Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
BOSTON! A local girl’s guide!
123
items I have lived in Boston for over 10 years and truly love this city! Let me show you my favorite spots around here! Hopefully I can help you put together your list for when you visit! There is so much to do in although this list may seem small, it is t...
Map
Sections
6
Coffee & Bakeries
Food & Drinks
Sightseeing/Experiences
Niche fun spots
Shopping
Hotels
Coffee & Bakeries
Boston and coffee are synonymous with each other! Here are some of my favorite coffee, shops and bakeries where you can find the best cup in town!
There are a few of these around the city and the food and coffee are always delicious. Get the croissant breakfast sandwich with their iced honey halva latte! Also their morning buns are to die for!
Tatte Bakery
THE BEST Coffee, pastries, and salads. When you go get a chocolate chip cookie! Best in the city! Also, their sandwiches and farro salad are amazing!
Flour Bakery + Cafe
One of my favorite cups of coffee in the city! They offer a wide variety of flavors and have amazing breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
Thinking Cup
Get the Boston cream latte and the pho burrito. You’re welcome! One of the most slept on spots in Boston in my opinion, and they make their coffee with love!
Phin Coffee House
Coffe, bread, morning bun. You will be in heaven with a quick trip on the green line to this hidden gem! Get a latte and a morning bun and enjoy the cute little neighborhood.
Clear Flour Bread
Amazing coffee and pastries! The sausage egg and cheese with a cold brew and a raspberry Berliner on the side is what cures hangovers on a Saturday morning.
swissbakers
Great new bakery in the seaport! Their coffee is great and their cinnamon roll is what dreams are made of. The atmosphere is lovely as well.
Elephantine
Delicious donuts and coffee, they have a few locations around the city in Brookline, Somerville, and downtown.
Union Square Donuts
MY FAVORITE DONUTS. They are huge and delicious and classic. Highlights include the honey dipped, Boston cream, blueberry, and jelly donuts.
Kane's Donuts in Boston
Their cannolis, lobster tails and ricotta pie are the stuff legends are made from, sit in the baker and enjoy your pastries with some espresso or take it to go!
Modern Pastry Shop
Delicious pastries, famous for the cannoli, but their cheese cake is also legendary. Also, their chocolate eclairs are legendary and can be shared… or not..
Mike's Pastry
Coffee and Babka! Bakey is a delicious cafe that has a few locations around the city. Get yourself an iced latte with a slice of chocolate or almond babka and enjoy. If you’re not into sweets, their potato and onion and spinach and cheese bourekas ar...
Bakey
Another great donut option in Boston! They have a ton of classic options, and donut holes! If you’re adventurous, the everything bagel donut is a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Also, their coffee is amazing, get the Boston cream cold brew.
Blackbird Doughnuts
Open 24/7 in the north end, their cannoli and Stromboli are amazing. Some may argue that there are better bakeries, but this is a north end staple that everyone should check out once while they live here or when there in the neighborhood!
Bova's Bakery
Pavement has a few locations around the city, get their fig and almond latte! One of my top five coffee places!
Pavement Coffeehouse - Newbury
Want a true Irish Boston experience? Head to Dorchester where GreenHills bakery offers some delicious Irish food! Get the Irish soda bread and the sausage roll! Also, their scones are amazing!
GREENHILLS BAKERY
You won’t be disappointed, the food is delicious and so is the bakery and coffee! Their chicken français and fish and chips are incredibly fresh and delicious. Their menu is not complicated and very simple but fresh and delicious.
South End Buttery
If you’re looking for an awesome French and Asian fusion bakery, check out Tous Les Jour in Allston! This place has excellent coffee and amazing pastries. I highly recommend the tiramisu latte and the sausage roll. Also, if you’re looking for a cake,...
TOUS les JOURS: French Asian Bakery - Freshly Baked Everyday - Allston
Food & Drinks
Here are my favorite spots to grab food around Boston. These are places that I would recommend to anyone visiting Boston who wants the true local food experience for what the city has to offer. Also, this list shows you many different neighborhoods t...
