Boston has such a famous mix of historic and modern attractions that we hope you'll use your time here to tour the area. Below we've listed some of the things that make Boston such a great city. There are many more things to do in Boston than we can list, so we urge you to browse our suggestions for more in-depth reviews and locations.

Places to Visit

HARVARD SQUARE
Also home of the beautiful and historic Harvard Campus, Harvard Square's shops, restaurants and bars make it an area worthy of consideration in its own right. Parking on the street in Harvard Square can be difficult, but it's worth the frustration (or if it is not for you, there are parking garages in the area). If you go on a Friday or Saturday, keep your eyes peeled for the street musicians and performers that are a Harvard Square tradition.

BRIGHTON
Brighton´s Commonwealth Avenue is home to a strip of restaurants, bars, and shops miles long, which culminates in Boston University's lively campus. What Brighton lacks in nostalgic charm, it more than makes up for in urban buzz. Our favorite places to go: The Sunset Grille and Herrell´s Renaissance Cafe.

BOSTON SYMPHONY HALL
Symphony Hall is the home of the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops. While the building alone justifies the trip, try to catch a performance if you can. While you're there, check out the huge First Church of Christ, Scientist, which is famous for its architecture and its "mapparium," complete with a gigantic transparent globe. Symphony T Stop.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
For the cultured tourist, this is Boston's largest (and arguably best) fine art museum. There is usually at least one different and interesting exhibit (recent ones include a history of American guitar design). Museum of Fine Arts T stop.

ISABELLA STUART GARDNER MUSEUM
Isabella Stuart Gardner was a queen of society and an art collector, and after her death her house was converted into a museum. The museum is built around a gorgeous central atrium, and the art is a wonderful combination of the aesthetic, the domestic, and the quirky. If you're in the mood for something a little more idiosyncratic than the MFA, this is a must-see. Museum of Fine Arts T Stop.

BOSTON COMMON
The oldest public land in the United States, Boston Common is home to a variety of activities throughout the seasons. When it's cold out, the Boston Common is home to the Frog Pond, a skating rink that may be smaller than Rockefeller Center in NYC, but no less popular. Try on a pair of skates for the first time in years, and wobble around with the five-year-olds until you decide it is time for hot chocolate. In the summer, the commons are a great place to play Frisbee or soccer, and be sure to check out the public gardens beside the commons for their beautiful flowers and swan boat rides.

Waltham and Other Local Restaurants

Not up for heading into the city? Don't worry, there's lots to do in Waltham. See our map of Waltham-area "hot spots," or try out these recommendations:

Solea Moody Street, Waltham

The Elephant Walk Main Street, Waltham

Margaritas Moody Street, Waltham

Asai Belmont Center

Watch City Brewery Moody Street, Waltham

Bison County Grill Moody Street, Waltham

Panera Lexington Street, Waltham

New York Deli Lexington Street, Waltham

Greenfield’s Lexington Street, Waltham

Places to Eat and Hang Out

CLUB PASSIM Harvard Square, Cambridge
More of a coffeehouse/cafe than a club, Club Passim is a Harvard Square tradition that goes back for years. Famous folkies like Christine Lavin, Dar Williams and Joan Baez have gotten their starts here. Today, Club Passim continues the tradition with live performances, open mike nights and special occasions like Harvard Night. They also make a mean baklava if you happen to miss the live music shows (which are generally packed). Harvard Square T stop.

O'LEARY'S Beacon St (near Fenway)
A great Irish pub/restaurant with excellent food and a great atmosphere.

JILLIANS Lansdowne Street, Boston
If you grew up on video games, Jillians - a sort of adult version of an arcade - is the place for you. Jillians is a perennial favorite for pool, video games, beer, and Black Jack. There are more billiards than you can shake a stick at on the third floor, and you can get a good dose of your childhood past with the array of video games on the second floor. We recommend the "video rides," which feel scarily real: if you always thought bobsledding looked like a breeze, the bobsledding ride will make you reconsider. If you feel the need to 'get jiggy with it' after your video game fix, there's a dance club on the first floor.

JOHN HARVARD'S BREW PUB Harvard Square, Cambridge
John Harvard's microbrewery is an office favorite. We recommend the beer and calamari. Harvard Square T stop.

1369 COFFEEHOUSE Central Square, Cambridge
Unique coffeehouses like these are the reason Central Square residents are boycotting the new Starbucks. A great place to bring a laptop or a good book while sipping some great coffee, 1369 is a Cambridge tradition. Be sure to try their delicious coffee cake. Central Square T stop.

MCCARTHY'S Near Copley Square
A bar right across from the Prudential Mall (neighboring the Pour House) with a very "Boston-esque" feel. They always show famous 2-5 minute scenes from movies like Top Gun, Coming to America, etc., and often the whole bar (which is pretty big and usually crowded) sings along to classics like "Piano Man," "You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling," etc. Always a good time! Copley Square T stop.