Thursday, 29 July 2010
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Welcome to Boston!

The city of Boston became incorporated as a city in 1822, and stands proudly as one of America's oldest and historic cities.  Boston is also known as an economical, cultural and educational hub in the region and is home to some of the worlds finest hospitals.  Weather you're here for a visit, or have lived here your whole life Boston offers tourists and residents alike, an abundance of attractions.  Yalla, lets get started!




Boston by Foot

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the city is by foot as Boston is such a walkable city!  The Freedom Trail, Black Heritage Trail, and the Irish Heritage Trail all offer an amazing casual and cultural tour of the city.  A perfect start to pick up any of the tours is at Park Street Station (Red/Green Line) at the Boston Common where there is an information kiosk for more information.  Since they are casual trails, plan for a half to full day tour depending on your pace as you'll pass by numerous historical and touristic sites, museums, and plenty of picturesque scenes along the way. 

Some of the places you'll see along the way: 

The Boston Common
The State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
King’s Chapel
King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Benjamin Franklin Statue/Boston Latin School
Old Corner Book Store
Old South Meeting House
Old State House
Site of the Boston Massacre
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House
The Old North Church
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
USS Constitution — “Old Ironsides” & USS
Constitution Museum

Bunker Hill Monument 

 



Boston Common & The Public Garden


boston_public_garden_01.jpg

Take a walk through the Boston Common or the Public Garden and for a moment, you feel you're not even in the city!  

I bet you didn't know that Boston Common is the oldest park in the country?  Many local events are hosted here throughout the year, one of the biggest being Boston's First Night (New Years Eve festival).  During the winter months, Frog Pond is transformed into a small ice skating rink while the summer months, water fountains delight those seeking relief from the sun!

Make your way across Charles Street to the quaint and picturesque Public Gardens that dates all the way back to the 1630's.  The Swan Boats are one of the main attractions here, as well as native and exotic flora and trees.  

 




Faneuil Hall


Known as the gateway to the city, Faneuil Hall offers visitors a unique touristic experience nestled between some of Boston's most historic neighborhoods with the waterfront only steps away.  You can find numerous restaurants, night clubs, pubs, museums and retail stores around this district that can keep you busy for hours.



Newbury
Street

It may be surprising to learn that up until the mid 1800’s Newbury Street was under water and part of Boston Harbor. Around 1857 the small hills and crests of Boston were used as landfill for what is now the Back Bay of Boston. In turn, this new area became the most sought after place to live in the city.

Retail space has now replaced the original residential design structure. However the original influence and residential feel has remained. European design elements, wide boulevards, an efficient grid system, and parkways mark the area and separate it from downtown Boston.

What can't you find on Newbury Street?  From Boston's most expensive retail stores to its European style sidewalk restaurants, this is a street not to pass by. 



Cambridge

Head your way across the Charles River and over to Cambridge; one of the more culturally rich populations of Boston. With over 95,000 inhabitants; over fifty languages may be heard on the streets of the city, including Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, Chinese, Amharic, and Korean. This diversity adds to the array of storefronts and events which can be found in the area.

Adding to this mix is a myriad of college students and working professionals. Cambridge is home to two of the worlds most famous universities: Harvard University and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In addition, the various town squares have there own charm and uniqueness to be experienced.

Harvard Square
Kendall Square
Central Square

Porter Square
Davis Square

 



The North End

Viva Italia!  The North End in Boston is proudly known as the Italian district or "Little Italy" where the aroma of garlic and spices, freshly baked pastries and natives speaking Italian fills the streets!  The North End is only short walk from Faneuil Hall and accessible from Haymarket Station (Orange/Green Line), you'll enter the district through the famous Hanover Street which houses well over 40 unique Italian restaurants!  After dinner, catch a late night comedy show at the the Improv Asylum.



The Waterfront

boston_waterfront_01.jpgBoston's waterfront is one to be matched.  Stretching across the entire east side of the city, there are plenty of fun activities to do and sites to see.  These are just a few:

Duck Tours
New England Aquarium and iMax Theater
The Museum of Science
The Childrens Museum
Boston Tea Party Museum
The USS Constitution

 

 

 


 

 

Author: Michael Abi-Kheirs