Boston Travel Guide, Massachusetts

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.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Boston
ask now

Things about Boston you may be interested in

• Boston Reviews
• Boston Travel tips

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Boston

• Discover Boston's attractions
  review by mohds2 posted more then 30 days ago
  Boston is not just famous for Red Sox! If you decide to visit this meticulous capital then you will be surprised to know more. If you want to go with the affordable charges, some guidelines are given below.Boston University The Boston University of Astronomy has Public Open Night, gorgeous...
• Did you know about Boston...
  review by mohds2 posted more then 30 days ago
  It is hard to find more cities in America that have identical record like Boston. From the migrants’ early days to terrorist attacks, and then to lots of proceedings, which have formed the town and the country's record there is muck filled into a short region. The town's history is best and...
• Boston for night-birds
  review by mohds2 posted more then 30 days ago
  The tourist can discover Boston by night as a laid-back place to calm down with a drink, take pleasure in a polite dinner while listening to a live jazz performance. A number of nighttime markets stay open until 11pm or midnight, but by no means later than 2am. Despite the fact that nightlife is...

view all

 

Read our members' travel tips about Boston

• Boston Public Garden
  travel tip by MadSuh posted more then 30 days ago
  Being the first public botanical garden in the United States, Public Garden is still one of the most popular sights in Boston. It is really amazing and a great place for lone walks as well as family afternoons. My favorite thing...
• Quincy Market in Boston
  travel tip by Sophia posted more then 30 days ago
  Among Boston's numerous historical landmarks Quincy Market has got an outstanding position. This 250 year old 'market place' is located in the center of Boston downtown and is very popular among locals and tourists as well.It...
• Samuel Adams Brewery
  travel tip by tibi posted more then 30 days ago
  Boston is famous for its breweries, among many other things and the Samuel Adams Brewery makes some world famous beers. The brewery is open for visitors, they have tours on which you can see how the beer is made and also taste the...

view all

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Boston

See who has been to Boston and ask them a question (membership required)

italian71 ask a question add to friends

Buggl ask a question add to friends

Fcornwa ask a question add to friends

chels098 ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

Community Galleries About Boston

Browse our members' Boston galleries to get a better impression of the place

view gallery

 

show alladd gallery

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...