How to do Boston in 24 Hours

Of course, doing Boston in 24 Hours is akin to doing the US in a week. But we take what we can when we have it. So if 24 hours is all we have to do Boston then gosh darn it, we are going to do Boston in 24 hours. Let’s go.

My first time in Boston came after flying into Worcester (second largest city in MA BTW) and realizing in the Uber ride that the Bulls were playing at TD Garden THAT NIGHT. In case you don’t know, TD Garden is the sports arena in Boston. I was overwhelmingly excited for multiple reasons. ONE: I’ve never seen the Bulls play (THE CHICAGO SHAME) and this would be a lovely occasion to do so. TWO: It was a few weeks past Christmas and I was still unsure about the perfect Christmas present for my French croissant of a boyfriend. VOILÀ! I got the tickets and away we went skipping and frolicking into the Massachusetts freezing cold air.

We took the hour and half train ride from Worcester to South Station and got to the arena early. My boyfriend was hoping they’d ask him to join the team if we got there before warmups started.

Well, we were in for a surprise when getting through security and my tickets wouldn’t buzz in. I had boughten them for the wrong day. HAHA. Great. I wasn’t about to ruin this oh-so-perfect recently thought-of Christmas present so I casually cried to the desk person while asking if they had any other tickets to buy. They were sold out. I mean the Bulls are awesome but are they that awesome? C’mon world, gimme that Christmas magic! Ticketmaster pulled through for me and we got tickets to the game. YAY. Bulls lost. BOO.

This was my first experience in Boston but I don’t expect you to spend 20% of your 24 hours at TD Garden. Though it would be completely and utterly worth it. Let’s get to some other amazing things Boston has to offer.

24 Hours in Boston

Breakfast at The Friendly Toast

Image by Stout Heart Media

This quirky spot has a wonderfully creative menu as well as the classics. Their vibrant interior will surely wake you up and put you in a good mood from the red polka dot tables to the multicolored walls. Honestly, you can’t help but smile as you walk through the door. Some menu favorites include their “Doughnut Stop Believin” breakfast sandwich and their “Chicken Cordon Blue Benny.” There are amazing vegan options for our plant based people and everyone can wash it down with their mimosa flight, or my personal favorite, the “Hot Maria Bloody Mary.”

NOTE: Come early as there is often a wait at this hot spot!

OR – Want something quicker?

Activity- Stroll down “one of the most beautiful streets in the world “

Acorn Street in Beacon Hill was selected by Architectural Digest as one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Beacon Hill was built in 1795 and Acorn street, in particular, gives the most perfect hommage to this stunning architectural design era. Only a few blocks away from the wonderful Boston Public Garden, it’s the perfect excuse to walk off the morning’s pancakes and waffles. Its narrow streets take you back to Colonial Boston with plenty of American federal-styled homes (design firmly rooted in symmetry) as well as some more decorative Victorian styled houses.

OR – Need your museum fix?

24 Hours in Boston

Lunch at The Quincy Market

It’s hard to come to Boston without hearing about this tourist hotspot. Though some believe it is becoming more of a tourist trap rather than a must-see, there are still plenty of delicious quick options for lunch at this historic Bostonian landmark. Try classic New England style Chowder at Boston Chowda or grab some fried oysters at Fisherman’s Net. Want to know more about Quincy Market’s History? CLICK HERE.

OR – Linger over a beer at Samuel Adams Brewery

OR – Try a lobster roll at Yankee Lobster Co.

Activity- Spend the afternoon walking the Freedom Trail

Maybe one of the most quintessential Boston activities there are. The idea was conceived by a local journalist who had the brilliant idea of joining all of Boston’s historic landmarks with a pedestrian walkway. Smart dude. The trail is 2.5 miles long and marked with a red line of paint or brick, joining 16 nationally historic monuments. I wish I could say it was obvious, as for so many it is. But my boyfriend and I spent an hour in the dead winter, trying to figure out where it started and what it was. I blame my frozen brain. Turns out it’s much easier in the summer because you just follow the crowd, and probably just use your brain.  But to save you some time walking in circles, it’s completely fine to start at the end (Bunker Hill) or halfway through if you want. Nobody’s gonna yell at you. I was concerned. If you’re interested in learning more about each landmark you can visit, CLICK HERE.

OR – Get some shopping done

24 Hours in Boston

Dinner at Mamma Maria

View from our table at Mamma Maria

Oh my goodness gracious, this place is wonderful. Cozy, romantic, Italian fare, this place is insane in the best way. It’s set in an old townhouse that makes it feel as if you’re about to have dinner at a friend’s place (if your friend happened to live in a luxurious historic townhome in the center of Boston). My boyfriend and I decided to celebrate our anniversary here and I am very happy we did. It’s high end fine dining by the way, so prepare your wallet. But it was worth it in my opinion. I don’t splurge on much but food has my heart. I went with the beef while my guy went with the Lamb Three Ways. Both of us practically licked our plates.  We were there in the winter but I heard whispers of an amazing patio that is heavily utilized in the summer. I guess I’ll just have to come back. Shesh. Pull my arm why don’t you.

My dinner, “The Beef” at  Mamma Maria. Heavenly.

OR – Grab dinner at a bakery

Still going?? Try some live music!