Boston in 2 Days: everything you need to know

To refer to Boston solely as a historic city is an understatement. In recent decades the city of Boston has moved beyond its traditional baseball and denoted college atmosphere to a cosmopolitan city of art and culture.

With so much to see, do and enjoy in this beautiful corner of the United States, I think a perfect itinerary will be one that combines the traditional with the modern.

This guide includes 2 full days from morning to evening; if you need to see shorter itineraries I recommend checking out the article on what to see and do in 1 day in Boston or what to see and do in 3 days in Boston.

The Freedom Trail is a traditional route that every first-time traveler to Boston should take to get to know the city. It has been designed to take us through at least 16 of Boston's historic landmarks.

Although the trail is not complicated to follow and the historic sites are easily recognizable, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Freedom Trail, an experience rated by travelers touring the city as one of the best guided tours of Boston.

If you decide to embark on the adventure on your own, here are some highlights I recommend visiting.

Go to Langone Park at sunrise

Boston is a city famous for its beautifully landscaped public parks. To the north of the city, just on the edge of Boston Harbor is Langone Park, a small but very attractive public park that offers fabulous views of the stunning Massachusetts Bay.

If you're a photography buff, bring your gear ready and get ready for some fabulous shots of the sun shining over the waters in the early morning hours. Take the opportunity to grab a coffee or breakfast before continuing.

See Boston's Old North Church

Leaving Langone Park behind, the next stop is only a 4-minute walk away, on Salem Street. The Old North Church, one of the most important historical points of the city and where I recommend a guided tour.

The religious temple played a leading role in American history when, in 1175, Robert Newman and John Pulling Jr. ascended the bell tower with lanterns to notify the rebels of the presence of the British by land and sea.

This event would ignite the flame of the American Revolution that would end in the declaration of their independence.

• Hours: Open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday. From 10 am to 6 pm.
• Price: There are 2 different tours each one costs about 5€ per traveler.
• Duration: I recommend booking 1 hour approximately. The two main tours take about 15 minutes each to complete.

Visit the home of a historical figure: The Paul Revere House

Within walking distance of the Old North Church is another space of great historical significance to Bostonians. The Paul Revere House is located on N Square just a 10-minute walk away.

Paul Revere was an important merchant who contributed greatly to the Revolutionary struggles. However, a visit to his house is worthwhile not only for the historical figure, but also to observe what life was like in this particular historical period. The house is small, but has very well preserved facilities.

• Hours: Open to the public every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Price: Adult entrance ticket costs 6€, minors between 5 and 17 years old pay only 1€; approximately.
• Duration: It is a short tour that you can complete in less than 1 hour.

Go to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for lunch.

Just a 6 minute walk away is the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, an architectural complex of 4 buildings rated by travelers as one of the must-see sights on any trip to Boston.

Built in 1742, the complex has played a key role in the political history of the state of Massachusetts. Memorable historical events, such as the proclamation in 1764 of the Sugar Act or the impetus for resistance to the British by Samuel Adams, occurred here.

Today the complex includes a market with more than 100 stores and restaurants, making it the best place to recharge your batteries before continuing. I recommend visiting the Faneuil Hall website to take a look at the gastronomic offer available on site.

• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
• Price: Free admission.
• Duration: As long as you want. From 1 to 2 hours is usually enough.

Stroll the Boston Common

The next stop takes us to Boston Common, now known as the oldest public park in the United States.

This space hosts a wide variety of activities and events including theatrical and musical acts, especially during the summer. If you go to Boston in July or August, don't hesitate to join one of them.

It is also known for being the place that marks the end of the Freedom Trail. Walking from Faneuil Hall, Boston Common is a 12-minute walk. Take advantage of the tour to admire the old buildings of the old town of Boston.

My favorites: the Old State House and the Old South Meeting Museum; with impressive brick structures, both are among the best museums in Boston.

• Hours: Open all day every day of the year.
• Price: Free to the public.
• Duration: As long as you want, spend at least an hour touring its main walkways.

Hang out in the Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is right next to Boston Common, but although both are among Seattle' s most important public parks, they are at the same time completely different from each other.

Established in 1837, it has the distinction of being the first public botanical garden in the United States. Lose yourself for a while in its grounds and enjoy nature, you will find an abysmal collection of flowers and trees beautifully arranged and that the local government is responsible for maintaining in perfect condition throughout the year.

If you go to Boston in the fall, don't miss a tour of the Boston Public Garden to enjoy its gigantic trees tinged with brilliant autumn colors. If you are a photography enthusiast it is worth bringing your camera and capture the magic of the moment.

