Boston is a \u2018city of neighbourhoods\u2019, and there are 23 to explore. Unlike other US cities, Boston\u2019s streets follow no logical grid system. In fact, they are so higgledy-piggledy, urban legends says they were originally paths used by the cows of the first settlers. Whether that\u2019s true or not, the unruly streets are simple enough to navigate. Boston is an easily walkable city, so wear comfortable shoes and clock up your daily steps. Or, you can hire bikes via the city\u2019s Bluebikes bikesharing programme<\/a>. A day pass is $8 or three-days for $15. The first 30-minutes of your journey are free, but after that you start getting charged, so when cycling around, be sure to stop off at a bike hub every 30 minutes to switch your bike and avoid paying.<\/p>\n If walking is not for you, the easiest way to get around is using the T \u2013 Boston\u2019s simple, colour-coded metro system. Tickets are nice and affordable. A single bus ticket is just $1.70 and a single subway ticket is $2.40. As a visitor, your best bet is to get a CharlieTicket. A one-day pass is $12.00 and gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours on buses, subways and the Charlestown Ferry. A seven-day pass is $21.25.<\/p>\n The Silver Line Route SL1 of the T transports people from Logan Airport to South Station. When heading to the airport, this high-speed bus stops outside each terminal. The line runs from 05:30-12:30am seven days a week. It might be more convenient to catch the Blue Line subway if you\u2019re staying close to Brookline, Fenway Park, Back Bay or Downtown Boston.<\/p>\n Photo by\u00a0Osman Rana<\/a><\/p>\n North End: best area in Boston for history (and pizza) lovers<\/a><\/p>\n Beacon Hill: best area in Boston for architecture<\/a><\/p>\n Downtown: best area in Boston\u00a0for cheap eats and dancing until dawn<\/a><\/p>\n Back Bay: best area in Boston for\u00a0shopping<\/a><\/p>\n Fenway:\u00a0best area in Boston\u00a0for sports fans<\/a><\/p>\n South End:\u00a0best area in Boston for foodies<\/a><\/p>\n Allston:\u00a0best area in Boston for live music<\/a><\/p>\n Cambridge:\u00a0best area in Boston for intellectuals<\/a><\/p>\n North End is where settlers first lay down their hats when they arrived in Boston. It\u2019s the city\u2019s oldest residential neighbourhood, and home to a significant portion of the Italian-American community. The cobbled streets are peppered with historically-significant locations, as well as a sensational line-up of Italian eateries. Getting here is easy as (pizza) pie, given it\u2019s on the T and close to North Station. It\u2019s right on the waterfront, so be sure to enjoy a walk by the water, plus it\u2019s a good jumping off spot for The Freedom Trail<\/a> – a 2.5 mile route, painted or paved with red bricks, which guides tourists around Boston\u2019s 16 most important historical sites, including the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Old North Church. To join a Freedom Trail tour, sign up for the decent freebie they offer at Faneuil Hall<\/a>. Alternatively, you can book a tour with the Freedom Trail Foundation<\/a>, and be guided from site to site by some sporting 18th<\/sup> century costume. If you\u2019d like to do things on your own time, download your own map, and follow the red brick road.<\/p>\n Bunker Hill Monument by\u00a0Monica Volpin<\/a><\/p>\n Definitely check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace while in North End, but be warned, it can be offensively busy. There are hundreds of shops to walk around, lots of restaurants \u2013 mostly chains \u2013 although that can be handy if you want to grab something on the run. This is a great spot for people watching \u2013 there\u2019s always street performers, musicians, and dancers doing their thing. Plus, there\u2019s an excellent variety of events taking place here from morning yoga classes, to cinema nights.<\/p>\n Faneuil Hall is just around the corner from the New England Aquarium. From here you can go on a whale watching tour of Boston Harbour.<\/p>\n Boston Public Market is a year-round indoor market where you can find the freshest, seasonal food from exclusively New England farmers, fishers, and food entrepreneurs. We\u2019re talking artisanal cheeses galore, local wines for days. This is a perfect spot for lunch, to stock up on ingredients if you plan on making the most of your hostel\u2019s kitchen facilities, or to take a cooking class. The market hosts classes for the public every day, some of which are free of charge.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a sports nut, swing by the sports museum at TD Garden, which is dedicated to Boston\u2019s sporting history and is packed full of so much sporting memorabilia it will make your eyes water. TD Garden is home to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, the ice hockey team, so it\u2019s worth checking if you can get tickets for a game \u2013 although, don\u2019t expect them to come cheap. You can take a tour of the arena for more insider intel on the greatest sporting moments to have occurred under their roof.<\/p>\n Come night time, hit up Improv Asylum, which is always a hilarious night, plus it\u2019s great for encountering up and coming talent that will soon be all over our silver screens. There\u2019s a comedy show every night of the week \u2013 both improv and sketch comedy. You might get lucky and catch one of their Dirty Disney nights. Hit up the weekend midnight shows, but maybe give it a miss if you\u2019re easily offended.