my extended family on my side is American, and most are near New York, which we really enjoy visiting. However, this year, we decided that we have to make a point of getting to your city.

1
TheLamestUsernameAberdeen Historic District•

A good starting point for us to give you advice would be what general area are you staying in. Boston is a walkable city and the subway is easy to navigate. So i would not bother driving a lot.

1
pgriz1OP•

We haven't even figured that out yet. That's why we're asking for some guidance as to what would be a good place to use as home base, and move around from there. Both my wife and I are quite comfortable doing all-day walks or taking local transit. I would also like to avoid driving if we can find a good central base.

​

I've never used AirBnB, and am wondering whether that's something to consider, or whether a bed-and-breakfast would get us closer to the city?

1
RelleomylimePurple Line•

Best neighborhoods to stay in on vacation IMO are Back Bay, Fenway, Beacon Hill, Downtown Crossing, South Boston (if you're in an AirBNB, not a lot of hotel options that way, limited subway access but good bus access, also has beaches). Some parts of the South End are nice, but avoid staying in the South End near the Boston Medical Center (lots of drug activity). I would avoid East Boston, Dorchester, Ashmont, West Roxbury, etc because they are furthest walking distance to attractions and have the least subway access.

​

Figure out where you're staying and then come back to us for things to do. Like other people have said, the city is small and very walkable with fairly good public transit, so once you have a place to stay it will be easier to direct you to what to do.

4
Dajbman22Canton•

There are tons of hotel rooms and AirBnBs throughout Boston, and sometimes a hotel can even be cheaper and more T-accessible. I suggest using a site like Hipmunk and see prices in various neighborhoods for the dates you want to come. Boston prices vary wildly, so putting in your research really pays off.

The key is making sure you try to find a place within a half mile or so of a T station, so that means you can also stay in Brookline, Cambridge or Somerville... which are different cities, but still considered part of "Boston" and some of our top sights and neighborhoods are actually in those cities.

Just use map view when checking hotels and you can see where our T stations are.

2
TheLamestUsernameAberdeen Historic District•

Not knowing your budget, i will just throw down that when i travel i generally do not over do the hotel part of it, unless that will get me the perfect location. I figure it is just a room, a bed and a shower. Whatever i save there, I can spend on an awesome restaurant or something else i would enjoy. That being said you can find good options that are along the C Line (Beacon St) in Brookline, and then hop on the T and be in the city quickly. The C Line is also really good for getting to tourist spots.

1
TheLamestUsernameAberdeen Historic District•

Here is a fun guide that we have made. Feel free to ask any follow up questions.

4
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
pgriz1OP•

I've been going through it. Lots of info. But until I've figured out where everything is in relation to everything else, it's a jumble of facts with no structure. I know, I know... it's part of the homework. Just spent the past hour staring at Google maps and familiarizing myself with the various areas.

-1
DaveLak•

There is a pinned thread at the top of the sub discussing revisiting the wiki. It might be helpful if you could add your opinion on what works, what doesn't, and how it could be improved.

3
Impossible_Muffin•

Anime Boston is also Easter Weekend. Might make finding a hotel difficult.

2
pgriz1OP•

Well, there's always something. In Montreal we seem to have festivals (or festive something-or-other) every week between April and October. The past five years, we've had the orange-cone festival going just because the powers that be want us to forgo cars and go to public transit and bikes. I've heard that Boston is trying to copy us in that regard. So yeah, we're quite happy to walk.

-1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
shiplesp•

Well, the MFA for sure. And a walk in Back Bay (don't miss Marlborough Street) for the architecture and for photo opportunities, ending with a walk along the Charles River. Not sure if it's too early (and potentially cold), but a Harbor Cruise will be a relaxing break in a busy day.

1
LaureltessArlington•

I did a harbor brunch cruise two weeks ago and it was quite nice! I expect it’ll be warmer by then too.

1
NinetyTres•

Check out the world's tallest filing cabinet, located in Burlington, VT. Then turn around and go back to Montreal.

1
pgriz1OP•

Been lots of times to Burlington. Don't recall coming across that particular attraction.

1