I love to travel leisurely.
There’s nothing better than spending a warm sunny afternoon exploring a city by foot, and not rushing from one tourist spot to the next.
Since we’re now based in Boston, I’ve been able to explore this New England city at a leisurely pace, and have put together an afternoon walking guide – void of tourist spot jumping.
Starting at… the Boston Public Garden
This beautiful garden in the center of Boston is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Don’t come to just tick this off the list. The best way to visit the Boston Public Garden is to experience it – bring a book or set up a picnic to enjoy the grounds!
Boston Public Garden
After you’ve finished with your book (or your belly is full from your picnic!) stroll down to Copley Square
If you come in the afternoon, or around lunch time, you’ll get to experience the atmosphere buzzing with Bostonians enjoying their lunch in the square.
If you come on Tuesdays or Thursdays you can fill up your fridge at the local market with lots of yummy fruit and veggies or freshly baked bread. I even spied a brownie stand and a sunflower seller!
Sunflowers at Copley Square market
Hop across the street to Boston Public Library
Having seen photos of this iconic library prior, I still couldn’t help but need to pick my jaw off the floor when spying the architecture in this beautiful building.
The iconic Bates Hall
Make sure you not only visit Bates Hall (pictured above) where all the tourists flock, but also explore the courtyard on the ground floor (below).
Better yet, if you haven’t had lunch, grab a spot to sit here and take in the beautiful architecture over a pastry or sandwich.
Boston Library Courtyard
Explore Newbury Street
Cliché, but beautiful, Newbury Street has to be one of my favorite shopping streets to walk down.
The architecture will make you feel like you’re in another era.
When browsing the shops here, make sure you pop by Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream shop, a chain of ice cream stores that originated in Boston. Pick from one of their flavoured cones – I had one coated in Oreo crumbs, yum!
Raspberry Sorbet with an Oreo coated cone from Emack & Bolio’s
And lastly, make your way across to Commonwealth Ave which runs perpendicular to Newbury Street
This boulevard has some of the most beautiful architecture (and park running down the center of the avenue) in Boston – dating from the 1800’s!
In summer the trees lining the center section provide some well needed shading, I can’t wait to come down here in the autumn too and see the fall foliage.
Buildings lining Commonwealth Ave
And there you go – a beautiful afternoon’s walk exploring some of Boston’s most beautiful sights (all without needing to spend money on entry fees!)
What are some of your favorite spots to explore in Boston?
Is there anything you’d add to this? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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