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Things To Do in Boston in Winter

  • January 12, 2019
  • By Stephanie, The Roving Fox
  • 24 Comments
Things To Do in Boston in Winter

Boston, MA is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in America. With its impressive role in America’s history (hello, Paul Revere), to its modern renaissance as a tech and business hub, you can’t go wrong with planning a trip to Boston. But what about in winter? Isn’t it hella cold and nasty? Yeah, sometimes. But there are still a wealth of things to do in Boston in winter, and thankfully, most of them are inside!

I’ve lived in Boston for 10 years (where did the time go?!). I actually hate the cold, but I love the vibrant cultural and dining scene that Boston offers. Therefore I’ve learned to bundle up and bear the cold, and I’ve amassed a lot of knowledge on things to do in Boston in winter.

You have to get out and explore the city, and luckily winter is a great time to do so. Winter is an ideal time to explore, you say? Yes! There are way less crowds and tourists in the winter, giving you a much better chance of seeing our best sights without a wait.

I wanted to go over some of my top recommendations for things to do in Boston in winter like things to do in Boston at night, a few fun date ideas in Boston, our amazing Boston museums and entertainment options, fun restaurants in Boston, and where to shop in downtown Boston. I’ll also touch on a few places to stay in Boston if you’re looking for a nice hotel. Keep in mind this is just a short list of the things I personally like and recommend, but it should still be plenty to keep you busy!

This article contains affiliate links which means I might make a small commission if you purchase something I recommend at no cost to you.

 


Things To Do in Boston in Winter: A Complete Boston Winter Guide

Where to Stay in Boston: Hotels in Boston

There are so many great hotels in Boston, but I’ll just touch on a few of my favorite recommendations across various price levels:

Luxury Hotels in Boston

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental is the epitome of a luxury hotel. Guests love the professional and friendly staff, the Bar Boulud, and the many facilities like the steam room. It’s attached to the Prudential Center, making it an easy place to start your exploration. ($500+)

Taj Boston

My husband and I  got engaged at the Taj Boston, so it holds a special place in my heart! Their rooms and suites overlook the Boston Public Garden and their restaurant is to die for. If it’s a special occasion, have some champagne or hot chocolate delivered to your room. ($200+)

The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is located just across from the Boston Public Garden with unparalleled customer service, and their concierge team is among the best in the world. Check out the cozy Bristol Lounge for excellent dining and bar options on-site. ($550+)

Things to do in Boston in Winter Four Seasons Hotel lobby. The Roving Fox

Four Seasons Boston at Christmas. Photo credit: Stephanie Janes

Mid-Range Hotels in Boston

Colonnade Hotel

The Colonnade Hotel is located near Boston Symphony Hall and the Prudential Center, and visitors say they love the access to the Copley Mall, Northeastern University, and Fenway Park. The hotel has a rooftop pool, although it won’t be open in the winter. ($150+)

Omni Parker House

The Omni Parker House is a historic treasure in Boston. It’s the home of the Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls, so be sure to check out the dining options in the newly renovated hotel located right on the Freedom Trail. ($119+)

Boston Park Plaza

Another great choice just off the Boston Common is the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Newly renovated, the hotel features a Starbucks next to the lobby, an attached gym, places to grab a quick bite to eat, and a steakhouse. ($108+)

Boston Seaport Hotel

The Boston Seaport Hotel is close to popular attractions like the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the ICA Boston. ($150+)

Liberty Hotel

The Liberty Hotel is ironically a former prison, and they’ve kept some historic touches such as intact exterior barred windows and original brick. Their in-house bar and restaurants, Clink and Alibi, are named as throwbacks to the hotel’s time as a city penitentiary. ($168+)

Budget Hotels in Boston

Yotel Boston

Yotel Boston is located in the Seaport, making it a convenient and affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. The small rooms are sufficient for sleeping and seem to be most comfortable for solo travelers. ($105+)

Found Hotel Boston Common

Found Hotel on the Boston Common is a fairly new addition to the Boston budget hotel scene. The location can’t be beat, and breakfast is included! ($66+)

