Boston

Birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a fascinating, accessible tourist destination, even for first-time visitors to the USA.

Widely considered to be the most European city in America, Boston will charm you with its rich history and its distinct neighbourhoods.

Discover the architecture, culture and historic pride of this economic capital with a sightseeing tour—by bike, ''Duck Tour'' or on foot—or self-guided tour.

Numerous historic sites bear witness to America's fight for liberty, from North End to Beacon Hill to Back Bay.

Waterfront

If you fancy breathing in a little salt air, a walk along the Boston Waterfront, on Atlantic Avenue, will allow you to admire the boats and the various docks such as Commercial Wharf, Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf .

You can also stop for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium has so much to offer that visitors of all ages hardly know where to look first! From sharks to penguins, clownfish to anacondas, the aquarium is home to more than 600 species of animals, reptiles and fish, including several rare specimens.

The main attraction is, without a doubt, the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-storey, 700,000-litre coral reef featuring hundreds of Caribbean reef animals that visitors can observe through large glass windows.

In addition to traditional aquarium tanks, the aquarium offers the chance to observe an array of marine mammals and birds. An open-air marine mammal habitat houses seals and sea lions that can be seen lounging, playing and zooming around the exhibit space.

Whale-watching tour

Climb on board the Voyager III, a high-speed catamaran operated by Boston Harbor Cruises, which has partnered up with the New England Aquarium to offer 3,5 hour whale-watching cruises.

The cruise will take you to the heart of Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, one of the most active marine sanctuaries in the world, three miles north of Cape Cod at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay.

You will have the chance to observe these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat, and learn all about them from onboard naturalist guides trained by New England Aquarium experts.

This area is home to several kinds of large whales, including acrobatic humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales, as well as dolphins, sea birds and other marine life.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made directly on their website. Departures every day from mid-March to mid-November, with one departure per day in low season and several sailings per day in high season.

Children's Museum

If you're travelling with young children and would like to treat them to a fun learning experience, the Boston Children's Museum is sure to please! One of the largest children's museums in the world and one of the oldest and most beautiful in the United States, it is entirely dedicated to educating children through hands-on experience and play, with exhibits focusing on topics such as health & fitness, environmental awareness, culture, the arts and science.

The museum's young visitors will enjoy exploring and interacting with the museum's many innovative, child-centred exhibits. It is also one of the few children’s museums in the world to maintain a permanent collection of more than 50,000 items.

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

Contemporary art lovers are sure to enjoy visiting this small museum overlooking Massachusetts Bay. In addition to regularly-changing temporary collections, you can admire the permanent collection of videos, photographs and paintings by great American and international artists.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

The Boston Tea Party was an important historic event that paved the way for the American Revolution and the War of Independence of 1776. Angry about the unpopular policies and taxes imposed by Great Britain and the British East India Company's monopoly on tea sales, more than one hundred American patriots disguised as Native Americans dumped an entire shipment of 45 tons of tea from three British ships into Boston Harbour.

The museum's guided tour will take you onto a full-scale restored 18th-century sailing vessel where you will relive, and even take part in, the Boston Tea Party, accompanied by interpreters in period costume. The museum also offers a collection of historic artifacts and interactive exhibits in addition to an award-winning multi-sensory documentary.

Freedom Trail

This 4-kilometre red-lined route will lead you to 16 official historic sites, including churches, cemeteries, museums, parks and houses, that played a significant role in the American Revolution. The complete circuit takes about a day. If you don't have time to see it all, here are some of the highlights you won't want to miss:

Boston Common

Boston Common is America's oldest public park. Located in the heart of Boston, the Common has borne witness to many significant events in the city's history since its founding in 1634.

Puritan colonists purchased the land rights to the Common’s 44 acres from the first settler of the area, Anglican minister William Blackstone. The pasture then became known as the "Common Land" and was used to graze local livestock. Over the years, it has served as a camp for British troops, a site for public hangings and civil war recruitment, and has played host to anti-slavery meetings, anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, and public assemblies of all kinds.

Boston Common is the starting point for the Freedom Trail. Pay a visit to the Boston Common Visitor Center (139 Tremont Street), inside the park, before setting out to explore the Trail.

Boston Common is also the perfect spot to relax by “Frog Pond”, which features a children's carrousel and water games in summer and becomes an ice-skating rink in winter, or to go for a stroll along one of the park's short pedestrian trails.

Old South Meeting House

This historic Puritan church, built in 1729, was the biggest building in all of colonial Boston and an important gathering place for almost three hundred years. Members of the congregation included none other than patriot leader and founding father Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin, founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence. This was the place where colonists met time after time to challenge British rule. On December 16, 1773, 5,000 colonists gathered to decide what to do about the tea on ships moored in the Boston harbour, leading to the events of the Boston Tea Party.

