Top Ten Attractions
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The Freedom Trail
One of the best ways to get acquainted with Boston’s historic landmarks. The Trail is about three miles; allow a day to visit all the sites along the way. http://www.thefreedomtrail.org.
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Beacon Hill
The picturesque 19th century downtown Boston neighbourhood – a cosy enclave that’s more like a village. http://www.beaconhillonline.com/cgi-bin/index.c...
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Boston Public Garden
The nation’s oldest botanical garden, part of the string of parks known as the Emerald Necklace. Contains the famous Swan Boats. http://www.swanboats.com/new/public_garden.shtml
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Cheers Boston
Formerly the Bull and Finch, this is the bar that’s famous as the inspiration for the TV series, Cheers. A bit of a tourist trap, but a must-see for fans of the show. http://www.cheeersboston.com
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Filene’s Basement
If you're a bargain shopper, there's nothing quite like the thrill of taking the escalator down into the original Filene's Basement, where the deals may be hit or miss, but the crowds are always a sure thing. http://www.filenesbasement.com
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Battle Road Trail
Trace the path that the retreating British soldiers took back to Boston in 1775 at the start of the American Revolution. http://www.masstraveljournal.com/features/1201b...
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Fenway Park
Home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. If you can’t score tickets to a Red Sox game, take the behind-the-scenes tour. http://www.redsox.mlb.com
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Charles River Esplanade
The walkways along the river are popular with strollers, cyclists and joggers and offer splendid views of the city.
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New England Aquarium
Sea lions, penguins, and dolphins – you name it. http://www.neaq.org
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Boston Duck Tours
Tours of Boston and the Charles River in amphibious World War II vehicles. http://www.bostonducktours.com
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Travel Tip # 2
Boston Travel and Tourism’s one, three or five-day passes offer unlimited admission to more than 40 attractions and tours. http://www.gobostoncard.com
Eating and Drinking
Like other great American food cities, Boston has many options to choose from when it comes to dining. Being a major coastal city with a long maritime tradition, seafood is an integral part of local cuisine. Just-caught lobster is bathed in butter, scallops are seasoned and broiled, and fresh oysters and clams are enjoyed by the dozen. There are many good-value eateries clustered around Central and Harvard Squares and on Massachusetts Avenue. There are also lots of inexpensive places in Chinatown, while in the predominantly Italian district of North End, there’s a host of pizzerias and coffee houses. The best place for combining eating with people-watching is Hanover Street. Restaurants and cafes stretch from one end to the other and a steady stream of tourists walk the Freedom Trail.
Shopping
A recent survey suggested that shopping was one of the top reasons people visited Boston – above sightseeing and museums. One look at the city’s boutiques, malls, department stores and other outlets and you’ll understand why people flock here to stock up on clothes, shoes, jewellery and books. It all begins on Newbury Street, a renowned, eight-block stretch whose shops cater for every taste, from up-market to cutting-edge. The next stop for any avid shopper is Downtown Crossing near Boston Common. This browser’s paradise – pedestrian-friendly, no cars allowed – is home to one of the city’s most famous attractions for stylish bargains: Filene’s Basement. Give your credit card a workout while enjoying a side of history at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also called Quincy Market. This area is stocked with quaint stores and tourist-friendly souvenir shops and it has an amazing food court when it’s time to refuel. Apart from Quincy, try Chinatown, which is packed with gift and antique shops and food markets. There are also a number of farmers’ markets – at Copley Square Plaza (Tuesdays and Fridays), City Hall Plaza (Mondays and Wednesdays) and Haymarket Square (Fridays and Saturdays). Wherever you go, you’ll find ample evidence that although Boston is a history buff’s heaven, it’s also a shopaholic’s fantasy.
Night Life
Despite numerous colleges and an annual influx of young people, Boston is not known for its throbbing nightlife. Most clubs close their doors at 2am, and a smoking ban in 2004 means that many people often congregate on the sidewalk rather than inside. However, if you look closely, you can find what you want, from boisterous dance clubs to upscale wine bars to comfortable beer-and-oyster dives. Those under 21 can’t be served alcohol, but many clubs admit customers 19 years and older on certain nights. It’s best to call ahead and check an establishment’s age policy. The club scene is in a constant state of flux. Two areas where there is some degree of continuity are Landsdowne Street in the Fenway, which attracts a younger, edgier crowd, and Boylston Place (‘The Alley’) near the Theater District, which caters mainly for older executive types. Few cities in the nation harbour as many comedy clubs as Boston. Some serve light snacks as well as drinks and all have a cover charge. At some the show is continuous while at others there are distinct showtime hours, especially when big names perform. The Boston Phoenix publishes a useful arts and entertainment guide. www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/listings/index.asp
