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Maximize your time in Boston with these quick, must-see attractions and activities, perfect for a busy schedule.
Filled with the nation’s history, as well as modern-day attractions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in deciding what to see and do in this city, especially when time is limited. From sprawling city views at night to walking the grounds of one of the most highly regarded universities in the world to sipping on a craft brew you never knew you would like, there’s lots of options and inspiration to help you make the most of your time in Beantown.
Boston Public Market
Similar to San Francisco’s year-round Ferry Building, Boston’s own indoor market lets you sample everything from artisanal cheeses to regional wine, before grabbing lunch at one of the numerous takeaway spots like Beantown Pastrami Company, Bon Me, or Noodle Lab. The in-house kitchen offers cooking demos and lectures, and every Thursday and Friday during Sip & Shop, you can also nurse a local beer or glass of wine as you wander the aisles. It’s a great place to just stroll while nibbling on bites and exploring the food and beverage as well as boutique shops.
The Sports Museum
For sports fanatics, this is one museum worth finding, as it’s semi-hidden. On levels five and six of the TD Garden, home to the Celtics and Bruins, there’s a museum dedicated to all of Boston’s local sports history with all sorts of memorabilia and exhibits. The museum tour also includes a visit to the arena’s top floor. Here, you will come eye-to-eye with all the building’s championship banners. In the offseason, you also get to take a peek inside the visiting team locker room.
Harvard University
Founded in 1636, Harvard is America’s oldest institute of higher learning. It is also one of the country’s most prestigious universities, boasting illustrious alumni of civil rights leaders, writers, composers, philosophers, seven U.S. presidents and more. Stroll around Harvard Yard, the epicenter of Harvard University. It’s a great place to just walk around. Enjoy the sprawling grounds or find inspiration just soaking in all the academic energy that flows throughout. You can sign up for a free tour of the university on Harvard’s website. There are chairs and tables for eating take-out food purchased at nearby restaurants.
Samuel Adams
With over 30 distinctive, award-winning styles of craft beer, Samuel Adams offers discerning beer drinkers a variety of brews. The tour is free and is available Monday through Saturday starting at 10 AM. Learn all about Samuel Adams, brewer and patriot. Experience the entire brewing process, from start to finish, and later sample a few beers. Call ahead to reserve your spot on a tour.
The Freedom Trail
If you are wandering through Boston, you are sure to walk past something of historical significance. The Freedom Trail provides you with the opportunity to combine as many of the city’s historic high points as possible into a single morning or afternoon. The 2.5-mile trail is an urban walking route marked by distinctive redbrick sidewalk pavers. It begins at Boston Common, the city’s answer to Central Park. Depending on how you walk it, it culminates at either Bunker Hill Monument or the USS Constitution. Including the endpoints, it covers 16 sites of historic significance.
Beacon Hill
With notable residents such as former Massachusetts Senator and Secretary of State John Kerry, Beacon Hill is the past and present home of Boston’s elite. It’s also home to The State House, which sits across from Boston Common, overlooking the city from its Beacon Hill spot. Built in 1798, the copper-sheathed dome is covered in 23 karat gold and sparkles upon the city it overseas. A leisurely stroll through this affluent neighborhood affords you the opportunity to experience the neighborhood’s hills as well as the handsome townhouses along the way. Rest your legs and take a break (if needed) at Ashburton Park or Louisburg Square.
The Best Way to Get Around Boston
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Top Things To Do in Boston in Under Two Hours
- Boston Public Market
- Top of the Hub
- The Sports Museum
- Harvard University
- Samuel Adams
- The Freedom Trail
- Beacon Hill