Hostel International Boston (HI Boston)

HI Boston is located in the Theater District, making it a great place to explore the Boston Common and Chinatown. It also has easy access to the South Station MBTA stop / bus station. Rooms are shared, but the hostel is clean, and breakfast is included! ($55+)


Things To Do in Boston in Winter: Boston Museums

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston

One of the very best things to do in Boston in the winter is to visit one of the amazing museums. The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston is host to an incredible year-round collection, as well as exceptionally curated visiting exhibits. Visit during a First Friday of the month for late-hours, cocktails, mingling, and music. Regular admission is $10 for kids and up to $25 for adults.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Just down the street from the MFA Boston is one of the most-loved Boston museums, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM). The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was founded in 1903 by Isabella Stuart Gardener, an eccentric widow who dictated in her will that the exhibit locations must remain unchanged after her death. She carefully placed each item in the museum in its place where it has remained ever since. You can’t miss the gorgeous courtyard with its rotating display of trees, flowers, and greenery. They also host concerts in a contemporary music hall in the new wing of the museum. Admission is $10-$15.

Boston Museum of Science

If you want to skip fine art, head to the Museum of Science where you can find a 65-million-year-old Triceratops fossil, explore the inside of the human body, take in one of their rotating special exhibits, and explore the skies in the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Admission is $8-$28.

New England Aquarium

I just love the New England Aquarium. It’s located right on the Boston Harbor and is easily accessible by the Aquarium T stop on the Blue Line. They are one of the best marine conservation aquariums in America, and in addition to the caring for a host of marine life, they also offer public programming and talks on conservation efforts. Admission is $19-$28.

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

The Institute of Contemporary Art is a must-visit museum if you’re into modern art and find yourself in the Boston Seaport neighborhood. The collections are carefully curated, and the museum looks out over the Boston Harbor where you can see the airport in the distance. Admission is $10-$15.

Boston Children’s Museum

I recently went to the Boston Children’s Museum for the first time for a special event and was blown away with how big and fun it is! Kids would love to spend a day here at this Boston museum playing in all of the exhibits over three floors. They also offer tons of winter-specific programs for chilly Boston winter days. Admission is $17 but the TJX Company sponsors $1 Fridays after 5pm.


Things To Do in Boston in Winter: Go Boston Card

If you have a few days to look for things to do in Boston in winter, you might want to consider the Go Boston Card. You can purchase the card for day increments of 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days, and it gives you free admission to over 40 museums and attractions (including all of the museums I listed above! You also have access to the “Hop on Hop off” bus, which will keep you from waiting outside too long for a city bus between things to do.

Check out the full list of included attractions here.

go boston card


Things To Do in Boston in Winter: Boston Entertainment

Just listing a few options for entertainment in Boston is going to be difficult! We are so lucky to be host to a number of first-class theaters, orchestras, sports teams, and clubs that you’ll find no shortage of Boston entertainment options. But here’s a short list of a few of my favorite places for winter entertainment.

Boston Theatre District

Wilbur Theater

The Wilbur Theater presents some of the best new and established comedians like Colin Jost, Adam Carolla, Norm MacDonald, Amanda Seales, and other hilarious acts.

Boch Center Wang and Shubert Theatres

The Boch Center presents a variety of touring and local productions in their grand Wang Theatre which holds about 3,600 seats, and their smaller gem of a theater, the Shubert Theatre, which seats about 1,200. They present a variety of nationally touring productions like Dancing With the Stars Live, Kacey Musgraves, or Mariah Carey in Boston; and local performances like the Urban Nutcracker.

Boston Opera House

The Boston Opera House is home to Broadway Across America which presents touring Broadway productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, School of Rock, and most recently, the Boston tour of Hamilton. This is also the home of the Boston Ballet’s performances.

