Please, evaluate my itinerary for eight nights in Boston
Jun 10th, 2011, 06:23 AM
#21
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you mentioned some concerns about the time you will be spending at museums. by day 8 you may be getting tired but i would encourage you not to skip the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. it was one of the highlights of our trip.
Jun 10th, 2011, 08:26 AM
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>>
this has been a regular topic of friendly banter on this forum over the years. Last time we were in Boston, we decided to try cannoli at all three of the "standards" -- our own little taste test -- Mike's, Modern and Maria's -- and we still like Mike's the best. (yk, did you ever take me up on my offer to contribute $$ to you doing the same taste test?)
this has been a regular topic of friendly banter on this forum over the years. Last time we were in Boston, we decided to try cannoli at all three of the "standards" -- our own little taste test -- Mike's, Modern and Maria's -- and we still like Mike's the best. (yk, did you ever take me up on my offer to contribute $$ to you doing the same taste test?)
Jun 10th, 2011, 09:04 AM
#23
>>this has been a regular topic of friendly banter on this forum over the years. Last time we were in Boston, we decided to try cannoli at all three of the "standards" -- our own little taste test -- Mike's, Modern and Maria's -- and we still like Mike's the best.
Jun 10th, 2011, 12:45 PM
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For cheap eats:
Chinatown is definitely a great place to go. Besides Hong Kong Eatery, consider the following:
-King Fung Garden, Peach Farm, East Ocean City, New Shanghai, Pearl Villa (Chinese)
-China Pearl, Emperor's (aka Empire) Garden, Hei La Moon, Chau Chow City (Chinese cart style dim sum)
-Hing Shing, Ho Yuen (Chinese bakery)
-Shabu Zen (Japanese shabu shabu)
-Ginza (sushi)
-Xinh Xinh, Pho Pasteur, Pho Hoa, any bahn mi hole in the wall shop (Vietnamese)
-Penang (Malaysian)
In Cambridge, the Porter Exchange in Porter Square has a bunch of small and cheap Japanese style eateries of varying kinds. The sushi place there is awful, but everything else is very good.
You can't go too far wrong having Indian buffet for lunch, and some of the best such spots are in Cambridge's Harvard Square: Tamarind Bay, Cafe of India, and Tanjore. If you head up two further subway stops to Davis Square, you'll find another Indian lunch buffet spot, Namaskar, and arguably the best Tibetan place locally, Martsa on Elm.
A really good and fairly cheap diner-style breakfast spot in the South End is Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe (closed Sundays, though). A very inventive and fairly priced sandwich shop choice is Parish Cafe, close by the Public Garden.
For sub sandwiches, there are a boatload of spots of varying quality. Two especially good such spots that are also sightseeing convenient in Boston and Cambridge are Al's State Street (not far from Faneuil Hall) and Dino's (North End). The Italian cold cut sub with everything on it is the iconic choice for me.
Will second amyb's mention of Antico Forno, an excellent place that specializes in Southern Italian baked items and also does a worthy brick-oven pizza. Though if you only choose one pizza place, make it Pizzeria Regina on Thacher Street.
Cheap seafood is not so easy. Consider Dolphin Seafood (near Harvard Square) or Yankee Lobster (Seaport area) for this, or spend a little more and get the best (if still not the most expensive) at Neptune Oyster (North End).
Re the North End bakeries: I've never encountered amyb's problems at Mike's, but I know some folks who complain vociferously about this spot over at Chowhound. There may well be smoke where there's fire, but I can in fairness only go on my own experiences here, which have so far been positive. And I've had less good experiences at other North End bakeries, including Parziale's, Bova, and Boschetto's. Both Maria's and Modern are excellent places, no question there for me -- reports seem consistently positive about these two spots.
Chinatown is definitely a great place to go. Besides Hong Kong Eatery, consider the following:
-King Fung Garden, Peach Farm, East Ocean City, New Shanghai, Pearl Villa (Chinese)
-China Pearl, Emperor's (aka Empire) Garden, Hei La Moon, Chau Chow City (Chinese cart style dim sum)
-Hing Shing, Ho Yuen (Chinese bakery)
-Shabu Zen (Japanese shabu shabu)
-Ginza (sushi)
-Xinh Xinh, Pho Pasteur, Pho Hoa, any bahn mi hole in the wall shop (Vietnamese)
-Penang (Malaysian)
In Cambridge, the Porter Exchange in Porter Square has a bunch of small and cheap Japanese style eateries of varying kinds. The sushi place there is awful, but everything else is very good.
