I absolute adore Boston and have been a bunch of times. The Summer is the best time to go as there is so much to do outside. Below is a list of recommendations when visiting the city.
(Every location is linked, and my top recommendations are *starred).
Neighborhoods:
Seaport: Right on the water. Probably my favorite area.
South Boston (Southie): Another neighborhood in Boston. Lots of food and things to do.
North End: The Little Italy area of Boston.
Somerville: Definitely go to Davis Square. Super cute food/shopping area. Assembly Row is a great shopping area as well.
Fenway: Home of the baseball stadium, this area has many fun bars and restaurants.
Harvard Square: Right in Harvard University. Beautiful area full of food and some shopping.
Newbury Street: Beautiful street with expensive food and shopping.
Copley Square: Public Square in the Back Bay area.
Chinatown: Your typical Chinatown, full of yummy food and beautiful colors.
Coffee/Smoothies/Juices:
Pressed: A famous healthy shop that sells various juices, frozen-yogurt, and acai bowls. Nice stop for a quick refreshment.
Freeze: "Plant-based soft-serve made with wholesome ingredients." I got chocolate with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes.
*Marylou’s Coffee: A popular Massachusetts coffee chain that makes all their own coffee (even in a bag you can take home!). They have pretty wild flavors so you're bound to find something you'd like - and you can even pick the amount of sweetness. You definitely need to experience this little pink coffee shop if you're in town.
Twix latte with almond milk
Peanut Butter Iced Coffee
Greystone Coffee: A small "coffee shop" that has a walk-up window. Plus, they make their own almond milk!
Blue Bottle: A well-know coffee spot with a few locations around the city.
Breakfast/Brunch:
Goldilox Bagels: I recommend ordering the evening before and picking up in the morning as they only make a select few each day.
Davis Square Bagels: Bagels & donuts. The line is always pretty long so I would try go right when you wake up.
Black Sheep Bagel Cafe: A small bagel shop located near Harvard Square. Another busy place so I recommend going at a decent time.
Vester: A cute + quick breakfast spot with many healthy choices. You order at the counter and then find your own seating.
Prosciutto & arugula toast: aged prosciutto di parma, arugula, fig jam, balsamic
Egg & Cheese sandwich on sourdough
Latte with lavender syrup
*Bluestone Lane: A healthy chain that is great for brunch. I have only gotten iced chai lattes to-go, but I plan on sitting down and enjoying a meal soon.
Iced chai latte with oat milk
*Tatte: A popular brunch spot with a few locations. I have not been but it is high on my list as I have heard great things.
Mother Juice: Haven't been but it all looks delicious.
*Earls Kitchen & Bar: Located in Assembly Row, this place was great for brunch & drinks. Just an overall good vibe and great selection.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita: El Jimador blanco, Aperol, watermelon, fresh lime juice, habanero and strawberry essence
Lobster + Shrimp Omelette: Parmesan, chives, garlic butter, spring greens
Buttermilk & Bourbon: Looks like it has a great variety of food and drinks for brunch. Haven't been yet but definitely on my list!
Lunch/Dinner:
*Lolita: My favorite Mexican restaurant in Boston, and one of my top favorites overall. Great atmosphere, food, and drinks. I have only been to the Fort Point location and I absolute love the inside seating and outside seating. The outside seating is right on the water - perfect for summertime. I recommend making a reservation, especially on the weekends.
Hot Queso Dip: Oaxaca, jack, cheddar, green chili, cilantro, taco spice
Fresco Guacamole: Tomato, roasted serrano, red onion, cilantro
Tocino Guacamole: Smokey applewood bacon, pico, cilantro
Especial Guacamole: maine lobster, garlic herb butter (my fav of the guacs)
Broken Heart Margarita: Lolita blanco, elderflower, lime, grape, raspberry
Strawberry Basil Mojito: Brugal rum, strawberry cucumber, basil, lime, soda
Watermelon Mango Mojito: white rum, watermelon, mango, lime, mint, soda
Blackberry Sangria: red wine, blackberry, citrus, kitchen spices, vanilla, rum
Kiwi Brisa
Diablo Marg
*Mamma Maria: An AMAZING Italian restaurant located in the heart of the North End (Little Italy). You absolutely need a reservation as it is just THAT good. This is the spot to go to on a date as every little detail from the food to the ambiance is perfect. Unfortunately, I do not remember everything we ate because the menu does change seasonally.
Burrata Pasta: Homemade bucatinii in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with a whole burrata.
*Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Bostons best food hall located in the heart of the city. A beautiful building with many small shops and eateries to choose from. I got a lobster roll & clam chowder in a bread bowl - both were awesome.
*Pink Taco: A Mexican restaurant that has a locations in a couple major cities around the United States. We didn't get to eat at the restaurant due to Covid, so we did take out (which was still great). Has a very cute aesthetic as well.
