United States: travel guide to Boston | Itineraries and Highlights

Updated Jun 24, 2024
Note
8/10
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To the point Boston is a fast-paced city where there's never a dull moment! Find ideas for your future family holiday.

Come and spend a weekend in Boston, the city so beloved by Canadians and Americans alike. Between discoveries, cultural walks, family activities and restaurants, you’ll be charmed. Let’s find out.

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Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. This red-brick city is world-famous for, among other things, its famous Harvard University. It’s impossible not to know!

This city can be visited in a very short time. However, to make the most of it, we suggest you spend a few days here to soak up the lively atmosphere.

So much to discover! We love going to this place, which offers wonderful walks and museums. In addition to the classic city tours, we offer a range of other activities to make you feel like a local. Don’t hesitate to book this free excursion.

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Boston - Things to do

The unmissable Freedom Trail

For those unfamiliar with the city, this tour is a must. An excursion along the Freedom Trail, a path marked out on the ground, will enable you to discover the city’s various landmarks and iconic buildings. A fun way to immerse yourself in the history of the American Revolution.

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City of champions

Boston brings out the crowds, especially sports fans! Boston’s major professional sports leagues have won numerous titles since the new millennium. A guided tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is on your agenda.

Another idea is to participate in the Boston Marathon, the oldest marathon in the world, or come and cheer on the participants. To find out the dates of upcoming marathons, visit this site! There’s a place for kids too, with races for the under-14s.

Are you coming in winter? The 6,000 sq. ft. skating rink The Rink 401 Park is also a must-see.

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Shopping session

Looking to update your wardrobe or just window shop? Meet us on beautiful Newberry Avenue. You’ll be charmed by this place, with its magnificent houses and pretty boutiques. Something to inspire you for the season!

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Observing the city

As well as shopping at the Prudential Center, you can head to its observatory for a 360-degree view from the top.

Stroll along the Charles River esplanade and then look out over the city from the Longfellow Bridge . We recommend going at sunset for an even better experience.

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For a different view of the city, climb aboard an amphibious vehicle dating from the Second World War.

Cultural city

Boston has a performance hall, the symphony hall. With several concerts on the program, this is an opportunity to enjoy yourself in a different way. Do you have children and think this isn’t for you? Think again!

A series of concerts are held especially for families with children. A great way to educate them about music.

The Harvard campus and its museums

Visit Harvard University, America’s oldest university, and stroll through its surrounding gardens. We loved the immersion. Don’t miss the souvenir store and bookshop on campus.

Harvard also boasts a museum of archaeology and ethnology, as well as a natural history museum.

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For the family

The city offers many activities for families. Here are some ideas:

Gastronomic pleasures

Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of choice: we recommend you book ahead to be sure of enjoying the finest tables.

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Here are some ideas:

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Experiences

  • Meet at the Underground located in Ink Block, transformed into an urban park. You will be able to observe artists creating street art. There is a dog park and fitness activities;
  • Cruises and boat trips are available from the port, so why not admire the city at sunset?
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Surroundings to discover

Many fun activities to do with the whole family and about a 2.5-hour drive from Boston :

  • Roller coaster fan? The amusement park Six Flags in New England is sure to thrill;
  • Do you love nature and heights? A tree-climbing circuit is available, visit the Ramblewild ;
  • Are you in the Worcester area? Visit the Ecotarium museum, where your child can learn about physical science and the environment;
  • Your visit is scheduled for this winter? Pass through North Woodstock, where you’ll find ice castles and toboggan slides.

Getting there

With points

To fly to Boston, use your Aeroplan points. According to Air Canada’s points predictor, a minimum of 6,000 points is required for a one-way economy flight from Montreal.

Alternatively, find a low-cost flight and apply your travel points to the cost of the ticket!

Among the loyalty programs with travel points :

Boston Airport to Downtown

From Logan Airport, it’s easy to get downtown. Take the Silver Line bus at Terminal A. It is free and runs approximately every 10 – 15 minutes.

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Boston - Where to sleep?

The member hotels of Marriott Bonvoy

In Boston, there are over a hundred hotels that are members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. During our stay, we chose the Courtyard Boston Downtown. Find our photo report here.

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Best Western Rewards member hotels

There are also a number of hotels in and around Boston that are members of the Best Western Rewards loyalty program. We chose the Best Western Plus Boston Hotel for its location.

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Hilton Honors member hotels

For those who prefer Hilton Honors loyalty program member hotels, there are several in Boston!

We chose the Hilton Boston Back Bay for its location near Newbury street.

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Here are some other great Hilton Honors locations conveniently located in Boston:

Hilton Honors points are not readily available in Canada. However, it is possible to have Hilton Honors Gold status which allows you to get an upgrade and free breakfasts at all Hilton Honors member hotels!

This is just one of the many benefits for travelers of American Express Platinum Card®

Boston - Save on foreign currency transactions

Don’t forget to carry a credit card with no conversion fees for your foreign currency transactions! That’s a 2.5% savings on each transaction!

Here are two no-conversion-fee credit cards in Canada that are ideal for travelers:

City passes

Passes are available to get discounts on your visits. You can get information and buy them on the spot at the tourist office for example or in advance on the internet. You can choose from the Boston CityPass, the Go Boston Card.

To inspire you!

For a short stay in Boston, I recommend the Escale à Boston travel guide.

Once you’re there, of course, ask at the tourist office! Go there to buy the Freedom Trail map, for example, or to pick up a few ideas for local getaways.

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I suggest you take a look at the Boston Magazine website before your next visit! You will find the dates of future festivals for example or ideas for outings.

Getting around Boston

Discover Boston by bike, on foot, by bus or subway.

Is Boston worth 4 days?

The attractions in Boston are interesting, and four days is enough time to explore the city.

Why go to Boston and what's on offer?

Capital of the state of Massachusetts, Boston is a pleasant city with many colonial-era buildings. The unmissable Freedom Trail and Harvard University are among the must-sees.

Tourism: when is the best time to visit Boston?

Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to enjoy the mild climate, while avoiding the many tourists.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Audrey Voisine

Audrey Voisine

Audrey Voisine
Mother of two young children, pharmacist, travel hacker's wife and frequent traveller, Audrey shares her advices and destinations recommendations on milesopedia.
All posts by Audrey Voisine
Region
United States, Boston
4.1 Milesopedia Rating

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