Planning a trip to Boston in Summer/Autumn. What's there to do?

Question

I'm planning a trip to Boston, MA either in late-Summer/early-Autumn for 3-days. What are some highlights and interests worth putting on my agenda?

I'm definitely interested in Revolutionary stuff as well as arts & theatre, but am open to other fascinating and interesting areas.

I'm looking for ideas to put on an itinerary to make this trip worthwhile. Thanks!

PS - I'm going to be staying in the downtown area, so anything in that general vicinity where public transit can take me.

Answer 1

There is a Boston Tea Party exhibit for Rev War fans, the Cheers bar (called The Bull and Finch) for TV people, and of course, Fenway Park for the best baseball anywhere. All are available easily on public transportation.

Answer 2

If you do nothing else, do the duck tours and the freedom trail! I recommend Frommers Boston book (I used the 2009 edition, but there should be a 2010 version by the time you are ready for it). You can get it at just about any big bookstore. I used it to plan our trip and it had a lot of really good information and different ideas of what to do and where to eat/stay. On a whim, we decided to take a sunset cruise departing from the harbor, and it was absolutely fantastic (and only $20!) Also, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It is the best and most unique art museum I have visited. I went with my family (they aren't super crazy for art museums) and they didn't stop talking about how wonderful it was. If you can, listen to someone speak about the museum- it makes the visit much more interesting. Good luck and happy planning! Boston is a wonderful city!

Answer 3

The Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stuart Gardner museum are great art places. Try the Harvard Museum for natural history. The Freedom Trail will show you lots of interesting history with informative guides. Take a boat ride and see the harbor islands. Pick a good place to eat fresh seafood - there's lots of good names around. Or try a cozy Italian place in the North End. I'd do a little research and pick some things to post and get some opinions because 3 days isn't a lot of time to experience what the city has to offer.

Answer 4

Boston is wonderful. FULL of students, so beware the first of September because thousands and thousands of students are moving into apartments the first of the month for the fall semester.
Newbury Street has a great atmosphere, especially on a warm evening. Lots of outdoor cafes. Fanueil Hall is touristy, but a must. A walk or a run along the Charles River is also a must.

Answer 5

http://gonewengland.about.com/od/bostonattractions/tp/aabostonmustsee.htm?once=true&

Boston a great fun city...be sure to walk the Freedom Trail which will take you through many Revolutionary historical sites....

Duck Tours are entertaining and give you an overview of the city...

Be sure to eat at Joe's in the North End...right on the harbor...they hae outdoor seating in good weather...

Any restaurant in the North End is wonderful for Italian cuisine...

Top of the Hub in the Prudential Center is a high end night out...but you can't beat the view on a clear night...

Museum of Fine Arts is well worth the time...great Egyptian collection...

If you like baseball don't miss a game in Fenway Park....

All of Boston is easily accessible by subway...The T....MBTA...

Have a great time....love to go there...both my daughters live there....

Answer 6

Cheers is a cool place to go, very touristy though. We were tourists there too but we were not taking group pictures in the place like some were. If you like baseball, go to Fenway for a Sox game...very cool. If you like beer, check out the Boston Beer Works. There is one right across from Fenway and also near the train station.