The capital and the largest city of Massachusetts, Boston is also one of the oldest city in the US – it was founded in 1630. It was one of the main cities during American Revolution, where it played an important role, commemorated now on the famous Freedom Trail – a walking route along historic sites telling the story of a birth of a nation. Boston metropolitan area is home of several world known universities, such as Harvard, MIT and Tufts.
Quick facts about Boston
- Name: Boston
- Founded: 17th century
- Population: 685,000
- Area: 48 sq mi (124 km2)
- Known as: ‘Capital of Massachusetts (MA), ‘Beantown’
Nicknamed ‘Beantown’ for its famous baked beans dish, Boston has many things to offer to its many visitors: Symphony Hall, with Boston Pops orchestra, Fenway Park, home of Red Sox baseball team, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
For leisure time there are several areas, such as: Public Garden, large park in the heart of Boston; Newbury Street, with high end shopping and art galleries; the Waterfront, seaside area great for walks and casual dining, and the North End, Italian district with eateries and historic sites.
Main attractions in Boston
There are many attractions in Boston, both inside the city and in immediate surroundings. We are listing here only top 15-20 of them.
Freedom Trail. A 2.5 mile (4 km) route going through downtown Boston with 16 historic sites, such as meetinghouses, churches, burial grounds and museums. Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Three historic markets within an indoor-outdoor shopping center. Boston Common. Large, about 50-acre urban park, the oldest one in the United States. North End. Historic part of Boston, known also as Little Italy, with narrow streets, restaurants and shops and several historic sites. Fenway Park. The oldest baseball park in the US, home of the Red Sox. Also, a concert venue.
Museum of Fine Arts. The fifth museum by size in the US, it hosts vast collection of impressionist art and ancient Egyptian treasures. Beacon Hill. The famous Boston neighborhood with red brick sidewalks, cobblestoned streets, elegant townhouses and old-time gas street lamps. New England Aquarium. Large aquarium with over 2,000 sea animals. Also, there is IMAX theatre and whale watching show.
Back Bay.High-end shopping and dining, fashion chains, art galleries and posh cafes in elegant brick house preserved area.Boston Harbor.A natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay, and a major shipping facility. Historically famous for Boston Tea Party.
Top things to do in Boston
After you visit all attractions listed above, you can try and do following: take a Boston Photo Tour as you will have memorable pictures of your visit, especially in historic areas, take a historic cruise of Boston, go on a pizza tour in the North End or take a day trip and visit Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord.
You can also rent a bike (or a hybrid bicycle) and go for sightseeing by yourself.
Festivals and events in Boston
Boston is packed with festivals and events all year around. Here are some top recommendations.
Plymouth Thanksgiving (November), Tree Lighting Ceremonies (December), Lights in the Garden (December), Chocolate Festival (January), Several Valentine Themed events (February), Garden Show and Film Festival (March), Design Week and Earth Day (April), Beer Festival (May), Concert in the Park and Fireworks (June), Medieval battle in the park (July), Seafood Festival (August), several music festivals (September), Several Halloween events (October).
Read more: Festivals and events in Seattle