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Boston is a city I have been to numerous times, but each time I go, it feels like a new place. I spent many days going on field trips walking the Freedom Trail, gazing at the massive State House and of course, Blue Man Group, ha. Living in Rhode Island, it was always easy to access Boston for a day or weekend. I will gladly feel like a tourist each time I go because walking the steps of iconic people in history really never gets old for me. Boston in the winter provides many pastry shops, cafes and strolling through Paul Revere’s home to keep warm. What other city can you visit all those things in one day?!
Having spent a mini-moon and wedding anniversary in Boston, I have been accustomed to experiencing this beautiful city in the freezing cold. Although the summers and falls are well known, winter brings it’s own type of magic. Now that I reside in a warm place, I long for cool days where I don’t need to order my coffee iced and I can indulge in a spicy bowl of ramen with temperatures below 50.
I will gladly fly up north during the winter – same beautiful city, less tourists. I hope this post helps you with some ideas for a great winter weekend in Boston!
Boston in the winter: Where to sip on coffee
Tatte bakery – Grab a warm cup of coffee at any of the 11 Tatte locations. All beautifully designed and filled with homemade pastries and amazing lattes. If you go, please order a house latte ( Honey-Halva & Cardamom). Then tag me on Instagram so I can live vicariously through you.
Ogawa Coffee – Their roots come from Kyoto, Japan and Boston is lucky enough to have their first international location on Milk St. Their latte art, as well as their coffee make an excellent spot to warm up.
Thinking Cup – Serves you Stumptown coffee directly from their roaster in Brooklyn, NY while residing in a convenient location close to the Boston Common. One of their philosophies is to provide “a cozy, enjoyable ambiance for all to enjoy” so this place was meant for a cool January day.
Boston in the winter: Where to eat and grab a drink
Union Square Donuts – Find these delicious donuts in three different locations with vegan options, original and of course the classic flavors. (Full disclosure, this place is still on my list)!
Eat at fine Italian restaurants Tresca or Teatro – Every time I head into Boston (special occasion or not), somehow a large warm plate of pasta always perks my appetite. Tresca is set in Boston’s notorious North End, while Teatro is a refurbished old theater across from the Boston Commons in you guessed it, the Theater District. So…double your carbs and eat at both 😉
Thinking Cup (amazing grilled cheese) – Although this was mentioned for coffee, the Thinking Cup has amazing grilled cheese and other menu items. Grilled cheese is the definition of cozy food, (at least I think so).
Union Oyster House – A part of me wants to say this is touristy but only because it is known to be one of the oldest restaurants in our country. Fresh Oysters, clam chowder and a Samuel Adams…Boston lunch complete.
Ruckus Ramen – Rukus had pretty rave reviews and I couldn’t remember the last time I was in China Town! We thought it was good, but hoping to try other Ramen places the next time. A friend of mine (who knows all things Ramen) recommended Yume Wo Katare, Oisa, and Ganko Ittetsu. All on my list (and hopefully yours) when exploring Boston in the winter.
Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry – Prepare for a line at the famous Mike’s Pastry AND at Modern Pastry – but if you want that Canoli on the North End, worth it.
Drinks at the Avery Bar (inside Ritz Carlton) – Especially during the holidays, you can’t get more romantic and cozy than the Avery Bar. Live piano music, fireplace, blankets and the largest Gin and Tonic I have ever had (worth the price tag).
Boston in the winter: What to do (while staying warm)
A year round marketplace that houses 35 local artisans and food producers. This marketplace is indoors making it the perfect place to shop crafts, gifts and locally sourced food from New England. I suggest you head over to the Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers booth for a $10 wine tasting. The tasting that gives you a free wine glass and a discount on a bottle)!
Freedom Trail
This iconic route will bring you to 16 significant historical sights through out Boston. Although I would argue this to be the most touristy thing to do, it is also a must for your first trip. History buff or not. You will need to bundle up for this one, but it’s worth it!
Before you eat at all the amazing Italian places and the famous Mike’s Pastry, make a stop at Paul Revere’s house. To tour the house is only $5 (cash only) and doesn’t take long at all to tour! It is a small piece of history in The North End – area that I highly suggest you venture to during your time there).
The State House
The Massachusetts state house is stunning and worth snapping a photo of on your way to the next event of the day.
Faneuil and Quincy Markets are filled with history but also everyday shops, a museum and tons of food options. Possibly a little on the touristy side, but I highly recommend for your first trip or if you are traveling in a big group. The marketplaces provide you with a great food variety in one place – and all indoors)!
Snap a photo at the iconic and Instagram worthy Acorn St. (Great for all seasons).
How do you like to spend cooler months in your city?
Let me know below or over on instagram and PIN it below!
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