I felt with limited time to sight see that taking a tour of some kind was most efficient in this historic city. Looking like lost tourists a passerby kindly directed us to a sales booth for a trolley tour, just wasn't the one we had the brochure for is all. But turns out getting lost isn't so bad. "David, the informative ticket guy" very astutely pointed out that the other tour was too long and involved more walking (Temps in 90's and high humidity, it was the 4th! of July) and we had the option of taking the harbor cruise tomorrow if we wanted. Sold! And it was less expensive...thanks David! Our bus driver/tour guide was 'Uncle Steve' (a name like that we knew he was gonna be good) and he was entertaining and informative...worth a $5 tip for sure. we only got off at one stop but we were able to tour the Commons on foot, Newbury Street (so Hot though!) and relax at Cheers for a great lunch and chance to peruse their dozens of available t-shirt options...we were strong! no more t-shirts! We actually got to see Old Ironsides- "the USS Constitution" out at sea for the annual 4th of July, 21 gun salute during our Harborcruise the next day.
I highly recommend City view trolley tour if you want the basics of Boston history and the present.