Definitely a good time! We bought our tickets right away at the start of our trip as we’d been told they sell out. Apparently you can’t just typically walk up and buy a ticket for the next tour. You may be able to get them online, too.

We also ran across the street the morning of our tour to Dunkin’ Donuts and got a box of donut holes to eat and share with our tourmates. Good way to make friends! :)

Giacomo’s in the North End (or South End) is good Italian with an emphasis on seafood. Huge portions, good prices, both for food and wine. There will be a line in the N.E., but it moves fairly quickly and is worth the wait.

Mike’s Pastry is usually jammed, you might try Modern up the street. Just as good.

I second most of the rest of the list: If you have a car the Peabody Museum in Salem is nice and Salem is the typical New England coastal town.

The MIT museum is small, but quirky and worth the trip if you’re on that side of the river.

The South End and Beacon Hill (Charles St.) have lots of quaint, quirky shops.

I’d suggest picking up a Boston Phoenix or Improper Bostonian when you get to town (both free) to check out any other special events in town.

More suggestions: http://www.varacalli.com/things-to-do-from-boston.htm

The museums sound great to me.

Also the T operates a ferry from downtown Boston to Charlestown. Great views of the harbor and docks next to the USS Constitution. Get that Charlie Card!

Enjoy

If you are going to try your luck getting Fenway Tickets or just want to take a tour of Fenway be sure to stop in at Boston Beer Works and try the Blueberry Beer.

As others have said, taking a tour is a great way to get oriented in the city and see most of the historic highlights and landmarks in a short period of time. I agree that Duck Tours are the best option (although also the most expensive). However, if you prefer discovering the city yourself and at your own pace download these Freedom Trail Audio Tours and pack your iPods and comfortable walking shoes.

Two of my favorite local attractions that tend to get skipped or overlooked by visitors are:

USS Constitution – Many folks skip the Charlestown section of the Freedom Trail because it requires a long walk from the North End on a fairly desolate bridge to reach the Navy Yard. However, the tour of Old Ironsides (USS Constitution) is free and the tourguies are great – and it is the real deal old warship – something not to be missed in my opinion.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is the other often overlooked attraction. With the amazing Boston Museum of Fine Art steps away, the Isabella tends to get overshadowed. However, it will be a nice compliment to the Newport Mansions you plan to tour – here you will see a city mansion adorned with art (and get to see the place of the now most famous unsolved art theft).

Hope these tips help. Enjoy your visit to Boston. It is a small and walkable city – but it is so packed with places to see and things to do your four days will fly by!

West of Boston is the DeCordova Art Sculpture park and musuem. It is a very nice place and would be a great break if you get tired of the city.

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in the last year or so has relocated to a brand new building on Boston Harbor. It is a very interesting building and the museum is quite nice.

Also, don’t forget about Cambridge. Harvard Square is quite lively. And if you’re into folk/acoustic music, I would highly suggest seeing something at Club Passim in Cambridge. It is a very small place and they have music every night.

Another great neighborhood to check out is the South End. There are a ton of great restaurants. Do not confuse the South End with South Boston.

Mike’s Pastries in the North End is good for dessert, plus you can walk around the waterfront which is nice.

the new Institute of Contemporary Art is supposed to be nice, and the Museum of Science is pretty good.

For the trendier areas, go to Newbury Street and the South End. The South End has some sketchy areas, but also nice ones. And if you want a nice dinner, I’d suggest Sibling Rivalry. (www.siblingrivalryboston.com) two brother chefs that compete with their dishes. really good, a bit pricey, but worth it.

You will probably want to book reservations in advance, though–there’s usually quite a line.

I liked your idea of getting some help from the people who already visited or living in that area.

Music will be a plus in site seeing.

I would also suggest getting a nice map that fits comfortably in your pocket. It is easy to get lost in Boston and you’re going to be walking everywhere.

In the spirit of your blog, here are some cheap suggestions: When walking around the public garden, there is a great little grocery store called Deluca’s on Charles Street. You can get a very nice lunch for little money. They have great sandwiches. Next to the park is Beacon Hill which is very nice, I would suggest walking up Acorn Street. It is bit of a hidden gem.

Walking along the Charles River is quite nice as well. There are free movies on Fridays at the Hatch Shell by the river – you should bring a blanket to sit on.

I’m not sure when you’ll be here, but there is Shakespeare in the Park in August.

Okay, one last thing… you will be using the T (the subway) quite a bit. I would highly suggest getting a Charlie Card. You can order them online from the MBTA website preloaded with money. (www.mbta.com) The Charlie Card will make you look like a true Bostonian and you will be saving money as well.

Okay. That’s enough for now. Have fun!

If you want to escape for a day, check out George’s Island
http://www.bostonharborislands.org/isle_georges.asp

GPW

Afterwards, enoy the Newbury Street scene – pricey, but worthwhile. Of course, strolling around doesn’t cost anything.

Also, if you’re a Jazz fan, the best place to go is: Wally’s – on Mass. Ave. Not exactly the best part of town (go by cab, and get out by cab), but the place is hot!

Bleacher seats at Fenway Park can’t be beat. And they’re fairly cheap (for a major league stadium).

Go to the North End for some of the best Italian fare around.

Lastly, The Isabella Stewart-Gardner Museum (in the Fens section) is a very unique experience.

Have fun, and don’t forget to Pahk ya Cah in Hahvahd Yahd.

-AC