Get a jump on Spring in downtown Boston
tra-vuh-ler
Young Boston resident & downtown employee
May 1, 2006
based on 6 votes
A perfect day in the best season in Boston- leisurely strolls, outdoor shopping, the best food- it has it all (especially for the budget conscious!).
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Explore locations featured in this goList:
Boston
- Category: Perfect day
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Seniors, Students, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Spring, Summer
- Tags: Boston, spring, budget, walking, food, gourmet, cheap
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| Get an unbelievably cheap and delicious breakfast at this closet-sized restaurant on Charles Street. Seating is only available after you get your food- but don't despair if it's full; the rules here are to dine and dash, no lingering longer than necessary. |
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| More window shopping can be found along Charles Street's many boutiques in quaint Beacon Hill. Huff and puff up the hill to see the Statehouse's golden dome. |
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| Take a leisurely late morning stroll through the beautiful formal Public Garden: take your photo with the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues near the north-east corner of the garden (nearest the Common), ride the historic pedal-powered Swan Boats, and don't forget to bring a few slices of bread to feed the ducks, geese, swans, and squirrels! |
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| Once you're done with the Public Garden, you're in the perfect place for a little retail therapy! The west side of the Public Garden will bring you to Newbury Street - Boston's most famous (and expensive!) shopping district. Start at one end near the Garden for the most exclusive and expensive, and make your way to the more urban and funky at the other. Some larger chain stores have moved in (H&M, Victoria's Secret), but there are mostly small boutiques to browse. |
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| At the far end of Newbury Street (the funky end!) is a small cafe serving up healthy and relatively cheap sandwiches and entrees- a perfect place to stop for lunch if all that window shopping has made you peckish. They have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the day and have a great meal without breaking the bank. |
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| If you're lucky, you can score tickets to a Red Sox game (standing room only tickets are a good deal if your feet aren't too tired), and see why Boston fans have the reputation that they do! |
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| Take a ride to the top of Boston's tallest tower and take in the 360-degree view of the entire city and surrounding areas. Don't bother eating at the restaurant - it's nice for very special occasions, but the food isn't worth the price. |
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| You can't visit Boston without checking out the Freedom Trail. By following the ubiquitous red line painted around the city, you'll see most of Boston's Revolutionary War heritage, including Paul Revere's house and the famous "one if by land, two if by sea" church. |
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The Freedom Trail leads you right into the heart of the North End, Boston's "little Italy" (but don't let the locals hear you call it that). You can't help but get hungry as you pass restaurant after delicious-smelling restaurant.
Everyone will give you different advice about which is the best restaurant in the North End. If you're feeling brave, ask one of the many locals that sit out on their front steps. |
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This is one pick for a great restaurant in the North End. However, there's often a huge line waiting to get in (a testament to the incredible food being served inside).
If you can make a reservation, do so. If not, see how long the wait is; it'll be worth it. |
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If you don't have time to wait for Giacomo's, head over to this little hole-in-the-wall on Salem St. There's never a line, and the food is absolutely top notch.
Darn- I just gave away my secret favorite restaurant. Oh well, the people here are so friendly, I don't mind giving them the business, even if it means I'll have to eventually wait for a table. |
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12. Bova's Bakery
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| Mike's on Hanover St. is the more famous bakery, but Bova's had the advantage of being less busy, meaning you have to wait less time to get your hands on some seriously delicious pastry. |
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You know that money you've been saving all day? Spend it here.
Finish your Perfect Day with some perfect drinks at one of the classiest bars in town. Relax in style at one of the mahogany tables.
It also doesn't hurt to ask for a bowl of nuts; these aren't your run-of-the-mill bar nuts. These are premium mixed nuts, served warm and toasted. A perfect compliment to the many mixed drinks they serve. |
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