Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is a world-class museum that is a favorite among tourists and locals of all ages. Visiting exhibitions range from Picasso's early works to runway fashion in the early '80s. The MFA also showcases varied permanent collections and is home to more than 450,000 pieces spanning continents and centuries.

Best and worst time to go to the MFA
The best time to visit tends to be when it first opens each day. Busiest times include holidays, school vacation weeks, and when especially popular exhibitions are featured. Generally, weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and permanent galleries are always less crowded than visiting exhibitions.

Must see/do at the MFA
Visitors should always consider whatever temporary exhibitions are on display, but the permanent collections offer well more than a day's worth of viewing pleasure. Be sure to find the giant portrait of George Washington as well as some of Paul Revere's silver in the America's Wing. Kids especially will love the Egyptian room with its sarcaphagi and mummies. And definitely check out Monet's "Water Lilies", Renoir's "Dance at Bougival", Winslow Homer's "The Fog Warning", and John Singer Sargent's "The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit". And don't forget the huge gift shop for souvenirs from kids' toys to framed wall art.

Admission to the MFA
The MFA is open seven days a week and is free to members. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday offer extended evening hours. Admission is $25 per adult and $23 per student or senior. Children aged seven to seventeen are $10 during school hours and free weekdays after 3 p.m., weekends, and school holidays. Children aged six and under are always free.

Parking and public transportation to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
There are several parking options including a garage, two lots, and valet parking; these fill up quickly, so get there early. Many streets around the museum offer metered spots, but these can be hard to find. Avoid parking worries entirely by taking the T (subway or bus). Take the Green Line E train to the Museum of Fine Arts stop or the Orange Line to the Ruggles stop, or take the 39 bus to the Museum of Fine Arts stop or the 8, 47, or CT2 buses to Ruggles.

Food at the MFA
The MFA offers four dining choices at differing price points. The priciest is Bravo, but the food is well worth the higher price tag; this spot has been voted a Boston best for brunch and also has a patio in warmer weather. The New American Cafe is a great choice for fresh cuisine at a lower price. On a budget, try Taste Cafe and Wine Bar for wine, coffee, and lighter fare or the popular Garden Cafeteria, which is the best option for families.

Other places to visit near the MFA
For more art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is just a short walk away and is home to one of the world's most famous unsolved art heists. It's also only about a ten minute walk to Boston's most famous landmark, Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. From there, walk and shop down Newbury Street, Boston's Fifth Avenue.

Insider tip for visitors to the MFA
If you are driving, your best bet is to go on a Sunday and park on a nearby street; go early while there are still plenty of spots, and meters are free on Sundays. Also, the museum hosts everything from wine tastings to dance festivals, so check out mfa.org to see all that's going on.

Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it.