Boston Places of Interest
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Bordered by Boston's financial district, the waterfront, the North End, Government Center and Haymarket, Faneuil Hall Marketplace sits adjacent to historic Faneuil Hall. Located within walking distance of the Old State House and Paul Revere's House, the Marketplace is a frequently visited site on Boston's "Freedom Trail." The New England Aquarium, the Children's Aquarium, the Boston Public Garden, Old North Church, Fenway Park, and the USS Constitution are also nearby.
This National Historic Landmark has operated as a meeting hall since 1742, serving as the set for numerous speeches by notables such as Samuel Adams and James Otis, as well as the majority of important public meetings. While the original Faneuil Hall was built in an English country style, it burned down in 1761 and has since been rebuilt and expanded several times. Today, Faneuil Hall is known as "the Cradle of Liberty." The Georgian-style brick building is part of a larger festival marketplace comprised of three granite buildings. The first floor functions as a marketplace with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The second floor still operates as a meeting hall where many city debates unfold. Historical presentations are provided by the National Park Service every thirty minutes from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Boston HarborWalk
Designed to encourage the public to enjoy the clean and restored Boston Harbor, the HarborWalk serves as a link between the waterfront and the city's open space system. The HarborWalk meanders 46.9 miles through Boston's downtown area and waterfront neighborhoods, extending from Chelsea Creek to the Neponset River. The enforcement of few design restrictions has resulted in a path characterized by unique expressions. The HarborWalk creates an inviting setting for the public with art, seating areas, cafes, exhibit areas, water transportation facilities, and much more. Pick up the path at various places throughout the city to go boating, ride a bike, fish, swim, take in scenery, learn about history and enjoy nature.
Harvard Square
Named for America's first college, Harvard Square hosts more than 8 million visitors every year and is bustling with hundreds of students, professors, locals, and tourists every day. Visitors are drawn to Harvard Square for multiple reasons: it is rich with history; it is covered with quaint coffee houses and fascinating bookstores; its streets are lined with marvelous performers and musicians; and it offers a wide variety of eclectic stores and restaurants. There are also several movie and performing arts theaters located nearby. Harvard Square and its surrounding areas boast nine museums including all three of Harvard's art museums which house more than 150,000 artifacts. Located within close proximity to many historical and cultural sites, touring the area is very feasible by foot. Regardless of the reason for a Harvard Square visit, this charming historical site promises an enlightening and enriching experience.
Boston Common
Covering nearly 50 acres, the Boston Common dates back to 1634, making it one of the oldest public parks in the United States. Over the course of history, the park has served many purposes; cattle grazed here until 1830; public hangings occurred here until 1817; British troops camped on the Boston Common prior to the Revolution; and hundreds protested the Vietnam War here. Today, the Common represents the starting point of the Freedom Trail and acts as the anchor for the Emerald Necklace. It hosts numerous events from softball games and concerts to protests and political speeches. During winter months, ice skating is offered on the Frog Pond. Several significant monuments are scattered throughout the park including the Parkman Bandstand, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial and the Brewer Fountain. The Boston Common also boasts one of the oldest graveyards; the Central Burying Ground is home to the graves of many British and American soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.
Boston Entertainment
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Opening to the public on January 1, 1903, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is located inside a striking 15th-century Venetian-style palace with three stories of galleries and a beautiful courtyard sprinkled with flowers and glittering with sunshine. The Museum houses more than 2,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, rare books, and other forms of art including works by greats like Titian, Michelangelo, Raphael, Manet and Degas. In fact, the first Matisse to be included in an American collection can be found in the Museum's yellow room. The Museum's archives contain more than 7,000 letters from 1,000 correspondents, including well-known figures like Henry Adams, T.S. Eliot and Oliver Wendell Holmes, as well as the original Dante manuscripts.
