Boston

Getting Around
Things to Do and See
Side Trips
Places to Eat and Drink
Shopping

If you see a it is a hidden trasure not to missed.
If you see it is cheesey, but worth it anyway.

Boston Transportation

Getting There (and Leaving There)

PLANES

Logan International Airport-From there you can rent a car (Though I don't recommend that if you are staying in the city), catch a cab, take a bus, (Mass Port has shuttles running to and from parking lots in Braintree, Woburn, and Framingham), or take the T. (The MBTA offers Blue line subway, bus and boat services.)
Green Airport in Providence.-Boston and Providence are the two state capitals that are the closest together. If you rent a car, you just hop on Route 95...but again, I don't recommend driving into the city. You can also take a bus or a cab, or take a cab to the train station and take the Commuter Rail.

TRAINS

Amtrak
Commuter Rail

AUTOMOBILES

Driving in Boston

DON'T DO IT! I can't stress that enough. Everything you ever heard about Boston drivers is true. They are extremely aggressive and live by the rule "every man for himself", and show NO MERCY!
Boston was built up before the invention of the automobile, so it not really practical...there is no rhyme or reason to the way the streets are set up...unlike New York, with is almost perfect numbered and lettered blocks.
Parking can be difficult, the most lots and garages are expensive, especially during weekdays. Don't expect to find a place on the street either, but if you are lucky enough, make sure it is a real, legal space and the meter is full, because the meter maids show less mercy than the drivers.
If this isn't enough to convince you, let me offer a few tips:
If you are staying outside the city, here are some links you may find helpful.

AAA of Southern New England
SmarTraveler-Traffic information
Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
Park and Ride
The Big Dig-There is a lot of construction going on because of "the Big Dig", check here
Speed Traps-This could be useful information.
Winter Driving Tips

BUSES

Greyhound
Peter Pan
Bonanza
Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway
Concord Trailways
MBTA Bus

BOATS

Harbor Express
Bay State Cruise Lines-They have a boat from Boston to Provincetown.
MBTA Commuter Boats

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Better known as the T, this is the best way to get around the city. The Commuter Rail runs from north of Boston into North Station and south of Boston into South Station. The buses run all over the place and the boats cruise around the harbor area. The web site has maps and pricing.
The Subway system is the oldest in the US. There are four lines,Red, Green, Blue and Orange.
Here are some tips for using the T:

  • The Green Line actually has 4 branches, B, C, D, and E. They all travel between Copley and Government Center.
  • If you are traveling beyond Government Center, check the sign on the front of the car to be sure it is going where you want. (Though if you are getting on before Kenmore Square, you will not a have a choice, just get on that train and get off when it come to the end and get on the next one that is going to where you want to go.) The E and D lines run all the way to Lechmere, the C runs to North Station and the B runs to Government Center.
  • The E Line goes out bound from Copley Square and runs along Huntington Ave. to the Arborway. If you are getting on at Copley and want to go to Hynes Convention Center/ICA or Kenmore Square and beyond, do not take an E train, it does not go there.
  • The B line goes outbound from Kenmore and runs along Commonwealth Ave. to Boston College.
  • The C line goes outbound from Kenmore and runs along Beacon St. to Cleveland Circle.
  • The D line goes outbound from Kenmore and goes through Brookline and Newton to Riverside.
  • If you are heading out bound and realize you are on the wrong line, the Chestnut Hill Ave. stop on the B line is just a few blocks from the Cleveland Circle stop on the C line, which is less than a block from the Reservoir stop on the D line. Out bound is free from here, so just get off and walk to the line you want to be on.
  • If you find yourself on the E line you can get off at the stop were it turns off Huntington Ave.(Riverway, I think) and walk a few blocks to the Brookline Village Stop on the D line.

    The Red Line
  • The Red Line splits going out bound at JFK. Be sure to check the front of the train if you are going beyond
  • The Braintree Line goes through Quincy to Braintree. If you are getting off at Quincy Adams or Braintree, it cost one more token to get off. Don't suffer that same fate as Charlie .

