If that’s you—and you want unique things to do in Boston than the usual guide book tips—you’ve come to the right place.

When I recently traveled to Boston, I wanted fun things to do, of course. But I also wanted to shake up Boston a little bit. Yes, it’s one of the oldest cities in the US. That means it has plenty of history—and plenty of weird things hidden in plain sight!

So if you’re hoping for non-touristy things to do in Boston, I got you. Read on for my top 9 picks.

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1.The Boston Mapparium: A hidden gem

When I recently went to Beantown, close to no one I spoke to had ever heard of the Mapparium—yet it was one of my favorite non-touristy things to do in Boston. Within the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the building named after the founder of the Christian Science Monitor, this breathtaking and unique destination draws off-the-beaten-path visitors looking for hidden gems.

The Mapparium is a spherical room made from stained glass. It depicts the world as it was in 1935. As you walk through the inside of the globe, you’ll see most of Africa still ruled by colonial powers, and the Soviet Union sprawling across Eurasia.

The guided tour takes about 20 minutes and includes an audio presentation when you’re inside the globe. The Mary Baker Eddy Library is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and these unique tours cost $6 for adults. Kids five and under are free.

My girls weren’t with me on this trip to Boston, but I’ll definitely bring them to the Mapparium when we travel to Beantown together!

2. Odd and creepy Warren Anatomical Museum

The small but definitely non-touristy collection of odd medical artifacts shows just how far medicine has evolved. So if you’re looking to explore Boston off the beaten path, put this on your itinerary.

The Warren Anatomical Museum, which includes a handful of glass cases within the Harvard Medical School, only takes about a half-hour to see. And it’s not a great thing to do in Boston if you’re squeamish: The collection houses specimens that doctors used to teach students about conditions like degenerative bone disease. It also includes tools that used to be standard in medical procedures (along with descriptions of how they were used—shudder).

If you’re nearby and like TV shows like CSI or House, you’ll definitely want to visit the Warren Anatomical Museum.

3. The non-touristy Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was one of the highlights of my entire Boston trip. This non-touristy Boston attraction bears little resemblance to all the other art museums you’ve ever visited.

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a wealthy socialite who collected art, furniture, sculpture and much more across the globe. Then she built a palace, which became the museum, to house it all. Unlike most museums, much of the Gardner Museum is staged as rooms aristocrats might have used, with priceless paintings hung on walls and ornate furniture filling its floors. Some rooms even have a tea service laid out, as if Boston’s rich and famous were about to waltz in and ask for a slice of coffeecake.

The Gardner Museum’s real gem is the Courtyard. At the center of the palace, an elaborate garden filled with palms and other exotic plants blooms. Fountains, sculptures and other art are sprinkled throughout the garden. As you wander the museum, peek out the windows throughout the four floors, which give you new perspectives on the courtyard below.

Find lodging in the neighborhood you want by searching here:

4. Relax on the Charles River

Of all the non-touristy things to do in Boston, hanging out on the Charles River is the one recommendation locals enjoy the most. On a summer evening, I took a run along the Charles River Esplanade—and it seemed as if half of Boston was out with me!

The Charles River separates Boston from Cambridge, and bike and running paths run its length. If you really want to go local in Boston, you should sunbathe on the many docks, visit pop-up beer gardens that sometimes open here, or—best of all—bring a hammock to relax between some trees.

As you explore these different things to do in Boston, you’ll probably want to do and see the most famous spots, too. Get all the details with a Boston guide book.

5. Eat a donut ice cream sandwich

What’s better than a donut? A donut cut in half and filled with ice cream, that’s what!

When you’re looking for the best things to do in Boston, don’t overlook a trip to Blackbird Doughnuts. Yes, their donuts are delicious, but the real star is the donut ice cream sandwich. You get to choose whichever donut strikes your fancy (I went for the chocolate with sprinkles one), then magically turn it into the most extravagant dessert-breakfast you’ve ever had.

If you want even more delicious ideas—and really, who wouldn’t?!—don’t miss my post on the best places to eat in Boston.

6. Explore Boston’s spooky side

Boston has some grisly history. Yes, it was home to the Boston Strangler; the city also gave rise to the serial killer nicknamed the Angel of Death. Even if totally creepy crime history isn’t your thing, exploring Boston’s graveyards deserves a spot on the best non-touristy things to do in Boston.

Since this colonial city is more than a century older than the United States, it has plenty of history. And there were plenty of dead people who needed to get buried. For example, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is the second-oldest cemetery in the city, and roughly 11,000 people were interred in this tiny scrap of land.

Level 10 travel tip: If you make it to Copp’s Hill, keep an eye out for the narrowest home in Boston. Nicknamed a spite house, legends say the original owner built such a skinny home to block light to its neighbors.

If you’re looking for more ways to explore Boston’s creepy side, read my review of the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones tour.

7. Boston Public Library

Libraries aren’t usually at the list of top unique things to do in Boston, or any other city, for that matter. But the main location of the Boston Public Library, located across the street from Copley Square, is a must-visit stop.

