As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston takes the cake when it comes to historic charm. It’s not all cobblestones and colonial reenactors, though. Follow these tips for a totally revolutionary visit.
Kick things off at the famous Faneuil Hall, where you can stroll through numerous kiosks and boutiques to search for the perfect souvenir, or grab a quick bite in the bustling Quincy Market Colonnade. From there, you can hoof it over to Boston Common, which takes the idea of the city park to the next level. With its gorgeous trees, wide open green spaces, and swan boat rides in season, it’s a must-visit.
Photo by Lars Plougmann on Flickr
On a warm day, you can enjoy a truly New England dining experience on the patio of one of the city’s top-rated waterfront seafood restaurants. Yankee Lobster Fish Market, Legal Harborside, and The Barking Crab are just a few options for fresh catches. If it’s Italian you crave, look no further than the North End. The city’s oldest (and best-smelling) neighborhood, this bustling part of town is full of family-owned trattorias and cafes that are as delightful as they are delicious. Don’t forget to save room for dessert and grab a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry!
Culture vultures will adore Boston’s abundance of museums, which include the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. And kids of all ages can get up close and personal with sea life at the ocean-adjacent New England Aquarium.
Ready to shop ‘til you drop? Chi-chi Newbury Street, which boasts designer boutiques like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Diane von Furstenberg, is paradise for people-watchers and boutique buffs alike. Or, keep it casual at the SoWa Open Market, where you can browse local artisan booths and nosh on food truck fare in the spring, summer, and fall. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to an inventive, upscale South End bistro like Aquitaine or The Beehive.
The beauty of Boston is that you don’t have to limit yourself to the city proper to have a great time. The surrounding cities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline also offer distinctive neighborhoods, each with their own unique flavor. A quick ride on the subway — known affectionately to locals as “The T” — will transport you to bustling Harvard Square, Davis Square, or Coolidge Corner for a fun and funky experience you won’t soon forget.
