October 2024: Looking for the best things to do as fall settles in Boston? The New England city shines this time of year with vibrant foliage, must-see museum exhibits and bountiful comfort food (best enjoyed by an atmospheric fireplace).
Fall in New England is iconic—but for many people, that means getting out of the city. Boston in October is downright dreamy, however, and there's tons of stuff to do—after you've gone apple picking at an orchard, of course. Students are back in full force and comedy clubs, college bars and music venues are at full strength. Our on-the-ground editor and writers traverse the metro area looking for the best of the best to curate this ultimate guide to things to do in Boston each month. So plan your itinerary and enjoy peak Boston this fall.
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Maybe it’s the history, rooted in the wild 1920s, behind speakeasies that make them seem so romantic and mysterious. Or maybe it’s the feeling of doing something a little bit naughty (even though Prohibition ended back in 1933) by knocking on a secret door and knowing a password. Whatever the reason, we love a good speakeasy! Luckily, our city has quite a number of discreet spots that serve legal drinks while replicating that speakeasy vibe. Below, find our guide to the best basements, nooks and hidden spots that welcome in-the-know imbibers.
RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston
Bostonians take winter fun seriously, it’s an integral part of living in the Northeast. Truly, the only way to survive the winter cold is to plan fun activities that get you out of the house. One of the best ways to avoid cabin fever this time of year is to get out of the city. And, a little day trip can really lift the spirits. Explore all that New England has to offer, including quaint, historic towns and shoreline stops, as well as gaming destinations and, of course, buzzing ski towns. And if you don’t have time to head of Boston right now, stick stay closer to home and enjoy the city’s best attractions, best free things to do and best museums in Boston.RECOMMENDED: The coziest Airbnb cabins near Boston
Where should I eat in Boston? is a question the editor and writers at Time Out Boston get a lot. The best answers take into account the occasion, vibe and even time of year for what you’re looking for—maybe it’s a cozy fireplace or wine bar this fall?
RECOMMENDED: Boston’s best bars
Choosing where you should eat right now is the way we like to look at it, as we compile our list of Boston’s best restaurants each season. From casual choices for seafood, pizza and wine-friendly small plates to occasion-worthy celebrations of seasonal cuisine, each of these places is a draw for its own reason. To compare them is literally apples to oranges sometimes, but we rank it anyway. Comprising restaurants we want to return to again and again, here are 30 best restaurants to book in Boston right now.
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It really feels like the list of things to do in Boston is never-ending. From stellar live music to top-notch restaurants, there’s always an extremely fun, one-of-a-kind activity to choose from. But sometimes, the fresh air and winding roads outside the city beckon.
If a weekend getaway is calling your name, we’ve rounded up some of the greatest, with suggestions for where to stay, what to eat and what you must do. Ahead, find the 23 best weekend getaways from Boston.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston.
Even to our fellow New Englanders, Bostonians can sometimes sound like we are speaking a different language. Whether you’re a college student with four years ahead of you, you just married a local or are simply here for a vacation, everyone new to Boston could use a crash course on our local lingo. From our colorful terms of endearment to the nicknames we’ve bestowed upon our favorite neighborhoods, there’s so much more to Boston slang than dropping your “Rs.” So, when you ask for directions to the Freedom Trail or to the best Irish pub in town, listen carefully and you may be able to translate a few of our favorite Boston sayings.
Bang a uey (v.): to make a U-turn, likely an illegal one because that’s just how we do.
Bubbler (n.): a drinking fountain.
B’daydas (n.): a term of endearment for potatoes.
The Cape (n.): Cape Cod, where tourists and preppies flock during the summer months, causing hours of traffic delays south of the city.
Carriage (n.): a shopping cart that you use to get your groceries, most likely at Market Basket.
Cellar (n.): the basement; pronounced “cell-ah.”
The Charles (n.): The Charles River, which is no longer flowing with its infamous “dirty water”... but you should still probably close your mouth ASAP, if you ever fall in.
Clicker (n.): the remote control; pronounced “click-ah.”
Coogans (n.): where you get dollar drafts.
Comm Ave (n.): no one has time to say Commonwealth Avenue.
Dollar Drafts (n.): see Coogans.
Dungarees (n.): jeans...
New year, new you? Whether you want to get outside more this winter, partake in the best indoor activities or get out of town, there's plenty to do around Boston. From the cultural to the culinary, we have some ideas for the best things to do this weekend in Boston.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Winter in Massachusetts is brisk, but if you bundle up and clutch a hot drink with your mittens, it can be charming. One of the best winter activities—which isn't dependent on snow—is hitting an ice rink. Boston and the surrounding area has no shortage of rinks fit for all levels, fit for locals and tourists alike. Make a magical day of it by coupling the activity with a look at some holiday lights.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
It’s that time of year again! Love is in the air and Valentine’s day is right around the corner, it’s time to make haste and make a reservation for a dining experience to delight you and your person. From fine French dining to dinner with a view of the whole city, we’ve found the best dinner spots around the hub.
Need more inspiration? You can also express your undying love with a meal at one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston or whisper sweet nothings over cocktails at one of Boston’s most romantic bars. There are plenty of other things to do in Boston for Valentine’s Day that will make your special someone swoon, too. (And while you are at it check out our guide to the best flower-delivery services in Boston!)
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Valentine’s Day in Boston
We all know that Boston’s best fine dining spots and most romantic restaurants can stand up to those of bigger cities like NYC and London. But sometimes we just don’t get the same level of recognition as those cities. Regardless, we know that lots of spots in town deserve the same level of hype so we have rounded up all our favorites that we would recommend for a Michelin star if the guide ever does come to town.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston