Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Museum of Fine Arts
Be at the museum when the doors open
at 10am. The MFA can easily—and
most enjoyably—take up a full day, but it
doesn't have to. Check out the website to
get some sense of what you want to see. If
you prefer not to explore on your own,
take the first guided tour of the day,
which begins at 10:30am. The museum
has a cafeteria, cafe, and restaurant, but
I'd suggest saving your appetite for the
next stop. See p. 145.
in New England (see chapter 9). Familiar
chains and one-of-a-kind boutiques and
galleries make it a can't-miss destination
for serious consumerism or just window-
shopping. It's also architecturally fascinat-
ing (see “Walking Tour 1,” in chapter 8).
5
Public Garden
Newbury Street begins across Arlington
Street from the most beautiful park in
Boston. The Public Garden (p. 163) is
lovely year-round—a visit will brighten
up even the grayest off-season day—and
the
Make Way for Ducklings
sculptures
(p. 17) are always delightful. In warm
weather, leave time for a
Swan Boat
(p. 163) ride.
2
SHOPS AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
One of my favorite branches of
Legal Sea
Foods
(p. 106) is here, on the main
level off Boylston Street. If you prefer some-
thing lighter, the
food court
is nearby. Or
walk 5 minutes to the Back Bay branch of
Jasper White's Summer Shack
6
AFTERNOON TEA
All that walking makes a perfect excuse for
a hearty meal of pastries, finger sand-
wiches, and, of course, tea. My favorite
afternoon tea is at the
T
Bristol,
off the
lobby of the Four Seasons. The
U
Lounge
at the Taj Boston
and
V
Café Fleuri
in
the Langham Hotel Boston also put on a
good show. See “Boston Tea Party, Part 2”
on p. 125.
. See
p. 135.
3
Boston Duck Tour
This is the most entertaining motorized
way to see the city. On a reconditioned
World War II amphibious landing vehicle,
you see the top attractions, pick up some
historical background, and head for the
water. Then, thrillingly, the Duck plunges
into the Charles River and cruises around
the basin. See p. 174.
Duck Tours don't operate from Decem-
ber through March (unless they're needed
for a Patriots Super Bowl victory parade,
which has happened a
lot
lately). An excel-
lent alternative is a
Boston Symphony
Orchestra
or
Boston Pops
concert at Symphony Hall (p. 224), a
short walk from either the MFA or the
Prudential Center (the Pru).
4
Newbury Street
The commercial heart of the Back Bay,
Newbury Street offers the best shopping
7
Beacon Hill
The most picturesque neighborhood in
town is a festival of red brick, cobble-
stones, and gorgeous architectural details.
Charles Street,
the main thoroughfare, is
a lively shopping destination with a
refreshing lack of chain stores. Wander on
your own (see p. 169 for pointers) or seek
out a guide—on summer weekdays, a
Boston By Foot
tour starts at 5:30pm.
“Suggested Evening Itineraries” (p. 65)
can help you plan the rest of your day.