Better than most Italian places in the north end! Get the combo chicken and eggplant parm, with an espresso martini
Carlo's Cucina Italiana
Amazing Italian seafood! If you’re looking for Sicilian style seafood dishes this is the place! Get the agio olio with squid ink pasta.
The Daily Catch North End
Try their cheeseburger pizza and pair it with one of their signature cocktails! The blackberry bramble is one of my favorites! And when you get your bill, they give you rice crispy treats as a thank you!
Stoked Wood Fired Pizza Co.
Such a fun spot with delicious food! The cocktail menu is on another level and their brunch is delicious. Get their dirty martini along with a few oysters.
Saltie Girl
Such an amazing experience! Get their espresso martini. The food is great, but it’s an even better experience for a drink or two.
Contessa Boston
Affordable, great menu, been around forever and right on Newbury Street. Their cocktail menu is amazing.
Sonsie
Best ice cream ever! Highly recommend the cannoli sundae and the blueberry sundae. This place has been going viral on TikTok and everyone loves it! Their ice cream is fresh the flavors all go together thoughtfully in their Sundays and the staff here ...
The Scoop N Scootery
A classic for anyone looking for a Newbury street experience dining out! Amazing spot for a weekend brunch with the family or girlfriends when you’re in town. Their Bloody Mary and French toast are excellent. PRO TIP: make a reservation ahead of time...
Stephanie's On Newbury
The clam chowder is a must try, and their burgers and espresso martinis are to die for. Also, the views of the Harbour are beautiful at night as it borders the north end you may even see a yacht or two pull in.
Boston Sail Loft
This place is a Harvard square staple and underrated! Their frappe and burger menu are amazing. The menu is always changing with the zeitgeist, I personally love the Charlie XCX and the mass hole and a chocolate frappe!
Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage
Great spot for a pre or post dinner drink. Their drink menu is excellent and their espresso martini is one of my top 10 in the city.
Carrie Nation Cocktail Club
Sexy little place for a drink. Their tomato martini is the stuff made of dreams. Also, great spot for a small bite to eat if you’re looking for a late night snack.
Yvonne's
An awesome dining experience with Cuban fusion food, delicious cocktails, amazing music and the scenery is magical.
Mariel
A Harvard square staple! Grab a sandwich and check out their international food selection!
Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe
Amazing Greek food that is shareable! Try and get a seat at the kitchen counter and watch them cook. PRO TIP: make a reservation as this place books up quickly. The food is that good!
Bar Vlaha
Amazing Japanese cafe in Coolidge corner. Best poke bowl in the city. Also, their tea and pastries and coffee are delicious. I could sit here all day and eat everything off their menu.
Maruichi Select
Located in Hay market, a short walk away from Quincy market, it’s a great spot to check out local food vendors and artisans.
Boston Public Market
Amazing food, and they host a drag brunch on Sundays! Highly recommend booking if you’re in town for a girls trip
Krasi
Get yourself a charcuterie box and go enjoy it in the Boston public garden! One of the coolest spots in beacon hill! If you love cheese, meat, and crackers, you have to try this place out!
Kured
Enjoy this fun restaurant in the south end that has live jazz music. If you’re going for brunch, get the eggs and corned beef hash!
Beehive Restaurant
An amazing Greek restaurant with spectacular food, ambiance, and drinks. I recommend the lamb meatballs and the spanakopita flatbread.
Trade
A great Italian restaurant near the seaport. Their rice balls and their fettuccine Alfredo are delicious. Also, I highly recommend getting an espresso martini and their tiramisu.
Nebo
Looking for a hole in the wall breakfast spot? Cafe weekend is the place for you. Their egg sandwich with their signature sauce is amazing and their coffee is delicious.
