Boston is jam-packed with awesome things to do, from walking the historic Freedom Trail to exploring the beautiful campus areas of Harvard and MIT. Not to mention the day trips you can take to places like Salem, it's easy to spend days here without ever feeling bored. I spent over four days here and found myself falling in love with Boston’s charming little neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe and character, it’s the kind of city that the longer you stay, the more you do not want to leave!
In this travel guide, I've pulled together my absolute favorite things to do in Boston and created a complete 3-day itinerary. From must-see landmarks to hidden gems, I think three days is just the right amount of time to enjoy all the city has to offer. So, let's get to it, shall we? Here's everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Boston!
- Boston 3-day Itinerary Map
- 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Boston
- Where to Stay in Boston?
- When to Visit Boston?
- How to Get to Boston?
- How to Get From Boston Airport to the City?
- How to Get Around Boston?
- How Much Money Do I Need for 3 days in Boston?
- Is it Safe in Boston?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for the US?
- What to Pack for Boston?
- Further Reading for Northeast USA
Boston 3-day Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Walk the Freedom Trail |
| ☀️ Day 2: | Explore Parks, Museums, and Campuses |
| ☀️ Day 3: | Day Trip to Salem |
3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Boston
Day 1: Walk the Freedom Trail
One of the highlights of visiting Boston is definitely walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4 km) walking trail that runs from Boston Common all the way to Bunker Hill in Charlestown across the river, and that's one of the first things I recommend you do on your first day in Boston.
As you may know, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, with a long and rich history dating back to its founding in 1630. It was also a hotbed of resistance against British rule and the site of several key events that sparked the American Revolution, such as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston.
You can start your walk at Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Right next to the park is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Massachusetts State House, a beautiful Federal-style government building with its iconic golden dome. You are going to want to check that out while you are here.
- HI Boston Hostel (Budget)
- Hyatt Regency Boston (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- The Langham, Boston (High-End)
- Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston (2.5 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings (3.5 hours)
- Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops (1 day)
From Boston Common, you’ll notice a red brick line along the walkway. This marks the Freedom Trail, and you can follow it to reach the next site. Some of the key landmarks you'll visit include King's Chapel, the Old State House, and more, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
As you follow the Freedom Trail, you’ll come across Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a cornerstone of Boston’s history since the 18th century. Here, you’ll also find Quincy Market, with rows of stalls selling everything from food to souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the Freedom Trail and enjoy a quick bite before continuing.
If you haven’t tried Boston’s famous seafood dishes, such as Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, I highly recommend grabbing some from Boston Chowda Co, a local quick-serve chain specializing in chowders and freshly baked bread.
The walk from there is quite straightforward, mostly on a flat trail, and it will take you through the North End neighborhood, one of the oldest areas in the city. Along the way, you can check out the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and other attractions before crossing the river to Charlestown.
After you cross the river, be sure to go and check out USS Cassin Young, a destroyer that was originally commissioned during World War II. The ship saw extensive combat, participated in seven battles in the Pacific, and even survived two Kamikaze hits.
The USS Cassin Young was recommissioned during the Korean War and eventually decommissioned in 1960. It was then moored in Charlestown, Boston, where it was turned into a National Historic Landmark. Today, you can walk around the destroyer, freely roam its decks, and observe exhibits about the missions it conducted during its service.
Each of its small rooms is used as a display to showcase how the crew lived, how missions and planning were conducted, what the engine room looked like, and my favorite part of all, the guns and how they operated.
While here, you will also see another frigate moored near the destroyer. That's the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. You can go inside and tour the wooden frigate, or visit the USS Constitution Museum across the dock to dive even deeper into its history.
At the end of the Freedom Trail, you'll come across a massive obelisk located at the top of Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston. This is the Bunker Hill Monument, built to commemorate the pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill fought in 1775 during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.
The Obelisk is 221'5" or 67.5 meters high, and you can climb its 294 steps all the way to the top for free. However, they do limit the number of people allowed up there, especially in the summer, as it can get pretty hot inside, and you will be sweating a lot as you make your way up.
Personally, I found the climb to be a fun experience overall, although it can be a bit challenging at times. However, the view of Boston from the top is well worth the effort. You can also visit in the evening for a stunning view, but be sure to time your visit carefully.
At the end of the day, if you are looking for a place to try a Lobster Roll for dinner, I highly recommend Luke's Lobster, a famous seafood chain restaurant from Maine known for its sustainable approach to sourcing seafood, and they serve some of the finest Lobster Rolls here in Boston.
The menu includes lobster rolls, lobster dinners, and other seafood dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients. I had one of their Lobster Roll Flights, which comes in 3 different seasonings you can sample. They have lemon butter, spicy honey butter, and truffle butter seasonings, and it was delicious.
After dinner, you can retreat for the night or take a stroll along Washington Street, the main shopping street in Boston and a perfect place to hang out at night. Boston is especially beautiful at night when the historical sites are lit up, so be sure to explore the city after dark.
