Things a Solo Traveler Can Do in Boston

Boston has a reputation as being a tough city, but it’s really one of the friendliest, safest, and easily-walkable cities around.  Rich in history, culture, and activities, Boston is great for visiting with others, but actually most of the “to-do”s in the city can also be explored alone.  Here are some of the best things a solo traveler can do in Beantown.

Freedom Trail

Walk the path of American history by following a red line painted onto the sidewalk all throughout the city of Boston.  Just 2.5 miles long, this path will take you to the most historic places in the city that played a significant role during the American Revolution.  From the site of the Boston Massacre to the Old North Church where Paul Revere hung his lanterns to signify “One if by land, two if by sea,” old battleship the USS Constitution to the Granary Burying Ground where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere himself are buried, the Freedom Trail gives you a great tour of Boston while you retrace the country’s birth.

Bike Ride along the Charles River

One of the most iconic things to do in Boston is rent a bike and go for a ride along the Charles River.  With beautiful bridges, buildings from the MIT and Harvard campuses, and perfect photo ops of the Boston skyline dotting the river, spending a gorgeous afternoon along the Charles will not only get you out and about, it will also let you partake in a favorite local pastime.  Aside from checking out a bicycle shop, you can also rent a Hubway bicycle from any of the 100 stations throughout Boston.

Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall

A pair of famed markets in the older part of Boston, Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall are constantly bustling with shoppers and diners.  With a recreated bar based on the TV show Cheers, lots of novelty shops as well as well-known chain stores, street performers, and just plain-old good people-watching, paying a visit to these shopping sites will keep you busy for hours.

Visit a Museum

Being the home city of so many world-class educational institutions, you bet the rest of the city provides a cultural playground for both intellectuals and non.  As a result, Boston is home to many fantastic museums, and they’re fun to explore on your own because you won’t have to worry about anyone else being bored or rushing you through exhibits.  The big-name museums include the Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Food Trucks

Boston is teeming with outstanding food trucks serving up gourmet food to a very discriminating audience.  Parked all around the city, Boston’s food trucks offer everything from fancy tacos to Asian street fare, high-class grilled cheese sandwiches to vegan delights.  Some of the best include Roxy, Clover, Mei Mei Street Kitchen, and Paris Creperie.  This is an especially great option for anyone who wants to eat amazing food but doesn’t want the stigma of dining alone.

Where to Stay

As small as it is, Boston has a lot of different neighborhoods, each one offering a different personality and flavor.  If you’re traveling alone and plan to spend a lot of time exploring the main attractions of the city, you’re best bet is to stay right downtown.  Good neighborhoods include Back Bay, Downtown Crossing, and Beacon Hill.  If you’re looking to stay a little bit out of the fray, look to the Kenmore Square/Fenway area or right across the river in Cambridge.  Boston is full of hotels for every budget.  From five-star luxury hotels to brand-name chain inns, you’ll have your choice of accommodations, no matter your itinerary.  Here are some of the best hotels in Boston:

Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel

Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro

Chandler Inn