    Other Tips
  • "In Bound" generally heads in towards Government Center, State Street, Park Street and Downtown Crossing. "Out Bound is generally away from these stops.
  • If you are visiting the city, and plan to use the T a lot, get a passport for unlimited rides with in a few day period.
  • Buy tokens in advance! Believe me you will be happy you did this especially after a big event.
  • If you are a commuter look into getting a monthly pass...it is well worth it.
  • To avoid weirdos talking to you wear headphones and bury your nose in a book.
  • Don't be one of those weirdos.
  • Learn to T Surf.
  • Plan your trip in advance.
  • Know what's going on in town, for example are the Red Sox are playing the D line will be crowded after the game is over.

    T Etiquette
  • If you are standing near a door while people are trying to get out, STEP OFF! After everyone that needs to get off is off, you can get right back on.
  • Don't try to squish on to a train. This is particularly annoying after Red Sox Games.
  • Don't put your stuff on the seat next to you.
  • Give up you seat to someone who need it more.
  • Don't push! "Please excuse me" tends to work better.
  • Get out of the way as best you can when someone says "Please excuse me".

    WALKING

    Boston is a very walkable city, when the weather is right. I've gotten from Quincy Market to Kemore Square in less than an hour, wandering through Boston Common and the Public Gardens, then down Newbury Street. (I wouldn't cut through the parks at night though.)
    If you want to do a touristy walk, try The Freedom Trail, Boston Adventures Guided Walking Tours, or Boston Walks
    It get cold in the winter, but you can walk from Back Bay Station almost to Mass. Ave indoors.

    Here are a Few Walking Tips:
    When crossing the street, Pedestrians NEVER have the right of way!(OK legally they do, but if you read the driving tips you'll understand why I say this.)
    Watch the walk signals-"Walk"=Run, "Don't Walk"=Run Faster.
    As when driving, taxis ALWAYS have the right of way.

    Taxis


    It's easy to catch a cab from anywhere downtown, but if you can't find one, head for the nearest hotel.

    Red Cabs 617-734-5000 This is the one I usually called.
    Boston Cab 617-262-2227
    Checker Cab Boston 617-536-7500
    Checker Cab Cambridge 617-497-1500
    Town Taxi 617-536-5000
    Yellow Cab 617-876-5000
    City Water Taxi

    Misc.

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    Things to Do And See


    Charles River Boat
    The Freedom Trail
    Boston Kids
    Boston Adventures Guided Walking Tours
    Boston Walks
    Trolly Tours
    Other Trolly Tours
    Historic Trolly Tours
    The Wicked Pissah Website
    Boston.com
    Boston web
    Graphic City Guide
    Boston Phoenix
    Boston sidewalk
    Massachusetts Tourism
    Wicked Good Guides
    Dirty Water
    Boston Man
    Adam's Boston Travel Guide
    Patriot Web
    Where is Allston?
    Boston Links
    More Boston Links
    The Insider
    Boston National Historic Parks-Includes the Freedom Trail(A nice walk through Downtown, Fanuel Hall and the North End), Charlestown Navy Yard, and the USS Constitution.
    Boston Harbor Islands-Includes George's Island and the historic Fort Warren.
    City of Boston Parks and Recreation-Includes Boston Common, Franklin Park, Jamacia Pond and the Emerald Necklace.
    Town Online-A complete listing of all parks in Boston
    Info Booth
    Boston Sidewalk Trails
    MDC
    The Hatch Shell-See the Boston Pops and many other forms of entertainment.
    Harbor Islands Reservations
    The Charles River
    MDC Activities-Includes listings for bird and nature trails, playgrounds, gardens, and hiking and rock climbing.
    Arnold Arboretum
    Boston's Gardens
    Museum of Transportation
    Swan Boats
    John Hancock Observatory
    USS Constitution (Old Ironside)
    Boston Brewery (Sam Adams)
    Boston Harbor Cruises
    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
    Museum of Science
    Museum of Fine Arts
    New England Aquarium
    The Children's Museum
    New England Sports Museum

    Side Trips


    Blue Hills-Great hiking
    Charles River Recreation Round Up
    Greater Boston Outdoors
    Walden Pond
    Provincetown (Down the Cape)
    Cape Cod
    Visit New England
    Plymouth
    Battleship Cove Fall RIver
    Newburyport
    Salem-Best time to visit Salem is in late October.
    Canalside B&B (Right ont he Cape Cod Canal)
    Mystic Seaport Mystic, CT (I hear the pizza isn't that great)
    Martha's Vinyard
    Nantucket
    Six Flags New England
    Elizabeth Stewart Gardener MuseumElizabeth Stewart Gardener MuseumJohn Hancock TowerBoston Custom HouseFaneuil HallFaneuil HallHouse of Seven GablesNew England AquariumPlymouth PlantationPublic GardensPublic GardensWalden PondSalem Witch Museum