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling peckish in North End but you don\u2019t know where to eat, listen out for a Boston accent and then ask that person to recommend their favourite local restaurant. For great coffee (and grappa), Caffe Vittoria is an authentic Italian caf\u00e9. Modern Pastry and Maria\u2019s Pastry Shop are widely thought of as the best places for cannoli \u2013 Sicilian tube-like pastries, filled with sweet, creamy fillings. Forget the Freedom Trail, if you\u2019re on the Boston donut trail, be sure to swing by Union Square Donuts to sample their sugary wares. They do a great vegan selection.<\/p>\n If pizza and pasta is your bag \u2013 prepare to carb up. You\u2019re in Little Italy now, which means everywhere you look there is something delicious. Join the regulars who start queuing outside Galleria Umberto as early as 10:30am every day. The same family have been running this joint since 1965, and they only have five items on the menu – cheese pizza, arancini balls, calzones, paninis and panzarottis – breaded potato with mozzarella cheese and parsley, for the uninitiated. A slice or a panzarotti is just $1.85. A calzone is $4.75. Artu is an Italian trattoria favoured by North End locals, so you know the food\u2019s decent, plus it won\u2019t break the bank. L\u2019osteria is a great shout for a filling and inexpensive lunch. Their pasta portions are colossal.<\/p>\n For a hearty (and sizeable) dose of New England grub, head to Boston Sail Loft, where you can get a lobster roll or a bowl of seafood chowder for $7.50. Saus is a great option if you\u2019re craving street food style grub. The owners \u2018believe in the power of the condiment\u2019 and have created 15 unique sauces. Their \u2018Beast Mode\u2019 poutine will fill you up for days.<\/p>\n For a truly unique experience, stay aboard The Liberty Clipper<\/a> \u2013 a historic Tall Ship moored up in the North End, on Boston\u2019s waterfront. You sleep in a cabin, hang out on the deck and generally get to feel like a pirate. Book ahead to avoid missing out \u2013 they only make a few cabins available each day and people snap them up fast.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n So-named because of the beacon that once stood atop the hill to warn the city of incoming invaders. This is another of the oldest neighbourhoods in Boston, and it\u2019s ruddy gorgeous. Chances are if you\u2019ve poured over pics of the city, the most picturesque feature streets in Beacon Hill. It\u2019s a trendy area, but also rather upmarket, so food and drink tend to err on the wallet-worrying side. Many a famous American has resided in these colonial homes, and it\u2019s often referred to as Boston\u2019s \u2018Royal neighbourhood\u2019 because of how downright swanky it is. This is a great spot for a walk \u2013 explore the streets, marvel at the architecture and stand outside designer shops forlornly. On a warm day, relax in Ashburton Park or Louisburg Square \u2013 a leafy square surrounded by million-dollar townhouses.<\/p>\n Beacon Hill is the best-looking neighbourhood in Boston, so walk around and soak it all in. Swing by Acorn Street to snap the obligatory picture all tourists seek \u2013 that of a 19th<\/sup> century cobblestoned street, lined with the original gas lamps, that looks straight out of a Hollywood movie. There are also some lovely green spaces in this corner of town. You absolutely have to visit Boston Common and Public Garden \u2013 America\u2019s first botanical gardens, and oldest public park, dating way back to 1634. This 24-acre park in the centre of the city, to the south of Beacon Hill, is great place to enjoy food truck grub. Long before Taylor Swift was cavorting around on swan-shaped inflatables, Bostonians were floating on swan boats. Since 1877 these have been a favourite of summertime visitors to Boston, but don\u2019t worry\u2026the captain does the pedalling. If you happen to be in town when it\u2019s freezing, the Frog Pond ices over and you can go ice skating.<\/p>\n Acorn Street by Tiffany Chan<\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s a couple of fantastic museums in Beacon Hill. The Museum of African American History on joy street, and the Museum of Science, which straddles the Charles River and connects the West End with Cambridge. If you get lucky and the sun is shining, have a walk along the Charles River Esplanade to the Back Bay neighbourhood. During summer, check out the events programme to see if anything is going down. The Massachusetts State House is worth a visit too. It\u2019s one of the most significant spots on the Freedom Trail, is filled with art and artefacts, and is seen as a symbol of democracy. For the best views of the building\u2019s golden dome, head to Boston Common. Also, you could opt to take an Old Town Trolley Tour<\/a>, which you can hop on and off as you please.<\/p>\n Tatte Bakery and Caf\u00e9 is the perfect place to start the day if you\u2019re in the market for something sweet and buttery. Their pastries are sensational. They also do a great breakfast, tasty tarts, and have a sizeable salad and sandwich menu. For burgers and boozy milkshakes that could make you fall off your stool, head to JM Curley \u2013 one of Boston\u2019s most infamous establishments. Named after James Michael Curley, Boston\u2019s Mayor during the depression, this is a favourite late-night spot which is open until 2am. Fill your boots with fried pickles, Mac & Cheese or something from their late night \u2018Stuff Your Pie Hole\u2019 Menu, including tacos, grilled cheese, or nachos. They have a great selection of beers and cocktails that won\u2019t break the bank. Most dishes are under $15, and you can get a pint for $6.