Isabella Stewart Gardner designed the museum, handpicked and collected every work of art, and even installed each piece herself-a feat that has not been accomplished by any other private collector. Over the course of Isabella's lifetime, she invited artists, performers and scholars to the museum to gain inspiration from her magnificent collection of art and the Museum's impressive architecture. Today, Isabella's legacy is still alive with established contemporary art, music and education programs focusing on the influence of the visual arts on innovative thinking and artistic creation. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm with the exception of Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for college students with a valid I.D., and children under 18 are admitted for free. For more information: 617-278-5156
Fenway Park
This famous baseball stadium is home to the Red Sox and dates back to 1912, making it the oldest stadium in the major leagues. Known for the Green Monster, the 37-foot-wall in left field with a manually operated scoreboard, Fenway Park is not only the oldest stadium in the major leagues, it is also the smallest and priciest stadium with seating for less than 34,000. Although the stadium can be somewhat cramped and a bit uncomfortable in comparison to today's modern ball parks, Red Sox's attendance has soared to over 2.5 million in the 21st century. Oak seats, the retired uniform numbers of Red Sox's players, and the many records that have been broken here are just a few of the things that keep visitors coming back to Fenway Park. Single-game tickets range in price from $12 to $31 per person.
For more information: : 877-REDSOX9
Newbury Street Shopping
Stretching from the Boston Public Garden to Brookline Avenue, Newbury Street is lined with historic 19th-century brownstones that house hundreds of boutiques, shops and restaurants ranging from the most upscale and elegant to the quaint and affordable. Paved sidewalks adorned with beautiful landscaping, large bay store-front windows, spectacular architecture and uniquely defined shops have made Newbury Street one of the nicest shopping areas in Boston.
New England Aquarium
Designed to reconnect Bostonians with their waterfront while providing an educational experience, the New England Aquarium opened in June of 1969. From a 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank with sharks, turtles and a colorful coral reef to the Marcia Simons IMAX® Theatre and the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, the aquarium has revolutionized the modern aquarium experience. Over 1.5 million people visit the aquarium every year. The aquarium houses three different levels of smaller exhibits including the Thinking Gallery showcasing mammoth grouper and rare sea dragons; the Freshwater Gallery featuring piranhas, anacondas and electric eels; and the Tropical Gallery featuring numerous vibrant tropical fish, as well as venomous fish like lionfish and scorpionfish.
General museum admission for adults is $18.95 and $10.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Whale watch tickets range in price from approximately $30 to $35. IMAX tickets cost $9.95 for Adults and $7.95 for Children. Membership rates are offered for museum admission, the whale watch, and the IMAX. For more information: 617-973-5200
Museum of Fine Arts
Founded in 1870, the Museum of Fine Arts is not only one of the biggest museums in the United States, but it also holds one of largest permanent collections of art in the nation-nearly 450,000 works of art. Originally located in a terra cotta brick Gothic style building in Boston's Bay Back neighborhood, the museum is now located in a building with a 500-foot granite façade on Huntington Avenue or "Avenue of the Arts." More than one million people visit the Museum of Fine Arts a year to engage in a cultural experience, observe special exhibitions and participate in innovative educational programs. Highlights of the museum include everything from the contemporary work of artists like Warhol, Rothenberg, Hockney and Murakami to the classical work of notable European artists like Donatello, Monet, Rodin, Degas and Cezanne.
The museum is open from 10:00 am - 4:45 pm Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 am - 9:45 pm Wednesday and Friday, and 10:00 am - 4:45 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $17 for adults, $6.50 for youths ages 7 to 17, and $15 for seniors and students 18 and older. Children under the age of 6 are admitted for free. For more information: 617-973-5200
Prudential Tower
Designed by Charles Luckman and Associates for Prudential Insurance, the 759-foot-tall Prudential Tower has 52 floors, making it the second-tallest skyscraper in Boston. The Prudential Tower boasts the highest observation deck in New England that is open to the public; it is located on the 50th floor and called the "Prudential Skywalk." Access to the Tower's 360 degree panoramic view can be purchased for $11 per person or $7.50 for children under the age of 12. The Prudential Tower is also comprised of numerous shops, offices and restaurants. Top of the Hub, a popular destination to grab a bite to eat, or cocktail can be found on the 52nd floor.
