My husband and I are planning to spend the Thanksgiving 4 day weekend in Boston. Should we rent a car? I'm sure there is tons to do in Boston and that it is a great walking city. But what sort of side trips might we want to do that it would be nice to have a car for. Thanks.

Nancy, there have been tons of posts on this board that discuss places of interest in the Boston area. Why not start by reading those, then come back and ask specific questions?

You DO NOT need to rent a car. It would sit in a parking garage at $30ish dollars a day and not get used. You can take "side trips" via MBTA commuter rail, or rent a car for a day if you wish to get out of the city. Head down to Plymouth, especially if you're here for Thanksgiving!

Boston is a fairly small city and easy to get around. Much easier to walk than have a car, because the traffic is bad and during Thanksgiving is going to be WORSE.

There is lots to see and do, but bring warm clothing because it will be cold.

Take a walking tour of the city which starts at the State House (Capital building) and goes all over downtown Boston and Little Italy and of course to Fanuiel Hall.

If you are going to be there for 4 days, you will just have enough time to see the Museum of Art right off the green line, and the Science Museum.
also accesable from the MBTA.

You might get a Fodors book on the city and suggestions for restaurants, because there are tons. One of my favorites is Union Oyster House.

Since you are there during the holidays, make sure you head to the Boston Commons to see the Christmas lights and meet Santa's reindeer.

Have a great time.

I like Tweedy's suggestions, though I think the lights might not be lit yet, and they don't have the reindeer every year.

I normally don't like to see posts that correct people's spelling, but since tweedy got ALMOST EVERY place wrong, here are the correct names/spellings in case you try to look things up:

State House/state capitol
Boston Common
Museum of Fine Arts www.mfa.rorg
Museum of Science www.mos.org
Faneuil Hall (aka Quincy Marketplace)

Boston's little Italy is more commonly known as the North End.

Have fun!

If your staying within the confines of Bostonno need for a car. It has a very good subway system & is also walkable.

If you go South to Plymouth for the day you would need a car, butI would rent for that day only. Parking is outrageous in Boston
Enjoy