Boston Guide : 24 hours in Boston

A good english friend of me, Charlotte, organised a BBQ for her upcoming birthday and I received an invite via Facebook. Boston was always at the back of my mind, but I never put a day on it. After a few hours of hesitating, I finally decided to hurt my debit card and get a bus ticket to Boston. I only spent two days there, but absolutely fell in love with the city and its beautiful architecture. Boston is special in that, while you feel like you’re living in a big multicultural city, a lot of main sights are at a walking distance. The city has also put into place a “freedom trail”, which is a red line going all over the city through 16 historical monuments, a lot of which are somehow related to America’s early years and its independence. I had the chance to grab a pizza slice at Regina Pizzeria and judge for myself the taste of it. It was really, really good. I went for chicken and broccoli, and actually dropped my first slice as I was about to sit down and take a picture of it. On the floor. So I had to rush and get another one. I know, I know, #clumsyray. If you happen to visit Boston for a day, here are the main sites you should not miss:

 

• Brunch at Tridents Booksellers & Coffeshop (on Newbury Street)

One thing I adore about America are its brunches, which are the only ones I would rate above Moroccan ones (I know, I’m totally biaised). I love bookshops and I love brunches, what more to ask for? Their pancakes and French toast are out from this world, but as a good egg lover I decided to create my own omelett. You can also subsistute eggs for egg whites for an additional $3 if you which.

 

• Newbury Street

As you’re already on Newbury Street, walk down the street towards Downtown. The street is known for its cute red brick buildings and independent shops. Absolutely lovely.

 

• Beacon Hill & Acorn Street

Beacon Hill is not only the neighborhood where I might own a house when I am rich and retired, it’s also a cute red brick neighborhood with lots of beautiful houses and plenty of flowers – if you visit in spring or summer. There are also many Instagramable spots out there. Make sure you check Acorn Street, one of the most Instagramed spot in Beacon Hill.

 

• Boston Common and Public Gardens

The Common Garden, opened in 1634, it’s one of the oldest park in the States. The Public Garden, adjacent to it, was established in 1837. The two are close to the current State House, which is part of the freedom trail.

 

• Old State House and Boston Massacre Site

The Old State House is located at the intersection of Washington and State Streets. Built in 1713, the Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston. It has been seat of the colony government, then seat of the state government. Its walls have housed many important meetings in the history of the USA. Since 1881, it is a museum, managed by the Bostonian Society. Make sure you take a picture of the famous white balcony, where the declaration of independence was first read in 1776.

Just under the white balcony is located the exact place where the Boston Massacre happened. The Massacre happened on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers shot and killed people during a mob, while they were being attacked. Among those killed was Crispus Attucks, a man of either African or Native American descent. The event would mark the start of the American Revolution.

 

• Faneuil Hall

The market is situated in an old historical building of the eighteenth century. In 2008, this was the 4^th most visited touristic site in the USA according to Forbes Traveler. The market is named after Peter Faneuil, a Bostonian businessman who financially contributed to its construction. The hall is also home to Boston’s Classical Orchestra since 1980.

 

• Lunch at Quincy Market (Regina Pizzeria)

This is another market, built in the nineteenth century as there was a growing need for more business places. The market now has lots of restaurants and stores to buy some souvenirs. Make sure to grab a pizza slice at Regina Pizzeria, Boston’s most famous Italian pizza, before continuing your visit. On each side of the market, North Market Street and South Market Street are two animated street you should make sure to pass by.

 

• Boston Skyline at Maverick (Blue Line towards Wonderland)

Going to Maverick, you can walk down to the pier (a seven min walk from the station) and get a wonderful view over Boston’s skyline.

 

• Harvard (Red Line of the T towards Alewife)

No trip to Boston is complete without a trip to Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, MA (the Harvard Station is on the red line of the T towards Alewife, a 20min ride from downtown Boston). Make sure you don’t miss Harvard Yard, which can be seen below.

 

• Dinner at The Red House (Cambridge, MA)

This restaurant is just by Harvard’s campus, so make sure you eat some lobster before leaving Boston.