Sean

Myself and my partner are travelling from Europe to Boston for a longish weekend in March(over st Patrick's day)and we would welcome some advice.

Is 6 days too long for Boston? Should we mix it with NYC or somewhere else? What are the main things to see/do in Boston ?

Many thanks

xxx

Boston is a good base for most of New England. Hartford (Wadsworth Atheneum, oldest art museum in US and Mark Twain/Harriet Beecher Stowe houses), Providence, New Hampshire's White Mountains and Southern Maine are all within 2 hours. In Boston, Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts, Fanieul Hall, Newbury Street shopping, and Museum of Science in Cambridge are just some of the things to do.

x

The south End is a popular place for gays. Also,try Boston.com for places/things to see, activities and happenings the week you are here. All tourism questions can be answered on that site.

zootsi

You might want to spend an overnight at a ski area in NH or Vermont, since this time of year will still be winter, at least in the mountains.There are some very nice inns and b&b's tucked away in the NH and Vermont countryside. Another option would be an overnight on Cape Cod which can be desolate but beautiful this time of year, ditto for the Maine coast. New York would be too overwhelming trying to split it with Boston in 6 days, save it for another visit.

Jen

If you're into history or art, there's more than enough to do in Boston for 6 days. A trip to NYC might be a bit too much -- the trip takes 4 or 5 hours, at least, in each direction, so it would eat up a full day of your 6. But a side trip to Newport, RI or to the mountains in New Hampshire might be a nice break from the city.

Sam

On Sunday afternoon of that weekend (i.e., March 16) you can go to the South Boston section (Not the same as the South End) to see the (in)famous Southie St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Cindy

I'd try to hit NYC too - especially if you've never been there. I think 2 or 3 days in Boston is enough to get a good feel for the place. Then head down to NY. Can you fly out of NYC perhaps? Be careful driving in Boston if you rent a car. It's even scarier than driving in NYC (although I don't recommend that at all).

Melissa

I don't think 6 days is too long in Boston, and St. Patricks Day is a good time to go.
Here is what I would do:
North End for Italian food then Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market.
Museum of Fine Arts or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Museum of Science/Omni Theater or Aquarium
Harvard Square
Copley Square
Dinner at the Bay Tower Room.
And if you must go out of the city you can rent a car and make it up to Salem/Beverly/Gloucester/Rockport area or down to Plymouth/Cape Cod....
Enjoy!

charles

The use of partner in the US usually implies that you are gay, for what its worth. If that is the case, you should let us know (at least if you want gay tailored advice)

In general the Time Out guide to Boston is excellent, and should be purchased.

Eric

"Partner" could also refer to business partner, or perhaps the "partner" is a female.

Sean

Thanks for all the information

BTW I didn't know that about the word partner in the US - here in Europe its neutral.

Do you think it will be cold in Boston in March ?

Michael

Tip:

Don't wear anything orange on St Patrick's Day in Boston.

Sandra

weather in Boston is unpredictable. A few Aprils ago we had a blizzard then last year it was a warmer spring. It is best to dress in layers. For the norm jeans and a long sleeve t and maybe a light jacket at night. If you forgot that one clothing item for that unexpected weather Filenes Basement is where I would head for a reasonable price.

Eric

Sean,

I would highly recommend bringing a heavier jacket along. The average high in Boston in March is 45 degrees (Farenheit), the average low is 31 degrees. It can still be very chilly, especially at night. The weather does vary and there could be a warm stretch, so I would come prepared for temperatures ranging from just below freezing at night to possibly in the 50's during the day.

x

Be aware that prices at bars, etc.. etc.. are going to be ridiculous on the 17th. and south boston may not be the safest place if your not used to it.
bars will charge at least 20$ a head to get in and each one will be packed. it's a blast though.

joebob

Chances are it will be cold in March, although cold is a relative term somewhere between 35-55 F. more likely to be in the 40-50 range though. for a cheap and great meal eat at anna's taqueria in brookline (carnitas burrito) just look for the line out the door at 6pm. the north end is also great for Italian.