My Guide to Boston: The Best Neighborhoods, Restaurants, and Activities
I fell in love with Boston and moved here on a whim. Since then, I've frequently been asked for recommendations. So, here they are. These are my favorites, enjoy!! —AV
Favorite Neighborhoods
Beacon Hill - Old, quintessential Boston. The most charming, picturesque neighborhood. Walk along Charles St, peruse the shops, and take pictures on Acorn St. — the most photographed street in the country!
The South End - Great restaurants! Also, it's the cutest place to walk around. It's old, like Beacon Hill, but with a little more spunk.
The North End - It's like stepping right into Italy. Go for dinner! And stop at Bova’s for a cannoli on your way out.
Seaport - This is New Boston, with great shopping and views of the harbor.
Back Bay - Specifically Newbury St. It's great for lunch and shopping. All the best stores are here! And my favorite bookstore, Trident Cafe & Booksellers, is also there. Take a walk down Commonwealth Ave for a nice stroll after lunch.
Coffee Shops
Tatte Cafe & Bakery - Okay, yes, Boston has a Tatte on practically every corner. But it hits every time! They have the best sweet treats and pastries, and their salads and sandwiches are SO good if you want something quick and easy for lunch. Also, the aesthetics are chef’s kiss!
The most iconic one is at 70 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
www.tattebakery.com
Flour - The most divine pastries. Plus, coffee is strong AF!
12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02210
www.flourbakery.com
Greystone - Their breakfast sandwiches are out of this world. Plus, it’s in the South End, so you can walk around and take your breakfast and coffee to one of the parks and enjoy some people watching.
09 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118. www.greystonecafe.com
Breakfast & Lunch
Gather in Seaport - This is a fantastic spot for brunch and mimosas. Fun atmosphere! 75 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210. www.gatherboston.com.
Paramount in Beacon Hill - A crowd favorite. Hearty breakfast and lunch. Get there early because there’s always a line out the door and they don’t take reservations. 44 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114. www.paramountboston.com.
Saltie Girl in Back Bay - Open for lunch only. Has one of the best lobster rolls in town! HITS with a diet coke. Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116 www.saltiegirl.com.
South End Buttery - Order at the counter kind of place. Great sandwiches! Delicious iced coffees. Cute vibe. 314 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118. www.southendbuttery.com
Barcelona in the South End - The best tapas! Yummy food. Mimosas. Located at 525 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 www.barcelonawinebar.com.
Contessa in Back Bay - $$$ fancy spot for brunch. Dress up and make a day out of it. All-glass windows with gorgeous views of the city. Cute spot for photos! 400 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116 www.contessaboston.com
Frenchie Wine Bistro in the South End - The cutest spot for brunch with the girls. Mimosas. Also good for photos. 560 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118. www.frenchieboston.com
Dinner
75 Chestnut in Beacon Hill - bistro vibes in Beacon Hill. Comfort food. Cozy environment. 75 Chestnut St, Boston, MA 02108. www.75chestnut.com.
Pammy’s in Cambridge - The most aesthetically pleasing restaunt I have ever been to. I would go here just for the aesthetics. This might be my favorite restaunt in Boston. They only do pre-fixed menus though, starting around $65. 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139. www.pammyscambridge.com.
Oleana in Cambridge - Excellent mediterranean food, reservation needed. (They always book up super fast). 134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139. www.oleanarestaurant.com.
Alden & Harlow in Cambridge - Great atmosphere. The best American food, thoughtfully curated. 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138. www.aldenharlow.com.
Mooo… in Boston - Fancy steakhouse $$$$. It will be some of the best food you have ever had in your life. Get the milk and cookies for dessert. 15 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108. www.mooorestaurant.com.
Lolita in Fort Point - Fancy Mexican food, great drinks, lively atmosphere. The perfect place to have dinner before going out. 253 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210. www.lolitatequilabars.com.
Sonsie In Back Bay - Cute bistro with good food. 327 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115. www.sonsieboston.com.
The Beehive in the South End - super fun spot with live music and big bar! 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 www.beehiveboston.com.
SRV in the South End - if you’re a foodie, go here. Delicious tapas and craft cocktails. Fun atmosphere! 569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118. www.srvboston.com.
Book Stores
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe - The cutest bookstore I have ever been to in my entire life. Every detail has been done to perfection. It's a must-visit place.
Charels St in Beacon Hill
Trident Booksellers & Cafe - The most cozy bookstore and cafe I have ever been to. The perfect place to go on your own, grab a book and sit at the bar. People watch. Meet a stranger. Strike up a conversation.
338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 www.tridentbookscafe.com
Things to Do
Museum of Fine Arts - a must-see if you like museums. 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 www.mfa.org
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - this is my favorite museum ever. Even if you don’t like museums, you will like this one. Make sure to listen to the audio tour while you walk. 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115 www.gardnermuseum.org
JFK Museum - I’ve never been here but I hear great things. And if you have a fascination with the Kennedys like I do, this will be interesting for you. Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125 www.jfklibrary.org
Walk along the Charles River - the most iconic views. So incredibly beautiful. Take a long walk, listen to your music or podcast, or chat with a friend. It’s gorgeous. Look out for the swans!
Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA 02116 www.thecharles.org
Visit the Public Garden - the setting for the famous book, “Make Way for Ducklings.” This is also where Matt Damon and Robin Williams sat on the park bench in Good Will Hunting. It's a must-see, too beautiful to miss. 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116 www.boston.gov