Travelers looking for free things to do in Boston will be super-pleased here. You can pause in its gorgeous courtyard, check out the installation art that mimics the city’s skyline with books, or drink a cup of coffee while the local public radio records a show in the middle of its Newsfeed Cafe.

If you’re looking to deepen your experience of Boston off the beaten path attractions, you can always sip a cocktail or have high tea at one of the Boston Public Library‘s restaurants. Take a peek at my post on the best Boston restaurants for a more in-depth take on these unusual spots!

8. Find your favorite story at Brattle Books

When you’re walking the Freedom Trail, take a detour to Brattle Book Shop. This independent bookstore is full of three stories of used and antique books, as well as vintage post cards and other old bric a brac.

My favorite part of this book store, though, are the murals in the empty lot next to the shop. You might not find what you’re looking for inside the book store, but you’ll definitely recognize some of the larger than life titles in the murals.

9. Smoots on the Harvard Bridge

What’s a smoot, you ask? The better question is who is a smoot!

The Harvard Bridge, aka the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, is measured in feet—but also in “smoots,” after Oliver Smoot. He was an MIT student and, as a totally weird prank, he and his fraternity brothers measured the length of this bridge by how many Smoots it would take lying end-to-end to cross it. The answer: 364.4 smoots!

When you cross this bridge, which connects Boston’s Back Bay to Cambridge, you’ll see numbers on the asphalt every so often. These colorful numbers mark the number of smoots from that part of the bridge.

Fill your itinerary with different things to do in Boston

When I travel, I of course like to see the sights and do the activities that are likely on everyone’s itinerary. But I also like to stray off the beaten path to find different things to do—you know, the adventures that surprise people when you talk about your vacation.

That’s why I’m so excited to have shared this list of fun—and weird—things to do in Boston. I’m betting there are at least a few recommendations that you’ve never heard of. Am I right??!

So whether you’re traveling to Boston for just a day or much longer, put at least a few of these unique destinations on your list of things to do. You definitely won’t be disappointed!

And while you’re researching all the fun things to do in Boston, don’t forget to figure out where you’re staying. Compare locations and prices so you find a budget-friendly hotel in a neighborhood you like.

While you’re in the neighborhood, why not check out Boston’s sister city across the river? Find even more to do with these offbeat things to do and see in Cambridge!

The post Top 9 non-touristy things to do in Boston: Stray off the beaten path! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Luckily for you and me, my blogger community delivered. They shared the best Boston restaurants for budgets as well as deep pockets. They shared what to eat in Boston from breakfast through post-dinner dessert. And you have it all here: a guide of the best restaurants in Boston, complete with drool-worthy photos!

So if you’re planning Boston travel, make sure to pin, save or bookmark this post. When you’re hungry, you’ll be so glad you already know where to eat in Boston.

The best restaurants in Boston

When you’re traveling, you work up a hearty appetite. You want good food. You also don’t want to waste time wandering (on the street or across internet review sites).

So whether you’re ready to eat now or you’re planning your next Boston vacation, you’re going to love these restaurant recommendations.

Without further ado, please feast your eyes on the best restaurants in Boston, picked by a whole bunch of food-loving travel bloggers!

Best breakfast in Boston

Mike & Patty’s

Good for: breakfast sandwiches alllll day long

Within easy walking distance of the Common, but still tucked away on a quiet residential street, you’ll find Mike & Patty’s. It’s a tiny sandwich shop that almost always has a line out the door on the weekends, but don’t let that scare you away. Service here is pretty quick, and the food is incredible. 

Mike & Patty’s is known for its all-day breakfast sandwiches. Everything from the eggs (which are to die for, by the way) to the coffee is locally sourced. They have plenty of vegetarian options, and even recently added an Impossible Burger to the lunch menu!

My favorite menu item, though, is hands down their famous Fancy ($9). The Fancy comes with two fried eggs, bacon, cheese, avocado, red onions, and house mayo on the most perfect multigrain bread. If you’re looking for a grab-and-go, reasonably priced, locally made breakfast/brunch in central Boston, look no further, my friends.

Kaisa is a Colorado-based budget outdoor adventure blogger at Glam Granola Travel, who loves national parks and craft beer.

Tatte Bakery & Café 

Good for: for coffee, all-day breakfast, pastries and lunch

If walking around Boston has gotten you hungry and needing a caffeine fix, Tatte Bakery & Café is the place to go. Luckily there are several locations in the Boston, Cambridge and Brookline areas to serve up the most delicious coffee, pastries and more!

Tatte’s owner Tzurit Oz started her love for baking right in her home selling sweet delights at local farmers markets. She soon realized that she wanted to offer that home away from home feel in her own bakery and café and opened up Tatte’s first location in 2007.

Each Tatte Bakery & Café has its own unique personality welcoming you in to cool off on a hot day of exploring or a cozy place to escape the cold. You can taste her passion for baking and the high-quality ingredients in each bite! On top of having the tastiest pastries, Tatte has an assortment of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and bowls that look mouthwatering. I only wish I had time to try all of them!

