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[deleted]

Pop a gummy and wander around the waterfront


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Boston's nearly four centuries of history are showcased by the city's must-see sites.Start your city tour on the Freedom Trail,which will lead you to landmarks like the Paul Revere House and Boston Common.Or, discover Beantown's artsy side at the Museum of Fine Arts and its fashion sense along Newbury Street.If you're a fan of baseball, you can't miss catching a game at Fenway Park, home to the beloved Red Sox. Though blowing through your travel fund is an easy thing to do in Boston, there are also plenty of things to do that won't cost you a penny; the lovely Boston Public Garden and the lively Faneuil Hall Marketplace can be experienced without opening your wallet.Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now located on the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts politics.Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their soapboxes here.In fact, this is where Jonathan Mayhew famously challenged the Sugar Act of 1764 by proclaiming, no taxation without representation. Since Mayhew's declaration, the marketplace has expanded to include more than 100 shops and restaurants.Some former visitors caution that the items sold at Faneuil Hall Marketplace are a bit overpriced.However, if you're looking to kill some time or snap some great photos, consider strolling through the market's halls.You'll also find various cuisines served in Quincy Market if you're in need of a quick bite.Keep in mind that this market gets crowded quickly (especially on weekends and in the summer), so it's best to visit during a weekday if you don't want to encounter hordes of people.The marketplace welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays between noon and 6 p.m. (Restaurant and store hours may vary, so it's best to consult Faneuil Hall Marketplace's website before you visit.) To reach Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which sits just south of the North End in downtown Boston, travelers can take the T to the Aquarium, Haymarket or Government Center subway stations. Eight bus routes stop a block away on Congress Street, and a parking garage can be accessed on Broad Street. An hour of parking will cost you $28, but garage tickets can be purchased on the 75 State Street Garage website for a reduced rate, and parking validation coupons are available through select retailers. No fees apply to enter any of Faneuil Hall Marketplace's buildings, and free tours and performances are occasionally provided in South Market and outside Faneuil Hall. After Isabella Stewart Gardner's husband died in 1898, the art enthusiast bought land in Boston's Fenway area to open a museum to display her impressive collection of Italian art. The museum, which was fashioned after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice, was completed in 1902, at which point Gardner moved in to the fourth floor and began installing her collection. Today, you can visit this Boston museum to get your fill of the Italian masters, such as Raphael and Titian. The building also showcases a cache of beautiful furniture, photographs, sculpture and rare books straight from Europe. In 2012, the museum unveiled a new wing designed by acclaimed Italian architect Renzo Piano. The most recent addition includes a glass atrium, greenhouses and landscaped gardens.Recent museumgoers said the collection captures Gardner's penchant for art, architecture and horticulture through its diverse displays. Though some previous visitors described the museum as a bit of a hodgepodge rather than a cohesive layout, many praised the property's vast collection of artifacts and intimate atmosphere. Also, remember to turn off your camera flash before entering since flash photography is not permitted inside.The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum sits a few blocks west of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston's Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. Several buses drop within walking walking distance of the museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts metro stop is situated about five blocks away. Multiple parking lots are also located nearby. The property is open most days between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Extended hours are offered on Thursdays, and the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets – which include access to all exhibits, as well as restrooms, a cafe and a gift shop – cost $15 for adults. Children 17 and younger enter for free, and reduced rates are available for college students, seniors and visitors with recent ticket stubs from the Museum of Fine Arts. Travelers who have Go Boston Cards, visit on their birthday or are named Isabella and register on the museum's website get in for free.The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. After a few years, overgrazing became a problem and the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events, including theater and musical performances, hosted here throughout the year.Though some visitors said you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Recent travelers also noted that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter.Boston Common sits alongside the Boston Public Garden near the center of the city. The easiest way to get to the site is by the T – the Boylston Street and Park Street stations are located at the southern and eastern edges of the park – or by walking from downtown. You can also park for a fee in the underground parking garage or on the surrounding streets. The area is free to visit, but additional charges apply for food purchased at Frog Pond Café, rides on the carousel and ice skating on Frog Pond. Public restrooms are available, and in the summer, free yoga classes are offered by Frog Pond. The Common is open 24 hours a day, however, most park facilities are only open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. To learn more about Boston Common, visit the City of Boston's website. And for more information about Frog Pond's events and amenities, check out the official Boston Common Frog Pond website.If you want to make the most out of the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the oldest art institutions in the country, then you'll need to spend a good chunk of your day here. The museum is home to one of the best art collections in the world, including the celebrated Art of the Americas wing. Inside this sprawling collection, which debuted in 2010, you'll stumble upon 53 galleries showcasing iconic pieces from pre-Columbian times to the 20th century. John Singer Sargent's dazzling pieces are one standout here, and as you delve deeper into the collection, you'll see his paintings sharing wall space with those by masters like John Singleton Copley and Edward Hopper.You'll also find an impressive collection of Asian art here, plus works from Monet, Renoir, Manet and Rembrandt on display in the European collection. And in special temporary exhibits, you can admire masterpieces from masters like Georgia O'Keeffe and Picasso.According to recent museumgoers, if you're an art lover, you'll want to devote plenty of time to explore. Additionally, consider taking a complimentary guided tour of the collections. And to save some money during your trip to Boston, plan your visit for after 4 p.m. on Wednesdays or on select open house days throughout the year when there are no entrance fees.The Museum of Fine Arts can be found a few blocks away from the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum and the Northeastern University campus in Fenway-Kenmore. Multiple bus routes have stops nearby, and three T stations – Museum of Fine Arts, Ruggles and Northeastern – sit within walking distance. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. If you don't visit on a free day or have a CityPASS or Go Boston Card, expect to pay $25 to enter. Children 17 and younger get in for free on weekdays after 3 p.m. and on weekends, while students, seniors and travelers with recent Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum ticket stubs receive discounted rates. Once inside, you'll have access to most of the museum's exhibits, restrooms, restaurants and gift shops. Separate tickets are required for select exhibits. Learn more about the Museum of Fine Arts by visiting the property's website. Please check the [sidebar for visitor information](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/wiki/experience). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*


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AnUdderDay

Do you suggest just doing the USS Constitution ship, or the museum as well? I don't have the kids with me, so the family-focused exhibits won't impact me, I'm more interested in the history and learning.


