Boston Travel Forum

I will be coming to Boston for a winter weekend, staying at the Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer Street.

I need ideas re: places to go and things to see. I will be traveling alone, like walking tours, and love historic places. Also interested in ideas re: unique or historic eating places.

I will be at a conference, but will have a couple of hours here and there to explore the city.

Thanks in advance for your help!

This is the hotel next to the new convention center, right? If so, there's nothing in the immediate area, so you'll have to taxi around town (or see if the conference is running any tours).

Last spring, we went over to the Faneuil Hall Market Place (actually, four markets combined) - see http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/ . Lots of bars, restaurants, and sometimes cheesy shopping, but an easy way to kill an evening in what is actually a historic spot. Hmmn, you know, I don't think we actually went anywhere else...I guess the conference was pretty interesting ;-)

Bill

I think the nearest T (subway) is South Station maybe about a mile away. I'm sure the hotel will give you information for public transportation. You can also check www.mbta.com

For historic places, Faneuil Hall and the Faneuil Hall Market place would me good places. Paul Revere's home is not too far from the Faneuil Hall Market place. The nearest T stops are Aquarium, Haymarket and Government Center.

For historic eating places, you can try the old Oyster House, also near Faneuil Hall.

You can also take the Freedom trail which is a walking tour, just follow the red line on the sidewalk. It passes many historic places in Boston. It starts at the Boston Commons on Tremont st between Park and Boylston. Just google the Freedom trail for more info.

Speaking of the Boston Commons, you can stop by the old Cheers bar on the other side of the Boston Commons, on Beacon St. Only the outside looks like it did on TV. The inside is not the same as on the old TV show.

The Union Oyster House America's Oldest Restaurant.

http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/

If you can get away for at least two or three hours, the Beantown Trolley is the best value in terms of time and money for seeing the city. The guides are usually very entertaining and it will let you get an overview of the best attractions. Hop on and off at will also. The main pick up point is at the Aquarium near the harbor end of Fanueil Hall.

The 'North End' (Bostons Little Italy) centered around Hanover St is Boston's favorite eating zone -for locals and vistors - short walk from Fanueil Hall. For historic eating - the Union Oyster House beside Fanueil Hall or the less touristy Warren Tavern in historic Charlestown. A little less historic but just as old is The Chart House near the Aquarium. The No Name Restaurant (No name but just ask for the NoName!!) on the fish pier is a 5 minute walk from the Convention Center - cheap fresh fish on paper plates. Very basic - the food is pretty well slung at you but it is fresh and has waterside views and is a must for clam chowder or lobster - best choice for lunch.

Walking - its cold here at present. The sidewalks have been choked with snow for the last two months and no sign of thawing. Plan on taking a cab to Fanueil Hall area and walking from there. The Silver Line is near the hotel but you would have to change twice to get down town. Beacon Hill / Louisburg Sq is a nice walk or you can follow the painted stripe on the sidewalk along the 'Freedom Trail' of Boston's most historic locations. Ice skate on Frog Pond in the Boston Common.

Come back in the Spring or Summer to see it at its best and take in a Harbor Tour.

Boston CityWalks runs walking tours year round. See bostoncitywalks.com.

By all means do the Freedom Trail walk. I have done it with a tour guide and without - there are signs along the way if you are walking alone. You may want to check out greatgirtltrips site for places to go and things to see. It's pretty good.
N

Thanks for all of your tips. I've been here for 2 days, and I'm having a fabulous time thanks to my virtual tourist friends!

I have walked the Freedom trail, checked out the North End, and had dinner at the Union Oyster House.

Thanks for your help! I didn't have much time to prepare for this tip, and you really helped me.