Cafe Weekend
One of my favorite sushi spots in Boston! Their menu is big. The sushi is delicious. The service is incredible and it’s not far from the theater district, but still located in Chinatown. The Philadelphia roll in the maki maki roll are my favorites pa...
Genki Ya - Boston
Sightseeing/Experiences
Here are some fun things to do to get a better view of all the cool spots in the city. If you’re looking to learn more history, and culture these are some experiences you should check out.
This is a great way to see a lot of historical sights in Boston and to walk around. The freedom Trail is a staple for Boston and shows you a lot of history that is often overlooked when it comes to Boston in the start of of the revolutionary war.
Freedom Trail
Go! Of course I can’t mention Boston without mentioning the MFA! Their collections are amazing, additionally they have a ton of exhibitions all year.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of my favorite museums. Their collection is amazing and the history of the Gardner is even cooler.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Right off the red line, walk around campus, get a cup of coffee at the many coffee shops and shop the amazing stores!
Harvard Square
It’s a pretty cool spot to check out all year! Catch a game and sit in one of the oldest baseball parks in the country, take a tour, and explore Yawkey way!
Fenway Park
Truly an incredible experience. Such an amazing collection, you can spend hours here exploring the exhibit
The Harvard Museum of Natural History
Such a beautiful library with an amazing collection of art and books. One of the oldest private libraries in the country.
Boston Athenaeum
Great way to see Boston from the water front. Highly recommend for every tourist to learn their way around the city
Boston Duck Tours New England Aquarium Departure Location
A great way to see Boston from the Charles river! Unforgettable sight seeing. Rent a kayak or a paddle board and hangout on the Charles.
Paddle Boston: Cambridge, Kendall Square
Another fun way to see the city and explore it! Especially if you want to see the city lit up at night!
Boston Cruises, Ferry Rides & Harbor Tours ...
If you’re not a fan of heights, then I don’t recommend. BUT this is such a fun experience and a great way to see the city and learn more about its history.
Best Views of Boston: Attractions, Observatory, Dining & Events
The architecture, history, and design are worth noting here. BPL is truly an icon in Boston and a great place to learn more about the city’s history.
Boston Public Library - Central Library
Take a walk through this stunning garden and then stop at flour bakery stand for a hot dog and ice cream!
Public Garden
Go see a comedy show or artist here. There are no bad seats and they serve alcohol! The Wilbur is such a fun and intimate venue every comedy show and podcast or I have seen here. I’ve had such a great experience. There is not a bad seat in this venue...
The Wilbur
Great exhibit for small children and families m. Extra points if you love seals! This aquarium is small, but very engaging and interactive. There’s a lot to learn here from the museum tour guides that are available throughout their exhibits. Also, yo...
New England Aquarium
Check out the tea party museum and learn about the infamous tea party in Boston harbor. This interactive exhibit gives you an experience you won’t forget. Also, check out their tea room and enjoy an afternoon tea there!
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Bringing littles to Boston for the weekend? You’re in luck! Boston is a great kid friendly city. The Boston children’s museum is an awesome spot for visiting. They have interactive activities for all ages and stages. Let your kids immerse themselves ...
Homepage - Boston Children's Museum
No weekend is complete without a visit to Faneuil Hall! Here you can shop, check out local food, vendors, and markets, and explore a historical part of Boston. This area is incredibly walkable close to the water and to the north end and offers so muc...
Faneuil Hall Marketplace | Boston, MA
Niche fun spots
These are places that never get a proper shoutout and deserve all the love. If you’re looking for an experience off the beaten path, but fun and different, these are some places and ideas that show a great side of Boston!
Amazing small businesses and restaurants in Somerville. This collection of stores is unique to the neighborhood and worth the visit.
Bow Market
This is one of the coolest places to catch an Indy film or host a party. Sometimes Hollywood hosts premieres here!
Coolidge Corner Theater
Another cool tucked away spot in Boston set in the beautiful Coolidge corner neighborhood. Take a tour of President Kennedy’s birthplace and learn more about the president’s history! It’s a beautifully laid out small museum that is very thoughtful an...
