A friend of mine recently asked for my recommendations while visiting Boston and it made me think why I never wrote a Boston guide! After living in Boston for two years during college, I’ve gotten to know the city pretty well. Boston has a large city feel mixed with small town charm and is one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been to.

The city itself is fairly small so everything is easily walkable (so pack your flats!). The public transportation, known as the ‘T’, is also convenient and easy to navigate.

Shopping:

1. Newbury street: I basically lived on this street throughout my college days, I spent quite a bit of time in the local coffee shops. The renovated brownstones are home to a mix of cafes, big brand shops, little boutiques, and book shops.

2. Faneuil Hall/ Quincy Market: This square is filled with tourist shops to chain stores to local restaurants. Quincy Market is a food hall that has just about every type of food you could imagine! It’s similar to Chelsea Market in NYC and Reading Terminal in Philly.

3. Prudential: Higher end mall with stores like Lord & Taylor, Club Monaco and Aritzia.

Food:

1. Stephanie’s On Newbury: Grab a table outside for one of the best Sunday brunches!

2. Joe’s American Bar & Grill: Burger + Sangria = Won’t be disappointed

3. Saus: Is it embarrassing to admit fries are probably my favorite food? If you’re like me this is the perfect place for you!

4. Sip Wine Bar: Perfect spot for a date night!

Things To Do:

1. The North End is basically ‘Little Italy’, it’s packed full of history and of course some of the best Italian food.

2. Stop by the historic Omni Parker House where the famous Boston Cream pie was invented.

3. Red Sox game: No trip to Boston is complete without catching a game at historic Fenway park.

4. Boston Common/ Public Garden: The Common is the oldest city park in the US! The Public Garden is located right across the street.

5. Beacon Hill: The University I attended was on Beacon Hill, one of my favorite things to do after class was wander along the cobble stones streets of one of the most charming neighborhoods. Stop by Acorn Street, the most photographed street in the city.

Nightlife:

1. Coogans: $1 Beers, enough said.

2. Wild Rover: If your looking for a place to dance and sing karaoke, look no further.

3. Landsdowne: Perfect spot to stop at before or after a Red Sox game, conveniently located across the street from Fenway.

4. Bell in Hand: One of the oldest bars in Boston and I’m pretty sure the whole country, it always has a good vibe!