A Boston and Cambridge Travel Guide for First Timers.

This summer season, I landed up within the Boston space, each excited and nervous. This was no abnormal journey or work task. It was the fruits of a journey that started 2.5 years in the past – an instructional pursuit at one of many world’s oldest educational establishments, Harvard University.

During this final section of my Master’s in Sustainability, I lived the coed life in Somerville, frequented Harvard Square for lectures and analysis discussions, explored the city forests and parks of Boston, adopted the robust ‘buy local’ motion in Cambridge, sampled vegan-friendly cafés and eating places within the Boston space, and skilled Boston’s distinctive 4th of July (Independence Day) celebration!

I used to be visiting Boston for the primary time, and located it surprisingly laborious to search out credible suggestions on-line. So I made a decision to create this Boston journey information on the place to remain (each for vacationers and short-medium time period stays), and attention-grabbing issues to do in Boston.

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Is Boston price visiting?

I wouldn’t say Boston is one in all my favorite cities on the earth. But if work or educational inclinations take you there, it positive has sufficient to maintain you busy for just a few days!

It took me some time to know how Boston, Cambridge and Somerville relate to one another. Simply put, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts state. Cambridge is its personal metropolis (and residential to Harvard), however thought-about a suburb of the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area. Similarly, Somerville is each a metropolis and a suburb of Greater Boston. I lived in Somerville, studied in Cambridge, and explored a good bit of Boston.

How many days are sufficient in Boston?

That is determined by you, however for a mean vacationer, I’d say 3-5 days. The metropolis isn’t low-cost, and 3-5 days are sufficient to discover the highlights whereas additionally slowing down a bit.

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Things to do and see in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville

Go on a metropolis hike in Arnold Arboretum

As a lot as I cherished spending time on the Harvard campus, I sorely missed being nearer to nature. So when an Instagram good friend from Harvard Medical School invited me to hitch her on a hike in a metropolis forest, I needed to go! I learnt there that the Arnold Arboretum is managed by Harvard, and residential to 2000+ species of bushes and vegetation, throughout 280 preserved acres. Over some heartwarming conversations, we hiked up the light hills, noticed an excellent purple cardinal, and marvelled on the historical bushes that line the paths.

Take the orange line to Forest Hills station to get there.

Attend the 4th of July Declaration on the Old State House

I used to be a bit skeptical about attending 4th of July celebrations within the US as a result of they haven’t any point out of Native American communities that in some ways, are nonetheless disadvantaged of their freedom. But in the end I did go, and clubbed it with a studying of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech: “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

I used to be shocked to see hundreds and hundreds of individuals out on the streets on 4th morning, however managed to discover a spot on the rooftop of some constructing to listen to the studying of the 4th of July Declaration on the Old State House in Boston metropolis. It was all very “American,” with officers wearing retro uniforms, capturing retro weapons to plenty of pomp and present!

Just a few hours later, the Frederick Douglass studying felt like an entire different world, attended primarily by the Black neighborhood, and interspersed with gospel music. I made a decision to skip the 4th of July fireworks that evening, given the air air pollution surge they trigger.

See The Boston Calendar for all 4th of July occasions.

Learn about Boston’s historical past at Faneuil Hall (Boston Freedom Trail)

4th of July turned out to be the proper day to go to Faneuil Hall close by, which is called the corridor of Boston’s resistance towards British colonialism. It is a part of the Boston Freedom Trail, and whereas I didn’t do the whole path, I appreciated studying about some vital moments of resistance on the museum right here, whereas additionally studying about modern challenges within the US. One of those is redlining, a apply that denies credit score to Americans based mostly on the place they dwell (largely decided by ethnicity) quite than instructional or skilled historical past.

If you’re a historical past buff, contemplate doing a guided strolling tour of the Boston Freedom Trail!

Visit Boston’s North End Italian District

When native pals despatched me ideas for visiting Boston, one factor that all the time featured on them was a stroll alongside the North End Italian District. Those cobbled streets are certainly stuffed with character, very similar to the outdated city of a European metropolis. Think quirky homes and old-fashioned Italian eating places and bakeries. Sadly they aren’t vegan-friendly although.

