Boston in 1 Day: all you need to know

The northeastern United States is a land of history and architectural beauty. Therefore, it is quite logical that you are interested in the alternatives you have at your disposal about what to see and what to do in Boston in 1 day. Considering that the downtown and surrounding areas of this major university city offer you plenty of things to see and do in Boston during a stay that is equal to or much longer than a single day.

The following points are some of the activities I have planned for you, following a route that will be practical and convenient for you to walk around the city in its most iconic spots. This is so that after this quick visit you can say without a doubt that you know a good part of Boston's historic heart.

In the Beacon Hill neighbourhood there is a trail of streets and alleys known as the Black Heritage Trail. This is a specific section of Boston that received the first arrivals from the slavery that took place in the North Country from about 1638 to the mid-18th century.

Getting to know this part of the neighbourhood is a good way to understand a little better the atrocities that took place at that time against the African-American community.

In addition, you can also better contextualise the cultural importance of the first communities of free people of colour in the period before the American Civil War.

Some of Boston' s best tour buses can drop you off very close to this set of streets on Beacon Hill. But it's best to walk there if you're already in the area. Plus, you'll be able to see the city's African-American history museum from the outside.

If we move a little further into the centre of the neighbourhood, you will realise that, indeed, few neighbourhoods in the United States have managed to preserve their cultural identity with as much care and detail as Beacon Hill.

The truth is that touring this famous site beyond the Black Heritage Trail is a must-do in your plans to see and do in Boston in 1 day.

The Massachusetts State House is one of the most important buildings in the area and it is recommended that you visit it. However, Acorn Street is the true tourist epicentre of this neighbourhood, at least for those in search of more discreet and unusual beauty.

It's a narrow, cobblestone street that gives you a realistic and interesting perspective on what the city looked like in the early post-colonial period. That is, when American influence began to form and many aspects of its cultural identity were established.

Overall, the whole neighbourhood is an excellently preserved area and has such a unique style that it can be equated with the unique image associated with Greenwich Village in New York or the Art Deco identity of South Beach in Miami.

From the previous point, south of Beacon Hill, it's only a few minutes' walk to two of the city's most important parks.

Separated by the famous Charles Street, both the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common are the two parks you shouldn't leave out when thinking about what to see and do in Boston in 1 day.

The former is a park that was created in the 19th century and is noted for the beauty of its landscaping and the diversity of attractions for the public. These include a swan-filled lake where you can take a boat ride.

Boston Common offers a slightly more significant extension, as within its 20 hectares you will find a large number of historical elements surrounded by a characteristic greenery that can not be missing among your plans to do or see in Boston if you visit in summer.

Both are benchmarks when it comes to public spaces in the United States. Particularly the latter is even better known for being one of the first urban parks in the country, considering that it was built in 1634.

Downtown Boston is another essential stop on your list of things to see and do in Boston in 1 day.

If you find yourself finishing your tour of the parks mentioned above, then it's an excellent idea to head north through the city' s skyscraper-lined shopping streets that adjoin other historic buildings.

The Old State House is a good stop along this stretch of your route and if you continue north along Congress Street you 'll come across Boston City Hall, one of the most iconic gems of Brutalist architecture in all of North America.

A couple of streets away, also heading north, is the Boston Public Market. It's a perfect opportunity to grab a snack before proceeding to lunch in every sense of the word.

When you cross the Rose Kennedy Greenway you will find yourself at the north end of Boston's main street. This means you'll have plenty of other iconic sites of the city's history and identity at your disposal.

On the other hand, if you're in front of Boston City Hall and you start to feel very hungry, making it a matter of life and death to have immediate access to a full meal, it's best to cross North St. You'll walk east and a couple of blocks away you'll have the wide gastronomic variety of Quincy Market at your disposal.

This is a food bazaar located inside a historic building. It is also located in Faneuil Hall which is a bustling shopping centre made up of a series of structures that are over 100 years old.

So a last minute shopping sp ree to continue your sightseeing routine is both prudent and necessary in a place like this. It is also known for having one of the best Christmas markets in all of Boston.

Choose a Lobster Roll for a taste of the essence of the city

If you go for this idea of eating at Quincy Market, I advise you to try a Losbter Roll, the well-known lobster sandwich that has a different interpretation in most cities on the American east coast.

This would be a better decision if you're thinking about what to see and do in Boston during a visit in October, as this month is right in the middle of the fishing season for this delicious seafood.

By this point in the day you probably don't have time left to explore things that are too far away from where you are.

That's why wandering the North End as the sun sets over the city is a great option if you still have energy left to make the most of your quick visit to Boston, Massachusetts.

