Nitemare

Well, I lived in and around Boston for fifty years. It’s a major city. No major city can be thoroughly toured in a day, so that is an odd thing to mention. I have never heard it called an Urban Jungle before, not sure what that means. It is easily walkable, from the pier to the Freedom Trail to Boston Garden, even to Fenway Park if that’s your goal. And the MBTA is cheap, clean, and runs to all these places. Not in a day, but in four or five days. Plus amazing museums, if you have more time. And we haven’t mentioned the harbor and islands, I love Lexington and Concord, but the density of attractions there is nothing like what you get on the Freedom Trail. You DO need a vehicle to see them. And Salem is great, once you get past the kitschy With tourist traps. I don’t see any such traps mentioned in your post for Boston, and if Faneuil Hall is closed, well, that’s not 10% of the historic attractions in the city. 90% of visitors don’t even go there, they enjoy the shopping and food and entertainment at the adjacent Quincy Market, which has not been closed. And yes, I worked there and I know the numbers. I think you are confusing tourist “traps” with tourist “attractions”. Fisherman’s Wharf and Plymouth Rock are tourist traps. Not the Freedom Trail.

Totally agree. I have no idea where that comment came from.

They are dreadful to use as transportation. The subway is fast, easy, cheap, and safe. If you are walkers, the stroll from the 9-11 Museum to the Intrepid is along the river and is beautiful with all sorts of parks and attractions en route. We've walked that path dozens of times

Downtown lodging is fine. But expensive. There are some cheaper options in Boston or in very nearby areas. No need to stay in Quincy or Salem. Read some of the other threads to see the places that are regularly recommended, like the Harborside Inn (watch out for windowless rooms) and options in the Seaport (where the Cruise Port is but not really close to tourist sites), or in East Boston or Revere. MAKE SURE any place is close to subway transit. And there are cheaper areas in Boston that are not convenient, attractive, or recommended, so do check before you book something based on price alone. Also check the very active Boston forum on TripAdvisor for similar recommendations. But don't expect to see real pricing until at least late September or October. Do look now to get ideas of what August prices look like since they will be similar next year

I agree. I worked in that neighborhood for a decade and they are nice row houses made out of brick, but they aren't at all fancy. Beacon Hill, like Acorn Street, might be a better destination and closer to the Freedom Trail to see historic and fancy houses

Plenty of free online guides to the Freedom Trail.

It's "Faneuil Hall". Boston is compact, easy to walk and great transit, so you can stay almost anywhere to see the city. Budget is important, and you won't see real hotel prices that far, out but if you can tell us your nightly budget per room we can make some suggestions

Fall color peaks are variable depending on the weather all year. In general, I think you would be best off with a tour out of Boston at that time period. If you could rent a car then you'd have the freedom to head north or west for best color, depending on what is actually going on

I would check with your planned lodgings to see if this is possible

Monets are generally in the same room or at least really near each other with the other Impressionists

HOHO busses in NYC are always crowded. They are ok to do a loop, but I wouldn't suggest Hopping off and expecting it to be easy to Hop back on one, as they are usually full. Also, if it's hot like it can be in September, it is going to be quite uncomfortable up top. And if it's raining . . .

All 3? No way. Freedom Trail in the AM and one of the museums in the afternoon, sure. Gardner is easy to do in a few hours. MFA could take a couple days if you want to see it all

Dates are KEY. We've paid $109 in January for a room that is $375 in September. Give us exact dates and how many beds you need if you want specific advice. Also let us know if you are ok with subway, there are great options that require a 10-15 train ride to get to attractions

With taxes, fees, and tip, the fare comes to just about $100. We do this regularly.

Not correct on a random day I picked. Other options, also