Boston, MA

Hi Brianna, I live an hour from Boston and visit overnight a couple of times a year. For what you want and my favorite area, would be the waterfront/Faneuil Hall area. There you are within walking distance to Faneuil Hall marketplace (shopping & restaurants), the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, the North End (restaurants), Boston Aquarium, Boston Tea Party museum, TD Garden in case there is something going on that interests you and a little further but still walkable, the theatre district. That time of year you are a little early for the Christmas lights, etc., but still plenty to do and lots of tours leave right from the wharf.

Hi Brianna,

Do you have a budget in mind? There's Copley Square, Downtown Boston, The Financial District which is close to South Station

With only a few days, if interested in the highlights and attractions, here are some suggestions to browse, pick and choose from.

"Downtown Crossing" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Crossing

You can always wander a bit to "The Theatre District" - home to venues for "The Boston Ballet's Nutcracker - comedy shows, etc. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Theater_District

"The Common" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Common - A public park, downtown Boston. Historic:The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Afro-American 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry stands at Beacon and Park Streets, the northeast corner of the Common, opposite the State House.

"Public Garden" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Garden_(Boston)

Newbury Street - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newbury_Street - fun, eclectic, lots of boutique-style shops, a lot of restaurants, quaint brownstones

Beacon Hill - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beacon_Hill,_Boston - The Massachusetts State House, very historic, brick sidewalks

Back Bay - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_Bay,_Boston - Residential - elite - well known for its brownstone homes. https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0geKV.h_rNbsawAKDoPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=boston+back+bay+brownstone&fr=yhs-visicom-mystartone&hspart=visicom&hsimp=yhs-mystartone

"The Pru" - Boston's Prudential Center - Skyscraper. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prudential_Tower

Fenway - Kenmore Square - Home to THE BOSTON RED SOX!

Haymarket/Fanueil Hall - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_Square_(Boston) it can be a touristy place. Haymarket is also known for its 'open-air market.' https://faneuilhallmarketplace.com/ Restaurants, bars, shops are on the high side. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_-_Boston

But, it's nice to walk around and it leads to the "North End" - Hanover Street. The Coast Guard Station is in the North End area.

The "North End" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_End,_Boston - Home to many Italians and Italian Americans for tons of decades. Walk down Hanover Street - many a restaurant and bakery. To a local, a lot has changed over the many years.

The "West End" - https://www.boston.gov/neighborhood/west-end - Diverse community. Home to "The Garden" - (TDGarden) holding sporting and concert events. The famous "Mass General Hospital" is in the neighborhood.

The Freedom Trail - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Trail

Salem, Massachusetts is in "the North Shore." http://www.salem.org/ < for you to browse and get some ideas.

You could take Bus #450 at Haymarket to Salem Depot (leaving Government Center near the parking garage - Haymarket Station - Orange and Green lines), but perhaps the Commuter Rail would be easier and a nicer ride.

https://newenglandtravelplanner.com/go/ma/boston/transport/commuter_rail.html

Maybe a slight typo. But "Orange Country?" She hasn't returned with any response.

Hi Brianna - That is a great time to visit! Here are a few tips:

Lodging - Rates tend to be high, but for walkability, your best bet is something in central Boston or Kendall Square in Cambridge (just across the river). It's better to stay centrally or right off a T line in order to use your time well for a short visit. Another option that is outside of downtown is a LaQuinta Inn in Somerville, walking distance to the T and across from the Assembly Row shopping and dining complex.

Sites to see - definitely the stops on the Freedom Trail. The Old State House is a particular favorite. Also, the Boston Custom House (now a Marriott) has an observation deck you can go up on at 2 times per day (except Friday). The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is exquisite for its art, indoor garden, and also infamous because of an art heist there 20+ years ago. The Boston Public Library was the 1st public library in the US, and there are free tours daily (and also offers afternoon tea, though not free). And as a former guide, I recommend Boston By Foot walking tours :)

I can give food recs if you tell me what you enjoy. A couple good places to check out - the Boston Public Market, near Faneuil Hall, has a great collection of local eateries (counter service). Also, the Harpoon Beer Hall in the Seaport district is fun to visit - you can tour the brewery and try the beers (and the awesome house-made pretzels!)

Salem is easily accessible from the commuter rail via North Station. The Halloween madness will be over, but it will still be festive.

Hope this is helpful!

We prefer to stay near Beacon Hill, Back Bay/Copley Sq, Boston Common/Public Garden, downtown on the harbor, Seaport District, Cambridge, and BU/Fenway. It's wherever we can find the best deal in any of those areas. We prefer to be in Boston or if not, then in Cambridge within a few minutes walk of the Red Line.