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Boston had been a thriving city long before the United States itself existed. Founded in the 17th century, Boston has been the center of attention in New England since the colonial period. Today's Boston continues to boast some of the best attractions to be found in the Northeastern US. As the "cradle of the Revolution," Boston is full of history like no other city in America. For over 350 years, some of the world's greatest patriots, writers, thinkers, athletes and artists have called Boston their home, leaving an indelible mark on this incredible city in the process.
A trip to Boston is necessarily a trip into American history. Boston was the center of the revolutionary movement in the 1770's, and the monuments to those glorious times still stand. Faneuil Hall (1742) was a meeting place for revolutionary leaders, and it now houses dozens of shops and restaurants. The Old State House (1713) was the site of the colonial government and is open for tours. Paul Revere's house is also open for tours, and the Old North Church (1723) and its famous lanterns are still in use. The site of the Boston Massacre where five colonists died in 1770 has been preserved. The First Public School was in Boston; some of its graduates include Sam Adams and Ben Franklin. The Granary Burying Ground in the middle of town has the graves of patriots John Hancock, Paul Revere and others. Even the Boston Tea Party is commemorated in a floating ship museum, not far from the floating museum aboard the USS Constitution, America's first great warship.
In addition to history, Boston boasts a wonderful cultural tradition. There are currently more than 23 major theatres, orchestras, and symphonies in Boston, and more small theatres numbering into the hundreds. The Old Corner Bookstore was a favorite meeting-place for Hawthorne, Longfellow, Emerson, Thoreau and other great American writers. The Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum in New England, and is the centerpiece of a collection of art museums that are spread all across the city.
Kids will love Boston's history, and they will also love many of its other attractions. Boston Common, which once housed British troops, is now a beautiful park in the center of the city. The Franklin Park Zoo is nearby, with a Children's Zoo and other kid-friendly attractions. The Boston Science Museum feature over 400 hands-on exhibits. The New England Aquarium has more than 2000 sea creatures on display, including fish, whales, and penguins. Finally, the Boston Children's museum is dedicated to educating and entertaining kids at the same time.
Sports fans can attend professional basketball, hockey, and baseball games involving some of America's greatest teams. Football fans can enjoy professional games or college-level ball at many of Boston's dozens of colleges and universities.
Millions of visitors a year come to Boston for its history, and once they arrive they discover that there's even more to enjoy in this amazing city.
William J. Devine Golf Course
Franklin Park
Boston, MA 02121
617-265-4084
Golf at the 2nd oldest course in America! 18 holes only minutes from downtown Boston!
George Wright Golf Course
420 West Street
Boston, MA 02136
617-361-8313
Challenging public course right in the heart of Boston!
Old Town Trolley Tours
380 Dorchester Avenue
Boston, MA 02127
617-269-7150
Board a trolley and see the sights. Old Town Trolley Tours depart daily, every twenty minutes from 17 stops throughout the city. The 100-minute, fully narrated sightseeing tour features more than 100 points of interest.
Paul Revere House
19 North Street
Boston, MA 02113
617-523-2338
The home where Paul Revere lived when he took his historical ride is still standing and is a National Historical Landmark. It was built around 1680, and Paul Revere owned the home from 1770 to 1800. Much of the home is original, and the courtyard features a 900-pound bell and other items made by Paul Revere & Sons.
Freedom Trail
99 Chauncy Street Suite 401
Boston, MA 02111
617-357-8300
The Freedom Trail passes 16 of the city’s most famous sites from early U.S. history. Learn about the events that took place here through a self-guided audio tour or a 90-minute guided tour led by a National Park Ranger.
The Boston Beer Company – Samuel Adams Brewery
30 Germania Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-368-5000
Tour the facility, browse the Beer Museum, Learn about home brewing and different beer types and even take the taste test!
Boston Bike Tours
PO Box 960435
Boston, MA 02196
617-308-5902
Tour Boston on a bicycle with a historic guide! This energetic tour will take you to all the historic places. The company provides all of the equipment that you will need and different tours for you to choose from.