Luckily for breakfast lovers, Tatte serves breakfast all day. On Friday, Saturday and Sundays a brunch menu offers more options that will start your day off with plenty of satisfaction. The latte that I sipped might be one of the best I’ve had in ages and will keep me coming back on my next visit to Boston.

Vanessa Shields is a San Diego based adventure travel blogger who has a serious addiction to travel, photography and scuba diving. Follow along on her travels at Traveling Ness.

Best lunch in Restaurants in Boston

Time Out Market

Good for: finding 15 of the city’s best chefs under one roof

On June 27, 2019, the long-awaited Time Out Market opened in Fenway’s historic Landmark Center, originally built in 1929 as a Sears, Roebuck and Company warehouse and distribution center. The warehouse was closed in 1988, and the building sat vacant for years before it was converted to an office-and-retail complex in 2000. The Market now occupies a 25,000-square-foot space that was vacated by Best Buy in 2014. 

The variety of vendors can make it difficult to decide what to eat, but you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. The food options run the gamut from vegan tacos at MC Kitchen to juicy grass-fed beef patties at Craigie Burger, so there is truly something for everyone. The two bars located at opposite ends of the food hall serve up local beers, wine, signature cocktails and mocktails, and kombucha. In addition to the indoor communal tables, there is an outdoor patio and green space, perfect for enjoying a scoop (or two, or three) of Sicilian Pistachio from Gelato & Chill.

Candice Bryan lives in NYC and blogs about her food and travel adventures at Can With A Plan.

By CHLOE

Good for: vegans and everyone wanting a healthy-plant based lunch in Boston 

A healthy and affordable meal in Boston can easily be found at by CHLOE at one of three Boston locations: Seaport, Fenway and Back Bay. If you didn’t know better you would never guess everything is vegan! By Chloe—which stylizes its name as “by CHLOE,” is 100% vegan, meaning the menu is free of meat, dairy and egg products. Their food also contains no saturated animal fats, cholesterol, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Even the most picky eaters will find something on the menu, which offers fresh delicious pesto “meatballs” and cashew “mozzarella;” spicy seitan “chorizo” tacos; and creamy macaroni and cashew “cheese” with smoked shiitakes that are surprisingly a great bacon substitute. They even offer dairy-free push-up popsicles and vegan daily-baked sweets. For those in a hurry you will find plenty of options at the Grab and Go section including cold pressed juices. 

For those on a budget the combo meal is the way to go.  For just $13.95 you get your choice of burger, fries and a drink. For just $1.50 you can add or cookie or soup for $2.50. In downtown Boston this is a bargain! If you want to try something different than what you can find everywhere else then add by CHLOE to the list. I highly recommend the guacamole burger and fries dipped in yummy beet ketchup. 

Melissa Nance is cancer survivor and blogger. Together with her husband, they are trying to see as much of the world as they can on a budget traveling in an RV and abroad. Follow along at Penny Pinching Globetrotter. 

Boston Burger Company

Good for: burgers with attitude and frappes that will blow your mind

This Boston Burger Company menu tempts with burger creations Green Monstah (think guacamole) or Kitchen Sink (think fried egg and everything else). 

Don’t forget to order dessert! The #freakfrappe offerings are equally hard to resist. Each extra-large shake is an artistic masterpiece. The Churro-ly We Can Taco About It caramel shake is chocked full of churros, choco tacos, and cinnamon toast crunch. The Red, White, and Boom shortbread frappe is riddled with berry candies, blueberry cheesecake, Swedish Fish, and rock candy.  Even the seemingly typical Oreo Frappe is nothing but typical with an Oreo garnish and crushed Oreo rim. 

I enjoyed the patio seating on Bolyston Street near Fenway Park, but it was to the delight of the passerby who couldn’t help but gaze at the incredible sight set in front of me. Best enjoyed by two and on an empty stomach!

Alicia Rovey is President of the All Fifty Club, a network for people who have or who want to visit all 50 states of the USA.

Bar Boulud

Good for: dog-friendly dining

Louie Vuitton, the French Bulldog, has dined all over the world but one of his favorite restaurants is right here in Massachusetts. Bar Boulud is the Boston outpost of celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, and this Boston restaurant has a prime location on the ground floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Dogs are allowed to dine with their humans on the seasonal terrace along Boylston Street. The waitstaff loves canine guests and will be happy to provide a fresh bowl of water for your pup.

Humans can enjoy a wide range of cocktails and wines. Bar Boulud’s menu features a mix of traditional French and local New England cuisine. Louie always begs for a bite of the “Frenchie,” a burger topped with pork belly confit and raclette cheese. You can find sandwiches like the “Frenchie” on the lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus. Bar Boulud also offers breakfast seven days a week. 

Jenna Emmons created Dog Friendly Travel to show people how easy it is to travel with a pet. Her Muse is Louie Vuitton, a 5-year-old French Bulldog. They have visited ten different countries together.

Pho Pasteur

Good for: those chilly Boston days when you’re looking for something a little different than clam chowder 

Ironically situated in Boston’s Chinatown district, this Vietnamese restaurant in Boston is a favorite haunt of those seeking a steaming hot bowl of heaven. While the menu at Pho Pasteur includes several pages of appetizers, salads, and other traditional Vietnamese food items, the quintessential dish you need to order is a large bowl of pho.