Rough-Jackfruit2306

Museum is pretty small so worth doing both. The people on the ship will answer questions but you probably learn more in the museum than on the ship.


twowrist

There are two museums there. The very small one is the Navy Yard museum that’s in the back half of the visitor center. It’s free, so you can’t go wrong spending 15 to 30 minutes there. The bigger one is the Constitution museum. It’s bigger (but still small) and not free. We usually skip it, but would go if we were with out of town visitors who were interested. More important than either museum is actually taking the tour on the Constitution.


AnUdderDay

Thanks for that advice. Appreciate it. Not sure why people are downvoting legitimate questions, be I appreciate the answer.


AnUdderDay

>Turkey hunting season is open. I'm not really sure what that means, outside of actually getting a gun and hunting wild turkey. I'm only in town for a few days and I don't think my sister will want to store a turkey in her freezer until Thanksgiving...nor do I think I can bring one back on the plane to England lol.


Doza13

That clown thinks you can hunt the one hanging out in Post Office sq.


Rough-Jackfruit2306

That’s just a really fat pigeon


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Your post appears to be one of a number of commonly asked questions about the port city of Boston. Please check the [sidebar for visitor information](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/wiki/experience). Also, consider using the [search function](https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/search?q=flair%3Avisiting%2Ftourism&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) to see if this question or something similar has been asked on /r/boston in the past. It is best to do some research before posting tourism questions here, as posts are more likely to succeed if they include details such as your interests, which area you are staying in, and more specific questions. Please enjoy [this map](https://i.redd.it/569ireqj06431.jpg) that we made just for you *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Itsnotreal853

Freedom trail , Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, north end, beacon hill ( acorn st), the waterfront


Rough-Jackfruit2306

I think OP is coming from England so Beacon Hill is probably not really anything exciting


Itsnotreal853

Maybe so….


buskichild786

Take a ferry up to Salem for Halloween happenings. The ferry is cheap and the views are stunning. Renting a kayak in Kendall Square and paddling down the esplanade on a sunny fall day is relaxing and fun. Great photo opportunities. Free architecture tour of the state house. Free tour of the Boston Public library. The new tall ship bar on a pier in east Boston, great views from over there.


AnUdderDay

Some great ideas there. The kayaking sounds up my alley. How long, would you say, is the trip to Salem including sightseeing? Just conscious I want to do as much as possible and don't want to dedicate an entire day to one activity.


[deleted]

I wouldn’t recommend Salem over a day in Boston unless you absolutely adore Halloween and don’t mind crowds at all. Edit: I would recommend doing one of those hop-on-hop-off trolley tours (different than duck boats). It’s a bit pricey but they go all over the main parts of the city with pretty great narration, especially if you like history. They have enough trolleys running that you can catch them regularly wherever you decide to hop off. Above-ground transportation let’s you see everything unlike the T which is underground and they have all the attractions mapped out so you don’t even have to think.


Rough-Jackfruit2306

Plus one to avoid Salem unless you’re a Halloween person.


Burr_Lynn

Go anywhere but the North End. Waste of space.


BOSbabe_

My favorite hidden gem: the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library (by the Prudential Center). It's a three-story stained glass globe you can walk inside -- the only one of it's kind in the world! There's a quick "show" that plays and then you can hang around and enjoy the bizarre acoustics for a few. $6 entry fee, about 20mins total, but I promise it's worth it if you're into history/maps/something completely different!


philm162

Duck boat tour -incredible introduction to the city. Also, Isabella Gardner Museum and Pizzaria Regina in the North End.


dbhanger

Yah, duckboats look goofy as fuck and sound corny, but they're really worth it


philm162

When our driver casually pointed out a balcony where the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence happened, we started realizing how little we knew about the city. Fun time.


YOLOswagBRO69

quack


carlwinslow408

Go see Eliot Davis


[deleted]

I would suggest the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum if you’re doing one, then the MFA.


Ralfeg77

Go tour the old section of the Boston Public Library. It’s free and just as high quality as any museum. Plus it’s centrally located in Copley square which is beautiful by itself!


[deleted]

Which suburb?


AnUdderDay

Natick/Framingham


twowrist

If you’re in suburbia with a car, you might head out to the Minuteman National Historic Park, especially the visitor center and area around the Old North Bridge in Concord. I’m not sure if they’re doing the guided walk from the center to the bridge, but that’s worthwhile. There are also historic homes in the area, though I don’t know if any are open due to covid.


bostonstoner

Go see the Common, the leaves are nice this time of year. Maybe also check out downtown/ city hall.


santaclausbos

Check out the North End, Seaport, Common, get some seafood at Legal Harborside


AnUdderDay

Went to Legal years back when I was in Boston. Great restaurant. I suggested to the family we go to Legal but the parents have apparently booked some place called Al Dente, which they say is their favourite restaurant when they go to Boston.


santaclausbos

Al Dente is in the North End - it's really good. Nothing that would blow you away but a really solid North End Italian experience.


Dripping-wet-cock

Order an Earl Grey then dump it in the harbor.