There you'll find a Boston version of Little Italy, where you can walk around, take pictures and appreciate the architectural identity of this area, which is so distinctive that it's considered one of the most authentic neighbourhoods in the country.

Whether you've decided to follow the freedom trail on your own, or with a Boston history tour, at some point you'll pass through the streets of this corner of Boston.

Also, keep in mind that the historical influence of this neighbourhood is just as important as that of Beacon Hill. It is a place that played a decisive role during the times when the Irish-Italian mafia ruled the day-to-day life of the city.

Try a canolli at Mike's Pastrys

On Hanover St is Mike Pastry's, one of the most important Italian pas try shops in Boston.

If you want a good dessert, we suggest you order a cannoli, although if you don't fancy that, you can still take advantage of the street you're on, as it's a highly coveted spot on Boston's best food tours. At least when it comes to authentic Italian-American food.

On a quaint corner of N Margin St. you'll also find another Boston foodie treasure. It's Regina Pizzeria, an establishment that has been winning the hearts and palates of locals for a couple of decades.

This particular branch is significant for the fact that it is located within the city's Italian district. The warmth of a good pizza also makes this an extremely entertaining plan for those looking for ideas of what to see and do during a Boston winter.

Many of the plans I've been making for your trip to the city have been based on the assumption that you'll prefer to head north after seeing the Public Garden and Boston Common. However, it's also valid for you to opt for a shorter route around a perimeter closer to these green areas of Boston.

Trinity Church and Boston Public Library are good options if you are not tired of walking

If you're interested in the area south of the Boston Public Garden, your best bet is the Back Bay, Back Bay Village and Back Bay East neighbourhoods. These streets offer plenty of dining options for lunch and snacks, while discovering such gems of the city as Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.

The church stands out for its architectural beauty and for being an Episcopal treasure in a city where Catholicism has always been the predominant branch of Christianity.

The library presents itself as a welcome escape from the demanding tourist routine you have set yourself as a challenge. It's also a great place to capture photographic memories.

Getting to Harvard and MIT is convenient if you still have time left over

If you feel that these neighbourhoods are not enough and you need a drive to recharge for your next stop, then you can hail a taxi across the river on the Harvard Bridge to see the impressive university campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A 30-minute stroll around the area is more than enough to get a sense of the magnitude of the influence this academic institution has on the world's science scene.

While you're on the other side of the city, you can also take a private tour by car to another even more iconic campus, Harvard University.

You have to remember that Boston is a city focused on academic excellence and this specific university is part of the mysticism that has formed around the city's educational identity.

In this area, called Cambridge, you will find different buildings for museums, theatres and classrooms. Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School and all the buildings in Harvard Yard should be your focal point when visiting the campus.

If you have enough time left in your day, it wouldn't hurt to see if any of the Boston history tours can offer you a short and concise tour to best understand the architectural magnitude of this beautiful corner of the city.

Say goodbye to the city at the Skywalk Observatory

If it's already dark and you still want another activity to remember your marathon 1-day visit to Boston, you can go to the Prudential Center to climb to the observation deck at the top of the skyscraper that completes this iconic commercial and corporate complex of the city.

The observation deck is located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower, which means you'll be at a height of approximately 200 metres.

An infographic explains some important facts about the city's historical figures and is the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of the city streets you've been walking through all day from the sky.

Admission is $20 US, but you can also find it on the Boston City Pass if you want privileged access to other attractions in the city for a convenient price in euros on a single ticket.

By this point you will almost certainly be too exhausted to continue discovering the city's secrets. Therefore, my recommendation is that you retire to rest, or go and collect your luggage so that a transfer to Boston airport can pick you up in time at the Hotel Lobby.

Boston Subway fares are a good alternative, financially speaking, for getting around the city. You can buy a Charlie Card, recharge it for the number of trips you intend to make in a day and ensure economical and sustainable mobility.

Prices for a trip on the metro are usually around US$2.90 per trip. You may also appreciate the fact that children under the age of 11 are free of charge. So, underground r ides are a great way to get from one point to another when you're making plans for things to see and do in Boston with kids.

However, it's best to make the most of the day if it's sunny and walk around the city. It is one of the few metropolises in the United States that still retains much of its original urban planning structure, making it a fairly accessible space for the average citizen and tourist.

It's a very different scenario if you're looking for a controlled and planned experience, just like Boston's best tour buses.

It's really not a bad idea if that's the kind of sightseeing you're betting on to enjoy your day in the city.

But keep in mind that it's a structure of stops and routes that you can't adjust to your family's whim. At least if you intend to comply with what the company you hire has established regarding the time you must dedicate to each activity.