Thinly sliced meat, loads of green veggies and thin noodles all swim in a deep vat of rich, brown broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for days. Along with the oversized bowl that can potentially feed a small army, you’re presented with some “extra” toppings: bean sprouts, basil, and lime. Add liberally and top with a few squirts from the ever-present bottle of Sriracha.

The complexity of the pho is thankfully offset by the inexpensive price tag. Don’t be fooled by the simple and out-of-date décor – Pho Pasteur is the perfect place to pop in for scrumptious traditional Vietnamese dishes as a pick-me-up on those bone-chilling Boston days.

Rachelle Gordon is the writer behind Adventure is Never Far Away and constantly strives to push others to have adventures in their everyday lives, no matter where they are. 

Boston Public Library Courtyard Tea Room

The Boston Public Library isn’t the first place you’d think of having a cocktail or indulging in high tea but get prepared for a surprise, actually two. The entrance is one of the most modest in the National Historic Registry site. Follow signs on the main floor just right of the entrance.

A tale of two teas begins as you enter the Map Room. The first room opens into dark splendor punctuated by the glow of Edison bulb fixtures. This is a more casual spot for afternoon tea or tippling than the Courtyard Tea Room.

The Map Room’s vaulted ceiling and walls are lined with bricks and massive maps hang above burnished metal tables. The centerpiece bar features literary-themed cocktails like Tequila Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye, and the Dorian Gray. Each is inspired by the books or features spirits favored by the authors. The room is open for Afternoon Tea Fri., Sat. 11:30 am–4:45 pm Sun. 1:00 pm–4:45 pm Bar Wed., Thurs. 3:00 pm–9:00 pm. 

You can also follow the light into a more rarefied ambiance just beyond the corner archway. The elegant Courtyard Tea Room overlooks the Italianate courtyard through tall atrium windows. Luxurious afternoon teas are served in a formal setting beneath chandeliers, in a room filled with white, burnished silver, and teal accents.

The delicious tea sandwiches are small works of art and served with a first-course salad or gazpacho (in summer). Tiny sweets fill the second tier of the serving tray with small, round scones on the top accompanied by jars of lemon curd, marmalade. and butter.

It’s more affordable than other high teas in Boston but not a budget experience. Still, make memories here in the busy Back Bay neighborhood, enjoy a special date or girlfriend’s rendezvous over tea.

Open during Library hours: Wed.–Sat. 11:30 am–5:00 pm and Sun. 1:00 pm–5:00 pm Reservations are highly suggested.

Elaine Masters is a boomer blogger/freelance travel writer and videographer on a mindful mission to help gals and their pals go easy, travel well. Follow along at Trip Well Gal.

Dig Inn

Good for: healthy and quick bowls

When I’m traveling, I usually want just a quick lunch—after all, I want to maximize my time for exploring a new place. The same went for my time in Boston, so Dig Inn was the ideal spot for lunch in Boston!

Dig Inn specializes in healthy bowls for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. You can order one of their signature bowls or create your own. Then you choose from a handful of sauces, from pesto to a garlicky aioli.

Whatever you do—and whatever your dietary preferences—do yourself a favor and get both the vegan Cashew Kale Caesar as well as the roasted, crispy cauliflower. I could have eaten a giant bowl of just those two by themselves!

With four locations of local Dig Inn restaurants, it’s easy to eat a healthy lunch in Boston.

Best dinner restaurants in Boston

Union Oyster House

Good for: oysters with a side of history

Union Oyster House on Boston’s Union Street has been serving diners since 1826, making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Now that’s quite a claim! 

The building housing the Union Oyster House looks remarkably similar to the photos of the location in times past: wood paneling, low ceilings, narrow stairs—and lots of charm. 

The restaurant boasts tons of New England history.  The first newspaper in the United States was published on the upper floors where a future king of France also taught French. Daniel Webster ate there almost daily when he was in town. He is rumored to have downed whiskey and oysters at the circular bar. In more recent times the Kennedy clan patronized this Boston restaurant; in fact, one spot displays a plaque declaring it the “Kennedy Booth.”

As is the case with all the best Boston restaurants, it’s all about the food! The Union Oyster House specializes in seafood with a focus on oysters, as you might guess from its name. You can sit at the circular bar by the entrance, watch staff shuck oysters expertly and down the tasty tidbits with a mug of ice-cold local craft beer. And all at reasonable prices.

The bottom line: When in Boston, check out the Union Oyster House for the history as well as the food. 

Talek Nantes is an author and the founder of the travel blog, Travels with Talek, where she shares travel tips, advice and inspiration to help travelers create their own unique travel experiences. 

The Warren Tavern

Good for: refueling for your Freedom Trail walk

In the Charlestown section of Boston is one of the oldest dining establishments in Massachusetts, the Warren Tavern. Built in 1780, this tavern was visited my many of our founding fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. The low ceilings and large wooden beams make it immediately apparent that this is a historic place.

