Long known for its old-world charm, from the historic Faneuil Hall to the Freedom Trail that celebrates Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, Boston has come a long way towards staking its claim in the 21st century. With the completion of the “Big Dig” that buried Boston’s vast network of highways underground, Boston has hit the new century running. Attractions span beautiful public libraries, fascinating museums and plenty of sports. Boston is destined to grow ever more beautiful as more and more of the ungainly elevated highways are replaced with lush parks.
Boston has a tradition unlike any other city in America. It was here in 1773, when America was still a colony of the British Empire and residents, angered over a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III, launched a bold nighttime protest in which they dumped 342 chests of English tea into the Boston Harbor. The “Boston Tea Party,” as the raid was called, was the first major event that would lead to the American Revolution.
While proud of its history, Boston has adjusted well to modernity. In 2004, Boston finally completed its decades long “Big Dig” project. The stunning Leonard P. Zakim Bridge, with a width of 180 feet, is the widest cable stayed bridge in the world and the crowning achievement in the single most expensive feat of civil engineering in human history. The completion of the project has made a city already laced with stunning parks and colonial era architecture even more beautiful.
Despite its traditions and its idyllic façade, Boston has more than its fair share of excitement. With more than 20 universities, including world-famous Harvard University, and over 100,000 students, Boston is the quintessential college town. From its outstanding live music venues to the fascinating museum and lively parks, Boston pulses with the energy of youth.
Freedom Trail
North End
Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park
Martha's Vineyard Day trip from Boston
Public Garden
Samuel Adams Brewery Tours
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Science
JFK Library
New England Aquarium
Boston Children's Museum
USS Constitution
Boston Fire Museum
Boston Public Library
TD Garden — Home of Boston Bruins & Boston Celtics
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Franklin Park Zoo
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
As long as there are fish in the sea, Boston will be a seafood town. New England clam chowder is Boston’s most famous delicacy and is a must try. While the traditional sea fare is as popular as ever, interesting new restaurants of all varieties are popping up every day across the city.
Legal Sea Foods
Mistral
Union Oyster House
Chinatown Cafe
Regina Pizzeria
Trattoria Il Panino
Mooo....
The Paramount
Chart House Restaurant
Terramia Ristorante
Grotto
All Star Sandwich Bar
Coffee was introduced to North America in 1668, and drinking coffee soon became a popular social activity. Boston was, however, dominated by the tea trade, and it took about a hundred years before coffee took over the scene. Coffee houses formed all over the city, and the United States is now the leading consumer of coffee in the world, with Americans drinking an average of 400 million cups of coffee per day.
Diners are an important part of Boston's culture. These casual, family-friendly restaurants are known for their comfort food, like pancakes, waffles, sandwiches and burgers, as well as their friendly and efficient service. Many diners in Boston have been around for decades and have become institutions in the city, with a loyal clientele. They serve as a meeting place for locals and a spot for a casual and affordable meal. They are scattered around the city, and you can find one easily, especially in the downtown area, and they are often open 24 hours a day.
Caffe Vittoria
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Thinking Cup
Café de Boston
Flour Bakery & Cafe
Mike's City Diner
Caffè Paradiso
South Street Diner
PS Gourmet Coffee
Victoria's Diner
Milk Street Cafe
Ula Cafe
Parish Cafe & Bar
Florentine Cafe
Barismo
Boston is a diehard sports town, and that infatuation is reflected in its bar scene. However, the trendy lounges and dive bars of Back Bay offer an alternative to the sports bar scene. Home to rock legends such as Aerosmith, the Pixies and, well, Boston — the city is a live music town with several outstanding venues. Electronic music aficionados should head to Lansdowne Street, where the young and scantily clad come to dance the night away.
Hava Nightclub
The Black Rose
Paradise Rock Club
Middle East Restaurant & Club
Kings Dining & Entertainment
House of Blues Boston
Cheers Boston
Howl at the Moon
Clerys
Bukowski Tavern
Cask’n Flagon
The Burren
Wally's Cafe Jazz Club
Finding great shopping in Boston is rather simple — just follow the crowds. While straying off the beaten path can occasionally uncover a hidden gem, the majority of worthwhile shopping is found in the following popular areas.
Newbury Street
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Harvard Square
Copley Place
Lekker Home
Shops at Prudential Center
Saks Fifth Avenue
Quincy Market
Natick Mall
Shake the Tree
Flock
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
All flights to Boston arrive at Logan International Airport (BOS), which is located approximately 5 miles east of downtown Boston.
A free shuttle is available to the nearest “T” stop. It services all of Logan’s five terminals. Although the airport is close to the city center, traffic can make the trip last as long as thirty minutes. Book taxis 24 hours in advance of your arrival or departure.
Address: General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, Boston
Email:
Phone: +1 800 235 6426
Website: www.massport.com/logan-airport
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Public Transport
The MBTA, known locally as the “T,” provides quick and efficient rail service throughout the city. Single tickets are available, as well as week-long unlimited “Visitor Passes”. Bring cab fare if you plan on staying out late, as the T stops running at 12:30 am.
Boston is small enough to be completely manageable by bike. Call Boston Bike Tours and Rental to make a reservation and they’ll bring the bike to you.
Address:
Email:
Phone: +1 617 308 5902
Website: www.mbta.com
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Taxi
Taxis are the only way to get around town after the T stops running at 12:30am. Lines of cabs wait outside major hotels or can be flagged down in the street. You can also download the Boston Cab Dispatch app for your phone.
Address: Boston Cab Dispatch
Email:
Phone: +1 617 536 5010
Website: bostoncab.us
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Post
Sending parcels and letters in the US is a relatively straightforward process. The most common method is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS offers a variety of services for sending mail, including First-Class Mail for letters and postcards, Priority Mail for packages, and Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery. To send a parcel or letter, you will need to take it to a USPS post office or use a USPS blue collection box. You can use the USPS website to find the nearest post office or collection box to your location. Additionally, you can also use private couriers such as FedEx and UPS, which often provide a wider range of services and faster delivery times, but generally at a higher cost.
Address: United States Postal Service, 25 Dorchester Street, Boston
Email:
Phone: +1 800 275 8777
Website: www.usps.com
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Pharmacy
Abundant locations of Walgreen’s, CVS, Wal-Mart, Target and various independent chain store retailers.
Address: CVS Pharmacy, 587 Boylston Street, Boston
Email:
Phone: +1 617 437 8414
Website: www.cvs.com
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Telephone
Country Code: +1
Area Code: 617
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Electricity
110 to 120 volts (60 cycles), standard two-pronged American plugs.
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