House margarita
Guac
Tacos
*Eataly Boston: A smaller version of the original Eataly in Italy. Has many little venders that sell food and desserts (like gelato!). There is also a mini grocery store that sells items from Italy (including my favorite cookies "Gocciole Chocolate Chip"). There is also a wine shop. Upstairs is a great restaurant called Terra - but make sure you make a reservation in advance.
Terra: The Instagrammable restaurant located on the top floor of Eataly Boston. Definitely recommend getting a reservation as this place is perfect for a date spot and bound to be busy. Another place where I believe they change the menu seasonally, so I could not find everything we ate.
Prosciutto e Mozzarella di Bufala: 18-Month Aged Tanara Prosciutto Di Parma, Caseificio il Casolare Buffalo Mozzarella
Spaghetti Al Pomodoro Affumicato: Smoked Tomato, Roi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Citrus & salt: An Instagrammable brunch/dinner spot. I wouldn't say the food was super flavorful but the drinks were good & it's a great spot to go with a group of girls.
Hot Cheetos Street Corn: Flam’n hot cheeto crumbs, smoked mayonnaise, cotija
Tacos
Becky Juice (Frozen): Cazadores, naranja, rose, watermelon, strawberry, agave, lemon, citrus salt rim
By Chloe/BeatNic: A vegan "fast-food" joint. They used to go by "By Chloe," but recently changed the name to BeatNic. I really enjoyed their cookies.
French fries
Chocolate chip cookie
Rainbow sprinkle cookie
Double chocolate cookie
Canes: A fast food chain similar to Chik-fil-a. Had it for the first time in Boston and I really enjoyed it - especially the famous canes sauce!
Chicken fingers, fries, Texas toast & Canes Sauce
Sugidama Soba & Izakaya: A sushi & ramen restaurant in Davis Square. Super flavorful.
*Lola 42: An expensive sushi place that has great reviews. I will absolutely be going here next time I'm in town.
Barcelona Wine Bar: A very popular spot that is located in a few cities throughout the country. Great for cute drinks and appetizer-like foods.
Fat Baby: Really yummy Asian spot - great for any time of the day into late night. Delicious options and in a great area.
Desserts:
*Scoop N' Scootery: A super fun ice cream shop that honestly has way too many flavors, so you should look at the menu before going. We usually order ahead because they're so popular, and even open late into the night for a post-drinking treat. Very flavorful and you get a good amount for the price (I recommend a small).
Fluffernutterd: Vanilla and peanut butter cup ice cream with a marshmallow fluff core topped with mini marshmallows and peanut butter sauce
Granddaddy: Black raspberry cookie swirl ice cream topped with chocolate chip cookie bites, oreo crumble and homemade whipped cream
Milk Bar: A nation-wide pastry company that sells delicious cakes, cookies, and more! They have a brick & mortar location in Harvard Square.
*Mike's Pastry: The famous Massachusetts pastry shop located in the North End (Little Italy). It's busy at all hours and there are so many options to choose from. This is a staple is Boston.
Mint Cannoli
Hazelnut Cannoli
Chocolate Cannoli
JP Licks: One of Boston's most well-known ice cream spots - and for good reason.
FoMu: A vegan ice cream shop that has rave reviews about how it tastes like normal ice cream. Have not been but super excited to check it out!
Cocktail Bars:
*Sound Advice: Permanently closed cocktail bar. I'm really sad about this one.
Day Bars: (that turn into night bars)
*Cisco Brewers: An outdoor bar that is fun during the day or night. Right in the heart of Seaport so also just a great area to be. You're bound to have fun here.
*Tall Ship: "Laid-back waterside tall ship with tables doling out seafood, global bites & creative cocktails." I have not been but have heard great things.
Stats Bar & Grille: Located in South Boston, this is definitely a fun place for a group. Can hangout either inside or outside on their patio.
Sam Adams Boston Taproom: I haven't been but my boyfriend loves it here. Located in a great spot, this place is great day or night.
Night Bars:
Lucky Strike: Bar with bowling & a full arcade. Similar to Dave & Busters.
Tavern in the Square: Known by it's nickname "TITS" this bar is located in a great spot downtown.
Cheeky Monkey: Perfect place for a craft beer.
Loretta’s Last Call: A country bar.
Indoor Activities:
Bruins Hockey Game: Can't go to Boston without seeing a game!
New England Aquarium: A cool place to explore if theres a rainy day. They have a huge penguin exhibit if you're into that!
Activities:
Red Socks Baseball Game: Can't go to Boston without seeing a game!
Harbor Walk: 43 mile walk along Boston's shoreline. Great for walking, biking, or picnicking. Also a great view of the skyline.
Boston Public Library: A BEAUTIFUL library. Something fun to check out!
Places I wish to go:
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