Day 2: Explore Parks, Museums, and Campuses
On our second day in Boston, we’ll take it slow and go for a little stroll at Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in America. The garden is lined with colorful flowers and beautiful statues, much like a European garden, which is fitting given that Boston was one of the first British colonies in America.
Although smaller, this lovely garden has a more open-air feel compared to Boston Common, thanks to the lake in the middle, which offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. You can even spot the skyscrapers in the background, much like in Central Park in NYC. I really do love it here.
Once that’s done, you can take the metro to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a beautifully designed private museum founded by the famous art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner. This is, by far, one of my favorite places in Boston.
The museum includes more than 7,500 works of art spanning multiple centuries and cultures, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and rare books, all of which are housed inside this incredible Venetian-style palace, with an incredible courtyard garden right in the middle.
The museum is spread across four floors, each with rooms decorated in different styles, and all of them are worth exploring. You can also enjoy views of the courtyard garden from one of the open balconies on each floor. You can expect to spend around 1-2 hours here.
After you are done at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, you might also want to check out the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, known for its impressive collection that spans across continents and cultures.
Next up, we are going to visit Harvard, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US, if not the world. Believe it or not, it’s a pretty awesome place to visit as a tourist.
You can take the metro to Harvard and check out Harvard Square, where you can hang out at its many cafes and restaurants. You can also stop here for lunch at one of these spots before we continue our exploration.
After lunch, you can begin your exploration at Harvard Yard, a sprawling tree-lined area surrounded by some of the oldest buildings on campus. It’s one of my favorite spots at Harvard. Many activism events have taken place here, so you’ll often find interesting activities happening, with lots of people out and about here.
There are also many awesome museums you can visit, like the Harvard Art Museums and Harvard Museum of Natural History. While they are a bit smaller than government-run museums, they are still very impressive for campus museums. My favorite is the Harvard Art Museums, which often host creative and exciting exhibitions that you can explore.
While you are in Harvard, make sure to check out WardMaps, an antique map shop in Porter near Harvard where you can buy old authentic maps from all over the world and other vintage souvenirs like stickers and license plates. I probably spent more than 200 USD on these vintage maps alone 😂.
They offer a wide variety of authentic maps, some of which are decades or even a century old, as well as newly printed maps that are more affordable. You can even order prints online and pick them up in the store the next day.
If you have time to spare, you can also head back to the city and visit New England Aquarium, a massive aquarium where you can see rare marine life that you might not get to see every day, such as the African Penguins and Giant Pacific Octopus. Or if you are a history buff, you might want to check out Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, an interactive history museum where you can learn more about the famous Boston Tea Party event that helped accelerate and intensify colonial support for the American Revolution. If not, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for our day trip the next day.
Day 3: Day Trip to Salem
On our third day, we are going to go on a day trip and visit Salem, a city rich with history, particularly centered around the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. If you visit around Halloween, you're in for a treat, as the city really leans into its dark history and truly celebrates Halloween in the best possible way, with events, parades, and wonderful decorations.
Outside of Halloween, the city is still an awesome place to visit, especially if you like history, with awesome sites like the Witch House, where you can learn more about the witch trial that took place, Ropes Mansion and Garden, the filming locations from the beloved 90s movie Hocus Pocus, the House of the Seven Gables, a restored 1668 home that inspired Hawthorne's novel, and more.
To get here, you can either take the Newburyport/Rockport commuter train line from North Station in Boston to Salem. The trip will take about 30 minutes and cost around 8 USD per person. The train goes directly and runs almost hourly from 5:37 AM to 11:50 PM every day.
Another option is to take the ferry from Long Wharf South, and it will take you to Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove in Salem in about one hour. The ferry ticket is 33 USD per person, and it is an awesome way to see the Northeast coastline as you travel to Salem.
The ferry ride is especially beautiful at sunset, but be sure to book the sunset time slot in advance as it tends to sell out quickly. My recommendation is to take the train to Salem, explore the city center, and before sunset, walk to Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove.
You can check out the House of the Seven Gables and the coastal area before taking the ferry back during sunset. That way, you won't have to backtrack to return to Boston. That's how I did it and it was perfect, although I couldn't score the sunset ticket myself, so be sure to book one early. You can buy tickets here.
For dinner, I highly recommend James Hook & Co, a lovely seafood restaurant known for serving incredibly fresh seafood, especially its clam chowder and lobster rolls. Prices range from 7 USD for clam chowder to 35 USD for a large lobster roll, which is not too expensive for Boston.
After dinner, you can either go for another night out along Washington Street or spend the rest of the night relaxing before heading back to your accommodation. Congratulations, you’ve completed this itinerary!
Where to Stay in Boston?
When to Visit Boston?