But the Warren Tavern offers more than just history, it also serves some tasty food. Like any self-respecting restaurant in Boston, there is always a selection of fresh and local oysters on the menu along with a highly rated clam chowder. Classic tavern fare includes burgers, wings and shepherd’s pie. Being a bar, there are plenty of good beers and ciders on tap.

While the tavern isn’t technically on the Freedom Trail, many visitors opt to add this stop at some point in order to refuel and experience history through one of our country’s most historic restaurants.

Wendy Lee writes for Empty Nesters Hit The Road, a website dedicated to inspiring couples 50+ to travel more.

Toro

Good for: delicious paella and Spanish tapas

When you need a break from the crowded streets of the North End and Seaport District, head to the South End for some of Boston’s best kept secrets. One of those is Toro, a Spanish tapas restaurant serving Barcelona-inspired hot and cold tapas.

Created by James Beard award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, you’re bound to have an incredible meal. The intimate space does not accept reservations for dinner, so be prepared to arrive early and wait for a table. You can also put your name in at the bar for the first available seats. Don’t be deterred by the wait, as Toro is well worth it!

Start with a glass of wine or craft cocktail while perusing the menu. The star of the show is the Paella Valenciana and is an absolute must. Don’t even think about going to Toro and not ordering it! The dish is made for two and you’ll need to allow at least 30 minutes for preparation.

In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy a few tapas dishes. If on the menu, order the Brussels Sprouts. I’ve never tasted better sprouts. Seafood lovers will enjoy the garlic shrimp, and you can’t go wrong with marinated olives and Marcona almonds. Overall, this is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston!

Jen is an adventurer at heart, blogging at Fit & Fun Travel. She is passionate about health and fitness and strives to incorporate exercise and clean eating into travel.

Fuji at Inkblot

Good for: seriously decadent sushi

Sushi topped with gold flakes is not what I was expecting when I stepped into Fuji at Inkblot, but there it was, and according to the waiter it was one of the best things on the menu. 

The menu includes a wide array of sushi and hot dishes including a variety of fried rices and my favorite of the night, the soy glazed ribs. Everything that came to our table got top marks. The service was quick and attentive; the diners were subdued and quiet, too. 

Overall it was an excellent meal at a Boston restaurant and one I would revisit the next time I’m in town. If sushi topped with gold is too fancy for what you’re looking for, don’t worry: They have regular, unadorned sushi right on the other side of the menu. 

Fuji at Inkblot is a good choice for a date night, or any occasion when you want a nice dinner restaurant in Boston, and you want to hear your companions.

Roshida Dowe is an expat, avid traveler, and adult gap year coach, blogging at Shida’s on the Loose.  

Scopa 

Good for: delicious Italian pasta and pizza, without the long waits of some of its neighbors.  

Scopa is a great choice for dinner in the center of Boston’s North End, directly across Hannover Street from Mike’s Pastry. We first ended up at Scopa by default when the restaurant we planned to eat at had a 52 person wait at 7 pm on a Saturday night. Scopa had a table available in its 22 seat space, and we were seated immediately. While the convenience got us in the door, the food is why we’ll return.  

Start your meal with fiche gratinati, roasted figs rolled with guanciale and goat cheese, rosemary, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The three-portion serving ($12) is a great way to begin your evening, especially alongside the complimentary bread freshly prepared in the brick pizza oven. 

While the pizzas ($12-15) are nicely prepared in the brick oven as well, the pastas ($20-28) are even better. The portions are not huge but are well-prepared. The mostly Italian wine list is reasonably priced. Like many other North End Boston restaurants, Scopa doesn’t serve dessert; enjoy a coffee or another glass of wine while you keep an eye on the line across the street at Mike’s Pastry.  Then pick up dessert there or down the street at Modern Pastry, depending on your cannoli preferences . . . or try one of each!

Amy M. Gardner and her husband, Keith R. Sbiral, are Chicago-based certified career development and transition coaches who share travel and photography tips through their website, Red Dot Blue Dot.         

Giacomo’s Ristorante

Good for: authentic Italian

Giacomo’s Ristorante is one of the top Italian restaurants in Boston for a good reason. Only open for dinner, the food is delicious and has an authentic feel in an intimate setting. Because Giacomo’s offers such a small dining area, you’ll often see patrons lining up starting around 4-4:30 in order to ensure they are in the first round of seating.

I personally love spicy food, so I recommend any of their pastas with the fra diavolo sauce, but there are several sauce options to choose from. We went with some shrimp over linguine which was excellent; it’s so flavorful and filling for a reasonable price.

If you’re going with a group to this Boston Italian restaurant, I recommend buying a few plates and eating family style to really get a chance to try all the amazing combinations Giacomo’s has to offer. The most famous flagship restaurant is in Boston’s North End, but most people don’t know that there is a second South End restaurant tucked away in Back Bay, with slightly smaller crowds. I recommend stopping in the South End, but you really can’t go wrong either way. Just be prepared to come hungry!

Danielle Schleig is a beer enthusiast, avid hiker, and bookworm traveling throughout the US 50 states and beyond! Find her at Wanderlust While Working.

