If you haven’t had a chance to visit Boston yet, I need you to add this city to your bucket list ASAP. Truth be told, I have been to Boston before but I don’t really think that time counts. I was there for work and honestly don’t think I left my hotel/convention center once. This time around, I was lucky enough to experience all that Boston had to offer in an epic 48 hours with my friend Jessica. If you’re looking for a great & easy weekend getaway, make sure you bookmark this Boston travel guide for later. I kid you not this might be one of my new favorite cities – and I can’t wait to head back with B!
Weekend Travel Guide to Boston
Before I dive into the details of our quick weekend in Boston, let me give you a little background. Jessica (@mystylevita if you’re not following her already), was invited to experience the Westin Copley Place with Marriott Bonvoy – a newly launched and pretty awesome loyalty program offering a new way to book your travel. Think hotels and experiences all wrapped into one. And she invited me to tag along. Yay!
We had so much fun exploring the city and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times we uttered the words “ugh, I love it here!” or “I love Boston” or “let’s just move here already”. We loved it.
Where to stay for a weekend in Boston
Our favorite neighborhood in Boston:
We stayed at the Westin Copley Place located in Back Bay. There are a few different neighborhoods in Boston and while we got to explore quite a few in our 48 hours, I gotta say Back Bay was my favorite. We were right next door to the Boston Public Library and Copley Square. The hotel was also within walking distance of a ton of amazing restaurants, Newbury street (all the shopping), Beacon Hill and Acorn street and so much more.
The perfect hotel for a Boston getaway:
The hotel itself was also pretty amazing. We were spoiled rotten and stayed in the Presidential suite but even outside of our room, the hotel had so much to offer. There was a full restaurant & bar in the lobby plus a Fogo de Chao, Starbucks and other shops inside in the hotel. The gym was insane and better than most gyms I’ve been to (weights, tons of cardio machines, cable machines, etc.).
I could not recommend the Westin Copley Place enough!
The best restaurants in Boston
Grabbing Breakfast
- Tatte Bakery: I’m almost embarrassed to admit how many times we visited Tatte Bakery in Boston. Not only is this cafe the cutest around (lots of black and white) but the coffee is amazing, the food is actually GOOD food and of course the pastries are heavenly. We loved the Berkley Tatte location the best and were super close to the Back Bay Tatte location. Pro tip: order the house latte. Honey, cardamom, espresso. Just yes.
- Cafeteria: We met Rachel for brunch at Cafeteria on Newbury street and it was so freaking delicious. They have a yummy brunch menu as well as a ton of other great lunch options – and bellinis. Don’t even get me started on a good patio. It was all just so good.
Score a yummy lunch
- Dig Inn: I’m not going to lie, our first meal at Dig Inn in Back Bay was one of my favorite lunches of all time. All. Time. Jessica promised me I’d love this fast-casual spot and you can go ahead and color me obsessed. It’s build your own bowl style and full of delicious, healthy (but not boring) ingredients. I really really really think ATL needs to get on the Dig In Train fast.
- Earl’s Rooftop: We popped over to Earl’s Rooftop at the Prudential Center for a late lunch on Saturday and it was pretty lit. Loved the whole vibe, actually. We sat on the rooftop patio and sipped on $5 sangrias, ordered buffalo cauliflower and just enjoyed the gorgeous 70-degree weather. I love a good day party feel and this was the perfect mix of fun and awesome food.
- Copley Square Farmer’s Market: I’m not sure if this is just a summer thing but every Tuesday and Friday, they run this epic market with food vendors in Copley Square. Everything you could want from fresh produce to authentic Indian cuisine. I had the best chocolate cookie of my life here – seriously so good.
The best dinner joints
- Lolita: If you’re on the hunt for some delicious Mexican food, great margaritas and a cool atmosphere, make sure you plan a night at Lolita. Make sure you make a reservation! If there aren’t a lot of you, you can also sit at the bar which is also pretty great. This might have been the best guac I’ve ever had and the spicy cucumber margarita is pure fire. In all the best ways possible.
- Gicaomo: Best. Italian. Ever. Seriously – we waited for an hour and a half (which is normal) to get a table at Giacomo’s and it was everything I ever could have imagined. This popular Italian eatery is located in North End and is every ounce worth the long wait. Be warned – you’re standing in line outside while you wait for one of like ten tables but once you get inside, get ready for amazing wine, garlic bread and any pasta/seafood dish your heart can desire. Soooo authentic and so freakin yummy.
What to do in Boston
We only had 48 hours in Boston but we made sure to get in as much as we could. I love that we could walk pretty much everywhere or hop in an Uber for a quick ride if we needed to.
- Boston public park: such a gorgeous place to just walk around and explore. Be warned – lots of squirrels. But the flowers were beautiful and you can even hop in a swan boat in the pond for a little romance.
- Beacon Hill: this neighborhood was absolutely charming. Very Charleston of the north (Jessica’s words). You’ll find the infamous Acorn street here and alllll the cute doors. Also, these million-dollar homes are totally Pinterest worthy so get ready to swoon.
- Newbury Street: if you’re looking for the best shopping, head to Newbury street. They have every store you could think of. High-end stores like Chanel and Reformation to affordable favorites like H&M and Zara. Jessica and I picked up our very first pair of Allbirds and y’all I am obsessed. You can also shop online.
- Boston Public Library: I mean, did you even make it to Boston if you don’t get a shot in the stunning Boston Public Library? Yes, we felt like complete idiots twirling through the stacks but you guys this place is gorgeous and full of so much history.
- Long Wharf waterfront: We ventured over to the Long Wharf waterfront one night and just took in the sunset. Such stunning views of the water and the boats and there was a totally lit bar called The Landing Bar – make sure you stop here for a drink and some dancing.
- North End: also referred to as Little Italy, this is a place you have to visit. A street lined with the most authentic and amazing Italian restaurants and pastry shops. Be warned, most of the restaurants have like ten tables so be prepared for a wait if you’re going for dinner but the energy of the North End is so worth it.
- Freedom Trail Tour: we booked this tour through Marriott Bonvy and left out of Boston Commons, another place you need to explore. The tour was actually really informative and our guide was in a fully authentic soldier uniform – so cool. The tour only last 90 minutes so it wasn’t too long and it was fun to walk around and get a short history lesson.
What to pack for a weekend trip to Boston
I always get questions on how I pack for trips – even Jessica was a little impressed with how I packed for our 48 hours in Boston. As a blogger, I love to have lots of outfit options for different photo opportunities (content, content, content) and activities. It’s a little annoying but I also have finally figured out how to pack multiple looks while still having the essentials on hand.
Here are a few of my favorite outfits from Boston:
And in case you’re already planning your next weekend trip to Boston, here are a few essentials to make sure you pack along with you in your carry on suitcase.
No. 1 The perfect pair of sneakers
You can’t go wrong with a comfortable pair of white sneakers. I love wearing mine with dresses for a day of exploring and they’re also my go-to for travel days with jeans or leggings.
No. 2 A lightweight jacket
I always travel with a faux leather jacket or a denim jacket. Always. Layer for travel days and then keep on hand for cooler nights.
No. 3 Easy dresses & skirts
Dresses and skirts are one of the easiest things to pack. Roll ’em up in your suitcase and wear them for an easy look. You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion, too!
No. 4 Casual t-shirt
I’ll always be a fan of the classic tee. I pack a few for every trip to wear on travel days or to pair with jeans or skirts for daytime activities.
