Although you are a tourist, you should hang out with the locals a bit. So stay away from Faneuil Hall. Its a tourist trap. (I live here...I work here...so I can say this!)

Go to Finale for dessert. YUM.

Avila's or Rustic Kitchen for dinner.

Rockbottom is a good local brewery (not too young but not too old)

Newbury Street is always a good location.

How about Salem for the Witches? If you rent a car its not far.

I would go to the Gardner museum or Museum of Fine Arts. I wouldn't do both. Gardner is more architecturally interesting but Fine Arts has the Egypt collection.

Hey GT - Finally we have something travel related to discuss! My family is originally from Boston so here are my picks . . .

Quincy Market/Fanuel Hall - fun to walk around and snack. Durgan Park is great - known for prime rib but I had a great lobster roll there!

Aquarium - one of my favorites (like it better than Monterrey).

Freedom Trail - if it's not too cold & you are up for walking.

Cemetary by Boston Commons - can't remember the actual name but Mother Goose & notable founding fathers are buried there. Ride the swan boats in the commons if they are running.

Duck Tours - we did this last time we were there & thought it was great fun & gives you a nice perspective on the city.

Sweet MiMis - It's a great chocolatier outside Boston. Okay, my aunt owns it (one in Andover too), but if you happen to drive by it you should pop in!

Have fun & eat lots of Lobster Rolls - I ate 3 in 24 hours on one trip. I dare you to try and beat that!!!

You guys are the BEST and I absolutely will try and beat your lobster roll record!

I'm printing everything out!

I second Michelle Topor's culinary tour of Boston's North End. Great historical information and great food samples. We visited Haymarket on Friday when it wasn't busy but when back on Saturday, it was mobbed but I had to buy some fresh figs after sampling my first ones on the tour. We also went back to shop the North End since there is no time while on the tour. Had an early dinner there soon after the tour and decided that I did like Italian food when I discovered there's a lot more to it than just red sauce.
No one has mentioned the Kennedy Library. There are changing exhibits. A couple of years ago Jackie Kennedy's clothes were on display. I thought it would be a silly fashion display but it was an amazing education in how her outfits were chosen for her depending on what country she was visiting and what the US govt wanted to honor and her gracious behavior as First Lady.
I also liked Durgin Park but maybe it was the nostalgia of having had lunch there during a 7th grade field trip. The surly waitresses are gone but the menu hasn't changed. Where else can you get Indian pudding and pot roast? Don't forget the discounted ticket stands in Quincy Market and elsewhere for shows.

1. Faneuil Hall - can walk to No. End from here, or
2. Walk through Boston Common/Public Garden to Newbury Street shops, Copley Square, Prudential
3. Red Line to Harvard Square (Cambridge) - ditto make a stop at L.A. Burdick for out-of-this-world hot chocolate or burgers at Bartley's at 246 Mass. Ave
4. North End/Italian section
5. JFK Library
6. ICA, (http://www.icaboston.org/), Museum of Fine Arts, or Boston Museum of Science
7. Agreed B-side is good (Cambridge) or Bob the Chef's for jazz and authentic soul food at www.bobthechefs.com

FYI, the old granary burial ground mentioned in another post was closed due to errant Dr Pepper marketing campaign., see http://www.boston.com/news/local/art...in_near_crypt/ may have been reopened - not sure.

A few updates that may or may not make a difference to you Go Travel

The Children's Museum is closed for renovations.

The "old" Ritz (Arlington and Newbury)is now the Taj Boston. The "new" Ritz is still the Ritz.

The RumBar at the Intercontinental is very nice and has a fireplace or two.

I heard that about the "old" Ritz as well. Really a shame. I stayed there in September and thought it was a lovely, classic hotel.

Good to hear about the Children's Museum. We took our kids there a couple of years ago and I was very disapointed - a lot of things needed repairs. I loved this museum as a child so I'm happy to hear it is going to get some much needed TLC.