Soak in Boston’s mental vibe at Harvard University and the MIT Campus

I used to be shocked to be taught that the Boston space is house to some 64 universities and faculties, of which Harvard and MIT are probably the most well-known. I’m not a fan of the ultra-busy and lately gentrified Harvard Square, however the Harvard campus, unfold out on either side of the Charles River, is such an oasis. I used to be fortunate to attend lectures at Harvard Yard, which is house to a number of the oldest buildings of the establishment, together with the long-lasting Widener Library. The out of doors campus grounds are open to the general public as effectively, and I extremely advocate visiting – particularly on a student-led strolling tour.

I additionally cherished the MIT campus, with its iconic Great Dome, which overlooks the Charles River. Strolling by these campuses, excited about all the nice thinkers from everywhere in the world who studied at these historical establishments, was quite humbling.

Go for a swim on the Upper Mystic Lake

With a water-obsessed faculty good friend visiting the town, I landed up on the Upper Mystic Lake on a sunny Boston day. Surrounded by oaks, maples and a few fairly upscale homes, the lake is a neighborhood favourite for swimming.

Sadly, the unusually heat climate of Boston is resulting in the expansion of invasive species on the water, which the authorities select to deal with with chemical substances. Due to the contamination, swimming wasn’t suggested that weekend.

The lake is a 20 minute stroll from North Station.

Go on lengthy walks to really feel the vibe of Boston and Cambridge

After lengthy hours of engaged on my Master’s analysis, my favourite factor to do was go on lengthy walks in numerous suburbs and neighborhoods of Boston. I cherished the waterfront walkway that’s Memorial Drive, the charming outdated Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, the twentieth century Longfellow Bridge over the Charles River, the eclectic Charles Street in downtown Boston, and strolling alongside the Charles River off Harvard Square. Easily one of the simplest ways to find Boston at your individual tempo.

Join the ‘buy local’ motion in Somerville / Cambridge

Local pals all lamented the gentrification of Harvard Square. Locally owned bookstores, eclectic eateries and retailers have all been shut down, and changed by massive chains and massive manufacturers. Besides the common, overpriced meals, what shocked me most was the rampant use of single-use plastic by shops throughout Harvard Square. Even eat-in meals was usually given in takeaway bins and plastic cups – with lids and cutlery which more than likely weren’t home-compostable. This felt like a disgrace, particularly given Harvard’s robust sustainability program and affect over the distributors.

Thanks to my native hosts, I learnt concerning the robust ‘buy local’ (and acutely aware) motion in Somerville and Cambridge. Two of my favourite shops had been Pemberton Farms and Cambridge Naturals, each of which sourced a lot of their produce and merchandise domestically, and had loads of vegan and wholesome choices.

Where to not go in Boston

Acorn road

While on one in all my walks by the outdated neighborhoods of Boston, I used to be shocked to see a crowd of individuals taking pictures at Acorn Street. It was declared the “most beautiful street in Boston,” as a result of it’s nonetheless cobblestoned whereas most different streets have been paved. That means it options on many the place to go in Boston lists, however it’s a quiet residential space, and it’s apparent the locals don’t need individuals taking pictures and prying throughout their properties. I noticed indicators alongside the road saying ‘dangerous path,’ ‘private,’ and ‘this is our house’ in all places. Let’s be accountable travellers and respect native sentiment.

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How to journey round Boston

I cherished how walkable Boston, Cambridge and Somerville had been, and walked in all places I might. The T – because the Boston subway is nicknamed – could be very handy. I heard locals complain about delays, however over the three weeks I spent within the metropolis, I largely had good experiences, besides some delays at evening and alternative buses over weekends. I didn’t use the buses as a lot, however the connectivity appeared fairly good.

Buy a Charlie Card

It was laborious to determine on Boston journey blogs the right way to purchase a Charlie Card – which permits you high up a single card for a number of public transport journeys, quite than having to purchase particular person tickets every time. Ultimately, I found out that the one method to get a Charlie Card is to strategy an MBTA official on the subway station (sporting a purple t-shirt) and ask if they’ve a brand new card. The card itself is free, and I used to be capable of high it up to be used on the T and bus on the top-up machines. Subway rides price 2.40$ for a single journey (regardless of what number of stops you go), and bus rides price 1.70$.

