Readers Say

Map: What to see, eat, and do with 36 hours in Boston, according to readers

We asked Boston.com readers what The New York Times got right (or wrong) about how to spend 36 hours in Boston. See their recommendations.

By Annie Jonas

July 18, 2024

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If you had 36 hours to explore Boston, what would you see, eat, and do?

According to Jenna Russell, New England bureau chief for The New York Times and former reporter for The Boston Globe, there are several can’t-miss spots when visiting the city — and even more that Boston.com readers say should be included.

In the newspaper’s Boston edition of their 36 Hours column, Russell said key stops include Fenway Park for a tour, Yvonne’s for an elegant Boston supper club experience, a bike ride along the Boston Harborwalk, and a visit to the ICA Watershed in East Boston. 

In addition to these stops, Russell encouraged visitors to check out spots in Dorchester, Beacon Hill, East Boston, and the Boston Common. The full itinerary can be found here.

We asked Boston.com readers — experts on the city in their own right — what The New York Times’ itinerary got right (or wrong). More than 50 readers responded with their additions, substitutions, and eliminations for the paper’s recommended destinations.

Below, see what readers suggested, plus a map of their recommendations.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Here’s what readers say The New York Times missed in their 36 hours in Boston itinerary

“Bleacher Bar at Fenway Park. You won’t see anything like it. And Twin Donuts in Allston early in the morning!” – Sean, Brighton

“If you are going to be at the Common, take the time to see the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial across from the State House and then go to Beacon Hill. Also, go to the beautiful Public Garden to see the ducklings and Swan Boats. Tour the North End and get pastries at Mike’s Pastry (not Modern).

“Walk the Esplanade, which is easy to get to from Fenway. If you go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, walk the Victory Gardens to Mass Ave. and visit the Christian Science Plaza’s Mapparium and Reflecting Pool. If you are looking for beef and sweet calories, Tasty Burger is a better choice [than Cusser’s] since they also have great shakes. Sweet Cheeks Q is also great, and will fill you up for the entire day. Or just stroll up Comm. Ave. Mall, to see all of the gorgeous brownstones.” – Heather, Roslindale

“Misses: The Quiet Few in Eastie, Bully Boy Distillers and Tavolo Ristorante in Dorchester, and Anchovies and Delux Cafe in the South End. Skip ‘The Embrace’ and Fenway. The African Meeting House was a great recommendation by the NYT.” – Dean, Dorchester

“They forgot one key thing — go to the Boston Public Library in Copley. Would 110% recommend that over ‘The Embrace.’” – Sara, Brookline

“The article completely skipped the South End — browsing eclectic shops, admiring the brownstone architecture, having drinks at Petit Robert, and dinner at KAVA Neo-Taverna.” – Amy B., Jamaica Plain

“For anyone interested in science and medicine, the Warren Anatomical Museum at Harvard Medical School, which includes the skull of Phineas Gage, a railroad worker whose personality changed in 1848 after a dynamite explosion blew a metal ramrod through part of his brain. He survived the accident and kept the ramrod, which is on display along with his skull. Also the historic Ether Dome at MGH, site of the first demonstration of surgery under anesthesia in 1846.” – Charles J., Concord

“I would visit View Boston, the 360 degree observation deck atop the Prudential Center. There are some interactive devices for identifying what you are looking at. There is also a bar called Stratus for beverages.” – John N. Quincy

“Museum of Science, then walk over to the Longfellow Bridge, and also the Hatch Memorial Shell.” – Erica, Foxborough

“Skip the sandwich at Carmella’s, the best sandwich is Meridian Food Market. Skip Sullivan’s too, it’s not worth it for a hot dog.” – Mark C., East Boston

“I like the East Boston portion. [It’s] definitely a nice touch beyond the obvious tourist destinations like Fenway. But they missed the Harbor Islands! Boston is nothing without its harbor, and the islands are a great way to appreciate its history. A morning on Georges Island or Spectacle Island would have been a worthy itinerary entry. Skip the overpriced Fenway tour and hop on a boat. It’s a coastal city!” – Pat, Stoneham

“For Friday after the Common, walk down Newbury Street and catch a Red Sox game at Fenway on Friday night. On Saturday, plan to visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the North End, and East Boston. Sunday looks good, and you should end the day with ‘Sinatra Sunday’ at Capo in South Boston. Before that, make a stop at L Street Tavern, a famous spot.” – Murphy, Southie

“Walk to the North End. After that, my suggestion is to walk down Causeway Street, stop by the Bobby Orr statue, cross the Longfellow Bridge, walk down Memorial Drive, past my alma mater, MIT, cross the BU Bridge, then head to the Charles River Esplanade.” – Chris, Newton

“Agree with Yvonne’s, The ISGM, The Public Garden/Boston Common, and Beacon Hill/Charles Street. But Sullivan’s? Really? Must do lunch at one of Flour Bakery + Cafe’s many excellent locations. Perhaps on Farnsworth before a visit to the ICA? I’d add a stop on Newbury Street (you have to) with cocktails and apps at Saltie Girl, then a walk through Copley Square with a stop at the Public Library. I’d add a stop in the South End, including a Sunday stroll through the SOWA market and the artists studios — with dinner at B&G Oysters or Myers + Chang.” – Jenn P., formerly of the South End

“How could she not include breakfast at The Paramount? It’s awesome!” – Fred, Beacon Hill

“I would add a visit to the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown.” – Doreen