Sovereign_72

As part of a trip to the USA in June 2013 a mate and I are coming to Boston for 2 or 3 nights. (Leaning towards 3 at this stage which should include 2 full days and maybe a half day) I have a bit of an idea of what I want to do, so am pretty much seeking some clarification of my plans. The 3 things I really want to do are:

1) Freedom Trail - I am looking at taking a guided tour to get some good relevant information on the way.

2) Fenway Park - Would like to do a tour as well as see a game. Not sure if they do tours on game day though?

3) Harvard - It looks as though they do student led tours of Harvard which sounds pretty good to hear about the history of the place. (Plus I might get to see where Walter has his lab in Fringe!!)

I am not keen on arts or museums, more looking at some USA/academic/sports history. Not sure if the Tea Party Museum is worthwhile.

Also wondering where would be best to stay for ease of access to the above and also possible nightlife.

Thanks for any suggestions.

DonTopaz

The Freedom Trail works well as a self-guided tour. Most of it passes through downtown areas of Boston, and it's well-marked by red bricks in the sidewalk. At the time of year that you're going, you'll also find official and not-so-official guides at each stop on the Trail.

Do take a walk through Beacon Hill, which is adjacent to the Trail. It's one of Boston's jewels, a most-residential area (though it also includes the State House) with charming streets and architecture. Streets not to be missed are Mt Vernon, Acorn, Walnut, and, very especially, Louisburg Square.

My best guess is that the Tea Party museum is 50% information, 50% invented. Not something I'd find interesting, but others might.

I believe that Fenway tours are avail every day -- see http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp for info. You might be interested in lunch at the Bleacher Bar, a burger spot that's build underneath the bleachers and that has a great ground-level view onto the field. For [seriously] old fans of the team, the Bleacher Bar is adjacent to, and give a view of, the old flag pole triangle.

Fenway is certainly the best place for local sports history. The building where the Bruins and Celtics had their greatest glory, the Boston Garden, is long gone, and its replacement is sterile. The Patriots spent about 10 years in Boston before hieing off to Foxborough, which is nearly in some southern state. During their Boston stint, the Pats were usually horrible and laughable (playing at Boston University, Fenway, Harvard, and Boston College), though they did have a couple of decent seasons while at Fenway. (Unfortunately, the only way to squeeze a football field into Fenway's dimensions resulted in some hugely disproportionate % of seats in the end zone.)

capxxx

All of the above.

IMHO the tea party museum is a little more for kids than adults, but just a little -- you might enjoy it.

Consider a visit to the U.S.S. Constitution -- you can get a tour of the ship and visit the small museum.

Lots of people say nice things about the witty and fun Duck Tours -- on a land/marine vehicle that goes through the streets and then drives into the river.

china_cat

The places you want to go to are all easily connected by mass transit (the T), or walking, or taxi. So it really doesn't matter where you stay.

That said, the hotels around th Prudential/Copley place/Back Bay are very centrally located, and a fairly short walk to Fenway (anywhere from 15-30 minute walk, depending on where you choose). There are restaurants, shopping and bars in the immediate vicinity as well.

travelerfromtx

We stayed at the Marriott Long Wharf and thought it was ideally located. It's convenient to many things including the Freeedom Trail, Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, and the North End. The Inner Harbor Ferry goes from Long Wharf to Charlestown Navy Yard and makes visiting the U.S.S. Constitution easy, and the ride over is great. If you're looking for some US history, you'll enjoy that. The ferry to Salem also leaves near there. There are also several restaurants nearby, including a Legal Seafoods.

We enjoyed our Freedom Trail Foundation guided tour. We did the Reverse Walking tour which departed out of Quincy Market. http://thefreedomtrail.org/book-tour/

We also enjoyed the student led tour of the Harvard campus. The only building you'll see the interior of is Memorial Hall, which is beautiful.

Cranachin

Here's an app you can download if you want to do a self-guided Freedom Trail tour http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/app.htm

There are several tours and talks led by National Park Service rangers (they used to be free; I'm guessing they still are) http://www.nps.gov/bost/forteachers/rangerguided.htm

Boston by Foot has several interesting guided tours, including the North End (I've been on that one, and it was good), Beacon Hill, Literary Boston, and others. http://www.bostonbyfoot.org

cvilletravel

bookmarking for links

Ackislander

The evening action in Boston for young people takes place in three general areas, all easily accessible on the T.

Davis Square in Somerville on the Red Line. Redbones BBQ, the Burran, many more.

Central Square between MIT and Harvard on the Red Line. TT the Bear's, the Middle East, the Plough and Stars.

Allston-Brighton on the Green Line B ( Boston College) trains. Get off at Harvard Street and follow, the crowds. Lots of cheap food and beer and music.