I will be in Boston in October and would like to know what I NEED to see and do as well as where to eat. I will be staying at the Four Seasons and would like to know the proximity of all from there if possible. Do I rent a car or take a cab? Thanks

I would only rent a car if you plan on taking day trips to the north shore, cape, etc. If you only plan to stay in the city, I'd skip rentin the car. Boston is a very walkable city, especially given the great location of your hotel.

What you NEED to see is the Freedom Trail. It's a red stripe running down the sidewalk that guides you to many historic and interesting places. By all means stray off the trail often, but it's a good guide to get you headed toward the right places.

After the Freedom Trail, check out:

John Kennedy Museum, Hancock Tower (on a CLEAR day), Computer Museum (ever see one of fifty Apple I's ever built?), Museum of Fine Arts (must see!), shopping on Newbury Street, Copley Square, Filene's Bargain Basement, the museums at Harvard University.

As noted, Boston is NOT an auto city. It's streets were designed 350 years ago and all its drivers are maniacs. MUCH better to walk and take public transit.

Re the Computer Museum: pardon the pun, but I believe it's "History"!. I think it closed at least a year ago. I did enjoy taking my nephew there, but not enough others did!

I second the recommendation of the Museum of Fine Arts. A great idea if you happen to encounter a rainy day. Their permanent collection is fantastic, and you can go to their website www.mfa.org to find what visiting exhibit will be in town while you're here. It is a short subway/trolley ride from the station near your hotel (take the Green E train outbound).

I've been to the Fogg gallery at Harvard U., it is very good, and small enough that you will still have time to wander around Harvard square.

Kim
I agree with Paul. I am one of the "maniac" drivers and agree a car and Boston don't mix. Actually the problem is not so much the drivers but the lack of signage, lack of parking places (expect to pay $20 a day if you do park--even at your hotel), and layout of the streets.
The "T" is safe and user friendly and will get you to most places you want to go. I would add to Paul's list visit Harvard Square. Take a tour on the Boston Duck Tours. You go to the Prudential center (inside the shopping mall) and get tickets for a specified time later that same day. Unfortunately you cannot do this ahead. Maybe the concierge at 4 Seasons can do this--ask.
Check your date and inquire if the Head of the Charles regatta is during the time you are here. This is a very colorful fun event (and free for spectators).
As far as restaurants, there are many and good. Depends on your tastes and budget. Try the Zagat web site (or Zagat's guide book or try www.phantomgourmet.com for great reviews.
One recommendation I will give is to go to either Shear Madness or Blue Man Group in the Charles playhouse around the corner from 4 Seasons. Then go to Finale afterwords. This is a dessert restaurant and wonderful (also expensive).
Good luck.

Kim--what kinds of restaurants do you like? The best place for sushi is not too far from your hotel--you could ask the concierge for directions and foot it (or take a cab). It's called Ginza, and its on 16 Hudson St. Not sure if you are travelling solo, but its a good spot if you are because you can sit at the sushi bar and enjoy people watching. Another good solo dining spot that is just plain good is Parish Cafe, about a block from the Four Seasons. I recommend it for lunch, and they also have outdoor dining if the weather is nice. The most fun shopping spot is on Newbury St.--its called Jasmine Sola, and its at the end of Newbury, near Mass Ave. (very easy to walk to from the FS). You definitely do not need a car--you are close to everything in Boston that matters!

Make a reservation for the Duck Tour! Also, if you are into "food," also reserve a spot on the North End Culinery Tour!

i just visited boston 2 weeks ago. stayed at the hyatt for 85 per nite thanx to hotwire and lowest price. took a train to wherever i wanted to go. it was great. no problem at all and trains are air conditioned.

Regarding the Freedom trail: Head to the National Parks Service office for a free tour available through the National Park Service, which begin every half hour from the park visitor center at 15 State Street opposite the Old State House. A parks ranger will take you an excellent walk of the Freedom Trail (we did our tour in Oct as well). It is incredibily informative and should be the very first things you do in Boston.

You will see almost all of Boston and really learn a lot about the history of Amercia's push for independance.

Also, we found the subway system to be very good and grabbed a cab when necessary.

Just curious--is the author who posted this question-"Kim"-actually checking back and reading people's responses?

Sorry about not responding sooner. Been on a small road trip with 3 kids!!! I do appreciate all the helpful advice and hope to get as much done as I can. I have another question, What is the weather like in October. As far as food goes, I like just about anything except hamburgers and Mexican food. I live on the border of Mexico and that is about as much variety as I get. So anytime I go anywhere the day is centered around the meals. Thanks again for all the good info. First time to use this sight and it is making everything much easier.