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    Places to Eat and Drink

    These are just a few of my favorite resturaunts and bars.
    Red Bones BBQ in Sommerville (Great beer selection too!)
    Cambridge Brewery Kendall Square in Cambridge
    Boston Beer Works Near Fenway
    Flat Top Johnny's-Pool and Darts in Kendall Square
    Legal Seafood
    Vinny T.'s
    Medieval Manor
    Brew Moon
    Boston Brew Pubs
    British Beer Company-Cape Cod
    Commonwealth Brewery-138 Portland st. Boston 617-523-8383

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    Boston Shopping

    Boston has many places to shop. Here I've listed the most touristy places first, then some of my favorites. If that's not enough to get you started, there's a few more links to more resources at the end. The tax in all of Massachusetts is 5%, but there is no tax on anything you eat or wear.(The exception to that is in restaurants.)

    On your first visit to Boston you will want check out Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. It's very touristy, but there are a lot of cute little shops as well as things you would expect to find in a central shopping area, like the Body Shop, Disney Store, Warner brothers, etc.

    Next stop Downtown Crossing. That's were you will find Macy's, Filene's and everything else that has popped up around them. The original Filene's Basement is in Downtown Crossing. If you are looking for "bahgin" on clothing, this is were you go. (Be warned, there are no dressing rooms).

    The Upper end of Newbury Street from Arlington St. to Exetor St. is Boston's answer to Fifth, with expensive, trendy stores. Just one block over on the corner of Berkeley and Boylston you will find FAO Schwartz. Just look for the giant teddy bear. Though it is more expensive than most toy stores, you can find some things there, that you may not find elsewhere. Back on Newbury St. at the corner of Exetor St. is Waterstone's. Three floors of books the perfect place for browsing. The staff is very friendly and always helpful. As you continue down Newbury, stop at De Luca's market for some fresh fruit. There are several little boutiques worth checking out, but the block between Hereford and Mass Ave. is my favorite place to shop. Newbury Comics is the BEST place to buy music, with a great selection of "modern rock"(they have other selections too, it's just nice to shop somewhere where when you ask for something they don't look at you like you have 10 heads), helpful staff, lower prices and other little things. If you can't find what you are looking for here there is always Tower Records, at the end of the block. Also on that block you will find Bead Works(all the beads you could ever want), Allston Beat(This is THE place to buy Doc Martin's), The Army Barrack's(Army/Navy surplus), Avenue Victor Hugo Used Books, Urban Outfitters, and Johnson's Artist Materials, Inc.

    Another favorite shopping area is Harvard Square. It also happens to be a great place to people watch and there are always plenty of street performers to entertain you. Among the great little shops you will find another Bead Works, Tower Records and Urban Outfitters as well as Wordsworth Books,The Swatch Store, Harvard Coop, Little Russia(99 Mt. Auburn St.), HMV Records, Revolution Books(1156 Mass Ave.), and Learning Smith. Don't miss all the shops in the Garage including, Newbury Comics and Pandemonium Books and Games.

    A few other shops I enjoy are The Pear Tree(Beads and Gifts), Videosmith(The best rental selection and they have great sales on used videos), and Booksmith in Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Horai-San (for stones and cards) in Brookline Village, Nuggets(For used records and CDs) and Planet Records(for used CDs and records, both in Kenmore Square.

    If you are looking for a unique gift, I've found gift shops to have interesting stuff.
    New England Aquarium
    Museum of Science
    Museum of Fine Arts
    The Children's Museum
    The Computer Museum
    And for the sports fan
    Bruin's Pro Shop at the Fleet Center

    If you prefer the mall experience try Copley Place, the Prudential Center, and Cambridgeside Galleria

    Beacon Hill has some interesting shops too.

    Other Shopping Links

    Boston Unwrapped
    Boston Sidewalk
    Boston Apartment's Guide
    Info Booth

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    Boston Humor

    carport
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