When you only have so much time to visit a destination, sometimes you want a quick list of the best things to do. Boston has an infinite amount of things to do, see and taste. I believe you should get plenty of research done and at least a sketched out plan before any trip but if you’re looking for the cliff notes version, this is it! From inner city parks to historical streets and day trips outside the city limits, these are our top 10 recommendations for what to do in Boston.

1 - Walk through the Boston Common. If you happen to be in Boston during fall this is an absolute, no exceptions allowed must. The common is free, it’s large and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

2 - Walk the Freedom Trail. You’ll get so many historical sites and landmarks covered plus you’ll have explored three neighborhoods, all of which have plenty of things to branch off and see along the way.

3 - Go to Faneuil Hall. Even if you just walk through to catch some live music, it’s a great center to spend a few minutes. Grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping if you’re in the mood as well.

4 - Indulge your sweet tooth at Mike’s Pastries. This famous sweet shop in the North End is home to the city’s best cannoli. Make sure to bring cash because they don’t take card and be prepared to wait in line for a while. Don’t worry, it will be well worth it.

5 - Walk down Charles Street in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. This street lined with brick sidewalks is full of antique shops, restaurants and lots of character. Get lunch at Tatte Bakery & Cafe and make sure to order their Belgian Hot Chocolate while you’re at it. Grab a few sweets at Beacon Hill Chocolates and venture down a few of the streets to get a feel of the local culture.

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6 - Take a picture on Acorn Street. This famously photographed street is only a block long but brings in tons of people because of how gorgeous it is.

7 - Tour Fenway Park. If you’re a baseball fan or even just a history fan, Fenway Park offers guided tours on non-game days. Tour the historical stadium, learn about its history and the people who’ve been a part of it.

8 - Walk along the esplanade. This riverside recreation area has beautiful views of the city and the Charles River. It’s also full of activities, concerts, art and more. Not fond of walking? Get a bike and take a bike ride instead.

9 - Visit one or more of the museums. A couple to consider include the Museum of Modern Art, the JFK Library & Museum, the USS Constitution Museum, the Harvard Museums across the river in Cambridge and more. Non-museum sites to consider include the Mapparium, the Boston Library and the Massachusetts State House.

10 - Take a day trip to Cambridge or Salem. Cambridge is right across the Charles River making it a quick trip you should absolutely fit into your plans. Walk through the Harvard campus, MIT campus and spend some time exploring the Harvard Square. If you’re up for a longer drive, head to Salem, about 45-minutes north of Boston. This is the home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials and they are all about their town history. Visit the Salem Witch Museum, walk through a historic cemetery and take a haunted ghost tour.