This summer, I found myself in the Boston area, filled with both excitement and a sense of nervousness. This was no ordinary trip or job assignment; it marked the end of a journey that began 2.5 years ago—my academic pursuit at one of the world’s oldest educational institutions, Harvard University.
During this final phase of my Master’s in Sustainability, I embraced student life in Somerville, attended lectures and research discussions in Harvard Square, explored Boston’s urban parks and forests, supported the buy-local movement in Cambridge, sampled vegan-friendly restaurants and cafés, and experienced Boston’s distinctive 4th of July celebrations!
This was my first visit to Boston, and I was surprised to find it challenging to locate reliable recommendations online. So, I decided to create a travel guide to Boston, detailing where to stay (for tourists and short to medium-term stays) and various interesting activities to enjoy.
Also read: An Experiential Guide to New York City
Is Boston Worth a Visit?
While I wouldn’t classify Boston as one of my favorite cities worldwide, if work or academic pursuits take you there, it certainly provides enough to keep you busy for several days!
It took me some time to understand the relationship between Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. Simply put, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. Cambridge is an independent city (known for housing Harvard University), but it’s considered a suburb of the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area. Somerville, too, is recognized as both a city and suburb of Greater Boston. I lived in Somerville, studied in Cambridge, and explored much of Boston.
How Many Days Are Enough in Boston?
Your answer may vary, but for an average tourist, I would recommend 3-5 days. The city is not cheap, and those days should allow you to explore the highlights at a leisurely pace.
Also read: The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With Curiosity
Things to Do and See in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville
Hike in Arnold Arboretum
As much as I enjoyed my time on Harvard’s campus, I longed for closer access to nature. When a friend from Harvard Medical School invited me for a hike in a city forest, I couldn’t pass it up! I learned that the Arnold Arboretum, managed by Harvard, houses over 2,000 species of trees and plants across 280 preserved acres. Amid heartfelt conversations, we hiked the gentle hills, spotted a brilliant red cardinal, and marveled at the ancient trees lining the trails.
Take the orange line to Forest Hills station to reach there.
Experience the 4th of July Declaration at the Old State House
I initially hesitated to attend the 4th of July celebrations in the U.S., given the lack of recognition for Native American communities still facing oppression. However, I participated and attended a reading of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
To my surprise, I encountered thousands of people out on the streets that morning. I eventually found a spot on a rooftop to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Boston’s Old State House. The ceremony was quite a spectacle, complete with officials in historical uniforms and vintage gunfire!
A few hours later, the Frederick Douglass reading felt like a different world, primarily attended by the Black community and infused with gospel music. I opted to skip the fireworks later that evening due to concerns about air pollution.
Check The Boston Calendar for all 4th of July events.
Explore Boston’s History at Faneuil Hall (Boston Freedom Trail)
4th of July turned out to be the perfect day to visit nearby Faneuil Hall, a symbol of Boston’s resistance against British colonial rule. Part of the Boston Freedom Trail, while I didn’t complete the entire trail, I valued learning about pivotal moments of resistance at the local museum, alongside contemporary challenges in the U.S. One significant issue is redlining— a practice denying credit based on location (often tied to ethnicity) rather than educational or employment history.
If you’re a history enthusiast, consider taking a guided walking tour of the Boston Freedom Trail!
Visit Boston’s North End Italian District
Many local friends recommended I stroll through the North End Italian District during my visit to Boston. The cobbled streets are rich in character, reminiscent of an old European city, featuring quirky homes, classic Italian restaurants, and bakeries. Unfortunately, most options aren’t vegan-friendly.
Immerse Yourself in Boston’s Intellectual Atmosphere at Harvard University and the MIT Campus
I was surprised to discover that the Boston area houses about 64 universities and colleges, with Harvard and MIT being the most renowned. While I found Harvard Square to be overly crowded and recently gentrified, the Harvard campus, sprawling on both sides of the Charles River, provided a peaceful oasis. I was fortunate enough to attend lectures in Harvard Yard, home to some of the institution’s oldest buildings, including the iconic Widener Library. The campus grounds are open to the public, and I highly recommend a visit—especially through a student-led walking tour.
The MIT campus, with its iconic Great Dome overlooking the Charles River, left a lasting impression on me. Meandering through these campuses, I felt a sense of humility, reflecting on all the brilliant minds from around the globe who have studied at these prestigious institutions.
Take a Swim at the Upper Mystic Lake
On a sunny day in Boston, I visited the Upper Mystic Lake with a friend who loves water. Surrounded by oak and maple trees, as well as some beautiful upscale homes, the lake is a favorite for locals looking to swim.
However, the unusually warm weather has led to an influx of invasive species in the water. Despite remediation efforts by authorities, swimming was not advised during my visit due to contamination concerns.
The lake is a 20-minute walk from North Station.