• Hours: Open all day every day of the year.
• Price: Free for all visitors.
• Duration: As long as you want, spend at least an hour touring its main promenades.

Enjoy a sunset cruise.

Say goodbye to your first day of exploring Boston by doing one of the most recommended activities in the city: taking a sunset cruise on the waters of Massachusetts Bay.

In the city you will find several local companies that offer this service in different formats, so it is necessary to carefully analyze the different options available.

Boston cruises are conducted in small and medium-sized boats, with a limited number of participants. Due to your short stay in the city, I recommend booking in advance and securing your place days before your trip, especially if you are going to the city during the peak tourist season such as summer in Boston.

• Schedule: At various times throughout the day, but I recommend booking a night tour or a sunset tour.
• Price: Varies depending on the company; I recommend booking around 50€ per traveler for this experience.
• Duration: The boat rides in Boston have a duration of approximately 2 hours.

I recommend spending the second day of your trip touring the Boston area beyond the old part of the city. Explore a more modern and equally touristy part including world-class museums and some major commercial vein.

Wake up early to tour James P. Kelleher Rose Garden

Wake up early on the morning of your last day in Boston to take advantage of every second. I recommend recharge your batteries in one of the most beautiful corners of the city: the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden.

A beautiful public garden where you will find an impressive collection of 200 different species of roses. You will also be able to contemplate carefully designed gardens among paths of dust and stone, benches to rest, statues of cherubs and water fountains.

The park is located at 70 Park Drive in Fenway. Nearby there are numerous cafes and restaurants, so I recommend having a snack before continuing with the day.

• Hours: Open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 07h to 18h in the evening.
• Price: Free for all public.
• Duration: Reserve at least 1 hour of your itinerary to visit the facilities.

See the Museum of Fine Arts

From your location in the James P. Kelleher Garden, this museum is only a 5-minute walk across the park and Fenway Avenue.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is a must-see for any traveler who enjoys history, art or museums in general.

On your visit you will find one of the oldest museums in the United States and an impressive space that houses one of the best art collections in the world.

Within the collection you will find extensive galleries displaying iconic pieces from the native cultures of the entire American continent. At the same time, you will be able to tour large rooms dedicated to the work of contemporary artists such as Edward Hooper or Joan Mitchell.

If you are an art lover you will want to take the time to explore and discover the paintings of artists such as Monet, Renoir and Rembrandt himself, reasons to be considered one of the best museums in Boston.

• Hours: Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Price: The adult ticket costs approximately 25€; children from 7 to 17 years old pay 10€ on average and children under 6 years old enter for free.
• Duration: It is a large museum and I recommend arriving early and reserve at least 3 hours to visit it.

Take a food tour of Boston

When you leave the museum, the urge to eat may be stronger than ever. To make the most of your stay and experience the best of local cuisine, I recommend booking an early afternoon food tour of Boston.

In the city you will find several tour companies that offer this type of experience in different formats, so I recommend taking the time to analyze the different options and choose the one that best suits your requirements.

Most tours are walking tours and take travelers through Boston's historic North End, not for a history tour of the city, but to taste the most delicious dishes and eat where the locals eat.

• Schedule: The experience is offered at different times depending on the company you hire.
• Price: Approximately 60€ or 70€ per traveler.
• Duration: The gastronomic tour will take at least 2 hours to complete.

Walk down Newbury Street, Boston's most charming street.

Regardless of whether you have decided to take the food tour or not, I advise you to dedicate part of the afternoon of your last day to walk one of the most charming streets in Boston: Newbury Street.

Located in the Back Bay East area, from the Museum of Fine Arts the best way to get there is to take the 39 Boston bus from the stop near the museum to get off at Saint James Ave, just one street away from Newbury.

Stroll down Newbury Street to discover some of Boston's best boutiques and restaurants. I recommend stopping at Georgetown Cupcakes or the Trident Café for delicious local desserts.

If you need to buy some souvenirs from your trip, this is the perfect time and place to do it!

Say goodbye with a ghost tour of Boston.

On your last night in the city I suggest you take the spookiest adventure of all: a ghost tour of Boston. This type of adventure takes the group of travelers through the most haunted places in the city to uncover stories of centuries-old witches and ghosts.

Considered by many travelers as one of the best things to do in Boston at night, there are numerous tour operators in the city that offer the tour in different formats: on foot, by ghost bus or combined with a visit to local bars.

• Schedule: The tours take place at sunset during the night, the time may vary depending on the company you hire.
• Price: About 30€ per adult traveler. Some tours limit the age of participants, so I recommend paying attention to this factor if you are going to Boston with children.
• Duration: You should reserve at least 2 hours for the tour.