O Ya 

Good for: the most special of occasions

Boston is justly famous for its casual restaurant and cheap eats. But sometimes a bowl of clam chowder or a dive bar won’t do. Sometimes you want to take someone out for dinner and really go for broke. On those occasions, O Ya is the perfect place to go.

O Ya is owned by Boston native Tim Cushman and his wife Nancy. It is regularly ranked not only as one of the best sushi restaurants in Boston but also one of the top sushi restaurants in the country. It’s necessary to reserve well in advance because of this Boston restaurant’s small size. Most people are seated at tables, but solo diners will probably be placed at the chef’s counter where you can watch all the action.

You can order sushi a la carte, but they have many other Japanese options like soba noodles and vegetable or egg dishes.

However, if you’re really looking to splurge, get the 17 course omakase (chef’s choice) menu. The chef will present you with a dizzying array of creative dishes from king crab to cobia with banana pepper to spinach and caviar with plankton butter. Just go easy with the wine pairings! They can give up to eight full glasses of wine, which is more than enough for one person.

Stella Jane specializes in writing humorous 24 hour travel itineraries, which she shares at Around the World in 24 Hours.

Shojo

Good for: modern Asian tapas

Shojo is located right in the center of Chinatown in Boston, MA. Shojo sticks out in Chinatown because it has a more modern look to its building, and its menu as well!

This Boston restaurant’s menu is full of items that are perfect to share with the table. We first ordered the Kimchi Rice because we kept seeing waiters bring it out for other tables and it just looked so good. This is a huge portion of rice, so it is a great one to share with the whole table—even our kids loved it.

Another favorite that we got was the Bulgogi Beef Baos. We really had a hard time not ordering one of everything, and the portions are big so make sure to come hungry!

Try Shojo if you’re looking for a great restaurant in Boston and modern Asian cuisine. I would suggest making a reservation for dinner to avoid a wait. Also, it is worth noting that the atmosphere in the restaurant is very loud and they played some awesome music during our meal! 

While Shojo isn’t your traditional dim sum restaurant, it’s an exciting Boston restaurant with modern menu of a wide variety of options. So be sure to share with your whole table!

The Patsey family loves to travel in the United States and find the best food everywhere they visit. Follow along this family of four’s adventures at Patsey Family Travels.

Best dessert in Boston

Mike’s Pastry

Good for: the best cannolis in Boston

Founded in 1946, Mike’s Pastry is a favorite for both tourists and local Bostonians. Mike’s original location is in the historic North End of Boston on Hanover Street. However, they recently opened second and third locations in Cambridge and Somerville. 

If you want to experience amazing dessert in Boston, Mike’s true Italian cannolis should be your pick. Depending on time of your visit, be prepared for a short wait as the line at Hanover Street can be out the door during peak times. But don’t let the wait scare you as they are very organized and keep the line moving. 

While you can’t go wrong with any of the pastries including cookies, macaroons and more, the thing to order is a cannoli. They have many flavors from which to choose, but you can’t go wrong with the traditional. 

When visiting Boston, you should add Mike’s Pastry to your list of things to try—you won’t be disappointed!

Nancy Williams loves visiting new places and experiencing new things which is the foundation for her blog, Checking It Off the List.

L.A. Burdick Chocolates 

Good for: a sugar fix and a moment of escape from sightseeing and crowds

L.A. Burdick Chocolates is a calm oasis in a busy area. Located just two blocks away from the Boston Public Library, L.A. Burdick Chocolates is a chocolate shop, cafe, and bakery all rolled into one. When you walk in the lovely wooden tables, pastel colors, and brass chandelier will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe.

Despite the beautiful ambience and world class chocolates, their drinks and pastries remain affordable. They have plenty of options for tea lovers, coffee lovers, and don’t forget their multiple choices of drinking chocolates!

For chocolate lovers, there are freshly made bonbons and bars of chocolates made from sustainable cacao. Treat yourself to a cake, drink, or chocolates. (I recommend the chocolate croissant and Earl Grey bonbon!)

To top it all off, L.A. Burdick Chocolates partners with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization committed to conserve and protect African elephants. Ten percent of the proceeds from their elephant chocolate lines go to support the trust. L.A. Burdick Chocolates started in New Hampshire and there are now five locations across the U.S. (including another location in Cambridge), with a new Washington D.C. location opening in the fall of 2019. 

Rose Trafford operates The Compass Rose Co, where she helps people travel more easily through insider tips and miles/points hacks—and mostly stays out of trouble along the way. 

Flour Bakery + Cafe

Good for: Breakfast, lunch, pastries, and dessert 

Flour Bakery is a refuge to morning commuters and those who need a quick lunch break, but they’re also absolutely worth your time when visiting Boston. With seven locations, plus their office where they lead classes, you’re bound to be in an area where there is one. Keep in mind though, that they can be quite busy during morning and lunch hours, so try to go during an off-peak time so you can grab a table and enjoy the atmosphere (and the fantastic bakery smells) while you enjoy your meal and treats. Or, perhaps, take it to go if you’re at the Clarendon Street location and enjoy a picnic in Copley Square! 

