Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and is comprised of many neighborhoods, each offering its own culture. It offers a glance of American history while still giving off a modern vibe. The city has professional sports teams, historical landmarks, art, shopping, food festivals, and walking and trolley tours. Tourism is one of Boston's largest industries.
Red Brick Road
The Freedom Trail is a two-to-three-hour walking tour that looks at America’s revolution through 16 historical landmarks. The 2.5-mile-long walk can be free if self-guided by following the red brick trail, but visitors can also purchase tickets for a guided tour. Start at the Boston Common, the country’s oldest public park, where Puritans purchased the 44 acres of land from the first European settler of the Boston area, William Blackstone, in 1634. End the tour at the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the world. The ship survived the War of 1812. You can start anywhere on the tour. Some of the other official 16 sites include the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, the State House, Bunker Hill Monument and Paul Revere’s house.
Boston HarborWalk
Enjoy Boston’s waterfront by taking a walk along Boston HarborWalk, an effort to promote a clean harbor. The public walkway features parks, art, sculptures and cafes, as well as a view of the beautiful shoreline. Walking the edge of the waterfront allows visitors to experience the variety of cultures by passing through numerous neighborhoods within Boston including: East Boston, Charlestown, Downtown/North End, Fort Point Channel, South Boston and Dorchester. Enjoy nature by taking a walk, a swim, going boating or sailing, or having a picnic along the shoreline all while taking in the scenery and history of each area. Cruises are also offered at noon or wait until evening for a view of the sunset.
Ballgame
For baseball fanatics, taking a tour of the oldest major league baseball park, Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is a must. The park held its first major league baseball game in 1912 and has housed legends, including Babe Ruth. Hour-long tours are offered year round and if you’re lucky, you may get tickets to see the Red Sox play a game.
Flowers
Created in 1837, the Public Garden, as part of the Boston Common, was America’s first park and botanical garden. View more than 80 species of plants, some which are not native to the area, as well as the lagoon, fountains, sculptures and monuments. Notable plants include weeping willows, American elms, ginkgo trees, and a California redwood tree. In the spring, take part in a tradition by riding in the Swan Boats.
Newbury Street
Near the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Newbury Street is eight blocks of fine shopping including salons, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. A street once under water until the mid-1800s, Newbury Street has come into its own. Most of the same buildings from the 1880s still stand today, housing independent and high-end retail shops as well as numerous hair salons. Known as a tourist destination for many decades, Newbury Street offers a glimpse of the diverse culture Boston has to offer as well as a way to see the past collide with the present.
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