First Time Visit - Boston Over Christmas. Any MUST SEE's ?
Nov 26th, 2001, 07:33 AM
#1
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First Time Visit - Boston Over Christmas. Any MUST SEE's ?
Hi,
Myself and my wife are visiting Boston for the first time (in fact it's the first time in the USA) from Ireland. Is there anything we "shouldn't miss" while there. Also has anyone stayed in Doubletree Club Boston Bayside? and is it nice ?
hope someone can help
A.G.
Myself and my wife are visiting Boston for the first time (in fact it's the first time in the USA) from Ireland. Is there anything we "shouldn't miss" while there. Also has anyone stayed in Doubletree Club Boston Bayside? and is it nice ?
hope someone can help
A.G.
Nov 26th, 2001, 08:06 AM
#2
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You must be taking advantage of those cheap Aer Lingus fares. Very tempting. I'm still trying to covince my brother (from Kerry) to make the trip this year.
But anyway - That Doubtree is very near the John F Kennedy library. That is always worth a visit but more so currently because there is a exhibit of Jackie's gowns on display that is getting lovely reviews.
Also a great Boston tradition is the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker - the most popular in the world (or so they say). Its spectacular but a bit pricey.
Stroll around the Common to see the lights. You can rent ice skates at the Frog Pond and give it a whirl.
Shopping is great on Newbury Street(trendy) but my brother prefers Filene's and Macy's at Downtown Crossing (more basic but large selections and great sales) He usually comes over every year at this time and does a ton of shopping. Even with the exchange rate its still cheaper for him. (Take the Red Line from near your hotel just a few stops).
Make sure you go to the North End for great Italian food. You can walk into almost any restaurant there and get a great meal. Hanover Street and Salem Street are loaded with choices. The Daily Catch is my favorite.
The Musuem of Fine Arts is also great as well as the Gardener Musuem if you like art.
There's Quincy Market (bars and restaurants and shops - touristy but still nice).
Check out Havard Square over in Cambridge (again take the Red Line).
Take a walk along the Esplanade on the Charles River. Maybe have a drink at the Top of the Hub for a great view.(a bar on the top of the Prudential Center).
If you are still here for New Years Boston celebrates in a big way with First Night.
Enjoy your stay and please be patient with all the Boston Irish who will really want to talk your ear off when they hear your brogues. Many people in Boston are very very proud of their Irish heritage and always want to chat with Irish visitors.
But anyway - That Doubtree is very near the John F Kennedy library. That is always worth a visit but more so currently because there is a exhibit of Jackie's gowns on display that is getting lovely reviews.
Also a great Boston tradition is the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker - the most popular in the world (or so they say). Its spectacular but a bit pricey.
Stroll around the Common to see the lights. You can rent ice skates at the Frog Pond and give it a whirl.
Shopping is great on Newbury Street(trendy) but my brother prefers Filene's and Macy's at Downtown Crossing (more basic but large selections and great sales) He usually comes over every year at this time and does a ton of shopping. Even with the exchange rate its still cheaper for him. (Take the Red Line from near your hotel just a few stops).
Make sure you go to the North End for great Italian food. You can walk into almost any restaurant there and get a great meal. Hanover Street and Salem Street are loaded with choices. The Daily Catch is my favorite.
The Musuem of Fine Arts is also great as well as the Gardener Musuem if you like art.
There's Quincy Market (bars and restaurants and shops - touristy but still nice).
Check out Havard Square over in Cambridge (again take the Red Line).
Take a walk along the Esplanade on the Charles River. Maybe have a drink at the Top of the Hub for a great view.(a bar on the top of the Prudential Center).
If you are still here for New Years Boston celebrates in a big way with First Night.
Enjoy your stay and please be patient with all the Boston Irish who will really want to talk your ear off when they hear your brogues. Many people in Boston are very very proud of their Irish heritage and always want to chat with Irish visitors.
Nov 26th, 2001, 09:24 AM
#4
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Don't miss going up to the observatory in the Prudential building. A wonderful view of the whole area - on a clear day you can actually see the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Lots of great exibits ans such up there also, and it's only about $5 per person! I believe there is also an observatory in the Hancock building, right down the street.
Nov 26th, 2001, 03:55 PM
#6
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Hope you have a grea time here.
Some more comments to add to Bennie's list:
One thing you must add to your list is a walk on the Freedom Trail - a trail marked by a line red bricks or red paint. It starts in the Boston Common Park (near the Park Street T - subway - Stop) and winds through old Boston. See America's history - although not so old - and explore Boston on foot. My favorite is the Old State House - there's a little balcony on which our Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the first time. It's a wonderful little building in the middle of skyscrapers.