The sandwiches and salads at this Boston bakery are made-to-order (their balsamic dressing is delicious by the way), and they have a wide array of desserts and pastries. Pictured here is their triple chocolate mousse cake, which absolutely melted in my mouth.

Flour Bakery + Cafe has everything from cakes to cupcakes, tarts to tartlettes, pies to cookies, crumb bars to macaroons, muffins to scones, croissants to sticky buns, and so much more! Let’s just say, it’s worth saving your sweet tooth for Flour—you won’t regret it! 

Kate Bispham is a virtual assistant, travel consultant and founder of New England Women Travel; find her at Detailed Journeys. 

Blackbird Doughnuts

Good for: donut ice cream sandwiches (yes that’s really a thing)

Whether you spell ’em doughnuts or donuts, or eat them for breakfast or dessert, there’s no arguing that Blackbird makes some of the best donuts in Boston. But to really step it up a notch, pick your favorite donut flavor—then have them turn it into an ice cream sandwich.

Your doughy, sprinkle-bedecked donut is cut in half and filled with a disc of delicious vanilla ice cream. They’ll even put extra sprinkles on the edge so it looks extra-pretty.

I’ve never heard of donut ice cream sandwiches before heading to Boston. So while you’re here, you do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind Boston dessert.

If, however, you’re still full from your previous meal, you can always get a baggie of mini-doughnuts. They’re adorable—and shareable—so you can taste these amazing Boston donuts without stuffing yourself.

Where to eat in Boston

Are you hungry yet? I sure am. I have half a mind to head back to Massachusetts just so I can eat at these Boston restaurants!

Do you have any recommendations not covered here? Where would be the top of your list of where to eat in Boston? Share below in the comments… unless you’ve already run to the kitchen to satisfy your cravings!

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When I was a kid, my dad and I watched scary movies every chance we got. We formed the “Spook Club,” complete with a secret handshake and weekly scary movie screenings. So when I recently traveled to Boston, it felt like Young Me’s dream come true to go on a real-live ghost tour.

The Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour was not only majorly creepy; it was also historically accurate. I ended up learning about Boston’s dark past: serial killers, grave robbers, haunted lighthouses and more!

If you’re looking for weird things to do, this ghost tour in Boston review has all the details you need—the good, the bad, and, yes, the scary!

Ghosts and Gravestones Tour Boston: The experience

This Boston Ghost Tour starts out on the Trolley of the Doomed, an open-air trolley that takes its passengers to some of the city’s darkest spots. A totally creepy tour guide—in the full-on persona of a murdered character—gets you in the spooky spirit.

My friend Eugenia and I made the mistake/totally awesome decision to sit right in the front of the Trolley of the Doomed. Why was it a mistake? We were the closest, easiest “victims” to our tour guide.

Dressed as a murdered gravedigger, our Boston Ghost Tour guide stalked around the trolley—and at one point pulled out a gift for me: an eyeball!

Although making eye contact with a seemingly deceased, definitely crazy tour guide was risky, it made the experience a lot more fun. The cast members of the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour all committed to their personas!

A Boston ghost graveyard tour: What to expect

On the trolley, you’ll travel to several spooky sites in Boston. Expect to get out of the trolley to walk a few blocks to each location on this Boston haunted tour.

Your tour guide will tell true stories about the grisly happenings of days gone by—and you’ll be right in the midst of where they happened!

Our tour guide was engaging—and hilarious. He got everyone involved and made us crack up with clever, and sometimes off-color, jokes.

The tour lasted an hour and 40 minutes, leaving us back where we started.

Ghosts tour in Boston: The good and the bad

The storytelling on the Ghosts and Gravestones Boston tour was terrific: We were hanging on every word, waiting to hear the end to each haunted tale. This certainly makes it one of the best ghost tours in Boston and I definitely came away a lot smarter about Boston’s history.

I noticed that one woman, who was older, had a hard time keeping up with the group as we walked from the parked Trolley of the Doomed to the haunted Boston houses and sites. To get to all the sites within the tour’s time, we walked rather quickly, and she looked worn out by the end. So I couldn’t recommend the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour to people with mobility issues.

This Boston ghost tour also doesn’t allow children under the age of 6 for clear reasons: The tour is definitely scary, and it involves a few jump scares (someone popping out unexpectedly). The company recommends that kids under 13 stay at home, and I totally agree. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable bringing littles or pre-teens in part because of suggestive and grisly jokes, as well as the occasional swear word.

Ghosts and Gravestones Tour: Boston logistics

If you’re intrigued by the idea of joining one of these ghost tours in Boston, and touring haunted sites with a murdered gravedigger, here are the details you need:

• You’ll need to make a reservation for most haunted tours in Boston. On the weeknight I went on the tour, two of the three tours were sold out. You can buy Ghosts and Gravestones tickets here.
• The tour leaves from Boston’s Long Wharf. Look for the Old Town Trolley Tours green and orange sign, next to Tia’s, at 200 Atlantic Ave.
• Tickets cost $42 for adults and $37 for kids 6-12. (Remember my caveat above, on who I don’t recommend the tour to). A portion of each ticket sale goes to the Boston Historic Burying Grounds Initiative, which preserves the landmarks you’ll visit on the tour.

