Tips for Long Layover in Boston?

strickland8052 · September 2015

We've got a 10-hour layover in Boston coming up. I've never been there (H has), so I wanted to explore the city during that time. Any suggestions on what to see, what to do, and where to eat?

short+sassy · September 2015

Oh wow! That is long! I seem to always get stuck with long layovers, but not quite long enough to actually leave the airport and go do something fun.

Alas, I've never been there, so no suggestions for you. But I've heard its a cool city and hope you all have fun.

Xstatic3333 · September 2015

Oooo! I can help here!

Getting from Logan into the city on public transportation is kind of a pain. It's a bus to a train/bus hybrid called the Silver Line. I'd estimate it an hour each way, depending on how long you have to wait, so you may want to budget to take a cab or Uber one way (around $25.00).

Are you clearing customs in Boston? I'm the type who likes to get to the airport really early, so I'm assuming that you have around 6 hours not accounting for transportation time. I'm also assuming you won't have luggage with you. If these items are both true, I would switch from the silver to the red line at South Station, go to Park Street, and walk the Freedom Trail. Yes, it's touristy, but it's also a great way to see a huge chunk of the city if you've never been before. Here are directions on a website: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/plan-trip/directions.shtml.

For food, plan a meal in the North End. This is our Italian neighborhood, and again, it's touristy, but in a good, fun way. This neighborhood is near the Paul Revere's House stop on the Freedom Trail. Our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood is Trattoria Il Panino. Assagio is also good. For more budget fare, the original Pizzeria Regina really does have good pizza. Expect a wait. After your meal, head to Mike's Pastry and get some cannolis. It's a Boston right of passage. Again, expect a wait.

The trail will also take you through Fanueil Hall, a fun shopping/touristy/resturant area. If you're not into Italian, there's a pan-Asian restaurant here called Wagamama that I really like. If you are in the mood for beer and pub food, Boston Beer Works near the Boston Garden is also really good. Don't bother with a Cheers; they are really silly and nothing like the show.

If you're swimming in extra time, the Boston Aquarium is near this area and is truly fabulous. It is expensive, however. You can get a good walk through done in about two hours.

If either of you are sports nuts and want to see Fenway, the tours are pretty cool. Just make sure there is not a game the day you go. You'll need to take a much longer T ride on the Green Line to Kenmore Square. Other cool things to do this area are the Museum of Fine Arts and shopping/strolling on Newbury Street. Again though, more time lost to travel and not my first recommendation for a brief trip to Boston.

If any other questions come up feel free to shoot me a PM! I lived in Boston for seven years. Just tag me here if you message me cause I'm almost exclusively on mobile.

formerlyGDaisy09 · September 2015

+1 for the Freedom trail and the Aquarium...and planning extra time for travel on the T.

strickland8052 · September 2015

Thank you, Xstatic! This is so helpful! We will not have luggage and will have about 6 hours. I think we will definitely do the Freedom Trail!

(HAHA @ "swimming in time = go to aquarium". I saw what you did there, and I liked it!

Xstatic3333 · September 2015

strickland8052 said:
Thank you, Xstatic! This is so helpful! We will not have luggage and will have about 6 hours. I think we will definitely do the Freedom Trail!
(HAHA @ "swimming in time = go to aquarium". I saw what you did there, and I liked it!

Wow, believe it or not that was unintentional. It is very much Friday! Have fun!

jessica490 · September 2015

I like Quincy market

Erikan73 · September 2015

Duck tours are always fun too!!!

Xstatic3333 · September 2015

Erikan73 said:
Duck tours are always fun too!!!

Yes! That's another great idea.

als1982 · September 2015

Boston is one of my favorite cities - have fun!! We did a long layover in NYC one trip and hired a private driver for the day. Definitely not MM but it was worth it for convience, plus he served as a great tour guide.

BlueBirdMB · September 2015

I live just outside of the city. There is no good public transportation from the airport, so be prepared to take a taxi. I'd truly skip eating in the north end- super touristy food- but it's a great place to walk around and the Paul Revere house is not to be missed. Then walk over to Christopher Columbus Park for a great waterfront view. Neptune Oyster is good and also in the area if you want some good seafood and there is also a Legal Seafood near the Aquarium which is always good. Then walk to to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. The Aquarium is pretty good too. That should do you for your layover!

Tips for Long Layover in Boston?

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