Boston Performing Arts: Classical Music, Dance, Theatre, and Jazz

Celebrity Series of Boston

The Celebrity Series of Boston is a Boston performing arts powerhouse, presenting over 50 events each year in classical music, dance, jazz, and speakers. Their illustrious roster of performances from October to May include artists like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, author David Sedaris, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Broadway and television star Audra McDonald, songstress Renee Fleming, and other world-class artists. They also offer free and low-cost concerts in Boston neighborhoods.

Boston Ballet

Boston Ballet offers a number of story ballets and contemporary programs annually in the Boston Opera House. The professional company also offers its classic Nutcracker every November and December in time for the holiday season!

Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops

The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs weekly concerts with it’s world-class, Grammy-winning ensemble led by music director Andris Nelsons. They frequently host guest artists and conductors like Gustavo Dudamel, violinist Lisa Batiashvili, or pianist Yuja Wang. Their Holiday Pops concerts are a fun way to kick off the holiday season with a visit from Santa and an audience singalong!

Things to do in Boston. Boston Concert at the Boston Pops

Ken and I at the Boston Holiday Pops. Photo credit: Stephanie Janes

Boston Theater Companies

Catching a play is one of the best things to do in the winter in Boston. We are #blessed to be home to a number of outstanding theater companies like Speakeasy Stage, the Lyric Stage Company, and the Huntington Theatre Company.

For a full list of Boston concerts, plays, and events, check out the excellent calendar resource at ArtsBoston.org. You can even find half-priced tickets on their BosTix website!

Jazz in Boston

Boston has a vibrant jazz scene, and some of the best places to catch a set in Boston include Scullers, the Berklee College of Music and their affiliated restaurant B3, or Wally’s Jazz Club.


Boston Sports in Winter

If you’re a sports fan, you will want to pay a visit to a Boston Celtics or Boston Bruins game. Both teams play at the TD Garden, which is right next to Boston’s North End. Grab some pizza or Italian food in the North End before catching one of the games.

Boston Common Ice Skating

The Boston Common Frog Pond ice skating rink was voted as the #2 outdoor skating rink in the country by USA Today! You can rent skates and ice skate right on the Boston Common! Admission is $6 and rentals start at $6.

Things to do in Boston in Winter Boston Common The Roving Fox

Boston Public Garden Swan Boats. Photo credit: Stephanie Janes


Boston Nightclubs: Things to Do in Boston at Night

If you’re looking for a fun night out in Boston with dancing or live shows, check out Royale Boston nightclub and concert venue, or the House of Blues Boston. Both offer celebrity performances like The Roots or Dropkick  Murphy’s with a full bar and plenty of space to dance.

I’ll be covering a bigger list of bars and restaurants later in this article…keep reading!


Boston Winter Packing List: What to Wear in Boston in Winter

I also wanted to put together a winter packing list for Boston for you. While the winters can sometimes be mild, more often than not you’re going to be facing freezing temperatures with gusty winds, ice, and snow. I’ve found that show can be heaviest in February and into March, and the cold weather can easily last into April. So I hope this packing list of what to wear in Boston in the winter can help you not freeze your buns off.

Winter Parka

You’ll likely need a winter parka that is wind and water resistant. It will need to combat snow and freezing gusts, so pick one like this North Face Gotham Down Parka ($229).

Gloves or Mittens

I love wool since it is naturally water resistant and breathable. Check out mittens like these SmartWool Mittens ($32) or fleece lined gloves like these North Face ETIP gloves ($45) if wool isn’t your thing.

Thermal Long Sleeve Shirts

My favorite cold-weather layers are made by Uniqlo, and their Ultra Heat Tech long sleeve shirts for women and for men ($20) are super soft and cozy to layer under sweaters or vests.

Down Vest

I have one of these Uniqlo down vests (link for men’s) ($49) which packs down into its own bag. It’s great for traveling since you can easily store it away in your day pack or purse if you get too warm.

Scarf

Keep your neck warm with a scarf like this pretty and soft Prana scarf ($35).

Hat

If your coat doesn’t come with a hood, consider checking out a hat like this fleece lined Marmot hat ($30) or a cozy knitted headband ($35) to keep your ears toasty.

