Boston or Washington? Car needed? Favorite restaurants?
 

Hi, all,

Trying to choose between Boston and Washington, DC for the long weekend in February (Feb 13-16). Which would you choose? (I'm flying from California)

Also, is a car needed/desired in either city?

Finally, any suggestions on favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner would be appreciated (any price range).

Thanks.

John H

You don't need a car in Boston, everything is in walking distance and the subway is easy.
My Favorite places are:
Troquet on Boyslston street,
Hamersley's Bistro, Aquitaine in the South end, Henrietta's in Harvard Sq at the Charles Hotel. Dali's for Spanish food near the Somerville line(you might have to taxi for this one)Legal Seafoods One at Prudencial, another near the common, one in Harvard Square and tech sq.

You don't need a car for Washington either. It would be useful only for trips outside - Mount Vernon etc and February isn't really the time for those.

The only problem is that it's much easier to get into a lot of places in Washington with invites from your congressperson and you've left it kind of late. You could still try - they may be able to help. If not, I would do Boston (with the weather this year both Boston and Washington will probably be really cold) and save Washington for a time when you can organize inside invitations,

As to which is better, Washington has more to see I believe, but the history in Boston is incredibly stirring - and is plenty for a few day visit.

I've been to both places several times and would recommend Boston over DC. DC is a good place to go at least once in your life to see the monuments and museums. Boston has great nightlife, fabulous Italian food and gorgeous historic neighborhoods.

You don't need a car, and I wouldn't recommend getting one, in either city. Driving is a nightmare, and parking is very expensive.

Coming from CA, both cities will be cold, bring your fleece.

If you go to Boston, walk around the North End and stop in any of the Italian restaurants. I've had calzone's the size of footballs and melt-in-your-mouth stuffed mushrooms there, you can't go wrong.

Have fun.

I live in Boston so if you mention what part of town you'll be staying , we can mention places closer to there so you can avoid some of the coldness.

The weather here in Boston has been ridiculously cold, I've been to DC in February when it's almost spring, so I'd haev to recommend DC for this time. Also that weekend is the beginning of school vacation for most public schools around here so the airports will be mobbed, etc. As others have said, you won't need a car in either city.

Thanks for your helpful responses. Airfares to the two cities are almost identical, which is why the choice is difficult. (And, I'll probably try to go to the other city on my next trip in the spring -- so your responses on both cities are helpful).

I am relieved to hear you all suggest that a car is neither needed nor desired.

Any more restaurant or interesting bar tips for either city would be appreciated.

Also, are Logan and/or IAD airports linked by subway to center city?

Cigalechanta, I'll likely use priceline for the hotel, so will let you know the location after I go through that process.

Thanks to all of you.

John H

I'm at hotmail.com, I'll save a list meanwhile.

D.C. over Boston. A lot to do and see. Boston is okay but IMHO nothing like D.C.

Logan and National/Reagan are very handy to public transport, Dulles isn't.

Thank goodness it's not like DC, Here we can walk anyplace. Too very different places. We are more compact.
a truly walkable city.