<\/p>\n A whole load of districts make up Boston\u2019s Downtown area \u2013 there\u2019s Chinatown, the Leather District, the Financial District and the Theatre District. This is where you\u2019ll find some of the best cheap eats in Boston and some of the most banging clubs. During the day you can check out the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and learn all about how a tax on tea by us Brits basically sparked off the American Revolution.<\/p>\n This area has the best cheap food in the city, and with so many options lining the streets it\u2019s difficult to know where to begin. If you want to sample the best, a Chinatown food tour could be a great shout. The tour costs $75 for three-hours, but a whole lot of food is included, and you\u2019ll be taken to many a spot that hasn\u2019t yet made it onto Google.<\/p>\n For outdoor lounging and a bit of fresh air right in the heart of Downtown, head to The Greenway in the Financial District. This linear park cuts a 15-acre line through the city from Chinatown Gate to Zakim Bridge. There are murals, art installations, and seven snazzy water fountains. Be sure to hunt down the Harbor Fog Sculpture, which emits noise and mist when anyone approaches. The Greenway is also a prime location for food truck treats, and a decent beer garden opens up during warmer months. The Greenway hosts festivals, events and the odd parade so always check what\u2019s occurring when you\u2019re knocking around Bean Town.<\/p>\n Come night time, have some drinks, belt out your favourite karaoke classic or just mingle with the local clientele at The Bell in Hand<\/a>. This tavern dates back to 1795 and is said to be the oldest in the US. DJs blast tunes from Tuesdays to Saturday, so it\u2019s a good shout if you\u2019re in the market for a mid-week party. Nick\u2019s Comedy Stop<\/a> is a comedy club that\u2019s birthed some of stand-ups biggest names. Friday and Saturday nights are the best nights, and the bar is nice and cheap. Or, if super clubs are your bag, ICON plays Latin, house and hip hop, or Good Life<\/a> is a banging Downtown option, which mixes up their music every night, from Top 40 to techno. Bijou is a classy affair with big name DJs, but get there by 10:30pm if you want a chance of getting in. Jacque\u2019s Cabaret<\/a> is slammed seven nights a week, particularly for their raucous drag cabaret nights. There are two shows on Saturdays, but book in advance to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n Boston\u2019s Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown in the USA \u2013 so grab your opportunity to fill your boots with world-class Chinese grub while you\u2019re here. Ho Yuen Bakery is the best of the city\u2019s Chinese bakeries. Most of the sandwiches and cakes are just $1, so fill your backpack and you\u2019ll be set for a day of exploration. The pork buns are sensational, as are their taro, coconut cream buns and moon cakes. There are Bon Me food trucks<\/a> and restaurants all around Boston nowadays, but head to Park Street to locate it if you\u2019re Downtown. Their selection of ramens, salads, sandwiches and noodles are all big and cheap. Gene\u2019s Chinese Flatbread Caf\u00e9<\/a> is another must-visit for cheap eats. Most dishes are under $10, whether that\u2019s their hand-pulled noodles, spicy soups or famous flatbread sandwiches. Be warned \u2013 this is popular hangout for the hungry masses, so prepare to wait for a table, or get takeout. For the best budget sushi in Boston, head to Avana Sushi on Beach Street. They do a $7.50 lunch special that will set you up for the day. For the best dim sum in the city, you should check out Winsor Dim Sum Caf\u00e9<\/a> or China Pearl<\/a>. For day time dumplings, head to the Gourmet Dumpling House<\/a> \u2013 but be prepared to queue, and for your late night dumpling fix, the Dumpling Caf\u00e9<\/a> is open until 2am and is superb. For the best apple pie in the city, South Street Diner<\/a> is open 24-hours a day.<\/p>\n HI Boston Hostel <\/a>is in the middle of all Boston\u2019s action. It\u2019s ideally located between Boston Common and the Freedom Trail, just a short walk to the waterfront, or train ride under the Charles River to Cambridge. Plus, Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall and Boston Public Library are all close by. To see all the sights and soak up the kind of insight only a local can offer, sign up to one of the hostel\u2019s free walking tours. Also, Boylston metro station is one block away, making hopping around the city nice and easy.<\/p>\n \u00a0 Boston\u2019s Back Bay neighbourhood is slap bang in the middle of the city, close to Beacon Hill, Fenway, the South End, all the delights of Downtown, plus it\u2019s on the Charles River. Transport links here are top notch, there are a number of stops on the T, and the number 1 bus whisks you out to Cambridge. This is the ideal place to locate yourself if you\u2019re planning on sightseeing like a champ, but also want to indulge your inner shopaholic. The best restaurants and bars are on Tremont Street. If you\u2019re in town in summer, have a picnic or burn off some street food with a run along the Charles River, or see if you can catch an alfresco concert at the Hatchshell<\/a>.