Imagine a city full of history, culture, a mix of high-brow and Mom-and-Pop restaurants, hallowed sports halls, and fun boutique shopping. Now picture only being able to pick just ten places to go within that city—in this case, Boston, the city I’ve called home for over seven years.
Luckily, my personal favorites cover all the bases. Check out these tried-and-true destinations—some well known, some under the radar—within this classic New England metropolis. Bring your appetite and your walking shoes, and enjoy some of the best Boston has to offer.
Viennese Dessert Buffet, Bristol Lounge, Four Seasons
There’s a reason my friend has chosen the Viennese dessert buffet at the Four Seasons’ Bristol Lounge for her birthday outing three years running: it’s simply the most decadent option in town. Picture an elegant living room with sleek divans, armchairs, and a grand piano; wait staff, dressed to the nines, proffering cocktails (the chai martini is my favorite); and live jazz to set the mood. But the real draw, of course, is the buffet. More than thirty types of pastries, cookies, cakes, and other sweet options are presented, as well as a made-to-order crepe station featuring fruit, chocolate, and more. There’s no better place to impress a date.
Mapparium, Mary Baker Eddy Library
Awe-inspiring and unique, the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library impresses kids and grown-ups alike. Visitors walk across a thirty-foot bridge through a three-story globe constructed of more than 600 panes of stained glass and bronze frames. Reflecting the world map during the years it was planned and constructed (1932 to 1935), the exhibit offers unforgettable lessons about geography, politics, and history. During my first visit, I didn’t know what to look at first: the countless blue tiles, representing all of the world’s water; the political borders, some now out of date; the North and South poles, represented by stars. It’s guaranteed to elicit ooohs and aaahhs.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Newbury Street
I’ve always had a soft spot for a good bookstore, and Trident doesn’t disappoint. A small nook among Newbury Street’s endless boutiques and see-and-be-seen restaurants, Trident offers an oasis for those seeking less glitzy entertainment and delicious comfort food. Pick up a volume of poetry, the newest best-seller, or a hard-to-find literary magazine, and then curl up with a bowl of knee-buckling-good vegan cashew chili or a plate from the all-day breakfast menu. You’ll find enrichment for both your mind and body here.
Fenway Park
How could I not include this iconic stadium in my favorites, the place a family friend refers to simply as “Mecca”?
