2023 is the year of travelling outside of the box, shunning more mainstream destinations for something a little different or that might not have been on your radar. Dubbed the most European city in the US, Boston is one such destination. A city steeped in history where centuries-old colonial buildings pepper the skyline shoulder to shoulder with more contemporary glass facades, it’s somewhere that has plenty to see, do and experience.
The capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as being the cultural and financial centre of New England, Boston is often seen as a destination for business or college travel. Yet you’ll be surprised at just how multifaceted it is when you care to look. In fact, once you start to peel back the layers of this city, you’ll be surprised at just how much comes tumbling out.
While a beautiful destination year-round, if you head between June to October the weather is pleasant and you can make the most of the many outdoor activities the destination has to offer. You can visit as a trip in its own right or we suggest making it the first stop in a road trip. Start in Boston, head to Rhode Island and finish in New York for a really diverse taste of Northeastern US. Here is how we recommend you spend your time in Boston…
How to spend 48 hours in Boston:
Getting there
You can fly direct to Boston from London Gatwick with JetBlue Airlines – we recommend their Mint experience for the ultimate trip – and the flight is just under eight hours. Mint Premium really elevates your flight experience, something particularly appreciated when you’re in the air for a few hours.
Stretch out with more space and privacy than ever before, making the most of fully-enclosed suites complete with a sliding door and comfortable seats designed with Tuft and Needle adaptive mattress foam. Scroll on your device with free Wi-fi and sip on mouthwatering cocktails inspired by iconic NYC restaurants like Pasquale Jones. The food is divine and when you’re ready for a sleep, seats lie completely flat where you can take a doze or flick through the airline’s unlimited seatback entertainment. You can find out more about Jetblue Mint experience here.
Do this
Boston is a city that has something for everyone. Whether looking to take your time on a longer break and soak up all it has to offer, or heading as a whistlestop stay as part of a road trip, you won’t be disappointed. Stay in boutique hotels where swish carpets press underfoot and bright artwork adorns the walls, sip champagne and oysters in America’s oldest restaurant and watch baseball games as the sun sets. You can tour the city on bike, where you can cycle past historic and iconic sites and there are a plethora of museums inviting languid afternoons soaking up the culture.
Make sure to tour Fenway Park, the baseball station and home to the Boston Red Sox. Since opening in 1912 it has remained steadfastly one of the most iconic spots and isn’t to be missed. Head on a boat trip up the Charles River where you can take in the sights from the water, sample food and other wares in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and take crisp walks through Boston Common.
Be sure to hop on one of their Old Town Trolley tours and head to Beacon Hill where you can view many historical landmarks such as the Boston African American National Historic Site, Massachusetts State House and more. While undeniably a city, Boston has more of a relaxed vibe to it than cities such as New York where the busyness can often be a little overbearing. Instead, it feels welcoming and homey and even as you pass throngs of people in the busier areas it never feels too much. You can cram in as much as you want, or just take it at your own pace, seeing what you fancy on the day.
Stay here
When in Boston, we recommend you stay in The Godfrey Hotel. Located in the heart of Downtown Crossing, this hotel is cited as modernising the boutique hotel experience. Head through the 1908 Gothic Revival façade to a snazzy yet sophisticated space that’s the ideal spot to make your base during your stay. Laid-back with luxuries thrown in, it offers the chance to make the most of your time in the city and is somewhere you can’t wait to return to at the end of the day.
Rooms are spacious and ooze a simple yet elegant aesthetic. With calming, neutral colours, floor-to-ceiling windows and huge, fluffy pillows just begging you to rest your head it makes it almost impossible to tear yourself away when your alarm rings in the morning. Food-wise, The Godfrey Hotel Boston offers options for dining indulgence from dawn until late at night. Head to RUKA for an exploration of Peruvian-Japanese culture, George Howell Coffee for a caffeine fix and light bites throughout the day and the Lobby Bar for one of their expertly crafted cocktails, wines and local beers.
Eat here
Dining-wise, Boston is home to a range of fantastic eateries. We recommend dinner at RUKA in the Godfrey Hotel where you can indulge in Peruvian-Japanese-Chinese food in an intimate setting. The food here is impressive, with extravagant displays and exquisite flavours taking you on a culinary journey through Nikkei cuisine.
Order a selection of dishes from the Makimono, Chilled, Wok and Hot section of their menu – ideal for sharing between the table, before treating yourself to a dessert from their sweet section. The big fish is a must, a dreamy dessert that combines flavours and a unique flair when it comes out. Arriving on a wooden boat complete with flames and dry ice it’s something not to be missed.
When in Boston you also need to head to what is undeniably one of the most famous restaurants and America’s oldest eatery – Union Oyster House. Housed in a building that dates back to Pre-Revolutionary days and started serving food in 1826, it is visited by visitors from all around the world looking to soak up the unique atmosphere and sample the menu. Diners in the past have included Daniel Webster as well as The Kennedy family and some say it’s where JFK proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. Tuck into an array of elegantly prepared oysters and other kinds of seafood (including lobster, shrimps, scallops and salmon) while taking in your surroundings with friends and loved ones. It’s somewhere you can take your time to really enjoy the food and drinks just knowing you’re eating somewhere truly special.
For a fantastic Italian, we recommend Bricco in North End. Sophisticated without being the least bit pretentious, it serves a host of dishes including mouthwatering homemade pasta that brings a really authentic taste of Italy to the table. Sit back, sip a glass of red and let the evening slip by in a haze of conversation and really, really good food. You’ll leave feeling full and totally content in the knowledge you’ve had one of those evenings and meals you won’t forget.
Try It For Yourself
Boston is a destination with so much to give. It’s vibrant and eclectic and allows you to explore at your own pace. Get your culture fix, enjoy some of the most incredible meals stateside and immerse yourself in the many events and activities in its calendar. It’s a destination that once you’ve visited you’ll want to return to, which ample hidden corners still to explore. Plus, Boston is the ideal location to add as part of a road trip. Stay in Boston for a few nights, before heading to Rhode Island and then onto New York – which is exactly what we did. Keep your eyes peeled for our guide on New York and our complete road trip.
Find out more about Boston and get planning your own trip here.
Have you been to Boston before? What parts of Boston have you visited? Will you be trying out anything from our list above? Let us know in the comment box below.