Boston Harbor Cruises
1 Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
617-227-4321
Choose your cruise and see Boston from a different perspective with the USS Constitution cruise, sunset cruise, historic sightseeing cruise, lighthouse cruise, Charles River or Lock Tour!
Boston Movie Tours
927 Lagrange Street
West Roxbury, MA 02132
866-MOVIE-45
Get a taste of Hollywood Boston style. Take a walking tour down the famous Boston Movie Mile and see where Ally McBeal Real World Boston and Good Will Hunting were filmed.
Boston Red Sox – Fenway Park Tour
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
617-482-4SOX
Tour one of the oldest and most loved ballparks, learn the history and see the locker rooms, State Street Pavilion Club and the Green Monster or see a game!
Gondola di Venezia, LLC
The Esplanade, Charles River
Boston, MA
617-876-2800
Private tours on authentic Venetian gondolas on the Charles River, right in the heart of Boston. Relax in luxury as you drift along the quaint canals and ponds of the Esplanade. Bring your favorite wine or champagne and we'll provide the rest. Indulge in the history, mystery and romance of this unique and memorable experience!
Scaventures - Scavenger Hunt
18 Washington Street #200
Canton, MA 02021
800-697-2583
One fun and exciting night all over town! You’ll meet new people, see new places, and be fast and creative to try to beat the competition. You’ll meet in a fun dining establishment with bar before and after the hunt where you will receive your custom scavenger list and then afterwards laugh and talk about your “scaventure” when you’re finished. The excitement lasts approximately 3 hours.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02144
617-495-3045
Stroll through the “garden” of glass flowers at The Harvard Museum of Natural History, which also includes the Botanical Museum, the Museum of Comparative Zoology and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is also affiliated with the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. One admission fee allows visitors access to both museums.
John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA 02125
617-514-1600
Take an intriguing journey through the early 1960s and view period settings from the White House and the multimedia exhibits that take you through President Kennedy's thousand days in office.
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-267-9300
The second largest art collection in the United States is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts. Exhibits include works by Dali, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and an extensive collection of Asian, Indian and European artwork from the 11th through the 20th centuries.
Mystery Café
290 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02111
800-697-2583
Go to their famed venue or let them come to you! This fast-paced comedy is as interactive as you want it to be. There are a variety of shows to choose from including a dinner theater, murder mystery cruises, mansion mysteries, and more.
Old State House
206 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02129
617-720-1713
The oldest surviving public building in Boston this landmark was built in 1713 to house the government offices of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and today is filled with historical exhibits. Every March you can see the event that sparked the Revolution. The Massachusetts Council of Minutemen and Militia and His Majesty's 5th regiment of Foot reenact the famous event outside the Old State House.
Skywalk Observatory & Exhibit – Prudential Tower
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
617-859-0648
The Skywalk Observatory offers an amazing 360-degree view of Boston from over 700 feet in the air. Browse the new displays including Dreams of Freedom and the new theater called Wings over Boston.
TD BankNorth Garden
100 Legends Way
Boston, MA 02114
617-624-1000
The premier sports and entertainment center in New England this is home to the Boston Bruins hockey team and the Boston Celtics basketball team. You can also browse through the Sports Museum of New England located here.
Boston Stock Exchange Tour
100 Franklin Street
Boston, MA
617-723-9500
The glass-enclosed viewing area above the trading floor offers an area for self-guided tours. There are several exhibits and multi-media displays that trace the close links between the Exchange’s role as an early source of capital, online access to breaking financial news and stock market date is available.
Boston Common
Charles, Beacon and Tremont streets
Boston, MA
617-635-2120
Boston Common is the oldest park in America and was designated as a public space in 1640. Don’t miss slippery or wet Frog Pond, which serves as an ice skating rink in the winter months a wading pool that is open during the summer months.