John F. Kennedy Birthplace
Free entrance! You can check out their displays and art they have! It is a bit of a niche museum, but it is loaded with history and displays that you have likely seen in textbooks from school and hold centuries of history.
Countway Library - Harvard medical school
Check out the beautiful architecture of one of the top medical schools in the country. The medical school quad is one of the prettiest places to hang out. Enjoy a cup of coffee and watch students come in and out of classes, not to mention the archite...
Harvard medical school quad
Check out this MIT building, the campus and Kendall square! The history behind it is incredible. And it is really cool to look at and walk by if you go inside, you can learn more about the history of the building.
Frank Gehry building
This is for all science enthusiasts! This is where anesthesia was born! Such a cool exhibit. It’s small, but very informative and really shows you how anesthesia was made and came to use and incredibly thoughtful museum.
Ether Dome
Another hidden gem that we love! Go explore used books downtown and support a local business! If you’re into books and love a used book, this is a cool experience downtown!
Brattle Book Shop
Check out the different fairs and festivals being hosted at the SoWa power station in the south end! Their website has listed a bunch of different bazaars and festivals they have going on all year and farmers markets.
SoWa Power Station
A HIDDEN GEM with an amazing lineup when it comes to music. A hidden gem when it comes to an intimate venue that has hosted some big names over the years. And a classic in Brighton.
Paradise Rock Club
Another hidden gem to see great bands! This is an intimate venue that has hosted many big names over the years. You can get tickets through their website check out the local theater in the lineup of incredible band say playing.
Brighton Music Hall
Awesome lineup for music! Small venue that packs a punch on performances. They have a great lineup of bands and comedians that come here and it’s a very intimate space that has great vibes and does not get overcrowded.
The Sinclair
Go see a comedy show and watch future comedians workout their acts! It’s a great experience for a night out. I highly recommend if you’re into comedy and want to see the next up-and-coming comedian working out their stand-up special!
Improv Asylum
Calling all cat lovers! Check out this amazing cat cafe. Pro tip- book your reservation ahead of time. Their coffee is incredible. The cats are very friendly and you will never want to leave because of how cozy it is. This is a great place to support...
A Sanctuary Cafe
This place has been around forever and is a great spot to bring a pizza and a bottle of wine for a night or afternoon of painting pottery! Such a fun and soothing activity to go in paint your own piece of pottery and then have it forever!
Paint Your Own Pottery Studio | Brookline, Massachusetts
Schedule a pottery lesson in back bay while you’re in town! Another great and unique activity that is kind of off the beaten path and worth it! This would be such a fun idea for a bachelorette.
Pottery Studio 1 in Boston | Pottery classes & events
Go check out this amazing dumpling factory, sign up for a dumpling making class, and sample the delicious locally sourced dumplings!
Mei Mei
Check out this historical cemetery in Cambridge. So many great authors, poets, abolitionists are buried here.
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Walk the esplanade along the river on both the Cambridge and Boston side! The views are amazing and make for a great city experience. Extra points if it’s during peak leaf peeping season!
The Esplanade Association (EA) | Boston's Charles River Esplanade
This is such a cool experience! It’s through the Christian Science church, but worth seeing.
Mapparium
This is such a cool experience, their exhibits are always engaging, kid friendly and fun. The area is awesome and it’s a wonderful afternoon to spend at the museum. Their exhibits are interactive and engaging.
Museum of Science
This is such a cool experience for all folk lovers! Really great project that was developed. Kind of random for Boston, but still a great experience and niche history that is being displayed in this cool city.
Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame
Check out this amazing rose garden near the Fens and the MFA. A little slice of heaven in the middle of the city.
James P. Kelleher Rose Garden
Watch a game from the Green Monster. Right from the outfield. Grab a beer and some food and experience the Red Sox!
Bleacher Bar
Tour Boston through innovation with this tour! Learn about medicine, technology, science, and more invented in Boston!
