Three Ways to Spend the Day in Boston

Sometimes it may seem as though Needham is a far cry from the big city—with its quaint downtown and lots of green space, it definitely has the feel of a smaller community.

But distance-wise, Boston's not far at all—easily accessible by car, train or even bicycle (yes, a few dedicated Needhamites ride their bikes to work in the city). Needham is also lucky to have four nearby commuter rail stations where residents can catch a connection into the city.

But what to do once you're there? Boston is full of tourist destinations, museums and shopping havens—the possibilities are endless. 

Here are three city spots we think are worthy of a visit:

T HARBOR EXPRESS

The T Harbor Express is the budget adventurer's way to take a Harbor Islands cruise and avoid the tourist crowds. The Harbor Express departs from Long Wharf on either side of the Marriott; no worries, any ticketing kiosk agent will be happy to direct you to the correct dock.

The T Harbor Express makes for a refreshingly breezy diversion on a hot day. It can get chilly around sunset, so bring a jacket if you plan on taking an evening ride. Spectacular views of the Harbor Islands and the Boston skyline are standard. For the enterprising photographer, photo opportunities exist at every turn, whether you’re into sailboats, drawbridges, quaint harbors, or Navy destroyers.

Feel free to hop off at any of the boat’s stops, Quincy or Hull, and explore. If you’re hungry, the boats offer basic refreshments including alcohol for the adults. Credit and debit cards are accepted on board. However, it is worth noting that the dock at Hull has a fresh catchlobster shack (cash-only) with outdoor seating and a view of the harbor delightfully free from throngs of tourists.

Tickets are available for purchase on the boat; just be sure to ask for a round-trip ticket if you want to end up back at the Long Wharf at the end of your cruise. Use your T Harbor Express ticket stub to get $4 off a New England Aquarium Whale Watch, ride on the Salem Ferry, Sunset or Harbor Cruise, or shuttle out to the Boston Harbor Islands.

The T Harbor Express schedule is available online or in paper form at the Long Wharf ticket kiosk.

Fares for Boston-Quincy-Hull

• Adults one way, $6
• Seniors one way, $3
• Child under 11, free

INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART/HARBORWALK

The Institute of Contemporary Art aims to present the most significant contemporary art to Boston audiences, but don’t be fooled into thinking you’re not art savvy enough for its exhibitions. A modest permanent collection representing the Cliff Notes version of the post-Pop art scene (from Cindy Sherman to Shepard Fairey), is nicely complemented by a variety of rotating exhibitions. Artists currently showing include photographer Catherine Opie, sculptor Eva Hesse, photographer Leslie Hewitt and a group show revolving around the vinyl record in contemporary art. This small but jam-packed museum is sure to suit even the harshest art critic in your family.

Cap off your visit to the ICA with a stroll along the Harborwalk toward downtown Boston. This 10-minute stroll provides an excellent view of the Boston skyline and the Inner Harbor.

The Harborwalk is always open to the public and always free.

Museum, store and café hours:

• Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Closed Monday, except on the following national holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Patriot's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day.

Admission

• $15 general admission
• $13 seniors
• $10 students
• Free members and youth 17 and under
• Free for all from 5:00-9:00 p.m. every Thursday for ICA Free Thursday Nights
• Free for families (up to two adults accompanied by children 12 and under) on the last Saturday of each month with the exception of December

NORTH END

The North End is a quintessential part of any Boston experience. A stroll through the North End can transport you back in time to Colonial Boston or give you a taste of Italy without the plane fare. True to its historical, and very British, roots, the North End is a maze of winding streets and alleys. Be sure to pick up a complimentary map from one of the trolley tour stands that dot the sidewalks around the Greenway and the Aquarium T station.

The Freedom Trail is an excellent self-guided walking tour that hits all the major historical sites and keeps you from getting lost—simply follow the red brick line in the sidewalk. Along the way, you’ll find Paul Revere’s House (the only surviving home of a Revolutionary in the city). To take a tour of the house requires paying admission, but many other attractions on the Freedom Trail are free. The Old North Church, still an active place of worship, offers a free, brief tour recounting the church’s role in Revolutionary War history. Copp’s Burial Ground just up the hill will appeal to the true history buff in your group.

For your modern-day North End fix, no trip is complete without a stop at Mike’s Pastry. Tourists and locals alike can be spotted with the recognizable twine-wrapped boxes, so take the hint—Mike’s Pastry usually has a crowd; take your cannoli to go and find a nice shady spot in Christopher Columbus Park or the Paul Revere Mall for maximum, peaceful enjoyment.