You can't go too far wrong having Indian buffet for lunch, and some of the best such spots are in Cambridge's Harvard Square: Tamarind Bay, Cafe of India, and Tanjore. If you head up two further subway stops to Davis Square, you'll find another Indian lunch buffet spot, Namaskar, and arguably the best Tibetan place locally, Martsa on Elm.
A really good and fairly cheap diner-style breakfast spot in the South End is Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe (closed Sundays, though). A very inventive and fairly priced sandwich shop choice is Parish Cafe, close by the Public Garden.
For sub sandwiches, there are a boatload of spots of varying quality. Two especially good such spots that are also sightseeing convenient in Boston and Cambridge are Al's State Street (not far from Faneuil Hall) and Dino's (North End). The Italian cold cut sub with everything on it is the iconic choice for me.
Will second amyb's mention of Antico Forno, an excellent place that specializes in Southern Italian baked items and also does a worthy brick-oven pizza. Though if you only choose one pizza place, make it Pizzeria Regina on Thacher Street.
Cheap seafood is not so easy. Consider Dolphin Seafood (near Harvard Square) or Yankee Lobster (Seaport area) for this, or spend a little more and get the best (if still not the most expensive) at Neptune Oyster (North End).
Re the North End bakeries: I've never encountered amyb's problems at Mike's, but I know some folks who complain vociferously about this spot over at Chowhound. There may well be smoke where there's fire, but I can in fairness only go on my own experiences here, which have so far been positive. And I've had less good experiences at other North End bakeries, including Parziale's, Bova, and Boschetto's. Both Maria's and Modern are excellent places, no question there for me -- reports seem consistently positive about these two spots.
Jun 10th, 2011, 04:01 PM
#26
bachs is spot on re: Al's State Street, for sandwiches is a cult classic among the financial district working class. Get there early and prepare to stand in line as long as it takes. I have never, ever been disappointed there.
A bit out of the way, nearer Boston Harbor Hotel on the corner of High and Oliver is a new Asian deli, Foumami. It is across from where I work now and I go a couple times a week strictly for the Chinese cobb salad which is to die for. And only $7. It's maybe 5 minutes up Batterymarch from State. But if you've walked this far up State Street, I'd rather see you go to James Hook Lobster next to the Boston Harbor Hotel for a lobster roll!
Also off State Street on Broad Street is Sakura Bana, which is our local haunt for sushi. I don't think it's as good as Ginza, but it's the place we go for sushi near work and it fills the void.
A bit out of the way, nearer Boston Harbor Hotel on the corner of High and Oliver is a new Asian deli, Foumami. It is across from where I work now and I go a couple times a week strictly for the Chinese cobb salad which is to die for. And only $7. It's maybe 5 minutes up Batterymarch from State. But if you've walked this far up State Street, I'd rather see you go to James Hook Lobster next to the Boston Harbor Hotel for a lobster roll!
Also off State Street on Broad Street is Sakura Bana, which is our local haunt for sushi. I don't think it's as good as Ginza, but it's the place we go for sushi near work and it fills the void.
Jun 10th, 2011, 06:46 PM
#27
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This is a restaurant in the North End that my cousin goes to alot. They have a facebook page too. Nebo is located at 90 North Washington Street Boston MA and reservations can be made by calling 617.723.nebo (6326). For more information please visit www.neborestaurant.com
I agree with what bachslunch said. There are plenty of beach/scenic towns nearby if you decide to get out of the city. Also, your hotel may offer suggestions. Ask if they have a concierge.
I'm glad that you have some open time on some of your days so you can revisit somewhere you didn't see long enough or enjoy something more that you saw on your tour.
When you take the trolley tours you can ask if they offer the headsets for different languages...but your english is very good so you should be fine with the tour guide.