Enjoy Long Walks to Absorb the Atmosphere of Boston and Cambridge
After lengthy hours spent on my Master’s research, I cherished going for long walks through Boston’s various suburbs and neighborhoods. I particularly loved the waterfront walkway along Memorial Drive, the charming Beacon Hill district, and the iconic Longfellow Bridge spanning the Charles River, as well as the eclectic mix on Charles Street in downtown Boston, and strolling along the Charles River near Harvard Square. Walking is undoubtedly the best way to explore Boston at your own pace.
Support the ‘Buy Local’ Movement in Somerville and Cambridge
Local friends voiced concerns about the gentrification of Harvard Square, where many locally-owned stores, unique eateries, and shops have been replaced by large chains. Aside from experiencing overpriced standard fare, I was startled by the widespread use of single-use plastic across the outlets in Harvard Square, even for dine-in meals offered in takeout containers with non-compostable lids and utensils. This was particularly disheartening, considering Harvard’s influential sustainability program.
Thanks to my local hosts, I discovered a strong ‘buy local’ and conscious movement in Somerville and Cambridge. Two of my favorite spots were Pemberton Farms and Cambridge Naturals, both of which source much of their inventory locally and offer a variety of vegan and healthy options.
Places to Avoid in Boston
Acorn Street
During a stroll through Boston’s historic neighborhoods, I was surprised to see crowds snapping pictures at Acorn Street, often dubbed the “most beautiful street in Boston.” Its cobblestone charm distinguishes it from the city’s other paved streets, leading to its frequent appearance on various recommended lists. However, it’s a quiet residential area, and locals clearly wish to keep it that way, as indicated by signs cautioning visitors and declaring it private. Let’s be responsible travelers and respect local sentiments.
Also read: 10 Awesome Free Things to Do in New York City
Getting Around Boston
I appreciated how walkable Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville were, so I walked everywhere possible. The T—what locals call the Boston subway—was very convenient. I occasionally heard complaints about delays, yet during my three weeks in the city, I mostly had positive experiences, aside from a few night delays and some replacement buses on weekends. I didn’t rely heavily on buses, but their connectivity appeared strong.
Get a Charlie Card
Locating instructions for purchasing a Charlie Card—which allows you to preload a single card for multiple public transit trips—proved challenging. Ultimately, I discovered that you must approach an MBTA official (recognized by their red t-shirts) at a subway station to ask for a new card. The card itself is free, and you can top it up for T and bus rides at the top-up machines. Subway fares are $2.40 for a single trip (regardless of stops), while bus fares are $1.70.
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Where to Stay in Boston (For Tourists/Short Stays)
Finding suitable accommodations for a three-week stay proved challenging, as I was neither looking for long-term nor short-term options. Since I could conduct most of my research remotely, I didn’t need to stay much longer. I explored options like student housing, sublets, Airbnb, guesthouses, and boutique hotels, ultimately choosing an Airbnb in Somerville.
My Airbnb experience was delightful, as I stayed with a host family in an old Boston mansion, enjoying a spacious living and sleeping area. I loved being in Somerville, which felt less gentrified than Harvard Square and was just a short T ride from campus. I had lovely conversations with my host family over breakfast and even attended a chanting session they organized with some friends.
Recommended Boutique Hotels in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville
Here are some places my friends recommended, or where I considered staying:
Downtown Boston
The Dagny Boston: Hailed as Boston’s first art-deco skyscraper since its establishment in 1928, The Dagny has been beautifully refurbished into a luxury heritage hotel. Situated near the Boston Freedom Trail and Boston Public Garden, it also offers bicycle rentals for exploring downtown.
The Whitney Hotel Boston: This hotel started as a red-brick building in 1909 and has become a charming establishment in Beacon Hill, Boston’s oldest neighborhood. Its location is ideal for walking around, discovering lovely shops, and enjoying the hipster café scene.
HI Boston Hostel: Affordable accommodation in Boston is quite hard to find, but HI Boston Hostel is set in a historic building close to Beacon Hill and Boston Public Garden. It provides both private rooms and dormitories while being environmentally conscious by managing its water and waste effectively.
In Cambridge
Ginkgo House Boutique Inn: Originally built in 1867 as a family home in the Victorian style, Ginkgo House was refurbished into a lovely BnB. Its central location in Cambridge is close to Harvard’s campus, making it a top choice for my stay, though sadly it was unavailable for my dates.
Freepoint Hotel Cambridge: A fellow Master’s student recommended this hotel, which belongs to Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. It has a vibrant atmosphere, is within walking distance of Harvard Square, showcases local art, and features a hidden garden in the heart of the city!
The Charles Hotel: Just a stone’s throw from Harvard Square, The Charles Hotel became our meeting point for trips out of Cambridge. Its understated luxury left me impressed. Having hosted personalities like Ben Affleck and the Dalai Lama, it also provides wheelchair-accessible rooms to cater to travelers with disabilities.
In Somerville
Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville: With its spacious floor-to-ceiling windows and modern design, Cambria Hotel offers a perfect base to experience the charm of Somerville while being close to Cambridge and Boston’s attractions. It’s conveniently located within a short T ride to Harvard and MIT and walking distance to Tufts—my favorite neighborhood in the Boston area!