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Where to remain in Boston (for vacationers / quick stays)

It was fairly laborious to search out cheap lodging for 3 weeks – which is neither long run, nor quick time period. I might do the remainder of my analysis remotely, so didn’t have purpose to remain longer. I thought-about scholar housing, sublets, Airbnb, guesthouses and boutique inns, and in the end settled for an Airbnb in Somerville.

It turned out to be a real Airbnb expertise, with a bunch household that lived in an outdated Boston mansion, the place I had a spacious dwelling + bed room house. I cherished staying in Somerville, which was quite a bit much less gentrified than Harvard Square, and a straightforward T experience away from campus. I had lengthy chats with my host household over breakfast, they usually even invited me to a chanting session with a few of their pals.

Boutique inns in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville

Some of the locations beneficial by pals, or the place I thought-about staying:

Downtown Boston

The Dagny Boston: This 1928 constructing was hailed as Boston’s first art-deco skyscraper – and later refurbished into the luxurious heritage resort that’s The Dagny Boston. It is situated close to the Boston Freedom Trail and Boston Public Garden, and affords bicycle leases to cycle throughout downtown.

The Whitney Hotel Boston: Originally inbuilt 1909, The Whitney Hotel Boston is ready in a refurbished red-brick constructing that’s iconic of Boston. It affords a shocking location in Beacon Hill, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, and is at simple strolling distance from the charming Charles Street and plenty of hipster cafes.

HI Boston Hostel: Budget lodging isn’t simple to come back by in Boston, however HI Boston Hostel, set in a historic constructing very near Beacon Hill and Boston Public Garden, checks all of the bins on a funds. It affords each non-public rooms and dorms, and in addition takes measures to handle its water and waste.

Cambridge

Ginkgo House Boutique Inn: Built as a household house within the Victorian architectural model in 1867, Ginkgo House was refurbished into an enthralling BnB within the twentieth century. With a chief location in Cambridge, not removed from the Harvard campus, this was the primary alternative for my keep, however sadly not obtainable on my dates.

Freepoint Hotel Cambridge: One of my fellow Master’s college students stayed at Freepoint Hotel Cambridge, a part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and beneficial its vibe and handy location. It’s a simple stroll away from Harvard Square, options native artwork, and has a secret backyard in the course of the town!

The Charles Hotel: Located a stone’s throw from Harvard Square, The Charles Hotel was our assembly level for journeys away from Cambridge – and I used to be blown away by its understated luxurious. Built within the Eighties, it has housed personalities like Ben Affleck and HH The Dalai Lama. I additionally recognize that it affords accessible rooms to be inclusive of travellers with disabilities.

Somerville

Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville: With its sun-filled ground to ceiling home windows and fashionable façade, Cambria Hotel is completely situated to expertise the Somerville vibe, whereas being near the points of interest of Cambridge and Boston. It’s a handy T experience to Harvard and MIT, and strolling distance to Tufts. My favourite neighborhood within the Boston space!

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Where to eat in Boston 

Some individuals have pointed it out earlier than – and I agree: Food in Boston is pricey and actually not so nice. Nowhere even near the variety and flavors of New York or California.

Nonetheless, I had some fairly good meals over my 3 weeks within the Boston space.

Healthy, natural, vegan meals in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville

Aeronaut Brewing Co: This outdated mill turned craft brewery in Somerville not solely has nice beers, but additionally Carolicious – a stall with unbelievable Venezuelan meals! I cherished the mixture of a light-weight and fruity seltzer with a vegan arepa, a corn arepa full of black beans, salsa, pico de gallo, and their signature vegan basil sauce. YUM! 

Shirley get extra sunshine: It was the quirky title that drew me in to this small, impartial sandwich store proper reverse the Davis T / Davis sq.. It affords a seasonal menu with some vegan choices. I attempted their tofu lemongrass sandwich, which was scrumptious. They additionally provide vegan baked items like a zucchini layered cake and muffins. Take out solely. 

