Any tips for traveling around Boston?

Does anyone know the best way to travel around Boston? We are flying up in Sep. and we dont know the best ways to get around. Also, what are some good sites to visit and things of that nature. We are there for 6 days, and would enjoy seeing as much as possible. Our hotel is in Cambridge, and we just need information on what is the best mode of transportation wihitn the city.

If you want to do downtown, take the T (subway). The red line is fast and convenient. Plus the taxi drivers will always take the long way around if they know you are from out of town. Good sites to visit are Harvard Square, downtown Boston, Shopping in Back Bay, North End, Whalewatching, Duck Tours (quack quack!), Boston Commons. It's possible to drive, but you really don't need to.

Lots of fun. The MBTA -- subways, trains, buses are your best bet. 1. Take a Duck or Trolley tour. You'll get a great overview of the city and it only takes an hour. 2. Boston Museum of Fine Arts 3. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 4. Boston State House 5. Boston Freedom Trail 6. Harvard Yard & Cambridge Square 7. Kennedy Museum & Library in Dorchester 8. North End 9. Faneuil Hall Marketplace what are your special interests? do another question or send me an email.

Take the T (subway) for sure. Cabs are HUGELY expensive and driving is a real pain. But remember, it's not called America's Walking City for nothing, Boston is relatively small in size so you can walk around from place to place fairly easily and if you do get turned around, it's not hard to find someone who knows directions. 1) If you can afford it- try to score some Red Sox tickets, or if you're big baseball people, try to take a tour of Fenway Park. Even for a non-Sox fan, it's very exciting. 2) Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is ALWAYS a good trip for all ages. 3) The Science Museum can be hit or miss depending on the exhibits and your own interests. 4) The North End (our "Little Italy") is always worth the trip. I'm very biased here as I have family ties to the neighborhood, but it's to die for. Check out Mike's Pastry for the BEST cannolli around. 5) Quincy Market/Fannueil Hall is a must see, it's also right near the Holocaust Memorial which is very, very beautiful. 6) Look to see if anything is going on down at the hatchshell on the Esplinade while you're visiting, the events are generally free and fun. 7) Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens right near the State House are excellent in the fall. 8) The Freedom Trail and the Duck Tours are REALLY corny and touristy, but you'll see a lot. The Freedom Trail does a great job teaching you about the city's history. 9) If you like window shopping (or have a lot of money to spare) check out Newbury Street. It's very upscale and fun to poke in. Occasionally you'll hit some sales, too. 10) Harvard Square and the Coop are the highlights of Cambridge. Try to do something near the water, we love to brag about our waterfront. You can't really go wrong in Boston- there's something for everyone. If you want anything more specific, message me. But as for the transportation, stick with the T. It's very easy and the MBTA workers are very helpful to point you in the right direction if you need it.

As I am sure lots of Answerers will tell you, the way to get around is by the public transit system, the "T". All of the hotels in Cambridge are located at or close walking distance to a subway station. You are probably going to make sure you will sample some good seafood restaurants during your vacation but since you are in Cambridge try also to dine at one or two of the great Portuguese and Brazilian places (concentrated in East Cambridge. Otherwise, I will leave to others suggestions for what to visit in Boston/Cambridge but suggest that you devote a day or two to nearby places that are also very interesting; other than the obvious Lexington/Concord well worth while are Providence, Gloucester/Rockport, Salem and Lowell National Park (all reachable by local T trains) and Portland, Maine (reachable by Amtrak).

Pretty much everything you could ever want to do in Boston is accessible via the T - but you can walk from Harvard Square in Cambridge straight down Massachusetts Avenue to the Prudential Building in the heart of downtown Boston in less than an hour, to give you an idea of the scale of has maps and schedules for you to figure out your trip plans with. Also, M&M88 forgot to mention Bova's Bakery in the North End. Fresh hot bread multiple times a day. Nice to buy a loaf and just pick at it as you wander down the street to the Old North Church.

Subway is the best way around...they are well lit and safe. If you have kids the children's museum is the best as is the science museum......the museum of fine arts is wonderful as well. Quincy Market is a favorite of mine as they have tons of little shops and great places to eat...it is pricey but you are paying for the area. the Swan boats in Boston common and Boston gardens is a big favorite...be warned you will see a lot of homeless there and they will ask for money...I am just letting you know in case you have kids. Top of the Prudential building is fun as on a clear day you can see a lot. Also don't forget to visit the old North church and other revolutionary sites I love Boston depending on when you are going in Sept...bring cool weather clothes as well as hot weather as the temp will fluctuate....you also might get to see some fall foliage....which is great!

As said, you can get around very easily by public transportation, the T. There are trains, and even buses that can get you everywhere you need to be. Digital City provides lists of what is going on around the city during specific time periods, as well as different reviews of places to eat, etc. That is always worth checking out before heading in to the city.

Boston is a pretty compact city, with an excellent subway system. Getting a week pass is probably the least expensive way to get around. That and walking. Nothing is too far away, unless you plan on heading to the beach at some point. Otherwise I would recommend using the T and bringing some comfy shoes to wear.

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