2 days one night in Boston

Question

I’ll be in Boston with my 14 year old son at the end of July. Would love to do some touristy historical stuff and stay somewhere quirky and cool in the middle of things. We’ll have 2 days and one night.

Would love to spend less than $200/night to sleep but I’m not sure that’s possible. Any suggestions? No car.

Thinking we’ll take a Freedom Trail walking tour, eat in the north end, see Fenway in some way (unfortunately no games while we’re there.) What else? Any good unique sporty shopping spots that will excite him?

Would love recommendations for must see/eat/stay.

Answer

It sounds like you're in for an exciting two days in Boston! There's plenty to do and see in this historic city, and with a 14-year-old, you can definitely keep it fun and engaging. Here's a detailed itinerary with ideas on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

First, let's start with your accommodation. Given your budget of $200 per night, here are a few quirky and cool options in central Boston:

HI Boston Hostel: Located near Downtown Crossing, this hostel offers private rooms that could be great for you and your son. It's clean, modern, and in a great location. It's an affordable option with a unique, youth-oriented vibe.
The Verb Hotel: A funky, retro hotel in Fenway, which is perfect for a baseball-loving teen. While it might be slightly over $200 depending on the time of booking, it's well worth considering for its cool atmosphere and proximity to Fenway Park.
The Godfrey Hotel: While not quirky in the traditional sense, this hotel is stylish, with a great location near Downtown Crossing and the Freedom Trail. Rooms are modern and comfy, and it’s within walking distance of many attractions. Prices may vary, so check for deals.

Now, for things to do:

Freedom Trail Walking Tour: As you mentioned, this is a must-do! The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile route that takes you through 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the Old North Church. You can join a guided walking tour or explore on your own with an app or map. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the history of Boston.
Fenway Park Tour: Since there are no games during your visit, consider taking the Fenway Park Tour. It's a fantastic way to explore the legendary ballpark and learn about its history, which is exciting even if you can’t catch a game. Check availability for tours while you’re in town.
Boston Common and Public Garden: After your walking tour, take a stroll through Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. You can also visit the nearby Public Garden, which has the famous Swan Boats. It’s a lovely area to relax and people-watch.
New England Aquarium: Located on the waterfront, this is a fantastic stop for both of you, especially if your son enjoys marine life. The aquarium is home to a variety of sea creatures, including penguins, sea turtles, and even a giant ocean tank.
Science Museum or Museum of Science: If your son is into science, the Museum of Science has interactive exhibits that can keep him engaged for hours. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from physics to space exploration.

For food, the North End is a fantastic area to explore, known for its Italian restaurants. Here are a few must-try spots:

Giovanni's: A great Italian restaurant with pizza and pasta that your son will love.
Modern Pastry: If you’re in the North End, make sure to grab a cannoli from Modern Pastry—Boston's best cannoli!
Neptune Oyster: If your son is into seafood, Neptune Oyster offers some of the best oysters and lobster rolls in town.

For shopping, here are a few unique, sporty spots that might excite your son:

Lids Store at Faneuil Hall: A great place to pick up hats and sports memorabilia. It’s a favorite for sports fans, especially with Boston’s love of baseball and basketball.
Newbury Street: If you’re into a mix of quirky and trendy, Newbury Street has a lot of cool shops, including athletic stores like Nike and Adidas, as well as sneaker shops with limited edition releases that might excite your son.
Fanatics: This store in Downtown Boston is great for buying Boston sports gear. It’s located near TD Garden (home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins) and has everything from jerseys to hats.

To wrap up your two days in Boston:

Start with a Freedom Trail tour in the morning.
Grab lunch in the North End (try Giacomo’s for Italian food, or Neptune Oyster for seafood).
In the afternoon, visit Fenway Park, and if time allows, explore Boston Common and Public Garden.
For your second day, head to the Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium in the morning.
In the afternoon, take a stroll along Newbury Street for some unique shopping before heading to Modern Pastry for a delicious treat.

Boston is a walkable city with a lot of charm and history to explore. With just two days, you’ll get a good balance of history, fun activities, and food. Enjoy your trip!

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