Boston on a Budget!

Earlier this year, my mom and I booked tickets for a fan convention in Boston, somewhere neither of us had ever been before. While the actress we had been planning to see cancelled the week before the convention, we still made the best out of our (very expensive) trip up north!

While plane tickets weren’t too costly from Louisville, hotel prices were exorbitant. In the summer, low-end prices for brand name hotels often top $200 per night. This prompted us to try Airbnb for the first time ever....which we ended up regretting immensely. While the space looked homey and idyllic on the website, we actually found ourselves in what amounted to an attic, sans air conditioning....in August. Not only did the Airbnb lack central air, television access, and space, it was also fairly far outside of Boston (which was our fault). What we saved on hotel costs, we ended up spending on train tickets and Uber rides in and out of the city. If I were going to travel back to Boston I would either 1.) Save up to splurge and stay in an upscale hotel in the center of Boston or 2.) Stay less nights in order to make that swanky hotel more affordable (this option is more likely).

With thoughts of our Airbnb from hell pushed aside, we took advantage of the sunny and warm weather during our first day of the trip and headed to the Swan Boats near Boston Commons. The wait for the Swan Boats was relatively short, and the ride around the pond was calming and beautiful. The park is absolutely gorgeous, and the scenery makes for some fantastic photo opportunities. The Boston Commons are just a few blocks away from Newbury Street which offers the best shopping in all of Boston. Here, you can find stores such as Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, Chanel, Tiffany’s, and more! Since we're southerners (with no access to popular northern food chains), we jumped at the opportunity to dine at the oh-so-different Shake Shack there, and finished up the day by trekking it down to Fenway Park.

I had the lovely idea of eating at the Bleacher Bar, a small sports bar located on the outside of Fenway Park that has a large open wall that allows you to see what’s happening on the field. Going in, I had no illusions about being able to see anything occurring on the field. In fact, I had (naively, I suppose), assumed the field would be empty but that it would make for a fun and unique meal. Unfortunately, my idea was sabotaged by a Billy Joel concert taking place that evening. The bar was absolutely packed, and we couldn't even fit through the door. Plus, traffic was a nightmare. So, if you're headed to the Bleacher Bar during your trip, I recommend checking the event schedule.

Our second day in Boston was mostly consumed by the fan convention, which meant meeting Cary Elwes and Wallace Shawn of The Princess Bride as well as nineties heartthrob Freddie Prinze Jr.

But when the con was over, we were excited to fit in some good eats and sightseeing!

We found a wonderful Legal Seafoods right on the water near the Boston Aquarium and had an authentic Boston meal: clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston Cream Pie. Legal Seafoods might be known as a chain to a lot of people, but it was definitely a different eatery for these southerners!

After we ate, we took an Uber back to our sad little Airbnb, and the night drive through Boston was absolutely beautiful. Speaking of, if you've never been to Boston, the drivers there are insane! I suppose they're good drivers because you rarely see them wreck or honk at one another, but it's nerve-wracking and reckless to say the least. While we sometimes rent a car during our trips, Uber was definitely the perfect way to get around Boston.

Our third day was again mostly taken up by the convention, but we had some more free time that evening. Eager for some more good food, we headed to Sullivan’s on Castle Island. We had some wonderful fish and chips, but they also offer inexpensive hamburgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls, and more. This is definitely a restaurant for eating outdoors- there is absolutely no indoor seating- so I would recommend this place for a sunny day! After our quick meal, we headed to Faneuil Hall, a place that many travel blogs had said to avoid because of its “touristy” reputation. However, we absolutely loved the shopping center. It’s a great place to sightsee, peoplewatch, and it's perfect for purchasing souvenirs.

The next day, we headed into the city via the train, and traveled to Boston’s North End. Not only is this the part of Boston where the Old North Church is located, it also has a large variety of authentic Italian restaurants to choose from. 

I did my research beforehand and found the most reasonably priced restaurant on the block. Bella Vista Ristorante is a small family business that serves up wonderful, authentic Italian food at a reasonable price. The food was delicious and better than any Italian food we'd ever had.

Afterward, we headed to the famous (and crowded) Mike’s Pastry for some legendary cannoli. While the eatery may look packed with customers, its equally loaded with workers waiting to take orders. You're welcome to browse the cases, but don't be surprised if a worker pops up to take your order. Because we were full from our Italian lunch, (and because there weren't many places to sit), we packed away our pastries to enjoy later and headed a few blocks over to the Old North Church.

Being inside the church and absorbing its history was a beautiful feeling. Though I've been to Ireland, this was the first time I'd seen an 18th century building in the United States. The rich sense of history and the connection to the foundation of America was something I had never experienced. The church offers inexpensive tours as well as a flat rate for self-guided access to the building. There are also knowledgeable guides who will take their place at the podium in the church to tell the harrowing story of Paul Revere and the history of the famed building. It's a must-see for any tourist!

After visiting the Old North Church, we headed back into the city to the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum. (However, if you find yourself more interested in Paul Revere, his home is just a short distance from the Old North Church). With a limited amount of daylight left, we decided we'd rather head the the Tea Party Museum, where you can pay for the one-of-a-kind experience of boarding a ship and throwing tea into Boston’s harbor like a true revolutionary! They also have a lovely Tea Room and gift shop that offers wonderful souvenirs.

Our fifth and final day in Boston was spent at Beacon Hill, a beautiful and historic neighborhood in Boston’s Back Bay. Walking the cobblestone streets in this neighborhood is truly like stepping back in time. A lot of the travel guides declare Acorn street the most beautiful in the neighborhood, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The iconic neighborhood is within walking distance of the famous Cheers bar and restaurant, so we stopped by the fun and atmospheric eatery for some amazing food before heading to the airport.

Boston is full of exciting historic sites!

I definitely recommend checking out the Old North Church, Boston Commons, Newbury Street, and Fenway Park. They're one of a kind experiences that you just can't find anywhere else! Have you tried any of these spots in Boston? Are there any other spots you recommend? Comment below!