When I vacation I buy postcards and I can put them in the albums with my pictures. For example if you have a post card of the North End then you can put the pictures of that area near it.
On Hanover Street in the North End you will find plenty of restaurants, small italian grocery store, etc. Also, if you stop by the Fire Dept. they sell tee shirts there if you are interested in that.
Have a wonderful trip. I hope you'll post on here after you return home so we can read how you liked it.
By the way, Congratulations to you and your fiance!!
I agree with what bachslunch said. There are plenty of beach/scenic towns nearby if you decide to get out of the city. Also, your hotel may offer suggestions. Ask if they have a concierge.
I'm glad that you have some open time on some of your days so you can revisit somewhere you didn't see long enough or enjoy something more that you saw on your tour.
When you take the trolley tours you can ask if they offer the headsets for different languages...but your english is very good so you should be fine with the tour guide.
When I vacation I buy postcards and I can put them in the albums with my pictures. For example if you have a post card of the North End then you can put the pictures of that area near it.
On Hanover Street in the North End you will find plenty of restaurants, small italian grocery store, etc. Also, if you stop by the Fire Dept. they sell tee shirts there if you are interested in that.
Have a wonderful trip. I hope you'll post on here after you return home so we can read how you liked it.
By the way, Congratulations to you and your fiance!!
Jun 11th, 2011, 06:20 AM
#28
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Wow, what a great thread this is. You have received so many wonderful tips about your visit to Boston. You will have a wonderful time.
I am going to bookmark this post for my own use.
BTW, as far as the pastry shops are concerned. When we had our friends from out of state visting us, we got off the trolley and walked to the north end for lunch. We stopped at the fire station, there was a fireman sitting on a chair outside the station. We asked for lunch recommendations and he suggested a restaurant right down the street from the station. Don't remember the name but in my opinion the lunch was only so so.
The fireman told us to go to Modern Pastry for cannollis (my friend wanted one) and said that they are not pre-made there but they make it up right in front of you. We had to wait in a short line out the door but it was true, made before your eyes. My friend loved it. I'm not a cannoli fan, we got some gelato instead.
Hope all the advice is helpful to you. Congrats and have a wonderful trip. Please do a post on your return, we'd love to hear about your trip.
I am going to bookmark this post for my own use.
BTW, as far as the pastry shops are concerned. When we had our friends from out of state visting us, we got off the trolley and walked to the north end for lunch. We stopped at the fire station, there was a fireman sitting on a chair outside the station. We asked for lunch recommendations and he suggested a restaurant right down the street from the station. Don't remember the name but in my opinion the lunch was only so so.
The fireman told us to go to Modern Pastry for cannollis (my friend wanted one) and said that they are not pre-made there but they make it up right in front of you. We had to wait in a short line out the door but it was true, made before your eyes. My friend loved it. I'm not a cannoli fan, we got some gelato instead.
Hope all the advice is helpful to you. Congrats and have a wonderful trip. Please do a post on your return, we'd love to hear about your trip.
Jun 11th, 2011, 08:47 AM
#29
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On your Beacon Hill day I would visit at least the African American Meeting House, possibly more sites on the Black History Trail
In Cambridge the Longfellow House is a very interesting place to visit and is an easy walk from Harvard Square.
I don't see how you are listing campus tours of Harvard and MIT as ***. If you take formal tours, they won't be short. I know Harvard has self-guided tour suggestions, too
In Cambridge the Longfellow House is a very interesting place to visit and is an easy walk from Harvard Square.
I don't see how you are listing campus tours of Harvard and MIT as ***. If you take formal tours, they won't be short. I know Harvard has self-guided tour suggestions, too
Jun 11th, 2011, 08:57 PM
#30
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guys, thank you for all the tips. It is so much information that I don´t know if I can process it. So, I'll print the thread to read and reread during the flight... I´ll have time (about 12 hours, hehehe)
The time is short since the wedding is coming.
Certainly, I'll report the trip when return. But I guess I'll have plenty to write and takes me a while to write in English.
Regarding information about eating, I created a map on google to help me in locating the suggestions. To see just follow the link http://goo.gl/3fBDO
It may be useful to someone else in a future. I'll update with the latest tips.
see you soon.
