ROW 34
An integral location during the American Revolution, a cultural hub for the entirety of New England, and the birthplace of some of the Earth’s most prestigious universities and hospitals, Boston has built up a formidable reputation over its roughly 400 years of existence.
It may not be the largest city—not by a longshot—but Boston’s compact size lends itself to ample exploration, with no shortage of top-notch restaurants, shops, and outdoor spaces to check out during a trip. Succulent seafood, hip accommodations, and world-class museums are just a few of the fantastic amenities that newcomers can look forward to around here. Sure, the winters (and traffic) can be brutal, but what Boston lacks in sunny weather we more than make up for in charm.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything to eat, see, and do when you’re visiting Boston.
Boston is chock-full of spectacular seafood spots, but there’s an utterly relaxing vibe at Row 34 that helps it stand above the rest. All varieties of marine life are on the menu here, including pan-seared swordfish, the long-beloved New England clam chowder, and the real star of the show—fresh oysters, sourced from across the Eastern seaboard, with a hefty focus on the Massachusetts coast.
Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
With nearly 500,000 works housed within its collection, the Museum of Fine Arts is Boston’s crown jewel. While massive wings dedicated to the art of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa and Oceania prove enticing for art enthusiasts, there’s also a wealth of exhibits for amateur history buffs in the Art of Ancient Egypt, Nubia, and the Near East corridor.
Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
World-class sophistication meets New England charm at the only waterfront AAA Five-Diamond hotel in the city. The property’s stunning 60-foot archway makes for a truly awe-inspiring entrance, but the Harbor Hotel is more than just a pretty face. Dining-wise, the ultra-chic Rowes Wharf Sea Grille has earned widespread acclaim for its seafood-centric menu and afternoon tea program, while the property’s John Adams Presidential Suite is one of Boston’s most plush guest houses, equipped with its own private elevator and two-story glass-domed ceiling crowned with a staggering crystal chandelier.
BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL
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Photographer: Brian Samuels
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Creative Director: Audra V Pace
Once home to the headquarters of the Boston Police, 154 Berkeley Street lives on today as one of Back Bay’s most likeable accommodations. There’s a world of opportunity right outside, with the chic gay hangout Club Café located just next door, while the ever-stunning Boston Common and Public Garden are just a few minutes to the north. Once dinner time rolls around, swing by Precinct Kitchen + Bar to enjoy a massive charcuterie and cheese board.
Loews
hotel
Founded back in 1959, the Verb Hotel seamlessly blends old-school charm with modern cool, located just a few steps from Boston’s iconic Fenway Park. Whether you’re lounging on the sundeck, taking a dip in the saltwater pool, or treating yourself to some choice tunes from the Verb’s extensive record collection, the hotel is an effortlessly chic place to hang. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant, Hojoko, for Japanese bites and sake.
THE VERB HOTEL
Boston’s Seaport District has undergone a staggering transformation in recent years, and The Envoy Hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring all that the neighborhood has to offer. The Envoy has a sunset-worthy spot all to itself in the form of Lookout Rooftop. This open-air venue provides one of the best views of the skyline in the city, and it’s even open year-round, equipped with a set of igloos built to protect patrons when the weather gets frosty.
THE ENVOY HOTEL
Spending a night in jail isn’t particularly enjoyable—unless you’re at The Liberty, that is. It’s been a couple of lifetimes since this 1850s-era structure existed as the Charles Street Jail, but echoes of its storied past live on in its wrought-iron-clad windows and its six on-site dining venues—CLINK., Alibi, and the rustic red-brick Scampo, to name just a few. The latter has mastered fine Italian cuisine, whipping up calamari fritto, taro gnocchi, panna cotta, and a wealth of other dishes.
THE LIBERTY
The Corson Building was built in 1910 as a residential home, and the current owners of the now-restaurant have kept much of that familial spirit intact. Think prix-fixe Sunday Suppers, and, pre-Covid, a family-style dining setup. Nowadays they’re keeping everyone separate, in the covered, heated garden, but the food still stands as some of the best New American you can find in the city, and every course is most definitely made with love.
