How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Boston, United States
1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Historic site offering food and shops, often crowded with tourists. Can be overpriced.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Explore Surrounding Areas: Quincy Market, located within Faneuil Hall, is overpriced. Explore nearby restaurants for better deals.
- Use Online Reviews: Check online reviews before dining in or shopping at Quincy Market to find affordable options.
2. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Popular attraction reenacting the Boston Tea Party. Ticket prices can be steep.
- Visit Off-Peak Hours: Go during non-peak hours or purchase tickets online to avoid long lines and save money.
- Consider Combo Tickets: Look for combo tickets that include other attractions for a better deal.
- Check for Discounts: Ask about student, military, or AAA discounts to save money.
3. New England Aquarium
Popular aquarium with long lines and overpriced food.
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase tickets online to skip the line and save money.
- Pack Snacks: Pack snacks to avoid high prices at the aquarium's cafeteria.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
4. Boston Common and Public Garden
Beautiful parks with many food carts that may be overpriced.
- Pack a Picnic Lunch: Pack a lunch to enjoy in the park and save money.
- Explore Nearby Restaurants: Find nearby restaurants for a better dining experience at lower prices.
- Avoid Weekends and Holidays: Visit during the week or on non-holidays to avoid crowds.
5. North End (Little Italy)
Popular neighborhood known for high-priced Italian food.
- Avoid Main Streets: Stay away from Hanover and Salem Streets, where prices are highest.
- Explore Side Streets: Find less touristy, more authentic Italian restaurants on side streets.
- Check for Local Specials: Look for local specials or lunch deals to save money.
6. Fenway Park Tours
Tour of Fenway Park with overpriced souvenirs.
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase tickets online to save money.
- Avoid Peak Times: Go during non-peak times or on off days to avoid crowds.
- Skip the Souvenir Shop: Buy souvenirs elsewhere in Boston for better deals.
7. Harvard Square
College square with overpriced food and shops.
- Avoid Main Streets: Stay away from Massachusetts Avenue, where prices are highest.
- Explore Side Streets: Find less touristy, more affordable food and shops on side streets.
- Check for Student Discounts: Ask about student discounts at restaurants and shops.
8. Beacon Hill
Historic neighborhood with overpriced boutiques.
- Avoid Main Streets: Stay away from Charles Street, where prices are highest.
- Explore Side Streets: Find less touristy, more affordable boutiques on side streets.
- Check for Sales: Look for sales or check online for discounts before shopping.
9. Boston Duck Tours
Popular amphibious tour with overpriced tickets.
- Avoid Peak Times: Go during non-peak times or on off days to avoid crowds.
- Check for Combo Deals: Look for combo deals with other attractions to save money.
- Use Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation instead of tours to see the city.
10. Boston Freedom Trail
Historic trail with many touristy restaurants.
- Pack a Picnic Lunch: Pack a lunch to enjoy along the trail and save money.
- Explore Nearby Restaurants: Find nearby restaurants for a better dining experience at lower prices.
- Avoid Weekends and Holidays: Visit during the week or on non-holidays to avoid crowds.
11. Museum of Fine Arts
Large art museum with overpriced food and gift shop.
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase tickets online to skip the line and save money.
- Pack a Snack: Pack a snack to avoid high prices at the museum's cafeteria.
- Check for Student Discounts: Ask about student discounts before entering the museum.
12. Skywalk Observatory
Observation deck with overpriced tickets and gift shop.
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase tickets online to save money.
- Avoid Peak Times: Go during non-peak times or on off days to avoid crowds.
- Check for Combo Deals: Look for combo deals with other attractions to save money.
13. Boston Common Carriage Rides
Horse-drawn carriage rides that can be overpriced.
- Avoid Peak Times: Go during non-peak times or on off days to avoid crowds.
- Check for Combo Deals: Look for combo deals with other attractions to save money.
- Use Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation instead of carriage rides to see the city.
14. Quincy Market
Popular market with overpriced food and souvenirs.
- Avoid Peak Times: Go during non-peak times or on off days to avoid crowds.
- Explore Nearby Restaurants: Find nearby restaurants for a better dining experience at lower prices.
- Check for Local Specials: Look for local specials or lunch deals to save money.
15. Boston Common Carousel
Carousel located in Boston Common with overpriced tickets.
- Avoid Peak Times: Go during non-peak times or on off days to avoid crowds.
- Check for Combo Deals: Look for combo deals with other attractions to save money.
- Use Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation instead of the carousel to see the city.