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Where to Eat in Boston
Many have pointed this out, and I concur: food in Boston is quite pricey and not necessarily remarkable. It lacks the diversity and flavors found in New York or California.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed several good meals during my three-week stay around Boston.
Healthy, Organic, Vegan Food in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville
Aeronaut Brewing Co: This former mill turned craft brewery in Somerville offers fantastic beers and Venezuelan cuisine from a stall. I savored a light, fruity seltzer paired with a vegan arepa—corn arepa stuffed with black beans, salsa, pico de gallo, and their signature vegan basil sauce. Delicious!
Shirley Get More Sunshine: The quirky name of this independent sandwich shop near Davis T station drew me in. They offer a seasonal menu with vegan options. I tried their tofu lemongrass sandwich, which was delightful. They also have vegan baked goods like zucchini layered cake and muffins. Take-out only!
Cava: This national ‘build your own bowl’ chain has surprisingly delicious food with marked vegan choices. I crafted a bowl featuring hummus, baba ganoush, harissa, sautéed veggies, pita chips, corn, salsa, Persian salad, lemon herb tahini, and lemon vinaigrette. So good!
Taco Party: Once a food truck, this cozy neighborhood spot in Somerville transformed into a rustic bar and restaurant. Their breakfast taco filled with seitan, vegan egg, vegan cheese, black beans, and cilantro lime dressing, alongside their lentils al pastor taco, was incredible!
Flour Bakery: With multiple outlets across Boston and Cambridge, Flour Bakery has limited vegan options, but I adored their smoked carrot hummus sandwich served on focaccia. It’s also a quieter café to work in while visiting Harvard Square. I just wish they weren’t so reliant on single-use plastic for cold drinks, especially for dine-in customers.
Also read: The Ultimate Vegan (and Vegetarian) Survival Guide for Japan.
Boston Travel Itinerary
Depending on how many days you spend in Boston, here are some quick recommendations for planning your time. Remember to take it slow to truly soak in the city’s vibe and that of its suburbs.
Day 1: Boston Downtown
If you’re a history enthusiast, consider taking a guided walk along the Boston Freedom Trail. Alternatively, you can spend time exploring Boston’s colonial history at Faneuil Hall on your own. Don’t forget to stop by the Boston Public Market for a vegan-friendly meal at Mother Juice, and take a stroll in the North End District. Spend your afternoon relaxing under the trees at the Boston Public Garden.
Day 2: Somerville and Cambridge
Begin your day at Harvard Square and join a student-led tour of Harvard University. This includes hanging out at Harvard Yard, visiting heritage buildings, and sneaking a peek into the Widener Library—all from the perspective of a current student. From there, hop on the T to Davis Square to explore Somerville. Grab a meal at Taco Party, stroll around the Tufts campus, shop local at Cambridge Naturals, and wrap up your day with craft beer and Venezuelan food at Aeronaut Brewing Co!
Day 3: Hiking and Cafe Hopping
Catch the orange line to Forest Hills station for an urban hike in Arnold Arboretum. Hike up the small hills for scenic views of Boston and enjoy the unique trees and plants preserved across the park. Then, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Jamaica Plain to sip coffee at Ula Cafe (co-founded by my friend Beth Santos of Wanderful) and sample Ethiopian cuisine at Ethiopian Cafe.
Also read: The Perfect 3-Day Goa Itinerary for Slow Travel
Boston Travel Tips (What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Boston)
With surprisingly little information readily available online, I had to depend on local friends and previous students to gather all the travel tips I needed for Boston. Here are some general guidelines to consider while planning your trip:
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Boston?
No! Boston is incredibly walkable and well-connected by the T and bus systems. Unlike many other American cities, renting a car isn’t necessary. Many of my friends mentioned how challenging it can be to find parking in downtown Boston.
How Many Days Are Enough for Boston?
If you’re visiting for leisure, I’d recommend spending 3-5 days to absorb the highlights and get a feel for the city. Check out my suggested itinerary for Boston above for ideas on how to spend your days.
Is Boston Cheap or Expensive?
I was taken aback by Boston’s high prices. I paid a premium for my three-week stay, with budget meals averaging around $30 for a main dish and a drink. Prices were certainly steeper in Downtown and Harvard Square, while a bit more reasonable in Somerville.
What’s the Tipping Norm in Boston?
Tipping in the U.S. can be quite the undertaking, especially since average wages for service workers tend to be relatively low. Typical tips range from 15-25%, based on the level of service. In Boston, it often felt overwhelming to be given the option to tip even for takeout. However, friends reassured me that students are not typically expected to leave tips.
Is Tap Water Drinkable in Boston?
Yes! My host family used a water filter but assured me that the tap water across Boston (including Cambridge and Somerville) is safe to drink. Unfortunately, many locals and visitors still opt for bottled water, which is not only harmful to the planet but can also pose health risks due to microplastics.
Have You Visited Boston, or Is It on Your Travel List?
Welcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been known as a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveler, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant, and environmentalist. However, at my core, I’m just a person who believes that travel—when done mindfully—can transform us and the world around us.
