Are you heading out on a quick Boston trip? This 48 hours in Boston itinerary walks you through everything you need to know about hitting the highlights of Beantown, including where to eat and the best things to do in Boston.

I recently spent a whirlwind 48 hours in my favorite city and can’t wait to share my tips!

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• Top 10 Budget-Friendly Things To Do in Western Mass
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I went to college 1,809 miles away from home at a small liberal arts school nestled in the Pioneer Valley called Mount Holyoke. So, given the distance, after my May 2015 graduation, I wasn’t sure when I would be able to return.

That is until I got a frantic text from my friend Cassidy in late December.

Apparently, every other member of my friend group was meeting up in Boston to surprise our friend Brittney as a late Christmas gift and I was the only one not coming. Was there any way I could be there?

Yeah sure, let me just buy a ticket to Boston less than two weeks before departure for a trip lasting roughly 48 hours.

Except that’s exactly what I did.

And while I spent most of my time lying on apartment floors giggling with my girlfriends, if you want to do a quick Boston trip and still see all the sights, it’s completely possible.

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• Scared to Travel Alone? Here’s 7 Ways to Practice for your First Solo Trip
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Quick Boston Trip Day 1 

Arrive in Boston. Logan airport is only about a ten minute Uber from downtown, so if you are staying centrally, it’s easy to drop off your luggage and start the Freedom Trail right away.

I’d been to Boston so many times that I skipped the historical bit this go around and chose a tasty meal at Quincy Market instead, but even if you’re not into the “birth of American freedom,” it’s hard not to get pumped up about it in Boston.

Seriously. Every time I’m there I want to punch a redcoat in the throat or something.

After you’ve had your fill of history, make sure to explore Boston’s harbor and have a lobstah or two, or maybe even a nice bowl of clam chowda.

Quick Boston Trip Day 2

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is a must see even if you don’t like art. Be sure to check out these art history snapchats, as they might change your mind.

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On this quick Boston trip, I may or may not have used my three hours there in a futile attempt to avoid the snowstorm going on outside (two years in the south really decreased my tolerance for the stuff).

The museum is also nestled near the famous South End, so if you like old brick buildings and cute Instagrams, then this is the area for you.

After exploring the museum, feel free to pop over to Cambridge to pahk ya cahr in Harvahd Yahd, or Fenway if you want to watch the Red Sox lose (again).

Quick Boston Trip Day 3 (Bonus Day!)

If you’d like to extend your 48 hours in Boston, you might take some time to venture out into Lexington and Concord (where the shot heard round the world was fired), Salem (to try some witches), or even Plymouth (to see the hella underwhelming Plymouth Rock).

See also:

• 10 Short Day Trips from Boston on Every Budget (from a Former Local)
• 7 Fun Bachelorette Party Ideas for Non-Drinkers in the USA

General Advice for Flying Standby with United 

Of course, I was having so much fun with my college girlfriends that I didn’t want to come home, so when United said my flight was overbooked, I was nearly delirious with joy. When the gate agent announced that he was offering $600 travel vouchers, I don’t think I had ever moved so fast.

Unfortunately, I learned a harsh lesson about volunteering to be bumped off your flight. It was the first time I did it, so I assumed that since I was first in line to volunteer, they would call me over when they needed me, but that wasn’t the case.

As I was minding my own business in the gate area, texting my friends to make sure they didn’t wander too far so we could all enjoy my hotel room courtesy of United Airlines, the girl who had been behind me acted like a total vulture and hovered around the desk.

Because she was right in the agent’s eye line, she got the upgrade when he realized the flight was full. I walked over to hear her get a $600 travel voucher, $10 dinner voucher, free night at the Embassy Suites Boston, and a 1^st class ticket in the morning.

That was supposed to be mine!

I was furious, but I learned my lesson: all’s fair when there’s a $600 travel voucher on the line.

So if you volunteer to be bumped off your flight, stand by the desk until your voucher is in your hand.

I did shed some tears on the flight home, but I’m unsure if they were exhaustion from a whirlwind weekend, disappointment that I was ROBBED of my $600 voucher, or simply because I missed my friends.

But at least I’m headed back to Boston in May!

P.S. Did y’all know they have WAGAMAMA in Boston? I about flipped my lid. The UK chain is one of the best places to eat in Boston.

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