From inconspicuous thrift stores to incredible food, there are endless options to discover in Boston. Many of the most memorable experiences I have had in the city aren’t the first things you might think of when planning on spending the day there. Here are my personal top ten must-visit places in the Boston area. 

1) The Garment District

After first discovering this thrift shop on a quiet street in Cambridge, I’ve returned a few times for a lengthy session of shopping. The gigantic store is complete with a “district” of different departments, including a costume section, a vintage section, and a room with a “picking pile” where clothes are priced by weight.

2) Fire and Ice: Boston

This cook-in-front-of-you restaurant has always been one of my favorites, for the experience as well as the quality of the food. When you arrive, you’re set up with a plate and are free to pick from an expansive array of proteins, vegetables, and sauces for the chefs to expertly cook on a giant grill. The food is some of the best I’ve ever had, and I always find myself going back for seconds and thirds, which are free!

3) The Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Between the food and the mini-stores, there’s plenty to take in at the marketplace. As you enter, you’re met with a seemingly never-ending hallway of food sellers, offering meals and desserts of all kinds. Outside the building, you can find places to buy Boston merchandise and candy. My favorite thing to do is order a piece of Spanakopita (a Greek spinach pie made with filo dough) and watch whatever performer is showcasing their talent outside the marketplace. Shows that have stuck in my mind include different acrobatic performances and singers.

4) Mike’s Pastry

A massive, well-oiled machine when it comes to making high-quality desserts for the loads of people that come, hungry for sweets. Mike’s Pastry offers countless options, including fudge brownies and their famous cannolis. While definitely on the pricey side, the food is worth a splurge once in a while.

5) Cheapo Records

This is your classic thrift or indie shop, but with a very authentic and fun feeling added to it. The people working there love what they do and are always friendly, and you can usually hear old classics playing in the background. In this store, you can flip through vintage posters to your heart’s content, as well as discover their record collection outside. This thrift store is incredibly affordable, which cannot be said for many secondhand stores in the area. I bought an array of pins as well as some posters during my last visit and plan to return in the near future.

6) The BeBop

A cozy restaurant nestled on a busy street in central Boston, the BeBop is always the go-to place to end an evening in the city. This place is famous for its nearly constant live music performances, which create a joyful atmosphere as people enjoy their food and drinks. An upstairs balcony allows patrons to look down at the performance, while small tables near the bar offer a more up-close experience.

7) The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

While I’m not usually the biggest fan of museums, this one is always an enjoyable experience for me. The museum is comprised of an array of hallways, all different from each other, as well as an expansive courtyard underneath a massive skylight, making it absolutely gorgeous on a sunny day. The museum is home to one of the biggest art heists in history, which is an interesting event to read about while visiting, or can be further explored here. 

8) Swan Boats

A nostalgic part of Boston for me, the swan boats are a fun activity for family or a group of friends. You are given a brief tour around the water in the Boston Public Garden, where someone is always playing an instrument or singing, creating a pleasant atmosphere. You can spend the trip waving to passers-by, seeing the sights around the pond and listening to the music.

9) The Museum of Bad Art

A strange gem of Cambridge, the Museum of Bad Art is just as its name suggests. Composed of a collection of bizarre and conversation-stirring paintings from an array of different artists, the museum is described as a place where “art too bad to be ignored” is displayed (museumofbadart.org). Due to its uniquity, this is definitely worth a visit!

10) Harry Potter Shop

Following its name’s suggestion, the Harry Potter Shop sells an array of things from the Harry Potter universe, from wands that come with their own case, as well as different types of Hogwarts merchandise for die-hard fans. The shop is small, but holds an astonishing collection of Harry Potter-themed gadgets and toys.