How to See Boston in 2 Days

If you’re traveling to Boston for 2 days, planning ahead is super helpful to make sure you maximize your time and get to see all the amazing historical sights Beantown has to offer. Our must-do recommendations include some of the most popular historic sites, museums, and attractions Boston is known for!

For those who love to shop, Newbury Street is the destination of choice near Boston Common. This renowned district encompasses eight blocks of salons, boutiques, and dining options. This is the perfect place to start your two-day Boston itinerary.

Boston Common
One of the city’s most well-known landmarks, Boston Common is a 50-acre public park with a storied past and the anchor of the Emerald Necklace, a series of connected parks in Boston. Today, the scenic Boston park is where many residents and visitors come to enjoy a beautiful day, to play sports, run, walk, or enjoy a quiet picnic.

King’s Chapel and King’s Burying Ground
Journey through Tremont Street and marvel at King’s Chapel and King’s Chapel Burying Ground. Both sites attract significant architectural, religious, and historical enthusiasts from around the world. Established in 1686 as the first Anglican church in New England, discover over 330 years of history at King’s Chapel. Make sure you add this to your two-day Boston itinerary.

Old State House
As the oldest surviving public building in the city, the Old State House is an iconic Boston landmark and fascinating museum. Built in 1713, it was the seat of the Massachusetts General Court until 1798. A visit to this legendary location is a must during your two days in Boston.

Boston Massacre Site
In front of the Old State House, marked by a cobblestone ring in the center of a traffic circle, is the site of the famed Boston Massacre. Walk through the iconic area where an unruly group of colonists taunted British soldiers by throwing snowballs and rocks. This was the start of a major impact on relations between Britain and the American colonists.

Boston’s Faneuil Hall & Quincy Marketplace
A historic site that includes many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, Faneuil Hall was once a meeting hall and the site of various speeches by famed colonists Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others. Built in 1740, this location continues to be an epicenter of activity and a must-see during your two-day trip to Boston.

Paul Revere House
Built in 1680, the unimposing wooden house at 19 North Square is the oldest house in downtown Boston. The three-story building was the home of silversmith and Boston patriot Paul Revere from 1770–1800, previously housing the parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. Revere sold the house in 1800 and it became a tenement, with the ground floor used for shops and various businesses over the years. In 1902, Revere’s great-grandson purchased the property and restored it so that it could be opened to the public. In 1908, after restoration by architects and preservationists, the Paul Revere House opened to the public as one of the earliest historic house museums in Boston and the U.S.

Old North Church
Officially called Christ Church, the Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston, a National Historic Landmark, and a stop on the Freedom Trail. Built in 1723, the Old North Church was inspired by the works of Christopher Wren, a British architect. North End, Boston’s oldest community, is an immersion into a working-class neighborhood from the beginning of colonial America through its years as an Irish and Italian immigrant enclave.

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
The gravestones in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Boston’s second oldest burying ground, tell the story of the population of the North End in colonial times. Originally known as Windmill Hill, the hill took the name of William Copp, a shoemaker who donated the land for a burying ground in 1659. It is the place of rest for thousands of artisans, craftspeople, and merchants. Some of the well-known individuals are Increase and Cotton Mather, of the family of ministers; Robert Newman, sexton of the Old North Church at the time of Paul Revere’s ride; Edmund Hart, shipyard owner and builder of the USS Constitution; and Shem Drowne, the artist who made the weathervane for Faneuil Hall, among others.

Bunker Hill Monument
Located in Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument is 221 feet tall and commemorates the battle it’s named for, which constituted one of the first major engagements between British soldiers and American patriots during the Revolutionary War. The main focal point on the memorial’s grounds is an impressive statue of Colonel William Prescott, who was credited with instructing his soldiers with the legendary battle cry, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

USS Constitution Museum
Come aboard the USS Constitution, “America’s Ship of State,” and meet the active-duty sailors who are part of her legacy today. Then, go deeper into the ship’s history at the USS Constitution Museum with interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and an extensive collection of artifacts. Perfect for all ages, this incredible attraction is a must during your 2 days in Boston.