For more information: 617-973-5200
Boston Restaurants
Bricco
Located in the North End neighborhood, this popular elegant Italian restaurant boasts some of the best people-watching tables in the city; however, Bricco's greatest draw is its impressive and innovative menu. Small plates and appetizers are ideal for groups seeking a social tapas-style meal while numerous delectable entrees are available for those looking for a more traditional dining experience. Select from dishes like a pistachio-covered Kobe beef or a Parmigiano-crusted Australian lamb, and top it all off with a slice of tangy lemon-polenta cake for dessert. Private dining space is available on the mezzanine level for groups of 40 for dinner or 50 for a cocktail reception.
For more information: 617-248-6800
The Elephant Walk
As the only restaurant in the Boston area that serves both Cambodian and French cuisine, The Elephant Walk welcomes an eclectic group of diners. Guests are encouraged to mix and match the menu's assortment of dishes, exploring the tastes and textures of two different cultures. Dishes include Saumon au Sarai, slices of salmon grilled with a soy-glaze and served with a salad of seaweed and green mango; Amok Royal, a custard-like preparation of fresh crab, bay scallops, catfish and shrimp with coconut milk; and Porc Diplomat, grilled pork tenderloin with a creamy mushroom, garlic and black pepper sauce. An award-winning wine list complements any meal.
For more information: 617-247-1500
Top of the Hub
This 145-seat restaurant and 190-seat lounge located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower offers breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. Live jazz and a sophisticated club-like atmosphere encourages dancing. Chef Mark J. Porcaro and team have created an outstanding menu reflecting a blend of New England dishes and contemporary cuisine. The menu changes seasonally showcasing the freshest New England seafood and highest quality meats available.
Top of the Hub is also a popular location for celebrating special events from corporate parties to weddings. The restaurant holds space for 15 to 60 guests, the ideal space for a more intimate gathering. The Skywalk Observatory is equipped to host groups of up to 600 for a sit-down event and up to 1,000 for a cocktail event. Both rooms offer 360 degrees of captivating views. For more information: 617-536-1775
Z-square Restaurant & Bar
A hidden gem located in the heart of Harvard Square, Z-square offers a wide range of homemade treats including crepes, freshly baked breads, salads, soups and sandwiches. Grab a quick bite to eat in Z-square's cozy café or head downstairs to enjoy lunch or dinner at the full service restaurant and bar where diners can select from numerous original cocktail creations or try the Wursthaus Special. Menu favorites are the curried crab cakes with orange-pineapple relish, the grilled rainbow trout, and the turkey burger with cranberry chutney.
For more information: 617-576-0101
Boston Nightlife
33 Restaurant and Lounge
Located in Boston's Bay Back neighborhood, this chic and classy restaurant and lounge offers the finest of Contemporary American Cuisine. LED lit stairwells, purple heart floors, maple ceilings, and brick arches create a warm and inviting environment. Chef Anthony E. Dawodu's menu made up of locally grown produce, freshly caught seafood, home-made pastas, and sauces rich with flavor will leave your mouth watering. Enjoy the sounds of the latest music on a state-of-the-art sound system and choose your favorite bottle from an extensive wine list comprised of both American and International selections.
33 Restaurant and Lounge is equipped with a full-time event planning department that plans more than 300 events a year. It offers multi-functional space for groups of 5 to 500. Whether hosting a client dinner, social gathering, corporate event or celebrating a monumental occasion, 33 Restaurant and Lounge promises to provide dedicated service and attention to detail. For more information: 617-572-3311
Silvertone Bar & Grill
Hidden away from the busyness of downtown on an indistinct side street, this retro bar is very popular with locals. While the wait for a table has been known to exceed an hour, working Financial District professionals consistently choose Silvertone over other well-known meeting spots in the area. Antique photographs and knickknacks line the walls of the bar's 1940s interior. Vintage music echoes throughout the bar adding to the unique ambience. The menu is made up of familiar comfort foods with an upscale twist like meat loaf and mashed potatoes or extra-cheesy mac and cheese. And the very best part of Silvertone is the price-whether purchasing food or drink, a dollar travels a long way!