The bottom line: I would definitely do another ghost tour in Boston! I hope my Ghosts and Gravestones Tour review helped you decide if you’re ready to be terrified on a tour—or would rather stay on the safer tourist track.

If you’re in Boston and like things off the beaten path, check out my post on weird things to do in Cambridge, too!

The post Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour review: Is This the Best Ghost Tour in Boston? appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Yes, you’ll probably want to do the usual Cambridge activities: walking across the Longfellow Bridge, hanging out on the Harvard University library steps. But if you’re looking for something different to do in Cambridge, I got you covered.

Here, you’ll find out about a hidden rooftop garden, the secret home of a beloved childhood character and a place to see a whale skeleton as long as a bus. Intrigued? Then you’ll want to read on for weird things to do in Cambridge!

Surprising + different things to do in Cambridge

Discover a secret rooftop garden in Cambridge

I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that after a while in a big city, you want a little peace. I found just that when I stumbled across the Kendall Square Rooftop Garden in Cambridge, a few minutes’ walk from the Kendall/MIT stop on the T red line. This hidden rooftop garden is at the top of an inconspicuous parking garage, located at 4 Cambridge Center. You’ll walk (or take the elevator) up six floors until you reach the door with an R (for “roof”) on it.

When you step outside, you find yourself amid lush greenery, benches and even a ping pong table. The plants grow high enough to block much of the street traffic noise from below, so you hear more birdsong and less honking horns.

Whether you spend 5 minutes or an hour at this rooftop garden in Cambridge, you won’t regret taking the path less traveled!

Check out Cambridge street art

In the last decade, a bunch of new murals in Cambridge have popped up along Massachusetts Avenue. The most distinctive area to find Cambridge street art is Graffiti Alley, next to 565 Massachusetts Ave. A multicolored roof spans the alley (perfect for drizzly days, like the one when I was looking for different things to do in Cambridge!). The real star, of course, is the street art in Graffiti Alley.

Once you walk the alley, don’t stop. Several lovely murals are nearby, including one depicting a joyous neighborhood potluck. And if you walk up Massachusetts Avenue toward Harvard, you’ll stroll past a bunch more.

Find Winnie the Pooh’s House in Harvard

Forget the Hundred Acre Wood; according to local legend, Winnie the Pooh’s House is in Harvard.

A creative Cambridge resident installed a teeny tiny door in the trunk of a tree decades ago. That tree was eventually cut down to make room for new construction, but now Pooh’s house in Harvard is in a tree stump.

Here’s how to find it: From Harvard Yard, walk toward the Harvard Science Building. If you’re looking at the main entrance, take a left. Walk along the patio, where students hang out on sunny days, and turn right at the edge of the building. You’ll soon spy a red shingle roof next to a bike rack.

Unfortunately, Pooh’s House in Harvard has seen better days. When I visited, I was disappointed to see the door had been torn off. I sure hope someone repairs Pooh’s House soon. Where is he supposed to eat his honey?!

Make friends with fossils at the Harvard Natural History Museum

In an unassuming brick building that looks much like all the others on the Harvard campus, you’ll find thousands of beetles, several whale skeletons as long as a room and a tube full of rainbow-colored bacteria.

The Harvard Natural History Museum is more extensive than I had anticipated. What’s more, this museum in Cambridge is worth a stop even if you only see its star exhibit: the glass flowers. First thing in entering the Harvard Natural History Museum, you’ll see more than 4,000 replicas of flowers and other plants, all painstakingly crafted in glass. I am positive getting an up-close look at these insanely detailed specimens count as something different to do in Cambridge!

When you look at these works of art up close, you simply can’t tell that they’re not real. I was astounded at the detail, color and realistic precision a father-son duo created in the 1800s, all out of glass.

But don’t stop at the glass flowers! Continue on to see microorgaisms squiggling around in pond water (take a peek through the microscope yourself), dinosaur fossils, a room full of precious minerals and stones, and exhibits highlighting animals of the Northeast.

What’s more, admission to the Harvard Natural History Museum also gets you entry to the Peabody Museum, housed in the same building, which focuses on anthropology.

Wind around the Harvard Divinity School labyrinth

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Harvard Natural History Museum, you’ll find a small labyrinth. This tucked-away spot is easy to miss, but it encourages visitors to slow down and look inward as they walk its winding path. It’s not a maze—there’s no ending up in a dead end or getting “lost”—but it’s meant to take a few minutes to slowly walk through it.

Find the Harvard Divinity School labyrinth directly next to Rockefeller Hall. Look for a little secluded patio with a few tables and chairs.

Off the beaten path Cambridge, Massachusetts

If you’re going to Massachusetts and are looking for different things to do in Cambridge, you just found ‘em. After all, once you check out the usual attractions in Boston and Cambridge, you’ll be ready for a change of pace.

Did I miss anything? Have you been to Cambridge, Mass.? Please comment below!

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