Traveling to Boston-Some questions

[Marianne2]

Just as my thread title says, I am heading up to Boston or vacation from July 17th-21st. I've never been there, so I'm excited, but also nervous. I already have an idea of things I want to see and do. But, always open for local input. 

Anyway, what are some good places to eat at? I'll be going by myself, so I prefer places that it won't look weird if I'm by myself. And no 5 star restaurants that cost an arm and a leg. I would prefer to not spend more than $20-$25 for a more expensive meal. And I would be happy trying anything from like coffee shops and diners to something a little more upscale, if that's possible. 

That brings me to my next dining question-Is the Cheers restaurant worth it or just something to keep tourists happy and amused? 

I also will not be driving up. I'm taking a bus in from NYC. So, I am relying on walking and public transportation. Is the MBTA subway system difficult to figure out? I know, this is probably a lame question since I can navigate the MTA very well. I guess just seeing how some lines branch off, I'm worried about getting on the wrong train. I also realize they don't run all night like in NYC. 

And I also wanted to know about theater related activities. Like I haven't had much luck finding shows the week I'm there. Am I just not looking in the right places or is mid July pretty dead for this sort of thing? 

I appreciate any input.

[dramamama611]

My two go-tos are The Huntington and The ART.  Neither has much going on in the summer.  (Or at least in July)

 

You'll find the subway much easier here as it's only 5 lines, and the silver line isn't used much.   Grab the app "moovit" to help navigate.   

[Liza's Headband]

There's a lot to unpack here, so I'll address the theatre question:  in the actual city, it's pretty quiet during the summer. Outside of the city, between Regal and North Shore and Fiddlehead and Stoneham, there is plenty to watch. It's just not really feasible without your own vehicle, unfortunately.   ENJOY! BOSTON IS BEAUTIFUL 

[sabrelady]

The Cheers thing is kinda touristy. ( only went past it but...)

Lobster Rolls!   Neptune Oyster  ( a bit pricey)  Yankee Lobster Co, James Hook amongst others .. There are lots of places that do this thing. Some better some $$$.

I found Boston to be a very walkable town. To be fair I was staying fairly  central. (Franklin St)  ans transit was easily avail. 

[UncleCharlie]

Boston is one of my favorite cities. The MBTA or as it's referred to, the "T" is easy to use to get around. It sounds like you know what you want to see and do. Obviously, lots of historical stuff to see. Several great art museums led by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Gardner. If you've not done it, the Duck Boats are lots of fun. Food wise, things Boston does very well are Seafood and Italian. Legal Sea Foods is a chain but high quality and super fresh. Will probably run you into the 30's price wise but really worth it. Lots of great Italian restaurants in the North End. The other thing Boston does well are Irish Bars especially in Southie but not sure you'd want to explore that without a native. Instead of throwing random restaurant names at you, I'd suggest checking out TripAdvisor or Yelp, narrowing down the type of cuisine you want and the neighborhood you'll be in and see what people think is good there. That's typically what I do. The business crowd downtown hits happy hour bars at and around Faneuil Hall. As far as Cheers is concerned, I was there last about 15 years ago and unless it's changed, it's touristy and you'll find it looks nothing like the bar on TV. But have a drink there so you can say you did. have fun.

[jasonf]

At least you're not driving there - the driving in Boston is some of the worst I've ever experienced.  There is a lot to do and see there - it's a pretty great town other than the driving.

I last went to Cheers probably about ten years ago. It only sort of looks like the TV show, but it was fun to sit in Norm's seat and have a beer.

Faneuil Hall is a pretty great place - lots to see and shop there....

[Marianne2]

Thanks for the info everyone!

Kind of disappointed about the theater, but I do that all the time in NYC anyway. So, time to find new things to explore. 

Good idea about yelp and trip advisor. I always forget they exist.

[brdlwyr]

I was in Boston for business last month and I had limited time - but in the few hours available I walked miles. Beautiful sites - Fanueil Hall area, Little Italy, Boston Commons, Old State House, Mass. State House. Beacon Hill architecture is awesome.  Granary Burying Ground was fascinating. 

I also walked to South Boston. Great to see the neighborhood.

Have fun! 

[dramamama611]

I agree with the comments about the Bull & Finch (the ACTUAL bar Cheers is based on)  It IS touristy, but not horribly, and how can you NOT stop in for a drink or burger?

 

Another easy and fun place to stop by, especially if you're a foodie, is the Boston Public Market.   You can do a GREAT lunch or dinner there, but it's super casual with limited seating.   (It's all local fooderies....some for shopping, some for consuming)  https://bostonpublicmarket.org/

Some of my favorites there are:

Beantown Pastrami (the best Pastrami ever!)

Bon Me

George Howell Coffee

Nella Pasta

Taza Chocolate

Union Square Donuts

 

 

This is not too far from Fanueil Hall and the Holocaust Memorial (even though some asswhole broke one of the panels last week.)