Beantown Breakdown: Top 10 Boston Experiences

472 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

There's no shortage of first-rate live music venues in Boston, but the Middle East has the stronghold on spectacular and surprising indie rock performances, with national headliners and tiny local bands alike. The quadruple-business complex covers all the nightlife bases, with the extensive (and sweaty) Downstairs, the intimate (but no less beer-tastic) Upstairs, the casual Corner (bellydancers!) and swank DJ'd ZuZu. Expect a sea of jeans and Chuck Taylors.

11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113 (map)

Though Pizzeria Regina has outposts all over town, the consistency and ah-ha-greatness of its signature pizza is only guaranteed at the North End flagship, in operation since 1926. The gas-fired brick ovens produce a thin-crust cheese pizza oozing with mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce, surrounded by a pillowy, addictive crust. Don't blame us if you get hooked after one slice.

100 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 (map)

It's worth the trek to the waterfront to witness the ethereal architectural wonder that is the ICA. The structure, designed by Diller + Scofidio, hangs precipitously over the harbor in a translucent cantilever, and within lies a mind-blowing array of contemporary art exhibitions, films and theater, dance and experimental performances. Weave cleanly through the galleries, with furtive glimpses of the water, and look out for DJ'd night events that rival any club in town.

Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

What else is there to promise but a glorious stretch of grassy and paved pathways along the placid Charles River? Joggers, cyclists and dog-walkers zoom to and fro on both the Cambridge and Boston shores, occasionally dodging a Canadian goose and taking in the looming skylines. The Esplanade endears Boston even--and especially--when it's thronged on Independence Day or a citywide community festival.

4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215 (map)

This, ladies and gentlemen, is where Red Sox nation comes to live and die. Baseball gets its crowning glory here, both in the old-school seats and the luxe green monster, a nexus of activity that swarms with fans, beer, paraphernalia and honest-to-goodness Cracker Jack. As a historical stadium and a live, breathing behemoth, Fenway Park seethes with Sox fervor.

Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 (map)

It may not be Rockefeller Center, but the Frog Pond manages to condense all that quaint, gosh-darn, old-fashioned, town-wide ice skating nostalgia into one charming experience (when it's cold enough to be frozen, that is). Rent skates or bring your own, and go round and round with the splendor of the Boston Common in 360 degrees. Once you work up an appetite for hot chocolate, you're not far from the sweet rewards of Beacon Hill, Back Bay or Downtown.

1246 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

The kitschy appeal of this Harvard Square institution surpasses all its barriers to entry--cash-only, cramped, crowded. But burgers like this don't come by every day, a veritable baseball-sized 7-ounce patty topped in numerous, cheekily named combinations like the Michelle Obama (a Cajun blue-cheese burger) or the Facebook (topped with barbecue sauce and cole slaw). Prepare to get friendly with those at adjacent tables.