Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Boston?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Boston?
Most visitors spend three to five days in Boston when visiting. The traditional city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the big city activities, and the theatre.
Boston feels like a living museums with many historical sights that are integral in the founding of the United States. You can follow the Freedom Trail, which takes you through many highlights of the city. Boston also has many beautiful parks, charming townhomes, and a proud and enthusiastic local population. There's a large student population due to the many world-class universities in the area. There are also many popular sports teams.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Boston? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Boston?
With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Boston has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Boston as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the big city activities at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Boston
When visiting Boston, you absolutely can't miss the Freedom Trail as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Boston is known for its wide range of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.
Boston is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.
Boston is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket ($17)
- Real Pirates Salem Museum with Guided Directors Tour ($30)
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission ($34)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour ($81)
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market ($89)
- Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings ($115)
The public transit in Boston is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Satanic Salem Walking Tour ($25)
- The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston ($57)
- Beacon Hill, Public Garden, Back Bay History + Photo Walking Tour(Small Group) ($55)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl ($60)
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures ($35)
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl ($34)
In the large and diverse city of Boston, you'll want to dedicate at least a day to experiencing the unique neighborhoods, exciting attractions, and immersive activities offered around town. Don't miss out on visiting some of the city's famous landmarks as well. Although it is a big city with diverse neighborhoods, there's still a very small town, local vibe to this city. There's also a lot of local pride among the residents.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Dog Day of Summer Harbor Cruise in Boston ($28)
- Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise ($94)
- Boston Holiday Cocoa Cruise ($68)
Boston is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Satanic Salem Walking Tour ($25)
- The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston ($57)
- Beacon Hill, Public Garden, Back Bay History + Photo Walking Tour(Small Group) ($55)
Boston offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The city is characterized by many quaint neighborhoods lined with historic brownstones. Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the South End are among the quaintest parts of Boston.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Satanic Salem Walking Tour ($25)
- The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston ($57)
- Beacon Hill, Public Garden, Back Bay History + Photo Walking Tour(Small Group) ($55)
Live music is very popular in Boston, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.
Shopping in Boston is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Boston to Wrentham Village Outlets ($236)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Boston, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip ($145)
- Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission ($139)
- Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston ($120)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Boston.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Boston?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Boston, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to browse through museums, browse around the old town, discover the big city activities, and spend an evening at the theatre on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Boston as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Boston Harbor
How to spend 2 weeks in Boston
If you have more than 2 weeks in Boston, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Boston. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Because Boston offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Boston.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Boston is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Boston.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Boston. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Because Boston offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Boston.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
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