<\/p>\n For the best retail therapy in the city, hit up Newbury Street \u2013 Boston\u2019s far more photogenic equivalent of NYC\u2019s Fifth Avenue. There\u2019s the big names, boutiques galore, and many a caf\u00e9 to refuel in. Check out Bodega at 6 Clearway Street. While it may look like your average convenience store, head for the vending machine and you\u2019ll find the entrance to Boston\u2019s coolest skate shop. Boylston Street, Copley Plaza and the shops at the Prudential \u2013 one of New England\u2019s tallest buildings \u2013 are great for big brands. For aerial views of the city, head to the Skywalk Observatory<\/a> at the top of the Prudential Centre. It\u2019s $19 for the best views of Boston, plus there\u2019s a fantastic exhibit outlining Boston\u2019s history on the observatory floor.<\/p>\n Boston Public Library<\/a> is an impressive building to visit and perfect for those writing memoirs of their travels who are in need some peace and quiet. They host talks and performances most evenings, and offer free art and architectural tours of the site. During the summer, head to Boston Common for free performances of Shakespeare. Take a stroll down Newbury Street, to Copley Square \u2013 the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Within Copley Square, you\u2019ll find a number of Boston\u2019s architectural highlights, should that float your boat. There\u2019s the Old South Church and the Trinity Church, both of which date back to the 1870\u2019s. You\u2019ll also spot the John Hancock Tower \u2013 the tallest building in New England. Right next door, is the old John Hancock Building, featuring an illuminated beacon, the colour of which forecasts the weather for the day. If you\u2019re keen to check out Boston\u2019s LGBTQ scene, hit up Club Caf\u00e9<\/a> for their Broadway singalong nights, Drag Bingo and dance parties.<\/p>\n Trinity Church by\u00a0David Mark<\/a><\/p>\n For something sweet, Flour Bakery<\/a> has got you covered. They have a huge range of pastries, scones, cookies, cakes and brownies all made with wholegrain flower\u2026so really, they are good for you! For bargain sushi and yakitori Ichiban Yakitori Sushi House<\/a> is a tasty choice. This Japanese\/ Korean fusion joint also boasts a really great Happy Hour every day between 4-6pm where you get one dish and a drink for $10 or less. If you\u2019re in the market for cheap and delicious Mexican, Anna\u2019s Taqueria<\/a> is said to be the best burrito place in the city. There are sites in Back Bay, Beacon Hill and Cambridge, and you can order a full-to-the-brim super tortilla for just $7.<\/p>\n In a city that lives and breathes sports, there is nowhere more iconic than Fenway. This corner of Boston is home to Fenway Park \u2013 America\u2019s oldest ballpark. Even if you don\u2019t have a clue about baseball, or even know who the Red Sox are, taking in a game or a tour of the stadium is an interesting dose of Americana than shouldn\u2019t be missed.<\/p>\n If you like sport, this is the neighbourhood for you. Not only are you close to the 38,000 capacity Fenway Park<\/a>, which offers really interesting tours into the history of the Boston Red Sox, but there are plenty of places to rub shoulders with sports fans on Lansdowne Street and Yawkey Way, at numerous sports bars and restaurants. Tours of the stadium start from $20. Top tip \u2013 if there\u2019s a game on, and you can\u2019t stretch to a ticket \u2013 head to Bleacher Bar<\/a>, which offers views of the field, but is open to those without a ticket.<\/p>\n Fenway Park by\u00a0Michelle Maria<\/a><\/p>\n When all the sports fans have packed up and headed home, there is a whole load of culture to lap up in Fenway. There\u2019s the Museum of Fine Arts, which is home to more than 500,000 objects. Admission is via voluntary contribution on Wednesday\u2019s after 4pm. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which features a sensational collection of Italian art housed within an impressive Venetian style home, is one of Boston\u2019s best museums.<\/p>\n How would you like some musical accompaniment with your brunch? Well, if you\u2019re in Boston on a Sunday don\u2019t miss the Gospel Brunch at House of Blues<\/a>. You don\u2019t have to be religious to enjoy musical performances from the best gospel choirs in the state. Did I mention that it\u2019s all-you-can-eat comfort food? For a lighter breakfast and a thoroughly decent cup of coffee, head to Neighbourhoods<\/a>. Check out their range of breakfast crepes, especially the tofu scramble.<\/p>\n For lunch, check out Saloniki<\/a> \u2013 a farm-to-table Greek affair. Choose from plates or pitas stuffed with grilled meat or souvlaki, salads, meze or soup. They also have a superb range of Greek yoghurts and Greek donuts, which are made to order. Try the Nutella and baklava crumbles and dream of them for weeks to come. The most expensive dish on the menu is $12. Should you fancy something with a bit more kick, head to the Mei Mei on Park Drive. These guys began life as a food truck, and scooped numerous accolades for their locally-sourced Chinese-American food. Their scallion pancake sandwiches filled with beef or pulled pork, sweet potato or roasted beetroot, are ridiculously delicious. They have a whole range of tasty side dishes for around $5 too, from parsnip fries, to dim sum turnip cakes. Their dumpling and fritter selection is sublime, and should you fancy washing it all down with a craft ale \u2013 they have some carefully curated options on draft.