Narrowing down all that Boston has to offer to just 5 amazing things to do and see has not been an easy task – with so much on offer here spanning history, culture, nature, eating and drinking, it’s no surprise that the Coyote trip has its office based here. We’re passionate about this city and here are 5 things you can do here which will make you love just “Bean Town” as much as us…
Check out Harvard Square:
Boston is home to world class universities including Harvard and MIT, which are based in a district called Cambridge, just across the Charles River. Although to a visitor it may seem like it’s all part of Boston, local Bostonians do differentiate between Cambridge and Boston as two distinct separate towns.
We recommend taking a walking tour around the campuses, as without the stories of a local guide, it can be a little a little hard to get to grips with the area. The hostel we partner with, HI Boston, offers very affordable tours here for just a few dollars a time. After your tour, why not head over to the uber-hip district of Somerville and enjoy a beer at one of the craft breweries there – we like Aeronaut Brewing.
Catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox:
Sports are a huge part of life in Boston, hop into any uber and after a few minutes, more often than not, conversation will turn to sports.
Boston is home to the Celtics basketball team and the Bruins ice hockey team, who both play at TD Garden in Central Boston. The New England Patriots American football team play at the Gillette Stadium about 45 minutes outside of Boston and of course the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, in a suburb about 15 minutes from the city centre.
If you’re keen to catch a game when visiting Boston, we recommend the baseball. Baseball seasons have so many games (162 per season) so to avoid too much travel, teams play 3-4 games against each other in a row on consecutive nights (called a series). With so many games to choose from, there is a good chance there will be one on when you’re visiting. It’s easy and relatively affordable to get tickets, so get down there and watch them hit home runs over the “Green Monster”, the famous left field wall of the park.
Catch a movie at the IMAX:
OK, this may not be in the top 5 for most backpackers, but hear us out… This IMAX is right next to Boston Aquarium, where the whale watching tours leave from, and shows scientific movies which take you to another world, whether it be the International Space Station, ocean depths or Brazilian rainforests.
Backpacking can be challenging at times: you’re away from home, missing friends and family and growing as a person daily. Watching one of these shows can offer a little escapism and perspective on life and we find that just a 45 minute show can leave you refreshed and ready to continue the adventure through Bean Town!
Go Whale Watching off Cape Cod:
Head down to the aquarium and board one of the boats which take you to the whale feeding sites just off Cape Cod. Experts from the aquarium provide information about these giants of the seas as you make the hour journey out there. We have never been disappointed on one of these cruises, we’ve always seen at least 4-5 humpbacks or minke whales.
Devour oysters during happy hour on the sea front:
With the exception of Cambridge and other college districts, Boston is a town which arguably still displays more piety than it’s cousins in New York, Philadelphia or LA. It was less than 400 years ago when the pilgrims arrived here seeking the freedom to worship without persecution and they were closely followed by the puritans who were in search of a more pure form of religion.
Massachusetts was one of the very first states to ratify the prohibition banning the sale of alcohol and you may notice that alcohol laws are still surprisingly strict here. Happy Hours selling reduced prices drinks are totally banned. It’s not all bad news though, as cheap drinks have been replaced with discounted fresh oysters. After 5pm so many venues in the city offer $1 oysters, which come from the cool, clear waters in the bays just north of Boston.
Boston is a unique place, which exudes American history, culture and life. It’s a great place to explore, and we hope we can explore it along side you on The Coyote Trip’s budget backpacking tour of America.
Ready to travel to America? You can discover Boston on our East Coast Adventure, Coast to Coast or the Full Coyote. Drop us a message in the chat box below or send us an email at info@thecoyotetrip.com to find out more!
Subscribe for tour updates, blogs, special offers and more! We won’t email you too often. View our privacy policy here.