The Innovation Trail
Check out this awesome rooftop garden in Kendall Square that offers some cool city views.
Urban Park (UP) Roof Garden
Check out the open markets in the South End! Support local artists and vendors! If you go SoWa’s website, you will be able to see the different markets that are planned for the whole year.
SoWa Open Market - SoWa Boston
Check out the Rose Kennedy Greenway! When you walk down the green way, you will be on top of the historic Big Dig! There are some great coffee shops and food trucks along the greenway and open markets on the weekend!
The Rose Kennedy Greenway
Check out this amazing installation through the ICA. You can take a water taxi across the harbor with your ticket to see the exhibit and it also covers admission to the ICA
ICA Watershed
Check out this amazing contemporary art museum that offers some really great exhibits. The view of the harbor is a plus and adds to the experience while viewing incredible contemporary art!
Institute of Contemporary Art
Take a tour of Bully Boy Distillers and sample their vodka, gin, whisky, and mixed cocktails! A true Boston distillery!
Bully Boy Distillers
Check out this cool distillery in Everett. This distillery offers cooking classes, craft nights and booze. Check out their website to see what classes are being hosted.
Short Path Distillery
Check out violet for an amazing facial in Coolidge corner! One of my favorite boutique spas in the neighborhood!
Violet Skin Boutique
Shopping
Here are some local businesses I love to browse and splurge on! I’m a huge believer in small businesses and some bigger ones that I love! Shopping local helps to keep dollars in Boston rather than going to a corporation. Shopping local benefits, the ...
This store has been around forever! With two locations one in Harvard square and the other in Coolidge corner, they offer a unique selection of bags and dresses! some of my favorite pieces have come from the store such as my Orla Kiley bags and a few...
Mint Julep
Such a magical experience! Not only do they have lovely cafe, but every floor is full of books and gets better and better. This bookstore is full of adventure, thoughtfully, curated, books, and elegance. I can spend hours in the store, browsing throu...
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
Another amazing book store. They have a fabulous gift section, their cookbooks, craft books, music and art collections are amazing. Some of the best craft and cookbook collections I have seen at a bookstore.
Brookline Booksmith
If you’re looking for something handmade right in Boston, check out this amazing store where you can watch the artists make bags, clothes, blankets, jewelry, etc.
Stitch and Tickle
So cool to check out the art and the clothing in this store. The experience of walking around and browsing the collection and art is so much fun!
Ralph Lauren
A lovely local gallery featuring some amazing artwork! The glass in the pottery in here are beautiful and a lot of it is locally sourced by artists in the area. The gallery owner is incredibly kind and really knows a lot about this type of art.
Pucker Gallery
Highly recommend checking out this gallery just to see the art. It’s free to walk through and view art from local artists and also nationally known artists. If you are looking for an investment piece, this is the place to go. The gallery owner is inc...
Vose Galleries LLC
I have an unhealthy obsession with this store. It’s like a cross between ikea( but smaller) and primark (way better quality)!
MUJI Newbury Street
Such fun pieces and locally owned. They tend to source from niche designers. The owners are super fun and always sourcing unique finds for their customers
Crush Boutique
I could go broke in here! Every dress I try on, I need. Let’s not fail to mention their sweaters are delicious. The owners are incredibly kind and love taking feedback on what their customers are looking for, but I will say the variety that they offe...
December Thieves
Loved everything here. All great quality pieces, worth the splurge, you will find some pieces that will last a lifetime in this store. I have a silk scarf and a silk skirt that I bought from here that I have owned for over three years and look amazin...
East Coast Ivy Boutique
A tourist experience for everyone, looking for the latest in comics, anime, etc. Newbury comics has it all and then some.
Newbury Comics
Such a fun store and great breakfast and lunch spot. A classic on Newbury Street! I highly recommend getting breakfast or lunch here along with a beautiful cup of coffee and then browsing through the bookstore where you can find a variety of books th...