For more information: 617-338-7887
Modern
Located at the heart of Lansdowne Street, this Boston nightclub connected to the Embassy and Avalon is a place to see and be seen. With the ability to maintain the atmosphere of a club, bar, or lounge, Modern has become one of the trendiest hot spots in the city. The dance floor, walled mirrors, mood lighting, and plush lounge interiors blend together to create a sophisticated but sexy interior. Sip on cocktails served by gorgeous wait staff dressed in elegantly chic outfits and listen as DJs play the best beats on the charts. Modern is open from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am Thursday through Saturday. Admission fees range from $5 to $10.
For more information: 617-351-2581
Recreation and Outdoors in Boston
Swan Boats
Located in the 24-acre Boston Public Garden, the Swan Boats are a Boston tradition. Known for their appearance in stories like Trumpet of the Swan and Make Way for Ducklings, the Swan Boats have been providing joy to all who ride them for over 120 years. While these foot-propelled paddle wheel catamarans could originally only hold eight, today the fleet of boats can hold up to as many as 20 passengers. Rides last for approximately 15 minutes, allowing guests to escape the city and reconnect with nature and wildlife.
Swan Boat rides are offered seven days a week from mid-April through mid-September. All boats are wheelchair accessible. Prices range from $1.25 per person for children to $2.75 per person for adults.
For more information: 617-522-1966
Parks of the Emerald Necklace
Established to protect, restore and maintain the landscape, waterways and parkways of Boston, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy is made up of six parks that comprise half of the city's park acreage. Designed by America's first landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, Sr., the Emerald Necklace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Parks of the Emerald Necklace are characterized by vast green spaces, glassy rivers and ponds, and a wide range of plant-life and wildlife.
There are numerous things to do and places to visit within the Parks of the Emerald Necklace. Known as the "country park," 527-acre Franklin Park is the largest of the parks with over 15 miles of walking and horseback riding trails to explore. The Parks serve as home to the second oldest public golf course in the United States, eighteen-hole William J. Devine Course, as well as America's first public arboretum, the Arnold Arboretum. Peter's Hill, the highest point in the Necklace, offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Scarboro Pond, Ellicot Arch and the Franklin Park Zoo are also popular sites to visit.
For more information: 617-232-5374
Adams National Historical Park
Spanning across nearly 14 acres, Adams National Historical Park is made up of 11 historic structures including John Adams Birthplace, John Quincy Adams Birthplace, the Old Adams House--home to four generations of the Adams family, the Stone Library and the United First Parish Church. The Stone Library dates back to 1870, containing more than 14,000 books believed to be part of the first presidential library. The United First Parish Church houses the Adams Crypt where both presidents and first ladies are entombed.
Tours of the historic structures are offered from April 19th to November 10th seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Trolley service is provided from the visitor center to the historical site located about a mile away. No trolley service is provided to the United First Parish Church; access to the church is controlled by the congregation and is open to all with the request of a small donation. The historic homes are closed from November 11th through April 18th; however, the visitor center is open year-round.
For more information: 617-770-1175
Black Heritage Trail
Starting at the Museum of African American History, the Black Heritage Trail twists and turns through Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood highlighting more than 15 pre-Civil War structures and sites. The trail is made up of important schools, houses, and 66 Phillips Street-a well-known stop on the Underground Railroad. Other features on the trail include: the African Meeting House, the Abiel Smith School, the Smith Court Residences, the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, the Charles Street Meeting House, the Phillips School, the George Middleton House, the John J. Smith House, the John Coburn House and the 54th Regiment Memorial. Boston's Black Heritage Trail promises to provide visitors with a hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding of African-American history.
