From hearty brunches to luxury shopping and cultural expeditions, there are countless activities to take advantage of in Boston on a Sunday. As a bonus, some of these activities, like admission to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, or a self-guided tour through the MIT Museum, are free of charge.
Sunday brunch in Boston is a must. Choosing where to eat, however, is no easy task. Locals swear by Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club (or JD's, as it's often referred to), where local and national jazz artists grace the stage during weekend brunch hours. If you're on a budget, check out Centre Street Cafe and try one of the restaurant's hearty vegetarian or Tex-Mex dishes. Other picks include Harvest, Tremont 647 and Henrietta's Table.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is open daily, but locals can score year-round free admission on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. You can also take advantage of the MIT Museum's free admission from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays. After you're finished exploring the halls of history, head over to Boston's infamous Bunker Hill Monument, where the first major battle of the American Revolution was fought on June 17, 1775. Admission to the 221-foot-tall structure is free, and it is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Boston is home to a number of eclectic boutiques and vintage shops that remain open for business on Sundays. Great Eastern Trading Co. and Poor Little Rich Girl offer racks full of retro threads, while Bobby from Boston pays homage to the classics with its fine line of menswear. If you're searching for a real steal, Dollar-a-Pound has plenty of secondhand, budget-friendly finds. Looking to splurge, instead? Check out the luxury-lined blocks of Newbury Street, located in the Back Bay area. Some of the most expensive boutiques in the world can be found along this eight-block stretch (featuring names like Chanel, Armani, Valentino and Burberry), along with stunning views of 19th-century architecture.