<\/p>\n If you and your travelling companions are finding it completely impossible to decide where to eat, check out the brand new Time Out Market Boston<\/a>. This is the latest of Time Out\u2019s carefully curated international food halls. Under one convenient roof, you can sample food from the best restaurants in the city. Also, a trip to Boston is incomplete without a trip to Tasty Burger<\/a>. The bargain retro burger chain will fulfil all your American diner fantasies in one fell swoop. Burgers are all $6.75, and their beef hotdogs, and milkshakes aren\u2019t half bad either. As it\u2019s around the corner from Fenway Park, it\u2019s a popular hangout post ball game \u2013 but fear not, one of the joys of Tasty Burger is their speedy service.<\/p>\n The Farrington Inn<\/a> is a guesthouse located two blocks away from the Green line of the T, which is an excellent shout if you need to keep things super low cost. There are dorm beds or air-conditioned private rooms, and some even come with their own kitchenette, which is handy if you don\u2019t want to eat out for every meal.<\/p>\n Boston\u2019s South End is a beautiful neighbourhood close to Downtown and Back Bay, that boasts all the historic charm of the rest of the city\u2026without all the tourists. There aren\u2019t loads of tourist hotspots, so hanging out here really just gives you a chance to see how Boston locals live \u2013 whether that\u2019s in brownstone houses, converted warehouses, or in the neighbourhood\u2019s quirky shops, caf\u00e9s and dive bars. This corner of town is known for its food. So, if you wear your \u2018foodie\u2019 status proudly, you\u2019d do well to direct breakfast, lunch and dinner in the direction of the South End. This is also a popular part of town with the city\u2019s artists and LGBTQ community. The neighbourhood isn\u2019t on the metro, so you\u2019ll have to hop on the silver bus line.<\/p>\n This is a great corner of the city once the sun goes down, and you\u2019ll be able to find plenty of low budget, laid back bars with cheap drinks and friendly bar tenders. Delux Caf\u00e9 is one such dive bar. Kitschy as hell, the bar is decorated with Elvis memorabilia, vinyl and cheap and cheerful Christmas lights. Head to Wally\u2019s Caf\u00e9<\/a> \u2013 a jazz bar with free entry, and open mic jam sessions almost every night of the week, which could be a living nightmare if the prestigious Berklee College of Music wasn\u2019t nearby. For a speakeasy experience and superb cocktails, check out Wink & Nod<\/a> \u2013 their Monday night Tiki nights are particularly fun. Over in South Boston, the GrandTen Distillery<\/a> is open from Thursday to Sunday, and found behind a garage door. It\u2019s fun for tipsy trivia, table football and shuffleboard. If you\u2019re looking to boogie on down on a sweaty dancefloor \u2013 head to The Brahim<\/a> for live music, or Royale<\/a> for EDM from big name DJs.<\/p>\n SoWa – the South of Washington area \u2013 is home to art studios, apartments and stylish bars and restaurants. If you\u2019re in town on the first Friday of the month, the local artists at the SOWA Artists Guild building at 450 Harrison Ave open their studios to the public and between 5-9pm you can check out the art, listen to live music and tuck in to free wine and cheese. If you\u2019re visiting in spring there\u2019s also a free SoWa Art Walk, which gives you another glimpse into Boston\u2019s artiest corner of town. From May to October, Sundays should be spent at The SoWa Open Markets, which is essentially one enormous street party complete with beer barn, food truck bazaar, over 200 market stalls selling local arts, crafts, delicious treats, and vintage clothing. Frankly, you had me at beer barn.<\/p>\n Once in South End, it\u2019s easy to pop east to South Boston where you\u2019ll find the Institute of Contemporary Art<\/a>. These guys pride themselves in displaying challenging, occasionally controversial works, and hosting poetry performances. Admission is free on Thursdays from 5pm-9pm.<\/p>\n Should art not be your \u2018thing\u2019 how about some friendly competition? At the Lawn on D<\/a>, you can play ping pong, Jenga, bocce, corn hole, or take a ride on their glow swings \u2013 all for free. There\u2019s always something going on at this great outdoor space, whether it\u2019s movie screenings, live music or interactive art installations. Plus, there\u2019s very reasonably-priced beer and wine. Before you go, check the lawn hours to ensure you\u2019ll be able to play. Should you enjoy a brewery tour, or beer-centric events, check out what\u2019s happening at Harpoon Brewery<\/a> near the Seaport, where they host a number of festivals, such as St Patrick\u2019s Day, Octoberfest, and BBQ\u2019s.<\/p>\n For more outdoor fun, walk The Emerald Necklace, a string of six green spaces and parks that run from one end of the city to another. Designed by the same chap that designed Central Park in NYC, the 1,100 acre \u2018Necklace\u2019 is made up of the Back Bay Fens, the Riverway, Olmstead Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park. You don\u2019t need to walk the whole thing, but if you\u2019re looking for some fresh air in the city, this could be your dream hang spot. Needless to say, it\u2019s particularly photogenic during the fall. For maps, tours et al, head to The Shattuck Visitor Centre<\/a> in the Back Bay Fens.