Things To Do
Newbury Street
Newbury Street is one of our favorite places in the city — we're there practically every weekend. This eight-block stretch through the Back Bay is packed with great shops, restaurants, and cafes, all set against classic Boston brownstones. When it comes to shopping, you'll find everything from Nordstrom, Zara, Uniqlo, and Anthropologie to On Running, Sephora, and a mix of boutiques that make it easy to spend a few hours just browsing. For food, some of our go-to spots: Saltie Girl for incredible seafood, Capital Burger, Stephanie's on Newbury, and CGK for a casual bite. For dessert (our weakness), don't miss Venchi for Italian chocolate and gelato, Levain Bakery for legendary cookies, JP Licks, Ben & Jerry's, and Nuts Factory for Dubai chocolate. Pavement Coffee House is the perfect stop to fuel up before or after it all.
Prudential Center Boston
The Prudential Center — or just "the Pru" — is a staple of our weekends. We're there almost every Sunday for Mass at St. Francis Chapel, and it's right next door to Newbury Street, so the two make for a perfect afternoon combined. The Pru has a great mix of shopping, including Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Buck Mason, Eataly, and plenty more to explore. For food, some of our favorites: Anna's Taqueria, Cava, Legal Seafoods, and The Cheesecake Factory for when you're feeling indulgent. Blue Bottle for great coffee, and Ben & Jerry's for dessert. Whether you're coming from Sunday Mass or just making a day of the Back Bay, the Pru is always worth a stop.
Assembly Row
Assembly Row in Somerville is one of our favorite spots just outside the city — great food, great shopping, and a really fun waterfront vibe along the Mystic River. For food, we love Outback Steakhouse, Popup Bagels, Tribos Peri Peri Chicken, and Union Square Donuts (a must). It's also home to a great stretch of outlet stores — Cole Haan, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren, and TJ Maxx, among others. Whether you're hunting for a deal or just looking for a laid-back place to eat and hang out, Assembly Row always delivers.
North End
No trip to Boston is complete without a visit to the North End — the city's historic Italian neighborhood and one of our absolute favorites. The narrow cobblestone streets, the smell of fresh bread and espresso, the energy on a weekend night — there's nothing quite like it. For dinner, we love Trattoria Il Panino, Cafe Amaro, and TABLE Mercato, and Regina Pizzeria is a North End institution you can't skip. Save room for dessert: the great Mike's Pastry vs. Modern Pastry debate is very real, and Cafe Vittoria is the perfect place to linger over a cannoli and a cappuccino after.
Harvard Square
Harvard Square is one of those places that never gets old — bookstores, street performers, historic architecture, and some really great food all packed into one lively corner of Cambridge. El Jefe's Taqueria and Tasty Burger are perfect for a quick, casual bite, while Joe's Pizza and Pinocchio's are both beloved spots to grab a slice. Russell House Tavern is our go-to for a sit-down meal and a great cocktail, and The Friendly Toast is a weekend brunch staple. Whether you're killing time before a movie or making a full afternoon of it, Harvard Square always has something going on.
Chinatown
Boston's Chinatown is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood just minutes from downtown — and one of our favorite spots for a delicious, no-fuss meal. China Pearl is a go-to for dim sum, Jade Garden and Hunan Cuisine are perfect for a classic sit-down dinner, and Tora Ramen hits the spot on a cold Boston night. For something more interactive, Liuyishou Hotpot and Happy Lamb are both fantastic hotpot spots — perfect for a fun, shareable meal. Don't leave without stopping into Corner Cafe Bakery for fresh baked goods and a sweet treat to go.
Coolidge Corner
Coolidge Corner is a charming, walkable neighborhood in Brookline with a strong local feel and some seriously good food — especially if you're in the mood for Asian cuisine. Ganko Ittetsu Ramen and Mecha Noodle Bar are both fantastic for a warming bowl, and Maruichi Select is a Japanese cafe serving small plates like onigiri and curry, plus teas and groceries — a fun stop in its own right. Stop into Kyo Matcha for a beautifully made matcha drink before or after — it's the perfect finishing touch to an afternoon in the neighborhood.
Harvard Avenue
Allston's Harvard Avenue strip — affectionately known as Boston's Koreatown — is one of the city's most underrated food destinations. Korean Garden is our go-to for traditional Korean cooking, Coreanos and Lone Star Taco Bar are both great for a fun, casual bite, and Underdog Chicken is a must for crispy chicken tenders. Oppa Sushi rounds things out nicely, and Froyoworld is the perfect low-key dessert stop to end the night.
Central Square
Just across the river in Cambridge, Central Square has a creative, neighborhood energy that sets it apart from the rest of the city. It's eclectic, unpretentious, and full of great food. Brookline Lunch is a classic diner that's been a neighborhood staple for decades, Jahunger is a must for Uyghur cuisine, and Viale is perfect for a relaxed Italian dinner. Toscanini's is legendary for homemade ice cream — a Cambridge institution in the truest sense. And Cicada Coffee Bar is our go-to for a great cup of coffee in a really lovely space. Worth the trip over the bridge.