I recently had the opportunity to go to Boston for the weekend and spoiler – I might move there!
Boston has a beautiful blend of historic buildings, fantastic shopping outlets, and delicious food.
Thousands of people come together every year, to run 26.2 miles right in the heart of the city. My dad qualified for the Boston Marathon and we decided to make a trip out of it.
While he was getting prepared to run, I spent some time and explored the city. The people were very nice and you can always find something to do.
So this post will share my experiences with the beautiful city while the marathon is going on.
This post is all about spending the weekend In boston.
Spending The Weekend In Boston For The Marathon + Exploring The Sites
Best Time To Visit
Boston experiences every season so you can definitely avoid the cold or the heat depending on your mood.
We went during April and it was freezing. So if you are wanting to go for the sites, I highly recommend visiting during the Fall or Summer months.
Transportation
Do not buy a car!!!
We decided to just drive to Boston to avoid any headache at the airports but if I go again, I would take a plane.
The traffic leading into Boston was awful like over an hour just to go a few miles. Granted this was due to the Marathon but even getting around the city was stressful. Let’s just say the drivers in Boston, do not like tourists.
No matter where you’re hotel is in Boston, you will be within walking distance of food and shopping centers.
You can also rent an Uber or Lift if you need to go somewhere far!
Prices $$$$
Boston is a tourist city and especially during the Marathon, expect to spend $$$$.
The pricing on food ranges depending on where you eat. You will find The Cheesecake Factory nearby and a cute cafe that serves amazing breakfast. So it depends on your mood.
The Copley Place, a large shopping mall, is right by the expo and it holds luxury brands like Balenciaga, Sephoria, and many others.
You will also have to pay for parking if your hotel does not have valet. We parked in the “South Parking Lot” on maps.
Exploring the sites
Attend The Marathon Expo
The general public is invited to join top athletes and running enthusiasts to check out new running products and services. This is a perfect event for anyone and you can stay there for hours to see everything. They even offer free products and services to people.
Go Shopping at Copley Place
The Copley Place is a large luxury mall right by the expo and it’s full of the best shopping places. You can find brands like Balenciaga, Sephoria, and many others.
Hang Out in the Fenway
When there’s a Marathon going on, and there’s a Red Sox game, it’s a perfect time to hang out in the Fenway. Whether it’s a cold brew at the Bleacher Bar or a filling burrito at El Pelón, you’ll have something fun to do.
Go to a Bar
If you are going to Boston during the marathon, you will find plenty of bars along the route that will be showing the marathon on Tv and offering specials on certain drinks. Evening if you’re not going during the marathon, stop by and get a taste of Boston’s favorite drinks. A few favorites are The Publick House, Pour House, or Bukowski Tavern.
Explore the Subway
Boston has the first subway ever built called the “subway commons.”
It still runs today and has over 200 stops. You can buy a ticket with cash, credit/debit card, and EMT card. So think about taking a ride while you’re in the city.
The Marathon Expo + Tips
Be prepared to spend at least a few hours in the expo and stand in lines for most of that. The expo stays open for 3 days and in that time, thousands of people check it out.
When I first found out about it, I had no idea what to expect so I decided to add some tips in here for people like me.
- Make sure you pack your Id and possibly your mask. You’re going to be around a lot of people and you don’t want to get sick before the race.
- Wear walking/standing shoes. You will be in lines for most of the time and you don’t want your feet to hurt.
- Keep the clear bag they give you. Since the bombing, you are not allowed to bring anything but clear bags to the race.
- Enjoy it! Try not to stress out or rush it. You will be walking by hundreds of stores offering free products just for you.
- Don’t feel like you have to buy everything or anything. There are plenty of other stores in Boston that will have what you need.
- Be on the lookout for the course track. It will be posted very large and even some speakers will be giving out tips.
- Takes pictures! They’re so many places to take pictures with cool backgrounds.