I plan to visit boston for a couple of days and am wondering if anyone can tell me the MUST-sees out there. thanks for ur response.

I stayed in boston recently and the Isabella Gardner museum is lovely. It is a mansion filled with Renaissance art and a beautiful garden in the middle.

When I spent a long weekend in Boston (keep in mind it was Feb.) my must see's where the Museum of Fine Art, the Freedom Trail, the North Church, Harvard, Boston Commons, and the Bull and Fitch (Cheers). My favorites from these were the Museum, the Feedom Trail and the North Church.

We also spent two days in Boston a couple of years ago. The first day we did the freedom trail--visited all the sites on foot. The next day we walked around Beacon Hill, walked through the garden, saw the duckling statue and rode the swan boats and ended up at the John Hancock building--wonderful view with interesting exhibit about the Revolutionary War. I liked the second day better. We also went to Cambridge before we got to Boston and Lexington and Concord on the way out. Both very worthwhile.

Hi,
I think the John Hancock Tower Observatory has been closed since 9/11 but the Prudential tower is open.
The Harvard University museums and capmus are worth a visit.

Go to Top of the Hub (in the Prudential Building) for dinks -- not dinner -- for a great view of the city at night and live jazz. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a gem. And don't forget to ride the swan boats in the public garden. It looks hokey and hectic (with all the kids and tourists), but I work in the city and still go there a couple of times during the summer to ride the boats at lunch. If you can watch a "feast" parade in the North End you'll never forget it. Think Godfather II.

you can't do Boston in 2 days

North End, Freedom Trail, second the Isabella Stewart Gardner Musuem as well as MFA. Boston Public Gardens is nice, Newbury Street window shopping with lunch at a sidewalk cafe. Can also go to the JFK Museum. You HAVE to do a Duck Tour out of the Prudential Center! That's the best way to skim along the most popular sites in immediate Boston. Stay at the Bostonian across the street from Fanueil Hall. Lots of dining and shopping right there and the North End is around the corner. OMG I could go on but you have enough ideas on this thread to fill a weekend and another. FYI: skip Cheers, it's nothing like the TV show. Have fun.

Thanks for all your replies! Just wondering how long it will take to cover the Freedom Trail on foot? Is the Bull and Fitch nearby that area?
on antoher note, what's the general weather in mid May for boston? thanks

The Bull and Finch Pub (named for local architect Bulfinch), at 84 Beacon Street in the Back Bay, is a couple of blocks from the opposite corner of Boston Common from where the Freedom Trail begins. Are you sure you want to go there? It's the ultimate tourist trap in Boston.

The weather in mid-May is, officially, averages highs in the mid-70s and nighttime lows in the 50s. But the temperature could vary from the 30s to the 90s, so bring layers, including something for rainy days.

Nobody mentioned my personal favorite: The Duck Tour! It explores to opposite end of the city from the Freedom Trail, and is tons of fun. You do need reservations; I think at the Pru.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is lovely, and sometimes hosts Sunday concerts.

The Bull & Funch is on Charles Street across from the Public Garden, not far from Beacon Hill and a few blocks ob=ver from the toney Newbury Street/Back Bay shopping area. But Native is right- it's not like the TV show, only the entrance is the same, the bar is different. If you happen to be going by it, fine, but I wouldn't take the time for a special trip.

To cover some ground and get a "broad brush" of the city since you don't have that much time, I would consider taking one of the Trolley Tours that takes you around. You can get a general sense of what is where and from there narrow down what interests you and what you really would like to do.

As mentioned, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is beautiful if you enjoy museums. Otherwise, try ti get to Fanueil Hall (shopping), Newbury Street, the Public Gardens & Swan Boats and do as much of the Freedom Trail as time permits. If you can get a ticket (at the Prudential Center) the Duck Tour is great fun!

Baseball?? Fenway Park is a gem.

Weather in May will ne nice. Could go anywhere from 60-80.

Do you know where in town you are staying yet?

- Take a stroll along the Charles River (great views, people watching and sailboats)

- Walk down Charles Street (quaint shops) and Newbury Street (pricey shops)

- Walk through the Boston common (see the frog pond) and public garden and take a ride on the Swan Boats (get there early in the morning so you don't have to wait in line). During your walk through the public gardens (Charles Street entrance), don’t forget to stop by the “duckling” monument put up to honor the classic story of a family of Mallard ducks in downtown Boston from the book “Make Way for Duckings” by Robert McCloskey, Viking, 1941, A Caldecott Medal winner. A copy of the book makes a great gift for kids. It can be found at most Boston gift shops. I give it to all new mothers as part of the shower or christening gift. Also, every Mother's Day kids dress up as ducklings to waddle their way over Beacon Hill to the Public Garden lagoon (tel. 617/635-7383 or 617/635-4505). Very cute!!

- Spend an afternoon in Harvard Square (lots of shops, really great people watching and lots of history)

- Take a Duck Boat Tour - I think the Duck Boat Tour is the best way to ride by all the sights. It is a land and water tour, which you can catch at the Prudential (reserve ahead). Not only do you get to see the harbor but you get to ride in it (all kids on board get a chance to drive the boat for a minute or two). The guys who ride are really animated, in costumes and tell obscure historical stories (like the great Boston molasses flood).

- Eat dinner in the North End (Italian section) and then have desserts at Mike's Pastry (or look for a quaint coffee shop)

- Depending on what you like, stop by Charleston to see the Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument and then stop by the Warren Tavern for lunch or dinner (small, quaint and great food - gets a little too crowded for me on Wednesday nights)

- Head up to Gloucester, Newburyport, Portsmouth NH, Salem, Rockport or down to Cape Cod for a day to see the ocean or check out some of the witch museums (Salem). Lexington & Concord are great places to visit if you are into history.

I'd skip Fanuel Hall and the Cheers Bar and stay away from all the dives on Route 1 and Revere Beach.

You didn't ask about food, but try http://www.phantomgourmet.com/frame.as
Billy Costa DJ at WXKS 108 FM a popular radio station also has a cable TV show called Phantom Gourmet. He is brutally honest about food quality, service and ambiance. He has never steered us wrong!!! There is also a section where locals & visitors can comment on their dining experience.

Wow! Thanks for your great suggestions.. the duck tour does sound interesting.. So, far I've got Harvard, MIT campus, Freedom Trail, New England Aquarium (maybe), Quincy market, Boston Common, Charles St. and Whale watching (maybe, if weather permits) on my agenda.

Sandy, I'm thinking of staying in Revere.. got a good deal on the hampton inn there. However I've heard that connections from there to rest of the city are not good via the T. But every place is so booked that weekend!! (May 18-20)

Cheers.

Just returned from my trip to Boston. I LOVED it!!! I only had a whole day and a bit to actually go around the city (the rest was driving time..). I esp loved walking around the Freedom Trail and learning so much of American History. Harvard Square and Quincy Market were pretty high on the "awesome" list too!!! Commuting was so easy.. I expected to spend a ton of time waiting for trains but that was not the case.
I must say I had the most amazing dessert and a lil dessert place at Quincy!

I would love to go back there one day to check out the museums and take the duck tour!! Thanks again and Cheers.