<\/p>\n Not only are you on holiday, but you\u2019re also in a city known for its donuts, so the right thing to do is start the day with something glazed. One of the most experimental places in Boston, is Blackbird Donuts<\/a>. Their flavours change all the time, but if you\u2019re lucky you\u2019ll be able to try blackberry lavender, sesame sriracha or \u2013 their masterpiece \u2013 the Everything Bagel Donut \u2013 a brioche donut filled with whipped cream cheese and topped with toasted garlic, onion, sesame and poppy seeds. These guys also have premises in Harvard Square, Fenway and Brighton. Feel fancy (and fill up for the day) at Aquitaine<\/a> with their fixed price brunch, which is served on Saturday and Sunday from 9am-3pm. For $11.95 you get bottomless coffee, fresh orange juice, a glazed cinnamon bun and your choice of omelette or French toast.<\/p>\n For brunch, lunch and dinner Anoush\u2019ella is a fab \u2018fine casual eatery\u2019 serving up quick, healthy and reasonably-priced Mediterranean\/ Middle Eastern fare. Plus, added bonus, all dishes are made with locally-sourced organics ingredients. For brunch, the shakshuka is not-to-be-missed. They serve a fab range of salad, meze, and dips, but they are most known for M\u2019anoush \u2013 super thin flatbreads topped with your choice of sweet or savoury ingredients and hand-rolled. Should you be committed to filling yourself with lobster rolls while you have the chance, check out Lobstah on a Roll<\/a>, which also has a great range of cheap and enormous) sandwiches. For tasty, great value pizza, and friendly curb-side alfresco dining, check out Piccos<\/a> on Tremont Street. In fact, Tremont Street in general is great for food and drinks. Enjoy a wander, browse the menus, check out the vibe and see what grabs you.<\/p>\n Image by\u00a0skeeze<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for Boston\u2019s hipster neighbourhood, look no further. Allston is where the cool kids (and many of Boston\u2019s students) hang out, lured in by cheap rent and banging nightlife. Forbes ranked Allston 18th<\/sup> on their list of Best American Hipster Neighbourhoods, due to factors including its coffee shops, farmers markets, how easily walkable it is and the sheer volume of bars, clubs and restaurants, most of which are independently-owned by locals. Getting there is simple enough \u2013 it\u2019s just a half hour journey from Downtown on the T.<\/p>\n This is the place to come to catch live music, as there are number of excellent music venues hosting local and international acts. Check out Paradise Rock Club<\/a> for big names, but you\u2019ll need to buy tickets in advance. O\u2019Brien\u2019s Pub<\/a> is decent if you like things loud and punky. Brighton Music Hall<\/a> is another great venue, hosting international artists. Great Scott<\/a> is arguably Allston\u2019s best music venue, hosting mostly rock, folk, indie and the odd bit of electronica. Aerosmith, Boston\u2019s most famous rock band, once resided in a flat in Allston before they made it big. It\u2019s now commemorated with a big green plaque \u2013 a perfect photo opportunity for all you rock fans.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re full to the brim with delicious food, it\u2019s time to get your party on, and you are spoilt for choice in Allston. Model Caf\u00e9 is a good place to drink cheap lethal drinks and dance to tunes from the jukebox. Head to the Silhouette Lounge for darts or a game or two of pool, cheap beer and a soundtrack of rock music. Plus, they hand out free popcorn like no one\u2019s business. Deep Ellum<\/a> offers good vibes, and a great beer and cocktail list. Wonder Bar<\/a> is a fun place to dance until 2am.<\/p>\n For grilled cheese so good it will haunt your dreams, swing by Roxy\u2019s Grilled Cheese<\/a>. These guys were the first food truck to ever be on Boston\u2019s streets \u2013 and they certainly started a trend. They now have locations all around the city, and if you love cheese with a furious passion \u2013 don\u2019t miss out. As well as grilled cheese sandwiches, they do mean burgers and poutine. Lulu\u2019s<\/a> is a great low-cost spot, open until 1am that\u2019s got a wide range of veggie and vegan options, as well as tacos, mac and cheese and ravioli. Super 88 (aka Hong Kong Supermarket) on Brighton Avenue is basically Asian street food heaven. Dim sum, noodles, bibimbap, sushi, ramen, if it\u2019s Asian cuisine, it\u2019s here, it\u2019s cheap and it\u2019s guaranteed to be delicious. Pho Viet<\/a> is kind of the star of the show.<\/p>\n In true hipster style, Allston knows it\u2019s important to cater to the veggie and vegan market. The Grasshopper <\/a>wheels out decent Asian dishes, with loads of veg as well as tofu, seitan, tempeh and their mates. Their vegan cakes and milkshakes are a triumph. Whole Heart Provisions<\/a>, has been dubbed \u2018Chipotle for vegetarians and vegans\u2019 \u2013 their signature bowls, are the way to go, most of which are under $10 \u2013 unless you go bonkers on the add-ons. They also have kombucha on tap. Save some room for FoMu<\/a> vegan ice cream.