Things to do in Boston (Cambridge, Quincy: hotel, neighborhoods, buy)

[Hypnoticmeg]

I am visiting Boston this weekend and usually only go up for one night to see a game, however this time we will have a couple days.

I've been debating between doing the freedom trail, duck tour or a harbor sunset cruise or dinner cruise.

I read some bad reviews of the harbor cruise and that they are crowded so I'm not sure I want to do that now. The dinner cruises look like fun but are 200 dollars and that doesn't even include drinks!

The freedom trail I'd love to do but am unsure whether we should just buy the iphone app for 2.99 and trek it ourselves or go on one of the tours.
And I'm not really sure about the duck tours...

Also if anyone has other suggestions that would be great.

Also we wanted to find the best clam chowder, go to a comedy club and a good restaurant for dinner if anyone can recommend some good ones.

Thanks!

[lrfox]

I generally encourage people to use the Freedom Trail as the "backbone" of their visit. My personal advice is to avoid the "app" or the tour guide. You can follow the trail and stop at what interests you and pass by what doesn't.

The reason I suggest making it the backbone is because it will take you by all sorts of other attractions (not necessarily historic or related to the freedom trail). You'll pass through the North End (where you'll find great Italian foods, coffee and desserts), Quincy Market, Beacon Hill, the Financial District, and Charlestown. You'll pass through tons of cool neighborhoods and by many eclectic shops and places to visit. It's a great way to get a feel for not only the city's colonial past, but the present as well (which is no less interesting).

Duck Tours and Harbor Cruises are sort of a novelty. You have to decide just how interesting you'll find them. You can learn more and discover more places by just walking yourself.

In addition, I'd head into Cambridge and see Harvard Square. A very cool area. The Skywalk at Prudential Center is a cool way to see the city. If you skip the Harbor Cruise, take the money and go grab a drink or two at the bar at Top of the Hub... it's on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower so the views of the city are stunning (food here is OK, but overpriced... I'd eat somewhere else).

As far as restaurants, what are you looking for? What price, cuisine, etc? I can think of a ton that would be fun in all different categories.

Consider a fenway park walking tour. You can see the stadium from field level. Prices are reasonable.

[AnonChick]

Also, it's supposed to rain this weekend. Your best bet is to plan your weekend around things within walking (or subway) distance, that don't involve being stuck on a boat for a few hours.

[lukec]

Irfox has some good advice.

The Freedom Trail is reccod because it cuts through the heart of many neighborhoods with things to do and T-Stops in a short distance. Plus the red line is a good way not to get lost.

Get a pamphlet, skip the guide, and check out the Navy Yard, North End, Fanueil Hall. Its more of a nice walk... "pub crawl" with some historical sites.

I had to go on a duck tour for work and thought it would suck, but was pleasantly suprised. I forget about the TOH at the Pru, but it is a nice place to grab a drink.

[Hypnoticmeg]

Thanks, I forgot about the Top of the Pru, and our hotel is at Copley place so maybe we will do that. I did in Chicago and found the sunset views amazing.

Originally Posted by lrfox

As far as restaurants, what are you looking for? What price, cuisine, etc? I can think of a ton that would be fun in all different categories.

Consider a fenway park walking tour. You can see the stadium from field level. Prices are reasonable.

For restaurants price is anywhere between 10-30/plate. We like all kinds of food just maybe not Indian or anything too spicy. Also my boyfriend loves clam chowder so I wanted to show him one of the best ones.

We did the Fenway park tour in March actually and are going to Saturdays game....

I used to go to Northeastern so I know the city well - just not the whole touristy part of it (or good restaurants since I was a poor college kid then!)

[Hypnoticmeg]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

Also, it's supposed to rain this weekend. Your best bet is to plan your weekend around things within walking (or subway) distance, that don't involve being stuck on a boat for a few hours.

The rain is scheduled to hit Friday and the weekend looks to be 75-80 and sunny (we are leaving Saturday) so I'm hoping to miss it - just hope our patio doesnt get destroyed here in CT when this hurricane hits Friday!

[dazzleman]

I wish I'd seen this before. I was in Boston this weekend. Aside from a little rain on Friday, it turned out to be really beautiful.

What did you end up doing?

[Arizona Mike]

I just got back from spending a week in Boston on a business conference, my first visit.

I had a fantastic time, your city is amazing. I haven't eaten so much, or so well, in a long time. Great weather. Lots of friendly people, great sights, Boston has to be the healthiest city in the northeastern U.S. - what a great place for walking, running, biking, and rowing. So much to do. And the cannoli, My God, the cannoli!

I'll be coming back, a lot.

[xS☺B☺s]

Originally Posted by Arizona Mike

I just got back from spending a week in Boston on a business conference, my first visit.

I had a fantastic time, your city is amazing. I haven't eaten so much, or so well, in a long time. Great weather. Lots of friendly people, great sights, Boston has to be the healthiest city in the northeastern U.S. - what a great place for walking, running, biking, and rowing. So much to do. And the cannoli, My God, the cannoli!

I'll be coming back, a lot.

Boston was ranked the 2nd fittest city in the USA recently.

Glad you enjoyed your visit Mike. I'm guessing you found Mike's Pastries?

[LuxPurify]

If you're visiting with your significant other and haven't already spent much time on the Boston Common and the weather is nice, then I recommend the Duck Tour ride. Yes, it's a bit cheesy and pricey, but it's the coolest tour ride, fun and romantic.

I also recommend walking (not driving!) around the North End. Don't forget to try the cannoli or other goodies at Modern Pastry!