Sunglasses

I always wear sunglasses in the winter to prevent wind and salt from getting in my eyes when walking outside. The low winter sun is also insanely irritating when driving, so pick up a pair of RAENs sunglasses ($54+) which come in a variety of lens and frame colors.

Leggings

Back to Uniqlo. I really like their Heat Tech leggings ($15+) which you can wear under dresses or sweaters, or layer under jeans for extra warmth. They also sell a fleece-lined version of their leggings (also $15), which are super soft and cozy for walking around outside or just hanging around your hotel. Men’s long johns are also perfect for guys to wear under jeans or pants ($20).

Warm Socks

Don’t forget your feet in the cold! If you wear thin boots or sneakers, your feet will freeze. Pick up some Smartwool socks ($20) to keep your feet warm and dry as you sight see.

Winter Boots

If you’re coming to Boston in the winter, you need to be prepared for the very real fact that it might be snowing, icy, ice raining, ice hailing, or generally cold as a mother. One time I slipped on a patch of ice on a sidewalk, fell, and bruised my tailbone for months because I wore regular shoes in the winter. Invest in a good pair of comfortable winter boots with some tread on the bottom so you don’t slip and fall in the ice and snow. Don’t be me.

Some of my favorite winter boots include these Columbia Omni Heat boots ($105); I have a similar version of them in blue.

Hand Warmers

I so wish I had packed some of these 10-hour hand warmers ($23 for 80) during my recent trip to Denmark. If you think you’ll be walking outside a lot in Boston in the winter, grab a few packets of these to keep in your gloves, pockets, or shoes.

Day Pack or Backpack

Bring a sturdy day pack or backpack with you to hold all of your snacks, water, layers of clothes, sunglasses, and more. This travel backpack is a roomy option with a padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet, as well as a USB travel charging port ($35).

Travel Snacks and Water Bottle

I am the queen of packing snacks and always pack a few sleeves of instant coffee or tea, RX Protein Bars, dried fruit, and a water bottle for my bag.

Hand Cream

It gets extremely (wicked) dry in Boston, so pack some hand cream to keep your paws hydrated. CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream for Dry Cracked Hands ($7) is made with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to retain moisture.

Lip Balm

Same re: dry air and cracked lips. Pick up this 3-pack of Sun Bum lip balms with SPF 30 ($8) and put one in your pocket, day pack, and in your toiletry bag.


 

Things to do in Boston in Winter snowed in car

Can you see my car under here? Please dress warmly so you don’t turn into a snowbank, too! Photo credit: Stephanie Janes


Things To Do in Boston in Winter: Date Ideas

Maybe you brought a special guy or gal to Boston with you and are looking for some unique date ideas.

Consider a winter photo shoot by one of the talented photographers on AirBnB so you’ll have a photo keepsake of your trip to Boston! I did this in Paris and it was 100% worth it for amazing photos and memories.

You can also cozy up with a hot chocolate in Boston; check out my guide to the top places for hot chocolate in Boston.

Since we’re on a chocolate kick, head over to the Taza Chocolate Factory in Somerville for a tour and tasting of their stone-ground chocolate.

Or, check out Improv Asylum in the North End if you want to laugh off all the calories you just consumed at one of the North End’s legendary Italian eateries.

Try a cooking class at the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) in the Back Bay. They offer classes in preparing Italian, Indian, and Mexican cuisines, baking, and celebrity chef workshops. Go home with a new skill and avoid the cold weather at the same time!


Things To Do in Boston in Winter: Shopping

One of my favorite things to do in Boston in the winter: SHOPPING!

Newbury Street Shopping

If it’s not too cold, walk down Newbury Street to browse the high-end retailers and window shop for gorgeous gowns, shoes, and custom-made clothes. Newbury Street also has some excellent consignment shops for designer goods. You can grab a coffee at one of the cafes like the Nespresso Café or Tatte, and sit down for lunch or dinner at a number of restaurants. Some of my favorite shops on Newbury Street are the Uniqlo clothing store, Athleta for workout clothes, and Patagonia for warm-weather gear.

