Boston: Freedom Trail & Waterfront Buzz
I found good‑value economy flights with JetBlue from London Gatwick for a two‑night stay. The flight time is just over six hours, and both legs were busy. I was impressed with JetBlue’s onboard experience: meals ordered directly from the seat‑back screen (far less wasteful than the usual one‑size‑fits‑all trays), good entertainment, a smart amenity kit to keep and more legroom than I expected.
Boston Logan Airport was busy, with several international flights arriving at once, but customs and immigration moved reasonably quickly. From there we took the Logan Express bus to Back Bay, where we were staying at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. The service is free from the airport into the city and very affordable on the way back.
At the Fairmont Copley Plaza we were warmly welcomed and delighted to receive a complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite, room 680. The suite was spacious, with a separate seating area and large bathroom. The location is excellent, with a subway station on the Green and Orange lines around five minutes’ walk away, as well as many shops and restaurants nearby, including Newbury Street. With only two nights to play with, we quickly dropped our bags and headed out.
One of the main reasons we chose Boston was to see the Blue Man Group. I had seen them previously on a cruise ship, but Becky had not, and we were keen to experience the show together. While exploring the city, we found the box office and managed to secure great seats near the front for the following evening.
That first night we wandered towards Chinatown in search of dinner, eventually opting for a Korean restaurant that offered good value and was convenient for our hotel, especially with a big sightseeing day planned.
The next morning we were up early, keen to pack in as much as possible. We started at Boston Common, then visited the Cheers bar, which felt like stepping into a TV set. Rather than jump on the subway, we decided to explore on foot.
The highlight was the Freedom Trail, a 2.5‑mile self‑guided route linking 16 key historical sites. It is a fantastic way to see the city and to understand Boston’s vital role in American history. We paused at Quincy Market for lunch and treated ourselves to a classic lobster roll, around 32 dollars with a soft drink. The market itself reminded us a little of Covent Garden, thanks to its street performers, food stalls and lively atmosphere.
After lunch we continued along the trail, passing through Italian and Irish neighbourhoods before finishing at Bunker Hill, where the view from the top is well worth the climb. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at one of Boston’s farmers’ markets to try a slice of Boston cream pie. The market had a great buzz, with stalls piled high with fresh produce, seafood and baked goods.
As we walked, we noticed how many churches dotted the skyline, a reflection of the city’s historic roots. For those who prefer not to walk as far, there are hop‑on, hop‑off tours, but we found Boston very walkable and, importantly, very safe, even at night.
Back at the hotel, we got ready and walked about 25 minutes to the theatre for the Blue Man Group. The show was fantastic: clever, funny and full of energy. We laughed throughout and both agreed it was one of the standout highlights of our trip.
On our final morning, before heading to the airport, we had breakfast at The Friendly Toast, a popular local spot buzzing with people, which is always a good sign. After that we returned to Quincy Market for a light lunch, as we had enjoyed it so much the day before, and took a final wander past sights including the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and Faneuil Hall.
Getting back to the airport was easy on the subway and good value. The weather during our stay was dry but very cold, with a sharp sea breeze. Next time we visit, I would love to go in the autumn, when Boston and wider New England are famous for their spectacular foliage. We left already planning a longer trip to explore more of the region.