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
If you have littles, you will love this local spot in beacon Hill. The selection in the store is thoughtful and unique. They offer a variety of local authors and toy developers also in supporting small businesses they carry some beautiful brands of t...
Whitney + Winston
Amazing fiber store with a killer local yarn selection and craft books! The owner, Sarah is incredibly helpful and knows every yarn that she sells. I love coming in here and looking at the different yarns that are local to the area. Not to mention th...
Boston Fiber Company
Looking for a fun vintage piece. This store has an amazing collection that is ever changing. Also, it’s local to my neighborhood and they do such a great job, sourcing, unique and quirky fines that suit a true brighteners style! I could spend hours i...
The Brighton Emporium
Such a fun little store offering niche products. They offer a lot of local products and small indie brands. I love going and browsing all the unique fines they have when it comes to local handmade items and items to help you go a little bit more gree...
Boston General Store
If you’re looking for an investment piece of clothing, this is the place! Tess carries some beautiful quality clothing brands.
Tess
Such a fun bookstore in Boston! If you’re looking for your next smut book or the latest craze, this store is where you will find it!
Lovestruck Books
Looking for all your KBeauty brands? Taos is the it place in Allston! Also, they are incredibly helpful here when you are looking for specific products or have questions. Their prices are excellent, and they offer a wide variety of K beauty!
Tao's
Looking for Japanese snacks and beauty? This is the hotspot! The store offers unique foods, snacks, houseware items, beauty, products, and candy! I highly recommend looking at everything they have in the store. I love going and checking out all the d...
Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli · Brookline, Massachusetts
If you’re looking for the ultimate thrifting experience, this is it! This building offers so many unique items from low to high end fashion.
Home - Garment District
A new chic kitchen store in the South End! Looking for a new kitchen knife, handmade pottery, locally sourced kitchen goods and foods? Head to Fred’s! I could spend hours in here and drain my bank account! JoJo is the owner and he is truly the friend...
FRED'S | Fine Kitchenware & Homegoods, Curated by JoJo Kwan
Hotels
Looking for a great place to stay while you’re in town? These hotels are public transport, accessible and walkable across the city. Also, their bars and restaurants are amazing and that to me adds to the hotel experience.
Highly recommend if you’re looking to stay in back bay, great views of the city from
Back bay, rooms are incredibly nice and comfortable. Also, they have a great bar!
Luxury 5 Star Hotel in Back Bay | Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Great hotel in seaport with excellent waterfront views. Their food and drinks are amazing and they have a few bars. It’s in walking distance to the north end and the rose Kennedy greenway.
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Famous for their Boston cream pie! And their haunted rooms! This hotel located in downtown Crossing is a staple to Boston’s land escape! It’s central to Government Center, Beacon Hill the Boston common and in walking distance to the theater district ...
Omni Parker House | Hotels in Downtown Boston, MA
Great if you’re going to TD garden for a game or show. The commuter rail also sits in the same building. This hotel is in walking distance to the north end. Also the West End and Beacon Hill also if you are taking the commuter rail in to Boston this ...
citizenM Boston North Station hotel | stay above TD Garden
Amazing views of back bay from this hotel! Across the street from some of the best shopping Boston has! Newbury Street sits at the corner, making it accessible to some of the best shopping that Boston offers! Also, you have access to a new scenic dec...
citizenM Boston Back Bay hotel | stay by Fenway & Newbury St
Check out this Rock and Roll hotel right behind Fenway park! This place is all rock and roll, the interiors are amazing and you’re not far from kenmore square, back bay, and downtown.
The Verb Hotel | Boutique Boston Hotel Near Fenway Park
Looking for a luxury experience staying in Boston? Check out Fairmont Copley! Their amenities are excellent and their tea room is even better! Not to mention your located in the heart of back bay and in walking distance to some of the best shopping B...
Luxury Hotel in Boston | Fairmont Copley Plaza