Prudential Center Shopping

Just down the block from Newbury Street is the Prudential Center, and damn they have stepped up their shopping game lately. You can find a brand new and gorgeous Eataly with Italian cuisine. You can sit down and eat, take food to go, or shop at their grocery for cured meats, delicious cheeses, honey, and sweets.

You’ll also find a new Sephora, and Under Armor, Lord & Taylor, and Microsoft Store in the Prudential Center.

You can easily spend a few hours shopping and eating at the Prudential Center, and don’t miss going up to the Top of the Hub for a cocktail so you can catch panoramic views of Boston!

Copley Mall Shopping

Attached to the Prudential Center by a sky walk is the Copley Mall, filled with dozens of high end retailers like Barney’s, Chanel, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., and Dior. It’s worth a visit just to ogle the gorgeous clothes and accessories.

Downtown Crossing Shopping

Downtown Crossing shopping is experiencing an amazing resurgence. It’s filled with fun shops like Macy’s, a three-level Primark, an Old Navy, DSW, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. If you’re heading to Downtown Crossing or the Theater District, leave some time for shopping. You might just leave Boston with an extra suitcase!

Boston Seaport Shopping

The Boston Seaport is bursting with hip-ness, and their shopping scene is exploding with trendy stores like a Fjallraven, pop-up shops by local designers, and an L.L. Bean outpost. Perfect for stocking up on your winter gear!

Assembly Row

Just off the Orange line in Somerville is Assembly Row, an outdoor mall, restaurant, and entertainment complex. You can easily spend an afternoon strolling through all of the shops, having a Mike’s Pastry, catching a movie, or walking along their Riverfront.


Things to Do in Boston: Fitness Classes

I know you’re on vacation, but sometimes it’s nice to try workout classes in a new city! And isn’t it just delicious to leave a toasty yoga class after walking around all day? Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll need to burn off mad calories after stuffing yourself on all the delicious food Boston restaurants have to offer.

Before my hip surgery, I used to love trying so many Boston fitness classes. Here’s a quick list of some of my favorites.

Boxing in Boston

Try Peter Welch’s Gym for an authentic Southie boxing experience. This no-frills boxing gym offers tough group classes that will leave you drenched but exhilarated after endless rounds of bag drills, squats, and sprints.

Barre in Boston

Check out Pure Barre on Newbury Street for a classic barre class to tone your entire body. The studio is modern and clean, and overlooks Newbury Street. Hit up a class after shopping!

Yoga in Boston

I love Exhale for their yoga (and barre) classes. Exhale has two studios in the city, but the one located right off the Boston Common is the most convenient, in my opinion. After class, take advantage of their locker room amenities and showers before you head back out!

Pilates in Boston

I go to Upward Spiral Pilates in Cambridge, and I love their mat classes. Also check out the reformer classes at BTone. They will seriously kick your butt and leave you with a booty and ab burn for days.

Cycling Classes in Boston

As a former Spin instructor, I am a purist when it comes to group cycling classes. My favorite studio is Flywheel in the Prudential Center for their excellent instructors and first-class gym amenities like showers, towels, and toiletries.

Dancing

TrillFit in Downtown Crossing offers empowering and fun group dance and sculpting classes for all levels set to hip hop and pop hits.

Booty by Brabants

Kelly Brabants is a Boston fitness instructor who is turning her legendary Booty By Brabants fitness classes into an empire with a line of flattering fitness-apparel. Her classes are so fun and uplifting, and you’ll leave with an incredible leg and booty burn from the hour of toning drills. I hope to get back to a class after my hip is all healed up!


Things to Do in Boston: Fun Restaurants and Bars in Boston

Boston has really upped its game with a number of fun restaurants and bars. Across all price points, you can find quality dining experiences for all cuisines.

Best Boston Brunches

Some of my favorite spots for brunch in Boston are The Friendly Toast for their inventive menu, Club Café for their buffet brunch with endless options, Aquitaine for French-inspired omelets and pastries, and My Diner in South Boston for hearty portions. The Langham Hotel offers a chocolate bar on Saturdays, complete with a donut wall and warm cookies.