The Taj will always be the Ritz to those of us who grew up in the neighborhood. We still also call the Tobin Bridge, The Mystic :)

Here are some thoughts on neighborhood / dive bars:
Plough & Stars on Mass Ave in Cambridge b/n Harvard and Central Squares - a great local with good music. My favorite bar in Boston

Doyle's in Jamaica Plain

Redbones in Somerville

The Sevens Pub (77 Charles Street)
Beacon Hill, around the corner and a world away from Cheers

Other top favorites in Beantown -

Walk the North End - eat at the Daily Catch (Calamari Cafe) or Pomodoro - two little hole in the wall restaurants with great food

Walk the Freedom Trail

Stroll through Boston Common and the Public Gardens then down Newbury Street (If the weather cooperates, Boston is a great walking town)

Museum of Fine Arts

Bookshopping in the Harvard Square area

Good list wayfarer. When I was younger and the seven's was my local, an artist would repaint the walls every year. I'll add the Gardens on Cambridge Street, The casablanca in Hv. Sq. on Brattle street and Burdick's chocolate mice on Brattle.

I tried posting this several times yesterday. Hopefully it works this time!

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You've got some great suggestions.

I second the following: duck tours (even though they don't start until April); Freedom Trail, Tapeo (yum and fun, especially the perron!); Elizabeth Gardner museum; running along the Esplanade, Hammersleys; Doyle's (even though it's kind of out of the way if you're not doing anything else down in that area); the Sevens.

I am not in favor of: Stephanie's or Purple Shamrock.

For a cozy bar right near Faneuil Hall, I love Tiernan's. The beer list is great and they have delish comfort food. Silvertone in Downtown Crossing is fantastic. I live and work right downtown and disagree about F. Hall. Sure, it's touristy, but I still love walking through there and admiring the gorgeous architecture and history.

Since you're staying right near Fort Point, you've got to hit Flour. They're not currently open on Sundays, but the location in the South End is. Flour is on Farnsworth Street, just off Congress Street, which is parallel to Summer Street (where the hotel is) and the bakery/cafe is very near to the Children's Museum just before you cross the bridge to get back into downtown. Their sandwiches and cookies/desserts are TO DIE FOR.

I'm surprised noone's mentioned Chacareros yet in downtown crossing, that's usually a big hit.

If you want a place with a fun atmosphere, and if you're in the South End, hit Pho Republique for the yummy fun cocktails. Also in the South End is Franklin Cafe, which is one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

For italian, as much as I love the North End, I have been a faithful diner at Ivy in the Ladder District downtown ever since it opened early last year. Great food and every bottle of wine is $26. Can't beat that!

I can go on and on and on, but it sounds like your itin is jampacked as it is!

Have fun in my city, hope you enjoy it!
=)

cigalechanta - I know what you mean - we Bostonians do tend to resist change. The Taj will always be the Ritz to me too, and Macy's is still Jordan Marsh or Filene's. So what the heck do we call that building above North Station? Boston Garden, The Fleet Center, the New Garden? Thank God they've never changed the name of the MFA or Fenway Park.

You all are THE GREATEST!

Thanks, this is a tough trip for my husband and I am hoping to make is special.

My stepson was working for Harvard when he passed last March.

GoTravel- I second and third the suggestion for Redbones in Somerville. It's a southern style BBQ place and I am here salivating just thinking of the yummy food there! It's in Davis Square in Somerville.

You should definitely stroll down Newbury Street. There are many boutique style shops there, that are great for window shopping at least! There's also a Ben and Jerrys shop on that street! ;)

I wouls suggest spending at least a few hours in Harvard Square. It makes for some fun "people watching" and there is lots of atmosphere as well. Strolling on the Harvard campus is always very relaxing for me.

All the best- have a safe trip!

Do not miss going on board The USS Constitution ( Old Ironsides ).She is still a commissioned ship in th US Navy.

I live here but am bookmarking anyway - we take things for granted after a few years! Thanks.

Gotta love the Duck!

http://www.bostonducktours.com/

I'm sure you've probably checked the weather forecast by now and know that Friday promises to be ugly with a wintry mix and some accumulation of snow. Luckily, Saturday and Sunday look lovely (for winter-time Boston) with a high near 50 on Saturday.

One thing you might want to consider is a trip to the USS John F. Fitzgerald, a decommissioned aircraft carrier making one last stop in Boston Harbor. Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Unfortunately, I can only imagine the crowds this event will draw so you might not want to give up a large chunk of your weekend to stand in line. But I thought I would mention it in case you are interested and for any other visitors to Boston this weekend.

http://www.boston.com/news/specials/ussjfk/

Oops! That should be the John F. Kennedy, of course!!

Hi GoTravel (and BostonGal),

Unfortunately - Tiernan's in the Financial District has closed. I really miss it.

Cuffs bar at the Jurys Hotel in the Back Bay is cozy - with a nice fireplace.

Have fun!