Fox & the knife
There’s only one Afghan restaurant within Boston city limits, and fortunately, it’s home to some pretty incredible cuisine. Since 2010, Ariana has offered an array of succulent lamb dishes, including chopan and seekh kabobs, while the pan-fried trout is a stellar option for visiting pescatarians. Not a huge fan of animal protein? Try the aushak—a type of savory leek and scallion-filled dumpling—and the spinach-heavy sabzi challow (spinach stew with rice), star entrees minus the meat.
ARIANA RESTAURANT
Eastie may not be Boston’s best-known neighborhood for food, but there’s a lot more going on up there than just airport traffic. Case in point—Taquería Jalisco, an unassuming little place that’s mastered the art of Mexican cuisine. You’ll find the usual suspects on the menu—enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas—but also some harder-to-find dishes like caldo de camarón and flautas de pollo. Of course, no visit to Taquería Jalisco is complete without a hearty serving of Jalisco-style birria tacos, an ultra-savory braised meat that took TikTok by storm in 2020.
TAQUERIA
JALISCO
If you enjoy your ultra-sophisticated dining with a dash of mystery, O Ya is an essential choice for date night. Speaking in Forrest Gump terms, this polished venue is a veritable box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get during the 20-course omakase experience, but in the capable hands of James Beard Award winner Tim Cushman, you’re certain to end the night with a newfound appreciation for the intricate world of Japanese cuisine.
O YA
What happens when two all-star Boston chefs join forces? You wind up with Toro, a blockbuster Spanish tapas restaurant in the city’s South End. Equipped with a masterfully crafted menu from Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, guests at this polished venue dig into all manner of small plates inspired by the cuisine of Catalonia. To prime your palate, start with a couple of soft sheep cheeses paired with boquerones (fresh anchovies), then launch yourself into the wide world of small plates, ranging from a perfectly seasoned fish filet a la plancha to garlic shrimp.
TORO
Born and raised in Dorchester, chef Anthony Caldwell is one of the greatest culinary talents to come from Boston—and his craftsmanship is best exemplified right in Fields Corner at 50Kitchen. His menu boasts both East Asian and American Southern dishes, and some that marry the two, like the smoked brisket banh mi. Don’t skimp on the sides, either—the honey-fried cornbread is absolutely irresistible.
50KITCHEN
Don’t book that flight to Lima just yet—incredible Peruvian cuisine can be found just off of Somerville Ave at Celeste. Authentic to its very core, the menu here comes courtesy of chef JuanMa Caldéron, who first learned his way around the kitchen under the tutelage of his mother and grandmother back home in Peru. A celebration of music just as much as food, you’ll hear vintage salsa and merengue mixtapes as you dine on fresh ceviche and carapulcra (pork stew).
CELESTE
Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
Photo courtesy of Brian Samuels
Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
Photo courtesy of Brian Samuels
Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
Photo by Brian Samuels, Courtesy of Celeste
Photo by Brian Samuels for Thrillist
Photo courtesy of Brian Samuels
An ever-popular field trip for kids all across the Bay State, Boston is one of the Eastern seaboard’s finest destinations for spotting gentle giants of the sea from the comfort of a state-of-the-art catamaran. Staffed by a fleet of expert naturalists, City Whale Watches ferries visitors out to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, an all-you-can-eat ocean buffet for whales, dolphins, and all manner of seabirds. While minkes and humpbacks are a typical sight in the region, the truly fortunate may be able to spot a North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered cetaceans found on Earth.
Head out to seA on a whale watching cruise
If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, historic Newbury Street is the perfect place to drain your bank account. While there’s no shortage of high-end boutiques and modern luxury shops to browse, Newbury Street owes most of its charm to its abundance of elaborate 19th-century brownstones. To cap off your stroll, head to Copley Square to soak in the beauty of Trinity Church, an iconic house of worship that dates back to the 1870s.
