Solo Trip to Boston (Cambridge, Somerville: where to stay, rent, hotels)

[MorganMRE]

I'm planning a solo trip to Boston in October. This is a bit of an impulse so I really have no clue where to stay or what to do. I want a very walkable, safe location because I won't rent a car. Any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities. I want to go to Salem for a day - is it worth it? Let me know what you think!

[brightdoglover]

Salem is worth it and you can ride an easy train there. Good restaurants and all.

I'll leave it for others downtown to suggest the rest in Boston. I lived in the area for many years but never stayed in a hotel and was always in Cambridge or outlying areas for funky restaurants. I'm going to Boston next year for a wedding and will stay in the Park Plaza hotel downtown, near the Public Garden/Boston Common. Pricey but beautiful. I recommend the Garden/Common and adjoining Charles Street for a beautiful and safe walk. Have a fine and safe time!

Oh, and consider the Freedom Trail, a walk through history off the Boston Common. A Boston must.

[GeePee]

If you're into the history thing I found that the duck tour boat was very entertaining when I had family in town a couple years ago.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by MorganMRE

I'm planning a solo trip to Boston in October. This is a bit of an impulse so I really have no clue where to stay or what to do. I want a very walkable, safe location because I won't rent a car. Any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities. I want to go to Salem for a day - is it worth it? Let me know what you think!

Almost any hotel in the downtown area (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South Station Financial District, Leather District, Faneuil Hall, Waterfront, Downtown Crossing, North Station, West End, North End) will be walkable to most of what you want to see and safe (search the map on Priceline or Booking). Basically, within those areas, go with one that is priced within your budget and has decent reviews. You won't need a car and the whole area is very walkable.

If you're a history buff, go with the Freedom Trail as it'll let you see some of the major historic sites while doubling as a good walking tour of the city. Seafood is a must in Boston and Neptune Oyster is excellent. I'd also recommend Nautilus Pier 4, A pint and Detroit-style pizza at Night Shift Lovejoy Wharf, More beer and food at Trillium Ft. Point, Select Oyster Bar, Blackbird Doughnuts and/or Mike and Patty's for breakfast, Stillwater, etc. Worth a quick T ride out to Cambridge and Somerville for food and drink too.

Salem is very doable. You can take the train, but the Ferry is more scenic.

[missionhill]

Look into the Revolution hotel. I like the location; it's new and supposed to be a little different and less expensive than standard downtown tourist / business hotels. The building was for many years the YWCA Berkeley Street residence but the Y is changing its mission and let the residence go. It's in the South End, where you should walk around whether you stay there or not-- see the residential squares-- Union Park, Rutland Square, Braddock Park, and the Southwest corridor linear park built above the railroad & subway line.

Yes, Public Garden & Boston Common and Charles St and side streets off that through Beacon Hill are great for strolling. Also the Back Bay district between Garden and Back Bay Fens. North End of Boston and Charlestown for getting lost in narrow winding streets, waterfront and "Seaport" for harborside atmosphere. For neighborhoods off the beaten path, visit Cambridge and Somerville-- Davis Square is a nice one, also Union Square (though it's not on the T rapid transit line quite yet). Harvard Square has much character if not quite what it was in the sixties and seventies. Brattle Street from the square out to Mount Auburn cemetery is a nice walk and you can take the "trackless trolley" back along Mt Auburn Street if tired. I like the area from Inman Square (Cambridge/Hampshire Streets) down to Central Sq (Massachusetts Ave/Prospect St). You might like Coolidge Corner and a ride on the streetcar to get there. Jamaica Plain has the beautiful Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond and a fun main street (Centre St).

Lots to see in Salem and if you like museums it has a first rate one. It's hectic in October with witchy tourism but without having to navigate by car you'll be fine.

[Boston Shudra]

How old are you? HI Boston youth hostel could be an option to stay. It's very centrally located and I like hostels when traveling alone to try and meet other travelers. Don't know if they're less social now due to covid, though.

I second taking the ferry to Salem over the train if the weather's nice. I imagine the ferry runs through October. Make sure to get a cannoli; I like Modern, but Mike's is good too. It'll be toned down this year, but if your trip lines up with Honk! in Somerville I'd recommend checking it out. The Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum is great too!

[id77]

Originally Posted by missionhill

Look into the Revolution hotel. I like the location; it's new and supposed to be a little different and less expensive than standard downtown tourist / business hotels. The building was for many years the YWCA Berkeley Street residence but the Y is changing its mission and let the residence go. It's in the South End, where you should walk around whether you stay there or not-- see the residential squares-- Union Park, Rutland Square, Braddock Park, and the Southwest corridor linear park built above the railroad & subway line.

Yes, Public Garden & Boston Common and Charles St and side streets off that through Beacon Hill are great for strolling. Also the Back Bay district between Garden and Back Bay Fens. North End of Boston and Charlestown for getting lost in narrow winding streets, waterfront and "Seaport" for harborside atmosphere. For neighborhoods off the beaten path, visit Cambridge and Somerville-- Davis Square is a nice one, also Union Square (though it's not on the T rapid transit line quite yet). Harvard Square has much character if not quite what it was in the sixties and seventies. Brattle Street from the square out to Mount Auburn cemetery is a nice walk and you can take the "trackless trolley" back along Mt Auburn Street if tired. I like the area from Inman Square (Cambridge/Hampshire Streets) down to Central Sq (Massachusetts Ave/Prospect St). You might like Coolidge Corner and a ride on the streetcar to get there. Jamaica Plain has the beautiful Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond and a fun main street (Centre St).

Lots to see in Salem and if you like museums it has a first rate one. It's hectic in October with witchy tourism but without having to navigate by car you'll be fine.

The Revolution I think is halfway between hotel and hostel. Many rooms have shared bathrooms. Cosmica (the restaurant on-site) is nice for morning drinks -- the wife and I mix between it and Blackbird on mornings we need a snack or drink. If you want a dedicated bathroom, the Pineapple one block up on Chandler has similar rates.

[bostonguy1960]

I think the ferry to Salem is quite expensive vs. commuter rail, at least for me. And especially if a family of four or more. Too lazy now to research the price, but three years ago I was about to pay for a ferry ride for me and a friend to Salem but decided not to go at all when I saw the price.

But maybe it's worth it anyway, especially if timing it near sundown on the trip back to Boston.

[P Larsen]

Salem is a great place to visit but do stay away from Salem on October weekends: it's too much of an unenjoyable madhouse on weekend days. COVID tempered that a bit last year, but not enough (it was the massive increase in social mixing around Hallowe'en that clearly laid the foundation for the increase in cases in ensuing weeks that became a storm after TG and its wake).

[skeddy]

I've steered a few city visitors to "463 Beacon Street" for a place to stay. It's a brownstone Guest house in the Back Bay, not far from Fenway, Newberry Street and the T. Safe and reasonably priced.