U.S.S. Constitution
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
617-242-5671
The U.S.S. Constitution a.k.a. “Old Ironsides” was first launched in 1797 and earned its nickname in 1815 when French cannonballs bounced off of it during the war of 1812. Winning over 40 naval battles this piece of history provides intrigue, a tour through history and a museum.
Museum of African American History
46 Joy Street
Boston, MA 02108
617-725-0022
Take a tour through time at New England’s largest African American history museum. Museum features four national historic sites dating back to the 1800’s and interactive exhibits such as The Times We Had, Separate Schools, Unequal Education and Building on a Firm Foundation, historic artifacts, and the amazing history of free African American and white abolitionist that changed the nation.
Spirit of Boston Dinner & Dancing Cruise
200 Seaport Blvd.
Boston, MA 02110
866-211-3807
Climb aboard the Spirit of Boston and sail your cares away with lobster lunch cruises, dinner cruises, dancing and entertainment.
Boston Ballet
19 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-695-6950
Classical, contemporary, and cutting-edge dance at one of the top five dance companies in North America. There are more than 50 dancers that perform classical and contemporary works from full-length stories to new works by well-known choreographers.
Hatch Shell – Free Friday Flicks
Storrow Drive the Esplanade
Boston, MA
617-787-7200
Summer in the City includes Boston's free film series on the Esplanade at sunset. All films start at sunset and are a perfect way to light up a summer evening. Please call for exact schedule.
Opera Boston
25 Kingston Street, 3R
Boston, MA 02111
617-451-3388
150 professional singers and orchestral players in outstanding operatic performances that spotlight the music not the spectacle will delight you.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
280 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
617-566-1401
15th century Venetian palace created at the turn of the century that is home to more than 2,500 art objects, among them works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Raphael, Titan, and Matisse. Interior flowering courtyard and outdoor gardens are known for their botanical beauty. Enjoy concerts from September thru May and dining at The Cafe, which boasts a full bistro style lunch.
Museum of Science
1 Science Park
Boston, MA 02114
617-723-2500
Discover the world of science all at your fingertips with over 400 interactive exhibits featuring live animal and physical science demonstrations, courses, traveling exhibits, computer center, the Mugar Omni Theater and the Charles Hayden Planetarium.
Boston Children’s Museum
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
617-426-8855
The young and young at heart alike will have some serious fun with real object, direct experiences, the home of Arthur’s World and the Smith Family PlaySpace.
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
Boston, MA –2110
617-973-5200
Take a fascinating look at the underwater world behind the glass of the 200,000-gallon tank. You’ll find sharks, sea turtles, barracuda and moray, as well as hundreds of smaller exotic tropical fishes.
Boston Duck Tours
3 Copley Place
Boston, MA 02116
617-267-DUCK
Boston Duck Tours takes passengers for a fun trip aboard vintage, WWII amphibious vehicles for 80-minute, narrated tours. Your captain will take you on a fun tour around town before splashing into Charles River for a boat ride.
Boston Red Sox – Fenway Park Tour
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
617-482-4SOX
Tour one of the oldest and most loved ballparks, learn the history and see the locker rooms, State Street Pavilion Club and the Green Monster or see a game!
Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121
617-541-LION
Home to lions, wild African dogs, snow leopards, gorillas, hippos, zebras, and children’s zoo this 72-acre site is located in Boston’s historic Franklin Park and is the largest zoo in New England.
Boston Bike Tours
PO Box 960435
Boston, MA 02196
617-308-5902
Tour Boston on a bicycle with a historic guide! This energetic tour will take you to all the historic places. The company provides all of the equipment that you will need and different tours for you to choose from.
Skywalk Observatory & Exhibit – Prudential Tower
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
617-859-0648
The Skywalk Observatory offers an amazing 360-degree view of Boston from over 700 feet in the air. Browse the new displays including Dreams of Freedom and the new theater called Wings over Boston.
