Boston is US nation's history and myth capital. It was, until 1755, the biggest city in America and the most directly affected by the British Crown (you can see that if you only consider that it has the same name as the city in UK). Numerous evocative sites from that era are preserved along the Freedom Trail through downtown.
Some say about the Bostonians that they are distant. But it's not that the natives are cold; they're just reserved (maybe this is due to their British roots as British are also considered this way). Despite their fake smiles and superficial concern, Bostonians have a deep, abiding affection for old friends, family, and the city itself; they take a perverse pride in their traffic patterns, their frigid winters, and their brave drivers.
In the past few years, downtown Boston underwent many changes. The much-maligned "Big Dig" is finally nearing completion; the submerged highway is open to traffic, and the urban recovery has begun. Work has also begun at Fan Pier, which will open the way for the full development of South Boston's waterfront over the next couple of decades.
With streets lined with elegant brick town houses, acres of public greens and gardens, America's mother city is a beautiful combination of old and new. Few places in America display their history so lovingly. History and culture can be found at every turn in Boston, but a down-to-earth attitude can always be found on the edges of its New England pride.
Boston prides itself in being a pioneer in culture, both popular and high as here we find the first public library, the first public schools, and the first subway system. There are more than one hundred universities and colleges, the most famous of which is Harvard University that is just across the Charles River. The universities and colleges draw the students every fall, bringing their infusion of high spirits and dollars from home.
This is the city that created First Night as an alternative activity on New Year's Eve. It's still going strong after more than 25 years, and has inspired imitators nationwide.
You can explore the city on foot and don’t worry about it, you won’t be exhausted as it is a remarkably compact city and it can be experienced within a day or two. Its labyrinthine streets will delight the walker, but it will push drivers over the edge. An hour's stroll will take you from sites in the North End to Beacon Hill's mansions. If you want a day’s tour start with the Boston Common, in the morning, tour a Back Bay Victorian in the afternoon, and in the evening dine on Szechuan seafood in Chinatown or gnocchi in the North End or follow the Freedom Trail -- a self-guiding walking tour of famous American historic sites.
While walking through the city don’t forget to explore its string of nine parks one of which is the country's oldest public park.
With its busy street life, imaginative museums and galleries, fine architecture and palpable history, Boston is the one destination in New England there's no excuse for missing.
