Girls Guide to Boston, Massachusetts

The more places in the world that I visit the more I realize how lucky I am to be from Massachusetts. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and said to be one of the most European like cities in America. It is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and resembles European-style architecture. From the Victorian buildings to the narrow cobble stoned streets it feels like more of an old European town than a metropolitan city. Boston has rich history, numerous museums, landmarks, and is extremely walkable. It’s home to unique neighborhoods that give you a feel of many places you’ve traveled thousands of miles for.

Neighborhoods to Explore:

Beacon Hill:

This neighborhood feels like Dublin to me, with the cobblestone streets and gas lamps on every corner. During the Holiday season the gas lamps are adorably decorated with garland and ribbons. The lamps add to Boston’s old warm charm and cast a glow over the fanciful streets. The most magical place in the neighborhood is Acorn Street. This street is one of the most photographed streets in America, it’s a narrow cobblestone alley with gorgeous brick row houses bordering both sides of the street. Beacon Hill is also home to Charles St. This street has a mix of boutiques, galleries, and vibey restaurants with outdoor seating.

Back Bay:

Back Bay is home to my happy place in the city, Newbury Street. Newbury Street is a shopping and dining neighborhood in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. This street is famous for its designer boutiques, art galleries, unique restaurants and historic brownstone buildings. The Back Bay is also home to the Boston Common and Public Garden which is the oldest public park in the U.S. It’s the best place for a relaxing stroll, with beautiful flowers and Swan Boats.

The North End:

This neighborhood is known as the “Little Italy” of Boston, Massachusetts. It’s an Italian-American community that resembles an idyllic Italian town. You feel like you’re no longer in America as you dine at the Italian outdoor cafés and taste the authentic Italian cuisine. If you know me you know one of my favorite things to do is go out to a chic dinner and The North End is home to my favorite restaurants of all time. You can find a full list of my favorite Boston restaurants below.

Fenway:

A must do when you travel to Boston, Massachusetts is to go to a Red Sox game! I am not a huge sports fan which shocks everyone but I love the atmosphere of going to a Boston Red Sox game, it’s better than any other stadium I have even been to! New Englanders are commonly known for sharing sports teams and the fierce loyalty to each of the teams, people come from all over to watch the Sox play.

Seaport:

The Seaport District is a waterfront neighborhood known for its modern architecture and cultural attractions. Home of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, you’ll see replica ships from the Boston Tea Party and can visit the museum. My favorite things to do here are Envoy Hotel’s Rooftop bar, shop at Pier 4 and the Harborwalk. There has been a ton of build up in Seaport in the last few years and it’s a completely different vibe from my old stomping grounds of Whiskey Priest and the Legal Harbourside. A revitalized waterfront area with modern restaurants, galleries, and scenic harbor views.

Where to stay:

This trip I stayed at the amazing Omni Seaport Hotel. This hotel was a perfect winter getaway. Omni Boston Seaport Hotel has all the things you need for a winter trip, from the heated rooftop pool to signature spa treatments, this hotel has it all. Enjoy incredible lattès at the on-site café, a choice of unique on site restaurants, and a fitness center. The rooms at the hotel have breathtaking views and unmatched comfort. A true gem in the heart of the Seaport.

The spa onsite is reason enough to book a stay here! I treated myself to both a pedicure and a facial, and both were absolute perfection. The Breve Spa is a full-service oasis, offering everything from massages and facials to nail and hair treatments, plus a relaxing sauna. I also adored the aesthetic of the nail salon—it has this perfect balance of girly and elegant. The sleek stone design mixed with soft pink tones creates such a calming atmosphere. Whether you're looking to pamper yourself for a few hours or treat yourself to a whole day of relaxation, Breve Spa is definitely worth it.

Restaurants:

Boston has so many amazing restaurants and I haven’t been to enough of them but here is my current favorite Boston restaurants:

Antico Forno - is an Italian restaurant located in The North End of Boston. This restaurant is famous for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and homemade Italian Sausage. Antico Forno feels like you stepped out of Boston and into the heart of Florence, Italy. The traditional Italian cuisine is top notch and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes you want to turn the dinner into an all night affair.

La Voile - The perfect French restaurant located on Newbury St. You truly feel like you have been transported to Cannes here. La Voile means “to sail” and the restaurant actually originated in Cannes on their old port, with its clientele ranging from sailors to celebrities. The authentic brasserie has phenomenal sea food, a fabulous wine list and the best escargot I have had since being in France!

Saltie Girl- It tugs at my heart in a special way that this Boston gem made its way to Los Angeles while I lived there. Saltie Girl has become a favorite coast to coast. The clam chowder is the quintessential New England fare, and the atmosphere makes you feel as though you're dining aboard a luxurious yacht.

Legal Harbourside - A Boston staple and one of the best seafood restaurants around. I know Legal’s is a chain and it’ wild hearing this recommendation coming from me but I adore this restaurant looking over the boats coming in on the harbor. I have so many fond memories meeting up with friends for a drink at Legals before heading out on the boat.

Neptune Oyster- This North End raw bar is tiny but mighty. They have fresh oysters and phenomenal lobster rolls, you have to check it out.

Nautilus- A Nantucket staple opened in Boston and I obviously became a creature of habit at this spot whenever I came home! My friends and I love to come here for drinks and shared meals. It’s known to be a spot for sharing meals which I love to do and has amazing crudo.

Coffee Shops:

I’m a Cafe Queen at heart so of course I had to add a list of my favorite Boston coffee shops!

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe— Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a dream come true for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts like me! This cafe is in a beautiful historic brownstone on Charles Street, which is one of the most picturesque streets in Beacon Hill. The interior design blends old-world charm with modern, cozy touches. Expect shelves lined with books, inviting seating areas, and warm lighting, creating a peaceful and inviting environment.

Greystone- This charming neighborhood cafe is my favorite in Boston. I typically go to the South End location but they also have their original location in South Boston. The café has an adorable to go window and serves amazing high quality coffee. The restaurant inside uses locally sourced and organic ingredients and has an amazing menu of salads, sandwiches, and bowls.

Tatte- Tatte is a chic cafe with several locations in Boston, including Back Bay, South End, and Seaport. It’s a bakery and has amazing coffee. They also have amazing food options with a focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes making it a perfect spot for brunch or lunch.

Mia’s Brooklyn- A piece of NYC in Seaport, Boston. As I was shopping in the Pier 4 shops in Seaport I stumbled upon this bakery that is also in Times Sq. and Brooklyn New York! I loved the pastries here and the European vibes on the place. They are famously known for their desserts!

Central Perk- Calling all Friends TV show fans! I was so confused if I was in NYC or Boston when I saw this cafe! The café is designed to resemble the Central Perk coffee shop from the iconic TV show Friends based in NYC. IIt’s a perfect work from cafe setting with comfortable seating and colorful décor, incdlusing the iconic orange couch! From the merch to the photo opps this is a must hit spot for fans of the series. The coffee here was also great and they will be opening up more shops around the country in the next couple of years.

Kohi Coffee Co.- I first ever stumbled upon this coffee shop in Provincetown on the Cape. I remember tasting the coffee and being like where in the world did this come from, it was so good. This coffee is organic, fair trade coffee from Guatemala and if you’re a coffee connoisseur like me, you have to go! There is a location in Brighton and the South End. I recently went to the Brighton location and the barista was knowledgeable of coffee shops all around the world it was fascinating . Definitely check them out and order their natural take on a vanilla latte.

Courtyard Tea Room— The quintessential afternoon tea spot located in Boston’s Copley Square.

xx

I hope you enjoy your next trip to Boston, MA and always feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Jules