Cava: This ‘make your own bowl’ chain throughout the US has shocking good meals, with loads of marked vegan choices. I made my bowl with hummus, babaganoush, harissa, sautéed veggies, pita chips, corn, salsa, Persian salad, lemon herb tahini, lemon vinegarette and so forth. So good! 

Taco Party: This candy neighborhood joint in Somerville began as a meals truck, and has now advanced right into a rustic-cool bar and resto. I cherished their breakfast taco with seitan, vegan egg, vegan cheese, black beans and cilantro lime dressing, in addition to their lentils al pastor taco. 

Flour Bakery: With shops throughout Boston and Cambridge, Flour Bakery has only a few vegan choices, however I cherished their smoked carrot hummus sandwich on focaccia bread! It’s additionally a comparatively quiet cafe to work from on Harvard Square. I simply want they didn’t use a lot single-use plastic for chilly drinks, particularly whereas eating in. 

Also learn: The Ultimate Vegan (and Vegetarian) Survival Guide for Japan.

Boston Travel Itinerary 

Depending on what number of days you’ve got in Boston, listed here are some fast suggestions on how one can plan your time. Remember to take it sluggish, to essentially soak within the vibe of the town and its suburbs. 

Day 1: Boston Downtown

Go on a guided stroll of the Boston Freedom Trail if you happen to’re a historical past buff, or spend time studying about Boston’s colonial historical past at Faneuil Hall by yourself. Drop by Boston Public Market for a vegan-friendly meal at Mother Juice. Walk to the North End District. Then spend the afternoon beneath the bushes (and hopefully some solar) on the Boston Public Garden.

Day 2: Somerville and Cambridge

Head to Harvard Square, and take a student-led tour of Harvard University – which incorporates hanging out at Harvard Yard, visiting its heritage buildings and getting a sneak peek into the Widener Library, all from the attitude of a present Harvard scholar. Then take the T (metro) to Davis Square, to spend time in Somerville. Grab a chew at Taco Party, stroll alongside the Tufts campus, store native at Cambridge Naturals, and spherical up the day at Aeronaut Brewing Co with craft beer and Venezuelan meals!

Day 3: Hiking and cafe-hopping

Catch the orange line to Forest Hills station for an city hike in Arnold Arboretum. Climb the 2 small hills for views of Boston under, and see all of the strange tress and vegetation preserved throughout these acres. Then make your method to the various neighborhood of Jamaica Plains close by, for espresso at Ula Cafe (co-founded by my good friend Beth Santos of Wanderful) and Ethiopian meals at Ethiopian Cafe.

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Boston Travel Tips (aka what you must know earlier than travelling to Boston)

With surprisingly little data on-line, I needed to depend on native pals and previous college students to determine all of the Boston journey data I wanted. Here are some common ideas for planning a visit to Boston:

Do you must hire a automotive in Boston?

No! Boston could be very walkable, and effectively linked by the T and buses. Unlike many different American cities, you actually don’t want a automotive to get round, plus I consistently heard from pals what a ache discovering parking in downtown Boston might be.

How many days are sufficient for Boston?

If you’re purely visiting for leisure, I’d say 3-5 days are sufficient to expertise the highlights and get a really feel of the town. Have a take a look at my Boston journey information itinerary above for recommendations on the right way to spend your days.

Is Boston low-cost or costly?

I used to be fairly shocked at how costly Boston was. I paid a bomb for a 3-week keep, and funds meals price on common, 30$ for a major course and drink. Things had been undoubtedly dearer in Downtown and Harvard Square, and just a little bit extra reasonably priced in Somerville.

What’s the tipping norm in Boston?

I do know tipping is all the time a bit loopy within the US, with common wages comparatively low for blue collar staff. Average ideas are 15-25%, relying on the service. In Boston, it was fairly annoying to be consistently given the selection to tip even whereas getting a takeaway! Friends reassured me that college students weren’t anticipated to tip although.

Is faucet water drinkable in Boston?

YES! My host household had a water filter however reassured me that faucet water throughout Boston was potable and protected to drink (together with Cambridge and Somerville). Sadly, many locals and guests insist on shopping for plastic bottled water – which isn’t solely terrible for the planet but additionally a well being hazard with microplastics seeping into the water.

Have you been to Boston, or is it in your radar?