Matt’s guidebook

Hi, and welcome to Boston! We hope that you have the best stay ever. We have both lived in the Boston area for over 10 years and thought it would be helpful to provide you with some quick tips that we would recommend. But, please let us know if you have any specific questions on what to do and where to go while you’re here. Basic Touristy Stuff Freedom Trail- The Freedom Trail is a classic way to see some of Boston’s most historic sites all in about a 3-hour stroll. The FT is easily found by looking down at the sidewalk. It’s made up largely of red bricks laid into the sidewalk, so it’s hard to miss. It also runs right through the North End, so it’s easy for you to find and start walking from where you’re staying now. Redsox Baseball Game- Hard to say you’ve been to Boston if you hadn’t attended a beloved Redsox game. If the weather is nice, this is a highly recommended activity. Tickets can usually easily be found online via redsox.mlb.com. We usually sit in the Grandstand area but use the seating chart to find the best seat according to your price range. Cheap seats can be found out in the “Green Monsta’ area in the outfield. There is also a hidden bar out there, can you find it? :) Beacon Hill & Boston Common- Boston is a great walking city, easily traversed by foot with many areas best seen on foot. One of our favorites is the Beacon Hill and Boston Common area. Beacon Hill is a great example of ‘colonial Americana’ architecture. Much of the BH area still has gas light street lamps. A great time to stroll this area is at dusk when they start to come on and give this area an enchanted feel. For a quick drink or bite stop in at the original ‘Cheers’ restaurant and pub, from the famous tv show. Beacon Hill butts right up to Boston Common, perfect for an after meal stroll. The Public Garden is across from Boston Common and during the day you can take a ride out on the Swan Boats, that only run during the summer months. The Seaport District- This is an up and coming area of Boston. In the Seaport District, you’ll find many things to do, but most revolve around food and nightlife. One of our favorites is Legal Seafood and the roof deck bar on the top floor. Great way to start a fun evening out. During the Day the ICA, or Institute of Contemporary Art, makes for a great afternoon activity in the Seaport District and has some great views of Boston Harbor. It often hosts weekly activities and has discounted days. Look online for all the details. Museums- Boston has some of the best museums in the world. Trust us, we’ve looked. Lol The MFA and Isabella Stewart Gardner (home of one of the world’s largest art heists) are both located very close to each other and are both worth your time. We suggest going to the Isabella Stewart first, as it is much smaller. The MFA also hosts many monthly and weekly events, so check their calendar online before going for events and rates. Great Views- To see some of the best views of Boston there are many places and vantages spots. But, two of our favorites are at the ‘Top of the Hub’ and the ‘T Ferry’. Top of the Hub is a restaurant located at the top of the Prudential Building in Boston’s Backbay neighborhood. You can either eat at the restaurant, ride the elevator up for quick views or pay to go to the viewing level. All three are great options. The ‘T Ferry’ runs from the Long Wharf area near the North End, where you’re staying, and goes across the harbor to Charlestown where riders can get off and tour the USS Constitution. The ferry ride runs around $3-4 dollars but has some of the greatest views of the city from the water. Head up to the top deck for the best selfies ever! Kinda a hidden secret, shhhh! Lol Make an afternoon of it by grabbing food and a drink at Pier 6 restaurant on the water, also great views of the city! Places to Eat Boston is full of great pubs and restaurants. Instead of going into detail about each and everyone here is a list of our local favorites, all within a short walk of the apartment: North End Bacco, Parmenter and Salem Streets, great corner restaurant for Italian food and people watching. Vito’s Tavern, Salem Street, great local pub and a has a good menu and weekly after 4pm food specials. Trattoria Pannio II, Hanover Street, Brand new, opened recently. Late night Drinks and great Italian food. Ward 8, North Washington Street, Great late night spot for food and drink. Intimate spot if you want to get away from crowds. Sail Loft, Atlantic Ave., One of our local favorites. Great cheap seafood and right on the water. Crudo, Salem Street, A great local sushi place. Also has a great Bloody Mary Bar on Weekends. Theo’s Cozy Corner, Salem Street, small but awesome breakfast spot! Lucca, Hanover Street, Another great late night eating and drinking spot. Cheap Eats Whiskey's Boylston Street, Boston 30 cent hot wings every day until 9pm. Paddy O's Irish Bar near Fanuiel Hall area $1 oysters, $3 Miller lites, Wing specials daily Side Bar Daily food specials and cheap beer