What was once an undeveloped section of Boston’s waterfront area has emerged into the city’s most exciting neighborhood to visit. The vibrant Seaport District is filled with a haute collection of upscale restaurants, hip shops, and boutique properties. Here’s an insider’s guide to some of the best things to see and do in the Seaport District.

What to do:

Because Boston is such a great walking city, we have made it easier to get around with the addition of the Harborwalk, a connecting path that runs through the Seaport District by way of Dorchester and East Boston. You won’t be able to walk the entire path that runs along the waterfront (it’s a 43-mile connection), but admittedly, the Seaport section offers one of the prettiest views.Photo Credit: Boston Harbor Now

Head to the Institute of Contemporary Art for a leisurely stroll of the halls to view a rotating collection of exhibits or sign up for an educational tour. One of the most popular events at the ICA is the first Friday nights (of every month in the summer) from 5 to 10 p.m. where guests gather for music and drinks under the stars.

Take in a concert at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts some of the biggest names in music. (Keep an eye out this summer for performances by Diana Ross, Sting, The Goo Goo Dolls, John Mellencamp and Lauryn Hill).

Where to eat:

From casual fare to fine dining at some of the best steakhouses in town, the Seaport District has no shortage of restaurants. Seafood is the name of the game here and even the casual eateries deliver some great dishes like Yoki Express, best known for their overstuffed sushi burritos or the Japanese YO! Sushi, which just introduced a selection of wine, beer and sake to their menu.

For some of the best dining in town, we recommend visiting one of the area’s signature steakhouses. You certainly have your pick from Morton’s near the World Trade Center, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, one of the swankiest restaurants in town with a front row waterfront view and the latest newcomer to the beef eating scene – Mastro’s Ocean Club.

For a see and be seen scene, head over to Strega Waterfront for some of the best Italian dishes in town (think pappardelle Bolognese made with chopped filet mignon or lobster fra diavolo complete with a whole lobster).

Photo Credit: Strega Waterfront

When it comes to seafood, you have come to the right city. For no frills dining, try out the Boston staple No Name Restaurant for some of the best seafood chowder in town or grab a coveted patio seat at Yankee Lobster Company and enjoy a lobster roll al fresco. If you have worked up a hearty appetite, head to Legal Harborside for an overstuffed two-pound lobster served up with a waterfront view. (There are three floors here with dining concepts ranging from casual to formal and a roof deck that is worth a visit).

Photo Credit: Legal Harborside

Where to drink:

The Seaport District is one of the best places in town for its nightlife scene. Come for the fruity cocktails at Empire Restaurant & Lounge and stay for the endless rolls of sushi served up until the wee hours in this massive 14,000 square foot haute spot.

If you are looking for a nightcap served with an incredible view of Boston, head up to Lookout Rooftop and Bar located on the top floor of the Envoy Hotel for al fresco drinking served up with a panoramic view of the city.

Photo Credit: Lookout Rooftop Bar

For a casual beer, don’t miss The Harpoon Brewery Beer Hall where you can try out some of the freshest beer in town. Try a flight of their rotating samples their classic favorites like the IPA, Wannamango and Sweet Spot golden ale and leave the judging up to you.

Where to stay:

One of the first properties to take a chance on the Seaport District is the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center that opened here nearly 20 years ago. Since then, the area has undergone a massive transformation, yet the property still remains a standout.

The nearby Westin Boston Waterfront is another pet-friendly option and also has a great location for a late night pub crawl at the on-site restaurants M.J. O’Connor’s and City Bar.

Editor’s Update (7/6/17): WS Development and Boston Seaport announced the addition of three new retailers (Mr. Sid, Filson and Bonobos) coming to the Seaport District soon. Mr. Sid and Bonobos are slated to open fall of 2017, and Filson is anticipated to open in spring of 2018. The retailers will join several new and soon-to-open brands at Seaport, including 75 on Seaport, Aceituna Grill, Ben & Jerry’s, Better Bagels, By CHLOE., Bank of America, Blue Hills Bank, Bluemercury, Chipotle, Caffé Nero, CVS, District Hall (a platform for Boston’s innovation community), Equinox, Juice Press, KINGS, La Colombe, L.L. Bean, Luke’s Lobster, Miniluxe, The Grand and Scorpion Restaurant & Bar, Shake Shack, ShowPlace Icon Theatre, SoulCycle, Starbucks, Sweetgreen, Tikkaway, Tuscan Kitchen, Yo! Sushi, and Yoki Express.