Old State House

The oldest surviving public building in Boston and the former seat of colonial government, the Old State House was at the center of several events that sparked the American Revolution. It was in front of the Old State House that, on a cold night in March 1770, a group of British soldiers opened fire, killing five Bostonians and injuring many others. This incident, known as the Boston Massacre, fueled the anger of the Patriots and led to public protests and threats of retaliation. On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read to the people of Boston from the Old State House balcony.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall played an important historical role in the build-up to the American War of Independence and has served as an open forum for debate and discussion for over 250 years. Behind the Hall stands a statue of Samuel Adams, an important figure in American history. Known as the Cradle of Liberty, Faneuil Hall was built in 1741 by wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil to be a permanent public market house. The building is topped by the famous gilded "Grasshopper" weather vane, symbol of the Boston Harbour.

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.

Quincy Market

Just behind historic Faneuil Hall is the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a series of restored 19th century buildings housing food stalls, cafes, shops and restaurants of all kinds. The main building, Quincy Market , is a Greek Revival gem built in 1826 to accommodate the overflow of vendors from nearby Faneuil Hall. You will find something for every taste: it's the perfect to stop for an inexpensive bite to eat. One of Boston's must-see attractions!

Paul Revere House

Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and the only home on the Freedom Trail. Paul Revere, a goldsmith, purchased the house in 1770. He and his family lived here when Revere made his famous "Midnight Ride" to Lexington on the night of April 18-19, 1775 to inform John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the route taken by the 800 British soldiers coming to arrest them and seize their weapons and ammunition. You will learn about the life and times of Paul Revere, and will even see several pieces of furniture that belonged to the Revere family. 

Old North Church

Visit the oldest standing church in Boston, founded in 1723 and made famous by Paul Revere's “Midnight Ride”. It was from the church's steeple (the tallest in Boston) that two lanterns were hung signalling that the British were coming to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land, on the night of April 18, 1775. A real icon of American history!

USS Constitution

Built in 1794, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned U.S. navy warship afloat, and a great source of national pride. She earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 when cannonballs fired at her appeared to bounce off, causing one of her crew to remark that her sides were made of iron. Note that the USS Constitution is open for public visitation, free of charge.

The nearby USS Constitution Museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 3,000 objects spanning over 200 years of naval history.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most picturesque neighbourhoods, with its English-style red brick houses, gas lanterns and cobblestone streets. A walk through Beacon Hill is a must-do Boston activity, especially at night when the gas lanterns flicker to life, creating a romantic atmosphere! The neighbourhood is named for the beacon installed on the top of the hill to warn residents of an invasion in the 17^th century. Here are some of the highlights you won't want to miss:

State House

Rising on the top of Beacon Hill, State House is a real architectural gem. Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and built in 1798, its dome is completely covered in 24-carat gold leaf. It is the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Free guided tours lasting 30-45 minutes are available Monday-Friday.

Beacon Street

During the 19^th century, Beacon Street was very popular with the city's wealthier families. It is lined with a number of sumptuous urban mansions.

Chestnut Street

Be sure to visit Chestnut Street, which features a variety of 1800-1830 architectural styles, including the so-called “Swan Houses” at numbers 13, 15 and 17.

Mount Vernon Street

It is said that the area's most elegant homes are found on Mount Vernon Street! One of these, the Rose Nichols House Museum, designed in 1804, is one of the few Beacon Hill houses open to the public (55 Mount Vernon Street).

Louisburg Square

This area of Beacon Hill is one of the most affluent parts of Boston. With its private park and elegant neo-classical mansions, it has been home to some of the city’s most notable residents.

Acorn Street

This charming narrow lane is the most photographed street in Boston: you're sure to get some great shots!

Charles Street

Beacon Hill's main shopping street offers an array of boutiques, antique dealers, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. It's the perfect spot to do some shopping or take a break in a cafe!

Back Bay

East of Boston Public Garden along the Charles River is Back Bay, a neighbourhood most famous for its rows of Victorian brownstone homes but also a popular shopping and dining destination.

It's hard to believe that the area used to be covered in marshland!

Commonwealth Ave

Familiarly referred to as “Comm Ave”, Commonwealth Ave is one of Boston's major streets. Designed by architect Arthur D. Gilman in the Paris boulevard style in 1856, it is a parkway divided down the centre by a 32-acre wide grassy mall. This greenway, called Commonwealth Avenue Mall, is punctuated with benches and memorials and lined with magnificent trees including elm, ash, maple and linden.

Newbury Street

Newbury Street, Boston's chic shopping district, will meet all your shopping needs, with its many stores and boutiques of all kinds and for every budget. There are also art galleries and antique shops, as well as many restaurants and cafes.