INDULGE IN SOME RETAIL THERAPY ON NEWBURY STREET
One of the largest remaining ethnic Chinese enclaves in the United States, the bustling streets of Chinatown are a veritable treasure trove for snacking—and local tour company Bites of Boston is well-equipped to show off some of the neighborhood’s most delicious bites. Beginning at the dazzlingly-detailed Chinatown Gate, take a three-hour walking tour to six snacks across the neighborhood, with plenty of time to sample fresh pastries from Bao Bao Bakery, traditional dim sum from China Pearl, and Taiwanese cuisine from Taiwan Cafe.
Embark on a tour of Boston’s historic Chinatown
One of Boston’s quirkiest attractions, the towering stained glass Mapparium was constructed to serve as the crown jewel of the Christian Science Publishing Society—and in the modern era, it’s a fascinating destination for visiting geography buffs. Perhaps the most interesting detail of this three-story globe is its datedness—there hasn’t been a single update since 1935, so now-defunct entities like French West Africa and the USSR are still on full display. Even for anyone that isn’t a huge fan of vintage maps, the vibrant colors and massive scale of the Mapparium make it a true treat.
Visit the Mapparium, Boston’s eclectic three-story globe
Boston is home to a particularly large collection of vintage landmarks, and New England’s cherished baseball stadium is no exception. Constructed back in 1912, Fenway Park currently serves as the oldest active park within the MLB, and given its major historical significance and popularity with locals, it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Once you have your tickets, there’s one thing you should know before gametime: Bostonians are absolutely obsessed with the song "Sweet Caroline," so be sure to brush up on your lyrics, or risk missing out on a Red Sox cultural cornerstone.
Catch a game at the iconic Fenway Park
The New England Aquarium exploded onto the scene back in 1969 with the Giant Ocean Tank, a 200,000-gallon enclosure that was the largest circular tank on earth upon completion. While it’s since been dwarfed by other, more modern aquariums, this four-story exhibit still plays host to a wealth of oceanic species, including the particularly adorable Myrtle, a wise old sea turtle that made her way to the aquarium in 1970. Right next door, hang out with the aquarium’s resident African and Southern rockhopper penguins, whose abundant cuteness more than makes up for their fishy odor.
Meet Boston’s marine life at the New England Aquarium
A lot of American cities struggle to cultivate green spaces, but fortunately for Boston, we had Frederick Law Olmsted to put in the work for us. His solution? A 1,100-acre chain of parks that runs from Downtown Crossing into the southern reaches of Roxbury. There’s a lot of ground to cover, but if you’re strapped for time, check out the one-two punch of the Boston Common paired with neighboring Public Garden. During the warmer months, these two spots burst to life, packed full of joggers, friendly dogs, and untold numbers of chubby squirrels.
Immerse yourself in nature across the Emerald Necklace
Fox & the knife
Fresh off her 2018 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast, Karen Akunowicz channels her energy into a love letter to the country where she trained as a young chef: Italy. Her menu leans toward the cuisine of the Modena region, which means plenty of pastas: think raviolo carbonara, wild boar tagliatelle bolognese, and pepe e cacio, among other carb-centric delights.
There’s only one Afghan restaurant within Boston city limits, and fortunately, it’s home to some pretty incredible cuisine. Since 2010, Ariana has offered an array of succulent lamb dishes, including chopan and seekh kabobs, while the pan-fried trout is a stellar option for visiting pescatarians. Not a huge fan of animal protein? Try the aushak—a type of savory leek and scallion-filled dumpling—and the spinach-heavy sabzi challow (spinach stew with rice), star entrees minus the meat.
ARIANA
RESTAURANT
There’s a tiny slice of the Aegean tucked into Back Bay, and it packs a serious punch in the form of Krasi. With gorgeous foliage and a highly knowledgeable staff, the restaurant offers a refined edge to Mediterranean dining. Menu standouts at this cozy spot include the xtapodi (grilled octopus) and giouvetsi (lamb osso bucco).
