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If you only have two days in Boston, make the most of it with this guide on how to see the best of the city in a weekend. From historic landmarks to sports games, there is something for everyone in Boston.
I have visited Boston multiple times, and I fall in love with the city each time.
- It’s one of the most walkable cities in the USA
- Home to many historical sights
- Small town vibe in a city
- Lots of good food options!
Boston is a great city to visit if you enjoy doing lots of things in a little time.
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Two to three days is enough to explore much of the city, making Boston a perfect weekend getaway if you are short on time.
If you have more time, I suggest exploring other areas in New England – such as Cape Cod, New Hampshire or Maine.
10 things you have to see in Boston
Boston is a small city, but there are many things to do! If you are looking for things to do, here are ten things you must do when visiting Boston!
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail in Boston is one of the most popular tourist activities. When you visit Boston, you will inevitably land on at least part of the trail.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking trail in Boston that leads visitors to 16 significant historic sites. The trail starts at the Boston Common and winds through downtown Boston, ending at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown.
The Freedom Trail is a great way to learn about Boston’s history while exploring much of the city on foot. So many of the best attractions in Boston are stops on the Freedom Trail.
Boston Common and Swan Lake in Public Garden
Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States, and it’s a great place to relax, and people watch. Boston Common is also close to many of the city’s attractions, making a great starting point for your 2-day itinerary. From the park, you can easily walk to the Freedom Trail, the Boston Tea Party Museum and the State House.
Across from the Boston Common is another public garden – Boston’s Public Garden. The garden is also home to the Swan Boats. It is a beautiful area for a stroll, or you can take a peaceful ride on the Swan Boats.
Quincy Market + Faneuil Market
Quincy Market is one of my favorite stops on the Freedom Trail and a popular tourist attraction in Boston. The market has lots of options for food, drinks and shops.
If you choose to walk the Freedom Trail, this is a great stop on the Freedom Trail for Lunch.
There is no shortage of food and drink options that everyone will enjoy. You can also find many of the must-eats of Boston here, such as Lobster rolls, clam chowder in a bread bowl and pizza from Regina Pizzeria.
Right next to Quincy Market is Faneuil Hall.
Faneuil Hall is a historic building in Boston, and it has a ton of shops. There are many shops if you want to get some shopping done for yourself or for Boston souvenirs.
In the summer months, there are also a lot of buskers and entertainers around the markets. It is one of the best spots to enjoy summer in Boston.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a historic neighborhood in Boston, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful colonial-era homes and is a great place to wander and explore.
The main street in Beacon Hill is Charles Street, and it’s home to some of the best shopping in Boston. The street has lots of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
If you’re interested in learning more about Beacon Hill, several walking tours are available. The tours typically last 1-2 hours, and they’re a great way to learn about the neighbourhood’s history.
Boston Duck Boat Tours
If you don’t want to walk around Boston, you have lots of options to get around, including public transport. A fun tour option is the Duck Boat in Boston.
These boats are a fun excursion where you can explore Boston on land and by water (on a boat). You can get a historical tour of the city of Boston’s most notable landmarks and right into the Charles River!
The USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum is a historical museum located on the Freedom Trail.
The USS Constitution Museum is a historical museum in Boston that tells the story of the USS Constitution. The museum is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail in Charlestown, and it’s a great place to learn about the ship’s history.
The Boston Tea Party enactment is a fun experience if you are travelling with children!
North End
The North End is a neighborhood in Boston, and it’s known for its Italian heritage. The North End is located on the Freedom Trail and is home to many restaurants, cafes and bakeries. It’s a great place to wander and explore, and you can find some of the best Italian food in Boston.
Boston is famous for some of the best cannolis outside of Italy. Mike’s Pastry is the most popular shop, but I would suggest stopping at Modern Pastry for a shorter line and better cannolis (in my opinion). Or you could grab a pastry from each and decide for yourself!
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party.
The museum is a great place to learn about the Boston Tea Party and a great place to get a view of the city. The museum is one of many stops on the Freedom Trail, and it’s a great stop for anyone interested in learning about American history.
Newbury Street + Boston Public Library
Newbury Street is the place to go if you’re looking for a day of shopping in Boston. It is home to several high-end stores. However, my favorite thing to do in the area is to visit the Boston Public Library, which is worth a visit if you’re interested in architecture or history.
The Boston Public Library is a beautiful building, but the best part is the courtyard! If you have a little extra time in Boston, I suggest you grab a coffee and sit in the courtyard with your favourite book!
Harvard Square + the Harvard campus
While Harvard is technically not in Boston but rather in Cambridge, it is a must-see if you visit the city of Boston. The campus is beautiful! And every time I visit, I feel nostalgic for my university days.
The area around the campus is lively, walkable and has a very historical vibe. During the school semester, you can get a free walking tour of the campus led by the students!
Your itinerary for two days in Boston
If you only have two days in Boston, here is a simple itinerary you can follow to see everything you need in the city of Boston!
Day 1 – Explore Boston on foot.
- Breakfast at Tatte Bakery and Cafe
- Walk the Freedom Trail – and start the morning at Boston Public Garden
- Stop at Quincy Market for Lunch for Lobster Rolls
- Continue the Freedom Trail
- Take the ferry to Charlestown to visit the USS Constitution Ship, Navy Yard, City Square and Bunkker Hill.
- Dinner and cannolis (Modern Pastry or Mike’s Pastry) in North End
Day 2 – Morning in Cambridge. Afternoon on Newbury Street/Back Bay.
- Breakfast at Flour Bakery and Cafe In Cambridge
- Walk around the Harvard campus (free walking tours available)
- Explore Harvard Square
- Visit Newbury Street for lunch
- Boston Public Library
- Walk down / shop on Newbury Street
- Visit Fenway Park
- Enjoy the nightlife in Back Bay
Weekend in Boston
Boston is a city that has something for everyone!
Whether you’re looking for history, culture, nightlife or sports, you’ll find something to do.
If you’re planning a trip to Boston, use this guide as your starting point. And if you have more than 2 days in the Boston are, I would highly suggest visiting other parts of New England!
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