My husband and have just decided to fly up to Boston MA for 3 nights in May. We are staying in the Back Bay Area. We already have tickets to a Red Sox game. What other tickets do you recommend to buy ahead of time? Mainly going to be focusing on the Freedom Trail sites.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
389 posts
I can’t say about historical Freedom Trail sites, but in October we needed timed, advance tickets for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. They were sold out the first day we arrived.
The Gardner is worth a visit for the art alone, but has an added historical mystique. It’s the museum that was robbed of several pieces back in 1990, including a Manet, a Vermeer and a Rembrandt. The empty frames still hang on the walls.
Posted by
176 posts
Most of the sites on the Freedom Trail do not require paid admission. Of the ones that charge an admission fee, you do not have to buy online tickets ahead of time. I would, however, make reservations for dinner especially if the 3 nights you'll be in Boston include a Fri and/or a Sat. Also if you want to see any shows you should buy those tickets ahead of time.
Posted by
OP
306 posts
JenS- that sounds really cool. Thank you for the info
Darkmist1- thank you for the information
Posted by
Indiana
1126 posts
I would suggest that while you are walking in the north end, grab a cannoli at Mike's Pastry. The long line moves quickly, and be ready to order when it's your turn at the counter. Fun place!
Posted by
Washington
1094 posts
Hi, if you have time, a North End food tour is fun with a dose of history. I went with this company years back. https://offtheeatenpathtours.com/
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2875 posts
We enjoyed the Kennedy Library. We took public transport there. The "T", I think. And the Gardner Museum is a must. We spent some time relaxing on Boston Common and watching the duck boats. We had a tour of Fenway Park (not on a game day) and really enjoyed getting an insider's look. And of course, the Freedom Trail, done over 2 days.
Posted by
OP
306 posts
Thank you all for some great ideas.
Posted by
1945 posts
A tip about cannoli. You want to go to a bakery that fills the shells to order, not one where the cannoli are already filled. My personal choice in the North End is Modern Bakery.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1642 posts
Locals prefer Bova’s Bakery.
Posted by
77 posts
We loved the Boston Tea Party Museum (fairly interactive). We did do ahead of time so you can pick your start time versus waiting around for space.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1915 posts
Keep forgetting about Beyond Europe. I like Boston, especially the North End: a couple of day trips, a 2 and 3 night stay.
Talking of canollis, many I've tried have overly firm and/or too ripe a centre. The canolli in Caffè dello Sport was excellent. Watched the 2010 Inter-Munich final there.
Very good meal at a place called Limoncello. Had a bit of a conversation with the owner at the time. Reminded me of earlier, better days.