<\/p>\n For something sweet and serious 1950s vibes, head to Twin Donuts, where their donuts are only 85 cents apiece.<\/p>\n Now, if you\u2019re going to be picky, Cambridge technically counts as an entirely different city to Boston. But, we\u2019re not one for technicalities \u2013 especially when there\u2019s so much going on in Cambridge and Somerville, it\u2019s hipster neighbour, that you mustn\u2019t miss out on. Cambridge is located north of the Charles River, and is well connected to all corners of Boston by the red line of the T. This neighbourhood is home to Harvard and M.I.T \u2013 so, your I.Q basically shoots up the minute you emerge from the Metro. Head to Cambridge to explore these world-class universities, to take in the sights, sounds, shops and street performers of. There is a selection of cheap and delicious caf\u00e9s and restaurants, serving up healthy food and great coffee. It\u2019s also an excellent spot for those wanting to indulge in a little retail therapy \u2013 as well as big high street names, there\u2019s independent boutiques and vintage stores where you can find some absolute gems. To break away from the tourists, head to Central Square, for cool bars, live music and lots of quiz nights\u2026although, it\u2019s probably safer not to pin too much on victory.<\/p>\n Harvard University along the Charles River<\/p>\n Take a stroll around Harvard Square and Harvard Yard (try saying that in a Boston accent!) wander through Harvard\u2019s red brick buildings, sit for a while in the leafy courtyards that surround the many, many, many libraries, or take the Harvard Tour and learn everything there is to know about The Ivy League. Walk in the footsteps of a who\u2019s who of the USA\u2019s most influential figures, from JFK and Obama, to the many famous drop outs, including Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates. You can also take campus tours of M.I.T, which are hosted by current students.<\/p>\n For a spot of serenity come lunchtime, head to Cambridge Centre Roof Garden<\/a>, a secret garden on top of a parking garage in Cambridge\u2019s Kendall Square, which is free to enter. Wander amongst the flowers, take a yoga class, play lawn games, or have a game of ping pong. Central Square, Inman Square, Union Square and Davis Square are all worth some exploration. Somerville, the neighbourhood next to Cambridge is far less touristy, and has a super cool selection of independent shops and healthy caf\u00e9s that serve up the grub and coffee that fuels the brains of the USAs brightest boffins. Somerville is also home to the\u00a0Aeronaut Brewing Company<\/a>, which was founded by a science-focused trio with MIT connections, so you can guarantee their beers are experimental. You should check out the Museum of Bad Art<\/a> in the basement of The Somerville Theatre if you\u2019re up for some belly laughs.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re blessed with good weather, enjoy a walk along the Charles River. You might also like to take to the water \u2013 you can canoe, kayak, take a Venetian gondola ride, or join a Duck Boat tour. Also, you can learn to sail or stand-up paddleboard, or, if that all sounds too much like hard work and you\u2019re stuffed full of donuts, just take a relaxing riverboat tour and have Boston\u2019s landmarks and architecture explained you.<\/p>\n At night, head to A4cade to play some old school arcade games or visit Middle East \u2013 one of Boston\u2019s premier venues. Inside, there are lots of different venues hosting music acts, club nights, quizzes, boozy painting classes and comedy open mics. Another night time option is Sacco\u2019s Bowl Haven in Somerville, where you can enjoy a spot of candlepin bowling. Yep \u2013 you heard me right, candlepin bowling\u2026just like tenpin bowling only with longer, thinner pins and a smaller ball. Should the bowling make you peckish, they do a good line in organic flatbreads. A large is around $20 and is perfect for sharing between two or three. If you fancy catching some improv comedy, head to Improv Boston in Central Square. There are several shows most days of the week. For the rudest and most raucous, take in the 11:30pm show. The Comedy Studio is near to Harvard Square, tickets are never more than $15, and any one night you can encounter new talent, or big names trying out new material. The Burren in Somerville is banging option if you want to mingle with students and dance to loud roots rock music or Phoenix Landing in Central Square is a soccer bar by day – old school dance party by night, playing hip hop reggae, 80s tunes and dubstep.<\/p>\n For a filling brunch for under a tenner, or a bargain lunch or dinner head to Loan Star Taco<\/a>. Sapporo Ramen<\/a> is a cash-only spot, serving up lashing of delicious Japanese noodle soup for $10.50. Visit for lunch because they close early on weekdays. If you\u2019re in the market for something spicy, Punjabi Dhaba<\/a> in Inman Square specialises in all your favourite Punjabi dishes, from curries and bhajis to tandoori and pakoras. This is also cash-only. If you\u2019re knocking around Harvard Square and need a late-night feed to soak up some beer, head to Charlie\u2019s Kitchen<\/a> for affordable pub grub. A stonking great double cheeseburger will set you back $11. Charlie\u2019s has a great beer garden and hosts live music, karaoke, trivia and every last Wednesday of the month is Wu Tang Wednesday \u2013 a night dedicated to the hip hop legends. Did we mention they also have 22 beers on tap? You should also check out Mr. Bartley\u2019s<\/a> for their politically-themed burgers. Anyone for a Brexit burger?