Boston is a city that offers a plethora of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers. The amount of time you should spend in Boston depends on your interests and how in-depth you want to explore the city and its surroundings. While a couple of days can give you a taste of what Boston has to offer, a week or more allows for a more comprehensive exploration. Here are examples of itineraries that cover popular Boston attractions and include possible day trips to Cape Cod, Salem, and Provincetown.
One Day in Boston
Morning:
Start your day with a visit to the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets, lined with beautiful brownstone homes and gas-lit lanterns.
Stop by the Massachusetts State House and admire its iconic golden dome.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the charming local cafes or brunch spots in the area.
Mid-morning:
Head to the renowned Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the impressive collection of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning various time periods and cultures.
Take your time to appreciate masterpieces by renowned artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
Or, alternatively, visit New England Aquarium.
Lunchtime:
Grab lunch at Quincy Market within Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a lively food court offering a wide variety of cuisines. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere while indulging in local specialties or international flavors.
Afternoon:
Walk the Freedom Trail, starting from Faneuil Hall. Follow the red-brick path as it takes you through significant historical sites, including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the USS Constitution Museum.
Take a break at the picturesque Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Relax on the lush green lawns or explore the adjacent Public Garden, known for its iconic Swan Boats.
Late Afternoon:
Visit the lively neighborhood of Back Bay. Admire the beautiful Victorian architecture along Commonwealth Avenue and explore the upscale shops and boutiques on Newbury Street.
If you’re a sports fan, consider taking a tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, or visit the nearby Boston Public Library, known for its stunning architecture and extensive book collection.
Evening:
End your day with dinner in the North End, Boston’s famous Italian neighborhood. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many trattorias, trattorias, or ristorantes, and savor classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, or fresh seafood.
Optional Evening Activity:
If you have extra time, consider catching a performance at one of Boston’s renowned theaters, such as the Boston Opera House or the Wang Theatre. Alternatively, you can take a sunset cruise along the Boston Harbor and enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
Two days in Boston
Here’s an extended itinerary for two days in Boston with a day trip to Salem:
Day 1: Exploring Boston
Morning:
- Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Freedom Trail. Start at Boston Common and follow the trail, visiting historical landmarks such as the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, and the USS Constitution Museum.
- Take your time to learn about Boston’s rich history and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories associated with each site.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and admire its extensive collection of art from different cultures and time periods. Explore the diverse exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.
- Alternatively, you can spend the afternoon exploring the lively neighborhoods of Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Stroll along Newbury Street for upscale shopping, admire the picturesque brownstone homes on Beacon Hill, and soak in the city’s architectural beauty.
Evening:
- Head to Quincy Market within Faneuil Hall Marketplace for dinner. Enjoy a wide range of food options from various cuisines while being surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Day Trip to Salem
Exploring Salem – Best Places to see in Witch city
Morning:
- Take a day trip to Salem, a city famous for its historical significance in the Salem Witch Trials.
- Explore the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the trials and the events that took place during that period.
- Visit the House of Seven Gables, an iconic mansion with a rich history and connections to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel.
- Immerse yourself in the maritime history of Salem by visiting the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts related to the city’s seafaring past.
Afternoon:
- Spend the afternoon exploring more of Salem’s attractions. Visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, where you can learn about the city’s maritime heritage and explore historic ships and buildings.
- Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of Salem, admiring the charming architecture and visiting boutique shops and art galleries.
Evening:
- Return to Boston and enjoy a relaxing evening. You can choose to explore the vibrant neighborhoods like the North End, where you can indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, or catch a show at one of the city’s theaters.
Three Days in Boston
Day 1:
Start your day by walking the iconic Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that takes you through Boston’s historic sites such as the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.
Visit the lively Faneuil Hall Marketplace for lunch and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and diverse dining options.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Boston Common and Public Garden, taking a leisurely stroll, and perhaps renting a swan boat to glide along the lagoon.
In the evening, catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, the beloved home of the Boston Red Sox.
Day 2:
Begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, home to an extensive collection of artwork spanning various periods and cultures.
Head to Beacon Hill to explore its picturesque streets, admire the charming architecture, and visit the Massachusetts State House.
Cross the Charles River to Cambridge and explore the prestigious Harvard University campus, including a walk through Harvard Yard.
In the evening, dine at one of Boston’s seafood restaurants and savor some local specialties like clam chowder or lobster.
Day 3:
Take a day trip to Cape Cod, a scenic peninsula known for its picturesque beaches, charming villages, and fresh seafood. Spend the day exploring the quaint town of Chatham, relaxing on the beaches, or taking a ferry to the charming island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Five days in Boston
Follow the itinerary for three days in Boston as outlined above, and add the following to explore more of the area:
Day 4:
Go on a day trip to Salem, known for its historical significance in the Salem Witch Trials. Visit the Salem Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, and explore the city’s rich maritime history.
Enjoy lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants and sample Salem’s culinary delights.
Return to Boston and spend the evening exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of the North End or the trendy shops and restaurants of the Back Bay area.
Day 5:
Take another day trip, this time to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod. Enjoy the scenic drive through Cape Cod National Seashore and arrive in Provincetown, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.
Best things to see and do in Provincetown
Explore the lively Commercial Street, visit the Provincetown Museum, and consider taking a whale watching tour to spot majestic marine creatures.