KRASI
A local favorite since 1994, this cozy diner excels in classic Caribbean cuisine like mofongo (fried plantains), alcapurria (fritters), and—of course—the Cuban sandwich, which comes loaded with roast pork, Swiss cheese, and a zesty marinade. The kitchen here also specializes in sweets, offering a plethora of refreshing tropical shakes along with tres leches cake, rice pudding, and a massive portion of freshly-prepared flan.
EL ORIENTAL
DE CUBA
There’s a tiny slice of the Aegean tucked into Back Bay, and it packs a serious punch in the form of Krasi. With gorgeous foliage and a highly knowledgeable staff, the restaurant offers a refined edge to Mediterranean dining. Menu standouts at this cozy spot include the xtapodi (grilled octopus) and giouvetsi (lamb osso bucco).
KRASI
EL ORIENTAL
DE CUBA
A local favorite since 1994, this cozy diner excels in classic Caribbean cuisine like mofongo (fried plantains), alcapurria (fritters), and—of course—the Cuban sandwich, which comes loaded with roast pork, Swiss cheese, and a zesty marinade. The kitchen here also specializes in sweets, offering a plethora of refreshing tropical shakes along with tres leches cake, rice pudding, and a massive portion of freshly-prepared flan.
Opened in 1903 on the southern edge of the Fens, the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a wide variety of art installations, each one chosen from the personal gallery of—you guessed it—Isabella Stewart Gardner, one of the most prolific art collectors to grace the city of Boston. While ancient artifacts, opulent jewelry, and larger-than-life paintings are all on offer, the museum itself is just as stunning as its exhibits. For a truly relaxing experience, meander through the museum’s courtyard, a verdant space that’s packed full of blooming flowers year-round.
Bask in the beauty of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Whether it’s a brisk autumn afternoon or a balmy spring morning, the Charles River Esplanade is one of Boston’s most iconic destinations for a long walk—though we hesitate to recommend it during winter. If the temperature is cooperating, this riverside path is a particularly romantic destination. Along the path, the Public Dock is a tried and true favorite for catching views of the harbor sailboats.
Take a stroll along the Charles River Esplanade
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
New England Aquarium
Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
Kyle Klein Photography
Photo courtesy of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Rocky89 / getty images
Opened in 1903 on the southern edge of the Fens, the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a wide variety of art installations, each one chosen from the personal gallery of—you guessed it—Isabella Stewart Gardner, one of the most prolific art collectors to grace the city of Boston. While ancient artifacts, opulent jewelry, and larger-than-life paintings are all on offer, the museum itself is just as stunning as its exhibits. For a truly relaxing experience, meander through the museum’s courtyard, a verdant space that’s packed full of blooming flowers year-round.
Bask in the beauty of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Whether it’s a brisk autumn afternoon or a balmy spring morning, the Charles River Esplanade is one of Boston’s most iconic destinations for a long walk—though we hesitate to recommend it during winter. If the temperature is cooperating, this riverside path is a particularly romantic destination. Along the path, the Public Dock is a tried and true favorite for catching views of the harbor sailboats.
Take a stroll along the Charles River Esplanade
Image courtesy of NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
Rocky89/Getty Images
Elsa/Getty Images
Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Photo courtesy of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
KYLE KLINE PHOTOGRAPHY
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Boston Harbor Hotel
Loews Boston Hotel
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
The Envoy
The Envoy
LOEWS BOSTON HOTEL
Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
THE ENVOY HOTEL
THE LIBERTY HOTEL
Elsa/Getty Images
Wherever you go, your phone goes, so you’ll need on-the-go coverage for all your big adventures. Being America’s leader in 5G coverage, T-Mobile has you covered. In fact, T-Mobile has the most interstate highway miles with 5G (92% coverage to be exact). So go where the open road takes you — and be confident you’ll stay connected to what matters most.
See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com
COURTESY OF: T-MOBILE
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Wherever you go, your phone goes, so you’ll need on-the-go coverage for all your big adventures. Being America’s leader in 5G coverage, T-Mobile has you covered. In fact, T-Mobile has the most interstate highway miles with 5G (92% coverage to be exact). So go where the open road takes you — and be confident you’ll stay connected to what matters most.
See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com
COURTESY OF: T-MOBILE
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