<\/p>\n About the author<\/strong><\/p>\n Amy Baker is the author of\u00a0Miss-Adventures: A Tale of Ignoring Life Advice While Backpacking Around South America<\/a>, and founder of\u00a0The Riff Raff,<\/a>\u00a0a writers\u2019 community that supports aspiring writers and champions debut authors. You can follow Amy on Twitter\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":136407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"hw_related":"[{\"id\":121455,\"score\":0.667100000000000026290081223123706877231597900390625,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":116933,\"score\":0.642700000000000049027448767446912825107574462890625,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":122234,\"score\":0.588600000000000012079226507921703159809112548828125,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":124924,\"score\":0.61829999999999996074251384925446473062038421630859375,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":317095,\"score\":0.61799999999999999378275106209912337362766265869140625,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":120303,\"score\":0.61609999999999998099298181841732002794742584228515625,\"hook\":\"\"}]","footnotes":""},"categories":[9473],"tags":[264613,264575,264335,264577,264361],"class_list":["post-118737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-boston","tag-north-america","tag-travel-guides","tag-usa","tag-where-to-stay","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"where](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/osman-rana-332236-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n Jump straight to:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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North End \u2013 Best area in Boston for history (and pizza) lovers <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to do in North End<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Places to eat in North End<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best hostels in North End<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Beacon Hill \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Best area in Boston\u00a0<\/strong>for architecture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the area best for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to do in Beacon Hill<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Places to eat in Beacon Hill <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Downtown \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Best area in Boston for\u00a0<\/strong>cheap eats and dancing until dawn<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the area best for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to do Downtown Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Places to eat in Downtown Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best hostels in Downtown Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"where](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Capture.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nBack Bay \u2013 Best\u00a0<\/strong>area in Boston\u00a0<\/strong>for shopping<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the area best for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to do in Back Bay <\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"where](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/boston-1775871_1280.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPlaces to eat in Back Bay<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Fenway \u2013 Best\u00a0<\/strong>area in Boston\u00a0<\/strong>for sports fans<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is Fenway Park best for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to do in Fenway? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best places to eat in Fenway Park <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best hostels in Fenway Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n
South End \u2013 <\/strong>Best\u00a0<\/strong>area in Boston\u00a0<\/strong>for foodies<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the area best for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to do in South End <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Places to eat in South End<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nAllston \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Best\u00a0<\/strong>area in Boston\u00a0<\/strong>for live music<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the area best for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to do in Allston<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Places to eat in Allston <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cambridge –\u00a0<\/strong>Best\u00a0<\/strong>area in Boston\u00a0<\/strong>for intellectuals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"where](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GettyImages-913395250.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat to do in Cambridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Places to eat in Cambridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n