Trip to Boston?

Question

Thinking about a spring break trip to Boston...
is the city easy to navigate with public transportation...what shouldn't we miss (traveling with a teen son)

Answer 1

It depends on what your teen son likes to do. The Museum of Science is wonderful for kids of all ages. It's very educational and they have great exhibits, as well as a planetarium. If he is into sports, make sure you go to a Red Sox game! If you can't get to a game, but want to experience Fenway Park, they have tours of the park on a daily basis. I've been on one of these tours and learned a lot about the history of the Red Sox, the players, and the history of baseball in general. If you like other types of museums with artwork, I recommend the Museum of Fine Arts. If you like history, don't miss the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church in the North End. And while you're in the North End, don't miss out on the fabulous pastries at Mike's Pastry. At Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market you can get lots of souvenirs and trinkets to bring home, and if you like Aquariums, the New England Aquarium is not far.

The city is very easy to navigate on the T (the subway system) You can get to almost anywhere within the city limits.

Have fun!

Answer 2

You've already got some good suggestions but here are a few that weren't mentioned for Boston........ Boston Museum of Science (try to catch a show in the planetarium) , Boston Aquarium, Government Center, go to the top of the 60 State St. building for a beautiful night time view from a nice lounge, the Swan Boats in the Boston Common may be open for the season but I'm not sure. Go over the bridge into Cambridge and walk along the Charles (river), that;s where the rowing teams practice, go to the top of the Sonesta Hotel to their revolving restaurant on the top floor. John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Don't know if the boats will be running for the harbor tours at that time... Some of these things may be expensive but compared to NYC prices, they're not. So many good restaurants, Italian, seafood, steakhouses etc. Phaneuil Hall and the Boston markets are something to see. Yes some of the shops are expensive but there are lots of great places to window shop and a great "food court" and some good restaurants. If the rotunda is open in the Hall, they give talkes and tours that explain what the Hall is, why it was built, by whom and how important it was to the early settlers. At one time, it was the center of government, a great place to socialize, barter, and the law makers humg out there. Don't know much about Niagara Falls, although I've been there. It was pretty but not that interesting to me. I'd prefer the Cape ( Cape Cod), the north shore (Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester) all in MA. north of Boston. April can be cool, rainy, chilly or warm. It's more likely to be cool or rainy that early in April. Have a great trip. You'll find lots to keep you busy no matter where your interests lay. Go to the MA website or send to the state visitors information bureau and they'll send you tons of info on where to stay and what to do.

Answer 3

Yes, public transport in Boston is very easy. From the subway (called the "T" in Boston) you can reach all parts of the city easily. Do not rent a car! The streets are nearly impossible to navigate, and parking is quite a challange (to say the least).

As for "not to be missed", try getting tickets to a Red Sox game. (you'll probably have to buy from ebay or stubhub.com). Visiting Fenway Park is an amazing experience (especially with a teen aged son). Just DO NOT wear anything with a Yankees logo.

Walk around Harvard Square. There's lots to see and do in this area.

Also, the Museum of Science is awesome (even for adults!)

Answer 4

Public transit is pretty easy in Boston (granted I take it to work every day so it's easy for me) but it's a pretty good system. The website for the public transit system in Boston is www.mbta.com. I believe you can buy tourist passes as well but they should have that info. on the website.

Definitely see Harvard Square and Harvard Yard, the sites along the Freedom Trail, and the North End. (Sites along the Freedom Trail most worth seeing see are the Paul Revere House and Old State House). You can also take tours of the current state house but only on weekdays. (The tours are good, I go there for work a lot and only recently went on one of the guided tours and really learned lot). For museums, the major art museums in Boston are the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum Fine Arts (both in the Fenway neighborhood near each other... also a nice neighborhood) and then there's the Institute for Comtemporary Art which is in a brand new location - I haven't seen it since it moved but it's gotten excellent reviews if you're interested in that. Also the Museum of Science is good as well as the museums at Harvard.

Oh and as someone mentioned sports games in Boston are always great. Even college hockey games are great. If you're in town during the summer especially seeing the Red Sox is quite an experience. Just don't wear any New York Yankees gear if you do go there, haha. Also tickets are expensive, and difficult to get last minute (impossible if they're playing the Yankees).

Answer 5

The public xport is ok - just don't try to drive unless you're pretty fearless (or don't care how long it takes you to get somewhere). There's plenty to do in town, but try getting out to the end of some of the lines like out to Rockport or bopping down to Providence. I think of Boston's trains/subway as being much more hub and spoke than somewhere like NYC. It's easy enough to get in and out of town along radials, but I find it a little harder to move around within town. On the up side, walking around is not really too hard - it's not that big of a city.

Answer 6

The subway is easy, cheap, and convienent within Boston. It's a small city, so walking w/ a small map is doable. Taking a taxi is kinda silly to do here, unlike NYC. As for must-see's, well Fanuel Hall, Newbury Street, and Harvard Square would be some top sights.

Answer 7

It's worth a trip to Boston. There is lots of fun things to do.

Public Transportation (MBTA) has bus, subway, commuter rail, and boat services.

You should definetely go see the Boston Science Museum. It has a lot of interestiong things to do there. It also is on the 'Green Line' Subway.

There is really a lot to do, and don't get lost! Good luck! :)