 

Aquitaine Boston Brunch

Aquitaine Boston Brunch. Photo credit: Stephanie Janes


Fun Boston Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner

For lunch and dinner, some of my favorite Boston restaurants are Eventide Oyster Co. for their fresh oysters and seafood, Kashmir for Indian food on Newbury Street (their creamy chicken Tikki masala is to die for), Deuxave for when you really want to splash out on a nice night out, and Montien for Thai food. Boston Chinatown has an amazing selection of Asian restaurants like Hei La Moon for Dim Sum and Tea Do for bubble tea.  And how could I neglect mentioning Chicken and Rice Guys in the Theater District? Its Boston location rivals their famed NYC food carts.

Eventide Oyster Co Boston

Eventide Oyster Co., Boston. Photo credit Stephanie Janes


Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston

For seafood in Boston, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of the Legal Seafood locations. Try their clam chowder with the house rolls to start—Divine! There’s a new lobster joint in the Back Bay near the Prudential Center called Luke’s Lobster where you can eat at a shared indoor patio table or bar or take your lobster to go.

Best Steakhouse in Boston

My favorite steakhouse in Boston is Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and now they have three Boston-area locations! There’s one in downtown Boston just steps away from the Boston Common, one in Waltham, and now there’s a brand new location in Assembly Row in Somerville. (Assembly Row is a great destination for a movie or shopping, too!) You can’t go wrong with one of their mouthwatering steaks and sides like mac and cheese.

Best Steakhouse in Boston Assembly Row Ruths Chris Restaurant


Best Boston Bars and Nightlife

For the best Boston bars and nightlife, check out the Hawthorne near Fenway Park for their inventive cocktails and top-notch bartenders. If you like tequila, Masa in the South End has a full tequila bar and delicious Mexican bites. I also recently checked out Dona Habana in Boston, and was super impressed with their vast cocktail list (just the types of Mojitos was a full page long) and outstanding Cuban food.

For beer in Boston, pay a visit to the Samuel Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain, where you can tour the brewery and taste some of their beers.

Dona Habana Cuban Restaurant Boston

Dona Habana Cuban Restaurant in Boston. Photo credit Stephanie Janes

Tipping in the USA

Tipping is generally expected at any meal you eat in a sit-down establishment. This includes bars, too. It is standard practice to tip 15-20% on the amount of your bill before taxes, and $1-$2 for each drink you order at the bar.


Navigating the MBTA

My sincere wish for you is that during your visit to Boston the subway/MBTA works. When it works, it’s going to be a fast and cost-effective way to navigate the city. When it’s broken or on fire (not kidding), just grab a taxi or Uber.

But let’s say it’s working. The MBTA (or also called the T) consists of four rail lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange), a Silver bus line which serves the Seaport, and the Commuter Rail which serves Greater Boston. (MBTA stands for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, FYI.)

Single rides are $2.75, and a week-long pass is $21.25 (this actually is a good deal if you take the T a couple of times per day). The passes work on both buses and the local rail lines. Commuter line passes cost a little more. Here’s a link with all of the MBTA prices.

Use one of the maps in each station to help find your starting, destination, and transfer points. Google Maps will also help guide you from door to door, including all transfers.

If you just want to Uber or Lyft, save $5 off your first ride with my code, linked here.


Pin it!

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Check out my other city guides!

One day in Providence, RI

10 Things To Do In Copenhagen In Winter

The Art of Hygge and Hygge Gifts for Winter

Portland Maine Things To Do During a Day Trip

5 Unique and Fun Boston Date Ideas

Dunkin Peeps Coffee and Donuts Review – What Does the Peeps Flavor Taste Like?

What’s in My Travel Toiletry Kit?

Boston Public Library Opens the Map Room Tea Lounge with Cocktails

By Stephanie, The Roving Fox, January 12, 2019
  • 24
24 Comments
  • Alli
    January 13, 2019

    Love this list – so comprehensive! And, many of the spots you mention are great to get out of the heat of summer, too!

