How to do Boston like a local

The Pilgrims settling the New England colonies in 1630 wouldn’t recognise Boston today, but wouldn’t feel too far from home either.

The cobbled-stoned streets and Georgian mansions from yesteryear stand juxtaposed to the sky-high glass buildings and uber modern restaurants, proving this historic US city is a contemporary bubbling pot of excitement.

Those wanting the all-American holiday will, of course, eat a hot dog at Fenway Stadium, walk the Freedom Trail and see the John F Kennedy Museum. But we’ve curated a local’s guide, sorted by neighbourhoods, to get the very best out of Boston, Mass.

Downtown

Lobster rolls? Yes, that is obviously why we’re here but every good harbour city boasts an abundance of seafood and we want it all. Enter Saltie Girl – a chic Downtown restaurant with seafood on the menu for every taste. Sit at the gorgeous teal bar and order king salmon crudo or fried lobster waffles with the creamiest sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup.

Now the eating is out of the way, it’s about getting that leafy snap for Instagram in Boston Common. It was here, America’s oldest park, where soldiers mustered before the revolution. Over time, the grounds have seen George Washington celebrate his win against the English, anti-slavery meetings, and anti-Vietnam war rallies lead by Martin Luther King, Jr. A must when visiting old Boston town, especially in autumn when the leaves start to turn.

While Downtown, pick up coffee and sweet pastries at Tremont Street’s Thinking Cup coffee shop before exploring Old State House and Old South Meeting House. This is where the Boston Tea Party kicked off. There are more than 300 shops in this area and a trip to Macy’s Basement will make your stay – it’s one of the best discount department stores in the country (think Marc Jacobs handbags for USD$60).

Looking for something a little different but certainly Instagrammable? Hit up the Boston Public Library. It’s one of those Hogwarts Great Hall scenarios, complete with huge glass windows, high marble arched roof, sandstone pillars and little green lamps on every desk.

An iconic Boston experience is catching a basketball game at TD Garden, home of the famous Celtics. The easiest way to nab tickets is through US Sports Tickets – an online ticket platform providing real-time access to live ticket inventory to US sport games.

Our favourite restaurant to eat at before a game is Antico Forno. It’s homestyle Italian cooking just like nonna’s. The menu is massive but go for the veal cutlet parmigiana di Vitello, with metled fontina cheese.

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Fenway

All progressive cities have a bike-share program and Boston is indeed one of them. There are 90 kilometers of bike lanes with one trail leading directly to Fenway Park. Keeping in the spirit of having an ‘all-American experience’, the premiere stop in this neighbourhood is the Museum of Fine Arts, where you’ll find exceptional exhibits on American Impressionism and Modernism. Plus, there’s a whole wing dedicated to the Art of the Americas.

Close to the ballpark, you’ll find plenty of sausage carts and you’ll smell them before you see them. Onion and capsicum slowly grilling on the hot plates, while garlic sausage wafts over the crowds decked out in their Red Socks merch. Certainly a delicious option.

Another quintessential American eat is Tasty Burger. Fresh juicy meat patties and decadent shakes make it the Boston version of Shake Shack. Simply mouth-watering.

Seaport

Boston’s roots are in the city’s rich maritime history. Only a decade ago the Seaport District was a no-mans-land of warehouses and concrete, so naturally, it’s now the coolest place to hang out in the city. The gentrified portside hub on the south side of the harbour hosts tourist favourites The Institute for Contemporary Arts and the Boston Children’s Museum.

Local celeb chef Barbara Lynch has a string on fancy restaurants to choose from in Seaport but Sportello is the best. The minimalist vibe of the small open kitchen work against the backdrop of the rugged wharves to create the perfect spot for a hearty potato gnocchi with lobster, peas and mushroom ragu. If you want to knock back some oysters at a hipster-heavy environment, try Row 34 just down the road but book in advance.

Stay?

Want to be in the thick of it? Four Seasons Boston is perched on the edge of Boston Public Garden and is close to Chinatown for delicious late night dumplings.

Don’t miss

The best way to explore the historic Harvard University is a walking tour led by actual students. Book your tickets here.

What trip to the US is complete without a drink at a late-night jazz club and Scullers Jazz is right by Harvard.

The latest collaboration of James Beard Award-winning chefs Ken Oringer & Jamie Bissonnette Little Donkey. Offers small plates – unique flavours from around the world, heavily influenced by availability in local markets so expect a paddock-to-plate vibe.

Love your craft beer? Sink a few amber ales at Harpoon Brewery – there’s a beer hall and pretzels.

Before you go

Esta: Anyone flying into the United States needs this visa. You can purchase this online for $14.

Tips: You must tip 20% of your bill at restaurants and 15% of your cab fare. It’s always nice to carry a few dollar bills to give hotel staff.

Flight time: It’s a biggie from the east coast of Australia but United will get you there in two flights and under 26 hours.

As one of the world’s most well-known brands, Expedia offers a wide and growing array of booking options, along with simple, user-friendly technology and tools to help travellers find the best travel deals for Boston.

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