Beloved cash-only spot for Sicilian street food, including thick slices of bakery pizza. The quintessential Boston hole-in-the-wall. Only open 11:00am - 2:30pm.
Fantastic collection, highlighted by the largest ensemble of Monet paintings outside of France.
This small but mighty museum is one of the most interesting buildings in the city. Isabella Gardner brought a Venetian palazzo to America and reassembled it brick by brick. She lived there and filled her rooms with art by some of the greatest painters in history; the result is art dwelling in a genuine home rather than an ordinary museum. PS. Sargent lived in the home for a while, and the paintings he made while in residence still hang on the walls. PPS. Also the sight of the largest property theft in history.
Boston has more coffee shops per capita than any American city. This one might be our favorite. Step into a mid-century Roman style caffe to satiate your espresso cravings. Additionally, you can go to the cigar lounge downstairs. Dark wood, leather, smoke, and an extensive whiskey selection await.
Open early and late and tucked right into the Pru, we enjoy this Isreali coffee shop at least once a week. For food, try the refreshingly different salmon toast, the Isreali Breakfast Plate, or the Jerusalem Plate. For coffee, try the Pistachio Latte: no syrups here, just real pistachios smashed into a paste and blended with your coffee.
We discovered this tiki bar this summer, and it's already one of our favorite spots in the city. Enter through a dragon's mouth, pass by a monkey temple, and indulge in nostalgic "Polynesian" cocktails and food elevated with high quality ingredients and bartenders/chefs who really know their craft. Over the top, whimsical, unpretentious, but artfully made.
One of two best spots for clam chowder in the city. Yes, it draws a lot of tourists; it's the oldest restaurant int he country after all. But worth it, trust us.
The other top spot for chowder. A box on stilts in the harbor, this is a perfect refuge on a cold New England night.
Artists, artisans, and food vendors descend en-masse on this Christmas festival. The perfect place to get some unique presents, eat your fill, and listen to live music while soaking in those South End vibes.
It's right in the name! Get the taquenos and the arepas (pabellon comes highly recommended). Real deal hole-in-the-wall spot. Ale Approved.
Eucharistic shrine with 24 hour adoration and evocative, early-Gothic style architecture.
Boston's Basilica. Gorgeous, Italian baroque style church built by 19th century immigrants.
Beautiful combination of red brick exterior and marble relief sculpture within. Masses are frequently accompanied by one of the world's premier boys' choir. These boys have traveled and recorded with professional orchestras around the US and Europe.
Our favorite spot in the whole city! A thin island stretched across the Boston side of the Charles River with views of Back Bay on one side and Cambridge across the water. It won't be the same hub of activity during the winter as in warmer months, and the trees will be bare, but we still think this is a magical place to take a walk.
One of the premier streets in the city, Newbury combines lovely architecture, a bustling streetside night-cafe kind of food scene, and high end shopping.
The heart of Back Bay. The stretch that runs from the Boston Public Garden to Kenmore Square is a long boulevard lined with trees and a series of monuments and sculptures on each block. To the sides are some of the most atmospheric and engaging architecture in the city. Take it to the Esplanade, Newbury Street, the Gardens, the Prudential Center, or Fenway Park.
Boston's ramen game is strong. Santouka is one of the best, with locations in Back Bay, Allston, and Harvard.
As my Boston friends know, all good nights tend to end at the Ave. Late night burger joint with cheap, high quality, absolutely crushable cheeseburgers and a rotating selection of brews to please the beer aficionado in the crowd. The right combo of dive-y and bougie, and always bumping.
This cheap and delicious ramen spot is an authentic little gem, and it's super close to the hotel!
Legendary pizza place right by the airport, Santarpio's is always a trip into Boston's blue collar past. And the pizza is awesome.
Somerville is the land of funk, exciting food options, and a sneakily energetic night life. Davis Square is full of great options. The Saloon, a subterranean cocktail lounge, is a favorite spot.