The time is short since the wedding is coming.
Certainly, I'll report the trip when return. But I guess I'll have plenty to write and takes me a while to write in English.
Regarding information about eating, I created a map on google to help me in locating the suggestions. To see just follow the link http://goo.gl/3fBDO
It may be useful to someone else in a future. I'll update with the latest tips.
see you soon.
Jun 12th, 2011, 04:56 PM
#31
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So much has been said! And you already have a full schedule indeed mapped out, thanks to your research. We are new in the area and have yet to cover the places you mention. m I actually think that after day 3 you will drop dead! That's partly because you are doing alot of walking covering the entire the Freedom Trail over to Charlestown. And even out to Cambridge. Boston Harborfest before and after the 4th presents lots of things to see and do with special entertainment and costumed people, etc.
I see you mention getting a Charlie Card which is good. We've relied alot on a bus or subway since moving here. Personally I don't like the big noisy ducks which go too fast. You will no doubt have your T map and like lots of other folks will you can get help.
P.S. Please root for the Red Sox who are finally winning.
Good luck...Bill in Boston (actually Watertown)
I see you mention getting a Charlie Card which is good. We've relied alot on a bus or subway since moving here. Personally I don't like the big noisy ducks which go too fast. You will no doubt have your T map and like lots of other folks will you can get help.
P.S. Please root for the Red Sox who are finally winning.
Good luck...Bill in Boston (actually Watertown)
Jun 13th, 2011, 07:36 AM
#32
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Re the food places mentioned since my last long food post -- will definitely second Sakurabana in the Financial District for excellent and reasonably affordable sushi. O Ya in the Leather District is terrific for this, but also very high-end. James Hook Lobster provides a really good and reasonably priced lobster roll, but don't expect much in the way of atmosphere. Have had one lunch experience at Nebo in the North End, and sorry to report it was not a positive one. Agreed that the small grocery stores in the North End (some focus on Italian specialties while others concentrate on a particular food such as meat, coffee, fruit/vegetables, etc.) are fun to explore. Haven't tried Foumami yet.
Another good and reasonably priced food place in the part of the Financial District mentioned above is Sultan's Kitchen, which serves up most worthy Turkish cuisine.
Another good and reasonably priced food place in the part of the Financial District mentioned above is Sultan's Kitchen, which serves up most worthy Turkish cuisine.
Jun 13th, 2011, 12:11 PM
#33
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Regarding Charlie Card, since you're here for 9 days, you should buy a 7-day Tpass which is only $15. http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/subway/
I'd use that from Day 2 through Day 8 on your itinerary. Day 1 and Day 9 are your arrival & departure days which you won't be using the T (unless you take the T to the airport). Since a single ride on the T is $1.70 using a Charlie Card, you definitely will save $ by getting the unlimited 7-day T pass instead.
I'd use that from Day 2 through Day 8 on your itinerary. Day 1 and Day 9 are your arrival & departure days which you won't be using the T (unless you take the T to the airport). Since a single ride on the T is $1.70 using a Charlie Card, you definitely will save $ by getting the unlimited 7-day T pass instead.
Jun 14th, 2011, 03:22 AM
#34
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In case you want to know the origin of the name Charlie Card, this thread explains
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...kable-or-t.cfm
here's a link to a performance of the song on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VMSGrY-IlU
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...kable-or-t.cfm
here's a link to a performance of the song on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VMSGrY-IlU
Jun 14th, 2011, 06:08 AM
#35
Just an FYI about the Charlie Card, you cannot use it on Commuter Rail. So if you're thinking about a day trip to Salem or Rockport or anywhere on the Commuter Rail, it is not included on the Charlie Card that you load value on to. The T hasn't had the ability to figure out how to decrement the fares from those cards on board a moving train....
Jun 14th, 2011, 06:18 AM
#36
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Oh yes, Vttraveler, just heard Kingston Trio last night on WGBH TV fund raiser singing about Charlie and his continual ride on "The M.T.A." Am I the only one who actually remembers back to when this song first was sung by these folk singers? I am a regular user of the Charlie card myself, the senior version...bus only 40 cents and subway only 60 cents! Good advice from yk on saving bucks.