Boston Common
Charles, Beacon and Tremont streets
Boston, MA
617-635-2120
Boston Common is the oldest park in America and was designated as a public space in 1640. Don’t miss slippery or wet Frog Pond, which serves as an ice skating rink in the winter months a wading pool that is open during the summer months.
Boston Bowl – Family Fun Center
820 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02122
617-825-3800
Game On! A 24-hour family entertainment complex featuring tenpin and candlepin bowling, billiards, and more than 80 interactive electronic games.
Hatch Shell – Free Friday Flicks
Storrow Drive the Esplanade
Boston, MA
617-787-7200
Summer in the City includes Boston's free film series on the Esplanade at sunset. All films start at sunset and are a perfect way to light up a summer evening. Please call for exact schedule.
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
617-635-3911
Celebrate the birth of the great civil right leading Martin Luther King Jr. with concerts, breakfast and other exciting events held around the city.
March
New England Spring Flower Show
617-933-4973
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticulture Society this annual event is a treat for your senses with local flowers and gardens are displayed.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
617-635-4447
Keep the Irish heritage alive with a parade, live bands and pipe bands from Ireland and across the U.S.
April
The Big Apple Circus
617-424-7664
Each spring brings the adventure of The Big Apple Circus. Don’t miss out on an exciting experience for the whole family. All the fabulous fun is inside the big tent at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston.
May
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Annual Street Performers Festival
617-523-1300
The Festival begins with a musical kazoo parade and a live "sculpture" staged on a Duck Boat. All Marketplace shops, restaurants, venues, pushcarts, food colonnade stalls are open daily. The Festival is open to the public free of charge with many other entertainment options all around the Marketplace.
Farmers’ Markets
617-635-4447
Boston’s Farmers’ Market opens in mid to late May and features a wealth of local produce.
June
Dragon Boat Festival
617-426-6500
Gaze at colorful boat dragons powered by energetic paddlers; enjoy taiko drumming, the Chinese Lion Dance, food, arts, crafts and other exciting performances.
Summer Revels
617-972-8300
Celebrates the beginning of summer with two free outdoor performances filled with music, dance and songs from Africa, New Orleans, Haiti and the Georgia Sea Islands. This event has everything from bluegrass to Spirituals for you to sing and dance to.
Scooper Bowl
800-52-JIMMY
Tempt your taste buds at the annual all-you-can-eat ice cream fest that is hosted by New England’s best ice cream makers. Every scoop you enjoy supports the Jimmy Fund.
July
Boston Harborfest
617-227-1528
Six-day long Fourth of July festival showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. The award-winning festival honors and remembers the past, celebrates the present and educates the future with reenactments, concerts, historical tours and more. Over 200 daily events during the weeklong festival are located in Boston's historic downtown and waterfront districts with Main Events on Boston's City Hall Plaza.
Chowderfest
610-635-4447
Who will have the best chowder? Chowderfest features Boston chefs competing for the title of “Boston’s Best Chowder.” .
September
Boston Arts Festival
617-635-3911
Get into Boston's art scene at this annual event as you enjoy performances by local musicians, dancers and actors, and meet over 75 local artists as they show their work. Performance areas showcase music theater, dance and family friendly activities that reflect Boston's diversity and cultural life.
Boston Blues Festival
617-424-7664
Got the blues? You will love listening to the blues at this annual Festival of Blues.
Boston Film Festival
617-482-0200
Many popular movies have premiered at the Boston Film Festival where new films are presented and critiqued.
Boston Folk Festival
617-287-6911
The line-up is filled with some of the best performers with dozens of musicians coming to town for this very special event!
November
Boston Veteran’s Day Parade
617-635-4455
The annual Parade showcases veteran's organizations, marching and high school bands, as well as citizens participating while honoring those who serve our country.
