Ah, traveling alone. For some, it sounds like heaven on earth; while others see it as a nightmare to be avoided at all costs. For those folks who fall in the latter category: relax! Traveling solo is not only achievable but fun given the right plan and preparations. If you’re looking into solo travel in Boston, read these tips before your trip.
Use public transportation to get around
Public transit in an unknown city may seem intimidating, but Boston is particularly easy to figure out for visitors, especially if you have any familiarity with urban train and bus networks. Buy a multi-day pass to save on fares and use the MBTA trip planner to figure out the best route.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help, either. Uniformed personnel with a “T” badge on will sort you out. Taking public transportation is also a bonus for those who want to avoid potentially pricey (or even duplicitous) taxis. You could always take a Lyft everywhere, but we know how that adds up.
Take a bus tour of the city
Who doesn’t want to take a trolley tour in Boston? The hop-on hop-off trolley tour is a popular choice for visitors, which takes a loop of all the city’s major neighborhoods and areas that tourists love to explore. A comprehensive tour is a good way to get your bearings in a new city, and can even help you get between major attractions (though if you have reservations to get to, don't rely on it!) Consider staying on for the whole loop, then riding again to get where you’d like to explore next.
You may also enjoy a Boston Duck Tour, too, for a unique perspective.
Visit the best museums
One of the real benefits of solo travel in Boston is that no one can tell you how much time you’re allowed to spend in front of the eighteenth-century portraiture at the Museum of Fine Arts (or whatever you’re most interested in at the moment).
Boston also boasts an exciting Museum of Science with many exhibits and events geared towards adults, so you won’t feel like the weirdo without kids at the museum.
Dine out...a lot
In a city like Boston, it would be a crying shame to miss out on the fantastic culinary scene just because you’d prefer not to sit alone at a table. Many people dine solo in Boston even in popular neighborhoods like the North End, Central Square, or the Back Bay. Check out the Harvard Square area for a few spots with communal seating, too.
You can also always opt to sit at the bar. Most restaurants in Boston serve their full dining menu at the bar and many solo diners prefer this option.
Allow for a little spontaneity
There are so many different directions you could go when exploring Boston. Take in a Red Sox game and then go out for a beer or two around Fenway. Explore the many little museums affiliated with Harvard University and leave time for people-watching in Harvard Square.
Stroll around the Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden, then take a ride on the iconic Swan Boats of Boston. And of course, leave a little time for some exhaustive shopping at Cambridgeside Galleria, along Newbury Street/Boylston Street, or in the South End.
Choose a highly-rated hotel or lodging option
Something may look like a great deal online, but you don’t want to arrive at your Airbnb or hotel room to find that it’s not what you hoped and not what the pictures looked like. As a solo traveler in Boston, comfort and safety are important. You don’t need to break the bank to stay in Boston, but do keep in mind that places like Cambridge and Somerville will offer cheaper lodging if you’re not splitting the cost with another traveler.
Try something new
This is your chance to visit something that your husband, kids, or best friend isn’t interested in. Go hit up that indie jewelry boutique, that sports museum, or that Korean-Italian fusion restaurant that you couldn’t get anyone else to try. If you’re into pampering, visit a local spa or salon to truly feel your best.
Splurge on that Boston Celtics jersey you always wanted. At the same time, push your boundaries a little and go out of your comfort zone. Boston has plenty of art, history, culture, and food/drink to help you try something new.
Take lots of pictures
You won’t have the benefit of a fellow traveler to remind you of that amazing street art, that darling duck family, or that killer bowl of ramen. Snap plenty of photos and document your trip to show friends and loved ones at home. If you’re using a cell phone, consider turning on your automatic cloud storage to keep your phone from clogging up with too many photos or videos. For those with a digital camera, be sure to get a large memory card or bring more than one.
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