Prudential Center Skywalk

Like large cities around the world, Boston has its Skywalk Observatory, on the 50^th floor of the Prudential Center, offering visitors sweeping 360-degree views of Greater Boston and beyond.

Copley Square

This bustling public square was named in honour of celebrated American portrait painter John Singleton Copley, a bronze statue of whom can be found there. The square features several marvels of American architecture including Trinity Church , the Public Library and cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts . If you visit on a Tuesday or Friday between mid-May and mid-November, you will have the chance to see the famous Copley Square Farmer's Market, Boston's biggest and busiest farmers market where many local farmers come to offer a vibrant selection of fresh produce.

Between Boylston and Dartmouth Streets and St-James Avenue

Trinity Church

Located in Copley Square, this magnificent neo-Roman style church was designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and built in 1877. If you would like to visit this masterpiece, admission is around $10 per adult and free for children aged 12 and under.

Boston Public Library

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, the Boston Public Library is the pride of Boston. Established in 1848, it was the first large free municipal library in the country, the first public library to lend books, and the first to have a children's section. Over the course of its history, the library was forced to change quarters several times, as its collection continued to grow. Today the Boston Public Library holds more than 23 million items in its various branches across the city. The Central Library in Copley Square is an outstanding example of Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classicism in America and is definitely worth a visit.

Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden, next to the Boston Common, was America's first public botanical garden.

The iconic Swan Boats, which began operating in 1877, are a popular tourist attraction. Children especially enjoy the short 15-minute ride on the artificial lake, passing under the suspension bridge, surrounded by weeping willows (usually open every day from mid-April.

Stroll along its meandering pathways with their decorative trees, plants and fountains, and admire the statues such as a bronze of the family of ducks immortalized in the children's book “Make way for Ducklings” and an equestrian statue of George Washington. You can even watch real swans and ducks on the lagoon!

Located between Beacon, Arlington, Boylston and Charles Streets.

Charles River Esplanade

Along the Charles River, between the Museum of Science and the Boston University Bridge and across the river from the City of Cambridge, stretches a 5-km leafy path. The perfect place to stretch your legs or perhaps stop for a picnic lunch, the Esplanade features walking trails, bike trails, historical monuments, a marina and children's playgrounds. 

NEARBY

Cambridge

Boston's reputation is due in part to neighbouring Cambridge, home to two of the world's most prestigious universities, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technologies) and Harvard University .

Harvard University and Harvard Yard

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Its sprawling 209-acre main campus houses some 500 buildings large and small. Harvard Yard is the oldest part of the university campus.

Take the time to admire the classical and modern architecture and to take a walk through the campus of this iconic university whose alumni include such notable figures as John F. Kennedy, Bill Gates, Barak Obama, Nathalie Portman and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.

The oldest building on campus is Massachusetts Hall, built in 1720, followed by Holden Chapel in 1744, Hollis Hall in 1763 and Harvard Hall in 1766, which is just off Peabody Street.

It is a Harvard tradition to touch the left foot of the statue of John Harvard, also known as the Statue of Three Lies, in front of University Hall (1815). The inscription on the statue reads "John Harvard-Founder-1638". In fact, John Harvard was NOT the founder of Harvard, he was merely a donor; Harvard was NOT founded in 1638, it was founded in 1636; and the man portrayed in the statue is NOT John Harvard!

Student-led public walking tours of the campus are available, free of charge. Tours depart from the Harvard Information Center (1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge / 617-495-1573 / www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard) on the Smith Campus and last about one hour. The tour provides a history of the university, general information, and a unique view on the student’s individual experience. Reservations are not required, but tours are capped at 35 attendees and you must register for the tour one hour prior to departure time.

You may prefer to take a self-guided walking tour using a tour pamphlet offered in nine different languages, which can be purchased from the information center for a minimal charge. You can also download audio files of historical information on each of the buildings in Harvard Yard. (see www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours/audio-tours).

Harvard Square

This lively plaza adjacent to Harvard Yard is teeming with independent bookstores (more than thirty of them!) cafes, restaurants and boutiques of all kinds. It also houses theatres, movie theaters and concert halls, making it a major commercial and cultural hub.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard Museum of Natural History is a Boston treasure and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural history. Founded in 1998, it brings together three distinct research museums: the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard University Herbaria and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. The museum's galleries house exhibits with themes such as Climate Change, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Glass Flowers (superb glass models of plants, made in Germany between 1887 and 1936 by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son team of Czech glass artists), Arthropods, Cenozoic Mammals, Evolution, Vertebrate Paleontology, Sea Creatures in Glass (also made by the Blaschkas), Asia, Afrique, Central and South America, Marine Life, New England Forests, Birds of the World and the Great Mammal Hall.

Note that the Museum of Natural History is adjacent to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and admission to one museum admits you to both during regular hours.