The best time to visit Boston is during spring and autumn, specifically between April and May or September and early November. The city attracts a large number of tourists during the summer months, so in addition to the hot weather, you’ll also have to contend with crowds, which isn’t exactly ideal.
I visited in October, and it was fantastic! The crowds were much smaller compared to the summer, and the weather was pleasantly cool. There were a couple of cloudy and chilly days, but they didn’t last long, before I knew it, the blue skies were back. Overall, I had an amazing time exploring Boston in October, and I would recommend you plan your trip around the shoulder seasons.
How to Get to Boston?
By Plane: If you are traveling from abroad, you should be able to get to Boston via airlines like KLM, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. There are several flights flying in and out of the city's Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) every day, so you should have no trouble finding one. For the best price, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.
By Amtrak: If you are within Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, you should be able to catch the Amtrak train to Philadelphia. The Northeast Regional Trains are not the newest, but they are mostly in good functional condition, equipped with modern facilities like a plug and working WIFI. They are also not too expensive, safe, and are often on time.
I took the Amtrak all over the northeast and the experience was surprisingly great. No hiccups at all. To get the cheapest price, be sure to book the ticket at least a few weeks in advance and depending on where your accommodation is, you can either get off at the South Station (which is where most people will likely get off), or Back Bay. You can book the Amtrak train here.
By Bus: Although affordable, buses can be a bit dodgy sometimes, but not always, so if you want to save some money, check out Flixbus.
How to Get From Boston Airport to the City?
The most affordable option is to take the Silver Line Bus #1 (SL1) from the airport's bus stop. This bus will take you directly to South Station in Boston's city center. From there, you can either take the subway or walk to your accommodation.
The bus journey will take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The fare is approximately 2.40 USD. You can pay with a contactless credit card on the bus or with cash. If paying with cash, please have the exact amount ready as bus drivers typically do not carry change.
You can also use Uber or organize your own transfer if you have a lot of luggage, but for most people, the Silver Line Bus should be sufficient.
How to Get Around Boston?
By Walking: Boston, one of the most European-style cities in the US, is as walkable as it gets. In fact, one of the city's highlights is the Freedom Trail, a walking trail that takes you across town to see all the attractions on foot. You should have no trouble walking here.
By Metro/Bus: That said, there are some attractions that are a little further to reach, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, so you can rely on Boston's excellent metro and bus systems. It costs about 2.40 USD and 1.70 USD respectively, and you can pay with a contactless credit card or CharlieCard. You should be able to reach all the attractions I listed here with the Metro.
By Uber: You can also rely on Uber to get around the city if you don't mind paying a premium for it. That said, for this itinerary, you won't need it.
By Car: You can rent a car through DiscoverCars. However, keep in mind that parking in Boston can be both challenging and expensive. Since most destinations are not that far apart, consider this option only if you need to travel to areas not accessible by the metro and buses.
How Much Money Do I Need for 3 days in Boston?
From this 3-day itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:
Accommodation: For 4 nights in Boston, you can expect to pay around 164 USD for accommodation at a minimum, considering you are staying in hostels.
Food: For 3 days in Boston, with three meals a day, you can expect to spend around 135 USD if you eat out for every meal. It’ll be cheaper if you cook for yourself, and, of course, much pricier if you indulge in Lobster Rolls every day 😉.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to spend around 50 USD on transportation, primarily for the metro, but also one train ride to Salem and a ferry back as suggested in the itinerary. It will be cheaper if you take the train both ways.
Activities: Depending on how closely you follow my itinerary, you can expect to spend around 57 USD on activities such as museum tickets, etc.
Total Budget for 3 days in Boston: $406
Is it Safe in Boston?
Compared to other cities in the US, Boston is quite safe, largely due to its many campuses and vibrant student population. The metro system is excellent, and I felt completely safe using it to get around the city.
That said, like in most big cities, you’ll encounter many homeless people, often spending time in parks or along the streets. Occasionally, they might shout at passersby, which can startle some people. I witnessed this happening once while walking around at night. The golden rule is to avoid engaging with them, and they’re unlikely to bother you.
As long as you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid making yourself an easy target, especially when walking alone at night, you should be fine here. In the US, being street-smart is key!
Which tourist SIM card is best for the US?
There are three major carriers in the US, namely AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists to purchase while traveling in the country. You can usually grab these SIM cards right at the airport, but if you have a smartphone and want data immediately when you arrive, you might want to consider an eSIM.
If you have a smartphone that supports eSIMs, I highly recommend you take a look at this eSIM. They have a variety of data packages, price points, and durations for you to choose from, ranging from 1 GB for 7 days costing only 4.5 USD to 20 GB for 30 days costing 40 USD.
The setup is fast and instant, and you can buy it before your trip so you don't have to scramble to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is also equivalent to what you get with a local SIM card, with 4G speed across the entire country.
For more information on eSIMs in the US, click here: Check the US Available eSIM.
What to Pack for Boston?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Boston, United States of America:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
- Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.