If you like antiquing, head down Charles Street on Beacon Hill. Walk up the Hill to Louisburg Square - a beautiful neighborhood.
Theater: you can get show tickets 1/2 price on the day of the show at BosTix stands - there is one in Faneiul (sp) Hall and one in Copley Place Park (corner of Dartmouth and Boylston).
Take a tour of the Boston Public Library.
Art Museums: I second the vote to see the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (this was her home when she died, and instructed that it become a museum in the exact way it was left - not only does it have great art, but it's an amazing building).
Sports: Try to take in a professional ice hockey or basketball game at the Fleet Center.
By the way - I recommend public transportation - do not rent a car and drive in Boston.
I hope you enjoy our city - you picked a great one for your first time to the US!
Some more comments to add to Bennie's list:
One thing you must add to your list is a walk on the Freedom Trail - a trail marked by a line red bricks or red paint. It starts in the Boston Common Park (near the Park Street T - subway - Stop) and winds through old Boston. See America's history - although not so old - and explore Boston on foot. My favorite is the Old State House - there's a little balcony on which our Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the first time. It's a wonderful little building in the middle of skyscrapers.
If you like antiquing, head down Charles Street on Beacon Hill. Walk up the Hill to Louisburg Square - a beautiful neighborhood.
Theater: you can get show tickets 1/2 price on the day of the show at BosTix stands - there is one in Faneiul (sp) Hall and one in Copley Place Park (corner of Dartmouth and Boylston).
Take a tour of the Boston Public Library.
Art Museums: I second the vote to see the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (this was her home when she died, and instructed that it become a museum in the exact way it was left - not only does it have great art, but it's an amazing building).
Sports: Try to take in a professional ice hockey or basketball game at the Fleet Center.
By the way - I recommend public transportation - do not rent a car and drive in Boston.
I hope you enjoy our city - you picked a great one for your first time to the US!
Nov 29th, 2001, 05:06 AM
#7
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Bennie sums it up well!
Doug mentioned the observatories at teh John Hancock & Prudential buildings with their spectacular views.
Unfortunately, Since Sept. 11 the John Hancock observatory was permanatly shut down. I believe the Pridential is still open "Top of the Hub" and is definately worth the view!
I second most of Bennie's suggestions- the Kennedy Library, Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall, North End & Common. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with its indoor gardens is also quite beautiful. Enjoy!!!
Doug mentioned the observatories at teh John Hancock & Prudential buildings with their spectacular views.
Unfortunately, Since Sept. 11 the John Hancock observatory was permanatly shut down. I believe the Pridential is still open "Top of the Hub" and is definately worth the view!
I second most of Bennie's suggestions- the Kennedy Library, Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall, North End & Common. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with its indoor gardens is also quite beautiful. Enjoy!!!
Nov 29th, 2001, 05:23 AM
#8
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I just saw a preview of the new IMAX theater at the New England Aquarium which will be opening to the public next week. It's our first IMAX as the Museum of Science has an Omnimax theater (dome screen). The opening shows will be a 3D under the ocean film which has been around since 1991, but well worth seeing if you have never seen it, or an IMAX film. The NE Aquarium is directly across the street (aka the Big Dig) from Faneuil Hall, and a good place to visit.
Have a great trip and enjoy Boston.
Have a great trip and enjoy Boston.
Nov 29th, 2001, 09:37 AM
#9
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Totally agree with NOT renting a car. Boston is walkable city and the T (subway) is a fairly decent way to get around. You can buy a 2 or 3 day "passport" for T to make gettting on/off that much easier.
Download comments from Bennie & Jen, they both hit the nail on the head for you as far as what to see.
Welcome to Boston- and enjoy! After visiting the 1st time, I hope you find you need to come back for a 2nd! Have Fun!!!
Download comments from Bennie & Jen, they both hit the nail on the head for you as far as what to see.
Welcome to Boston- and enjoy! After visiting the 1st time, I hope you find you need to come back for a 2nd! Have Fun!!!
Nov 29th, 2001, 10:05 AM
#11
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Don't forget The new england aquarium and faneuil hall. Also, the North End for great Italian. This brings me to my other point. If it is not to late, try to switch your hotel to something in town, preferably the marriot long wharf, from which you can walk to all the above mentioned attractions, and most of the ones everyone else mentioned. Don't rent a car unless you want to drive to maine. Harvard square is fun to check out too. have fun.
Nov 29th, 2001, 02:51 PM
#12
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Gregory, New Year's Eve is a wonderful special time to be in Boston. We have the nation's oldest First Night celebration. Parade, fireworks, and lots of excitement in between. Check out www.firstnight.org
