Spending this weekend in Boston for first time and need advice as to what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. Please help!

First things first, I would get your hotel accomodations in order ASAP. It was on the news this weekend that this fall has been the busiest for hotels in a long time and are on average 90% full. Average prices are also hovering around $200/night right now. There are plenty of nice places to stay in Boston--Marriott Long Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Copley Marriott, Westin, Sheration BAck Bay, and the list goes on..As for things to do--what are your interests??? Walk the Freedom Trail, go to the top of the Prudential Tower, shop on Newbury St, go out to eat in the North End, and walk through the public gardens. Hope this helps!!!

Its a big city. What are you looking for? What do you want to spend? to see? to get out of your visit?

We need a lot more specifics to be helpful.

Thanks Betsy -

I already have a hotel in Cambridge but was thinking about moving into the city.
I am interested in the Freedom Trail and some shopping on Newbury street.
Have you ever seen the Blue Man Group or know anything about it?

I would also like some great, "authentic" Boston restaurants - seafood, italian, etc.
What about nightlife - any great places/shows we should try to see?

First...DON'T DRIVE...second, it's been snowing for 2 days...get ready...third..Midtown hotel is cheaper, okay, somewhat comfortable, free parking...you can't get around due to traffic. Literally takes about 30-35 minutes to get from one end of downtown to other, i.e., Wharf to Back Bay. Be prepared. Good luck.

Sarah-havent been to Blue Man yet, but everyone I've talked to who have, loved it. For live music, TT The Bears and the Middle East in Central Sq, Cambridge are good bets. For the club scene head to Landsdowne St. behind Fenway Park. For bars that have top 40 DJs, head to Quincy Market (Hennessey's, Puprle Shamrock) or the Alley (off Boylston St, near the Tremont St intersection). For italian, head to the North End. There are MANY great restaraunts and you really can't go wrong there. Just walk around, check out the menus, and head in to one you like. For seafood, I like Legal's (It's a chain, and lots of locals think it's overrated, but I like it!). Also Skipjacks is good. I've heard the EAst Coast Grill in CAmbridge is excellent also. For something really different, I like going to Addis Red Sea (Ethiopian) in the South End on Tremont St. For traditional New England Fare (seafood, corned beef & cabbage, baked beans etc) head down to Quincy Market and go to Durgin Park (it's a little bit toursity, but the food is good, and my out of town guests really like going there).
Yes, it has been snowing for the past couple days, but it's supposed to warm up into the 50s by the weekend. Just be prepared for varying temps (hint: layers!!!) Have a great time!!!!

What to do:
Freedom Trail. Boston has more history than any other US city (and I'm from Philly, a close #2!)
Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Newberry Street (just wander, and stop at any shop that captures your fancy)
Copley Square
Mother Church of Christian Science
Mapparium (check hours, as they are limited -- it's worth it)
Hancock Tower (IF the weather is clear)
John Kennedy Museum
Computer Museum (ever see an Apple I?)
Museums of Harvard University

SKIP the Bull & Finch Club. If you're not a fan of "Cheers" you have no reason to do so; if you are a fan, you'll be heartbroken to see how a neighborhood bar has devolved to a tourist trap.