Oops!!
If you check out

http://www.mos.org/tcm/tcm.html

you'll see I spoke MUCH too eloquently of the Computer Museum, which closed two years ago!!
I had such a great time there I find it hard to believe it would EVER close. Unfortunately, I went there in 1988.

((NOTE: The following is a joke))

Oh well, instead of the Computer Museum, go to the Isabel Stewart Gardner Museum, like I did in 1988, and see a wonderful Rembrandt painting of Jesus asleep during a storm.

Would someone please enlighten me as to what I would find on a Duck Tour? Ducks?

Patty,

I just took my first Boston Duck Tour last Saturday. The Duck Tours are EXTREMELY popular and good. They are 80 minute tours (cost $22 per adult). You ride in a large (roughly 25 passenger) WWII amphibious vehicle. 40 minutes of your tour is on land and then you drive straight into the Charles River and head toward the harbor to see the sites. Our guide let all of the kids on the boat drive while we toured. So basically, it is a downtown and harbor touring company, which is entertaining because of the eccentric drivers each one seems to have, and the fact that you will be riding an amphibious vehicle.

Hope that explains it a little for you.

Paul, the Computer Museum did close, but it was taken over by the Museum of Science. I'm not sure if they have actually opened exhibits which were formerly those of the Computer Museum, but hopefully those resources will not be lost forever.

If you've seen the Rembrandt lately, could you please tell the Boston Police???

Kim-
I went for a long weekend in mid October of last year and the weather was beautiful. It was just turning into fall and the sun was shining all day. During the days, I would wear pants and a light sweater and at night, wear a light leather jacket.

I second the vote for Ginza- we really enjoyed the sushi bar. Also, we had Sunday brunch at Upstairs at the Pudding in Cambridge. The restaurant is very whimsical and on nice days, you can sit outside on their balcony to dine. I believe I had a crab and avocado salad and citrus grilled shrimp....mmmm. I think they have a website. I also found www.boston.citysearch to be helpful when looking for restaurants.

Have a great time!

Kim and Jane,

Sorry to disappoint, but the restaurant 'Upstairs at the Pudding' just closed. Bummer.

I live in Boston, and here are the things I'd check out (most already posted):

1. Freedom Trail - a must do. Don't need to go all the way to Charlestown; stop in the North End around Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church for dinner at any of the Italian restaurants on Hanover or Prince streets.
2. MFA on a rainy day (www.mfa.org)
3. Children's Museum (if you have kids - it's a SUPER musuem, and right next to the Computer Museum)
4. Aquarium
5. Duck Tour - only way to tour Boston; skip the trolleys.
6. Got to top of Prudential Tower for view.
7. Shopping for fashions on Newbury and in Copley and Prudential centers.
8. Antiques on Charles street in Beacon Hill.
9. Walk through Louisburg Square and gaze at some BEAUTIFUL homes in Beacon Hill section of Boston.
10. For dining, try the South End (cab there) - any of these would be great: Aquitaine (French), Metropolis Cafe (American), Hamersley's Bistro (upscale French).
11. Take 't' to Cambridge Square and walk around.

Don't rent a car! Cabs and the 'T' will take you everywhere you want to go.

The Four Seasons is one of the best located hotels in Boston. You'll enjoy it. BTW - they have a late night dessert buffet in their 'Bristol Lounge' on weekends that's elegant and dressy.

Head of the Charles is the first weekend in October. If that is on, check it out - very large crew regatta.

For other Boston stuff, check out www.digitalcities.com for Boston listings. For restaurants - check out www.wheretoeatboston.com.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank y'all for the great stuff. I will have at least 3 free days and I know they will be enjoyable.

Louis, a trendy shop has a wonderful little restaurant where I have dined alone many times. Henrietta's table at the Charle's Hotel in Harvard Sq. You can eat at the bar or on the terrace if you don't want a table. I always take visiters to the Gardner museum. They recently starded gondola rides on the Charles river. Need more suggestions?..email me.

Kim-
Although I agree with all of the above postings for things to see in the city, I would recommend renting a car for just one day and driving up Rt. 95 into New Hampshire. The foliage in October is amazing! I live in Boston, and fall is my favorite season! The weather can be unpredictable, being Boston and October. You should expect to wear a seater and light jacket during the day,and it will get cooler at night. Then again, you might get temps. in the 70s. My suggestion would be to wait until the week before and check the forecast.