December
First Night Boston
617-542-1399
The original citywide festival of art & culture. It is the country's oldest and largest New Year's Eve Celebration. Enjoy a day full of family-friendly performances & entertainment events at over 40 venues. Exciting indoor and outdoor festivities include ice sculptures, The Grand Procession, a Mardi Gras-style parade, sparkling fireworks displays, and the very best in theatre, dance, music, puppetry, storytelling, visual arts and more! This extraordinary annual festival delights all ages!
Population:
Nearly 590,000
Time Zone:
Eastern Time Zone
Climate:
Although Boston’s weather is somewhat unpredictable, spring, summer and fall are usually enjoyable, thanks to comfortable sea breezes. Those cool breezes help counteract the high temperatures and high humidity of sultry sunny days. The winter season is typically damp and cold, with temperatures rising only into the 30s and 40s during the day. Abundant rain, sleet and snow is common between November and March.
Airport:
Logan International Airport (BOS)
1 Harborside Drive
East Boston, MA 02128
800-23-LOGAN
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Getting Around Boston:
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Information Center
617-222-3200
Subway/Bus
617-222-5000
Commuter Rail, North Station
617-222-3600
Commuter Rail, South Station
617-222-8120
Hingham Commuter Boat
781-749-8009
Charlestown Commuter Boat
617-227-4321
Taxis:
Boston Cab
617-536-5010
Checker Cab
617-536-7000
City Cab
617-536-5100
Town Taxi
617-536-5000
Visitor Information:
Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Two Copley Place
Boston, MA 02116
888-SEE-BOSTON
Dining:
75 Chestnut
75 Chestnut Street
Boston, MA 02108
617-227-2175
Providing American comfort food at its best, served in a captivating bistro-like setting with a cozy and friendly ambiance. Hop in and have a drink, a bite to eat, catch the game, or meet some friends for fun and good times!
The Black Rose
160 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-451-7400
One of the most famous watering holes this side of Galway Bay. Items on the menu include corned beef and cabbage, aged Angus steak, Shepherd's Pie, as well as New England seafood and a pint or two of Guinness. Traditional Irish breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday. The Black Rose is a landmark for Boston's Irish and a destination for many visitors.
Aquitaine
569 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118
617-424-8577
Sample the award-winning French cuisine or partake of one of the many flavorful wines on their list.
The Fours Restaurant & Bar
166 Canal Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-720-4455
Established in 1976 as Boston's premier sports bar and restaurant it was proudly chosen as Best Sports Bar in America by Sports Illustrated in 2005.
Flour Bakery & Café
1595 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617-267-4300
Delectable pastries that will make your mouth water and leave you wanting more. Choose from a variety of pastries, coffee, tea and lunch items.
Nightlife:
Avalon
15 Lansdown Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-262-2424
The biggest and most high-tech dance club in Boston! International DJ’s, awesome lighting, and complete surround sound – this is THE club in Boston! Open Thursday through Sunday.
Comedy Connection
245 Quincy Marketplace
Boston, MA 02109
617-248-9700
Voted "Best Comedy Club in the Country" by USA Today - presents the best in stand-up comedy seven nights a week (two shows on Friday and Saturday).
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
800-666-3496
Located on Boston's waterfront this is New England's largest brewer of specialty beers. Tours, tastings, and Five Thirty Club gatherings, catalogue Brew-Wear and events make the Harpoon Brewery a great place to taste handcrafted beers.
Improv Asylum
216 Hanover Street
Boston, MA 02113
617-263-6887
The funniest show you'll ever be part of! Voted "Best Comedy Club in Boston" for four years running. Main stage performances offer a unique blend of improvisation and sketch comedy. Cast members take suggestions from the audience and turn them into hilarious scenes right on the spot. No two shows are ever the same!
Jake Ivory’s
One Lansdown Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-247-1222
All out rock and roll entertainment that will keep you going all night. Two grand pianos face off in a non-stop show that will have you singing, laughing, screaming, and dancing all night long.
Top of the Hub
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
617-536-1775
Enjoy life on a whole different level - 52 stories above scenic Boston where a live jazz trio performs every evening in the lounge.