    • Stephanie
      January 14, 2019

      Thanks, Alli! I tried to put a lot of interesting things that people could enjoy in the winter (or summer, too!).

  • Catherine @ To & Fro Fam
    January 16, 2019

    I’ve only spent a few days in Boston and that was for work so it basically doesn’t count. I’m heading back there this summer, but many of your recommendations would still be a great fit in warmer months! Thanks for sharing.

    • Stephanie
      January 17, 2019

      Definitely! For summer I’d add in some of the weekly free concerts on the Esplanade, walking along the Greenway, and kayaking along the Charles River.

  • Katie Diederichs
    January 16, 2019

    Wow, this is such a comprehensive list! I love Boston but have never been there in the winter. But you have convinced me that it would make a great wintery destination! Saving this for later!

  • July
    January 16, 2019

    This is such a broad list! So many useful tips, thanks for sharing this. I haven’t visited Boston yet, but it is definitely on my list. I’m a fan of brunch places, looks like I’ll need to visit the Aquitaine and try that little bread! This pic made me hungry hahah!

  • Emese
    January 16, 2019

    This is a great city guide for a winter visit – and any other time of the year. Thanks for all the tips.

  • Brianna
    January 16, 2019

    Wow, what a thorough list of things to do in the winter in Boston. Fantastic that most of them are inside! I think the aquarium would be top of my list and then eating some of the yummy food

    • Stephanie
      January 17, 2019

      I also love the Aquarium, and it’s close to so many great restaurants, too!

  • Olivia
    January 16, 2019

    Man! Boston would be so fun in the winter with all that snow! I can’t believe that your car got buried! haha

    • Stephanie
      January 17, 2019

      OMG I know. I almost cried. We just got hammered that winter.

  • Umiko
    January 16, 2019

    Never been to Boston, but the museums sound like the best places to go for me. It can be a cozy place in the winter for museum lovers like my family. And those are a long helpful winter attire list for Texan like us.

    • Stephanie
      January 17, 2019

      Thank you, Umiko! I hope you can visit someday soon!

  • Paige
    January 17, 2019

    You know I’ve always thought of visiting NYC in the winter – like everyone else does, but it seems like Boston is equally as beautiful, but a bit more charming! I bet visiting the The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum would be beautiful in the winter – is the courtyard equally as beautiful in the winter?

    • Stephanie
      January 17, 2019

      Definitely! They rotate the greenery/floral exhibits by season, so you can also see some lovely winter plantings.

  • Samantha
    January 17, 2019

    Wow, this really is a comprehensive list! I have wanted to visit Boston for many years, but still have not gotten around to it. I know now that when I do plan a trip there I will have this awesome resource to come back to!

  • Izzy
    January 17, 2019

    What a comprehensive guide, I love this so sooo much! I’m from Boston myself and was looking for some fun activities to send over to friends who are traveling there this weekend but was at a complete loss for winter time activities. Great suggestion with the hand warmers AND hand cream! Also, you got engaged at the Taj?!?! So amazing! I got proposed to at Faneuil Hall 😛

    • Stephanie
      January 17, 2019

      Aww, cute! Boston is a great place for engagements. So many historical sites and gorgeous locations!

  • Ginessa Morgan
    January 23, 2020

    I just have to say that I NEVER leave comments on articles, but I just had to say that I really appreciate this one. We are a family of Floridians who are planning our first Boston trip in Feb/March with 3 young kiddos and I have been pretty terrified of battling the cold. Having just read your article, I feel so much more confident! Thank you so much for the clothing recommendations! All of my friends who live there are telling me to stay away during winter, but alas, the trip is work related for my husband so our first Boston experience will be a winter one. My kids haven’t ever seen snow, so I’m hoping to make an amazing adventure of it. Thanks again!

    • Stephanie
      January 25, 2020

      Thank you so much, Ginessa! I hope you all have a wonderful trip to Boston and I am so thankful for your kind words!

Comments are closed.

Stephanie Janes The Roving Fox blog
Hi, I’m Stephanie

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