The perfect end to the first of your 2 days in Boston
Ready for dinner? We know just the spot! Enjoy a delicious meal at the famed Long Wharf. However, to get to this amazing location with picturesque views of the Boston Harbor, you’re going to need to take a fun water taxi ride first. Skip the roads and travel by the sea to save time during your two days In Boston. Once you’ve arrived, head to the North End for your unforgettable bite of premier Boston cuisine.

Day 2 – Top Things to Do in Boston

Boston Public Garden
If you love the outdoors, there’s nothing better than the sight of the Boston Public Garden’s natural beauty. Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden is landscaped to look decorative and flowery and, because of the new techniques of collecting, hybridizing, and propagating plants developed by the Victorians, you’ll see some rather dramatic plants and trees here. Admire the rich and unusual plants, the Lagoon, the monuments and fountains, and the Swan Boats created and operated for over 100 years by the Paget family.

Charles St. (aka Antique Row) (Attractions in the area: Acorn Street, Beacon Hill)
Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade and check out the historic houses on Beacon Hill. Be sure to see Acorn Street, one of the most photographed streets in the city and home to historic row houses. Then browse the famous row of antique stores, including some selling antique hardware, such as doorknobs and cabinet handles that are more than 100 years old. Perhaps you want an old map to hang up on a wall, an exquisite item of jewelry, or some period furniture. There is a good chance you’ll come across it here at “Antique Row.”

Seaport District
Stroll to the Seaport and explore the wide selection of restaurants, from laid-back to upscale, such as the James Beard Award-Winning Best New Restaurant, Menton. There’s also casual, Italian trattoria, Sportello, and all-day cafe, Tatte Bakery, for any coffee and pastry cravings. The area also has several rooftop bars, such as the Envoy Hotel or the Lookout Rooftop Bar, where you can take some gorgeous pictures of the surrounding skyline!

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Relive the Revolution at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum! Experience the events that took place on the night of the Boston Tea Party alongside reenactors and be totally immersed in multisensory and holographic technology. You’ll walk the decks of authentically restored tea ships, see one of only two tea chests still in existence, and witness what colonial Boston was like during this tumultuous time in American history. You’ll even have a chance to throw tea overboard.

Institute of Contemporary Art
Home to some of the world’s most intriguing and talked about contemporary art, Boston’s
Institute of Contemporary Art is much more than an art museum. The building, dramatically perched over the water, is renowned by architectural connoisseurs around the world for its beauty. The open space provided allows visitors to enjoy the museum’s offerings as well as its glorious waterfront setting. Browse through the galleries to witness masterpieces from leading and emerging artists. Don’t forget to stop at the cafe where you’ll experience breathtaking harbor views.

Boston’s Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest and one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. For over 100 years it has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. The museum’s exhibits and programs emphasize hands-on engagement, learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children. Designed for children and families, the museum exhibits focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), environmental awareness, and health and fitness. If you’re traveling with children, a visit to this museum is a must during your 2 days trip to Boston.

Boston’s Theater District
Few areas of Beantown have more to offer than the Boston Theater District. More than a dozen theaters are clustered within the area. Here you can explore the rich culture of the city, marvel at the breathtaking architecture, and drop in on some of the hottest restaurants around Boston. On Warrenton Street or Shear Madness Alley, the Charles Playhouse is home to the Blue Man Group, as well as Shear Madness, the country’s longest running nonmusical play. Other theaters include the Colonial, Shubert, Orpheum, Opera, Emerson Majestic, and Wilbur, most of which were built in the grand architectural style of early 1900s performance halls. Make sure you save time to truly explore the theater district during your two days in Boston.

With only two days in Boston, this helpful guide provides the perfect sample of the legendary history and vibrant fun flowing throughout the city. The soul and spirit of the American Revolution can still be found in every cobblestone street corner. With so much to do and see, this two-day Boston itinerary is perfect for every type of explorer!