As a part of the National Park Service, complimentary tours are provided from June through August at 10:00 am, noon and 2:00 pm daily. From September through May, tours are available by reservation only.
For more information: 617-742-5415
Family Activities in Boston
Visit Paul Revere's House
Located at 19 North Square, this national historic landmark is the oldest building in downtown Boston. Built in 1680, Paul Revere's House is also one of the last buildings standing from the early Colonial era in America. While the home has gone through multiple owners and renovations since Paul Revere owned the home from 1770 to 1800, today the home has been restored to its supposed appearance. In fact, 90% of the structure including two doors, three window frames, the foundation, inner wall, raftering and sections of the flooring are original. Two upstairs chambers feature furniture that belonged to the Revere family. After taking a self-guided tour of the house, visitors are provided with an additional bonus as the courtyard showcases a 900 pound bell from the USS Constitution made by Paul Revere & Sons.
Paul Revere's House is open daily from April 15 - October 31 from 9:30 am t0 5:15 pm and from November 1 - April 14 from 9:30 am to 4:15 pm. It is closed on Mondays in January, February and March, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. There are no public restrooms or telephones on site. Admission fees are as follows: $3 for Adults; $2.50 for Seniors and College Students; $1 for Children (5-7). For more information: 617-523-2338
5wits - Tomb
Test all five wits: common sense, imagination, fantasy, estimation and memory at this interactive attraction located in the heart of Boston. Upon entrance to the 3,000 year-old Tomb, guests will be briefed by the Director, given flashlights and set on a unique adventure where guests will find themselves spellbound by the spirit of the Ancient Pharaoh and forced to solve challenging riddles in order to make it out alive. This 45-minute tour combines the excitement of a theme park, the electrifying thrill of a haunted house and the suspense of an adventure book to produce a one-of-a-kind experience.
5wits is open year round Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, the attraction is closed on certain weekdays for maintenance and private events, as well on holidays. Please call to confirm hours of operation. For more information: 617-375-9487
Battleship Cove
Tracing its origins back to World War II, this maritime museum and war memorial has drawn more than 5 million people since its opening in 1964. Located at the meeting of the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay, Battleship Cove honors Massachusetts citizens who gave their lives in World War II. It is home to eight vessels that comprise the largest and most distinct collection of historical naval ships in the world. It also serves as host to five National Historical Landmarks including the Submarine Lionfish, Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy, Battleship Massachusetts, and PT Boats 617 and 796. In addition to observing the ships, visitors can explore over sixty captivating exhibits.
Battleship Cove's operating hours change with the seasons: in Summer (July 4 - Sept 4) it is open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; in Fall (Sept 5 - Oct 28) it is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; in Winter (Oct 29 - March 10) it is open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; and in Spring (March 11 - July 3) it is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission prices are as follows: $14 for Adults; $12 for Seniors & AAA; $12 for Veterans; $8 for Children aged 6-14; $6 for Active Military; and free for children under the age of 6, as well as military in uniform. Several discounted rates are available for groups. For more information: 508-678-1100
Franklin Park Zoo
Founded in 1913 and located in infamous Franklin Park, the Franklin Park Zoo stretches across 72 acres of land. Not only do visitors to the Franklin Park Zoo have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of one of the parks of the Emerald Necklace, they also have the privilege of observing and interacting with hundreds of exotic animals from all around the world. Check out the Serengeti Crossing to see ostrich, Grant's zebras, Nubian ibex, and white-bearded wildebeests. Come face-to-face with an African lion at Kalahari Kingdom or head to Tiger Tales to see the first tigers to be on exhibit at Franklin Park Zoo in over 30 years. Delight in beautiful gardens, a waterfall and nearly 1,000 butterflies at Butterfly Landing. Walk along the Outback Trail and interact with kookaburras, emus and endearing tree kangaroos. Children will particularly love Franklin Farm where they can both touch and see animals such as goats, chickens, donkeys, and ponies. There is truly something for the whole family at Franklin Park Zoo.
The Franklin Park Zoo is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays and 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on weekends and major holidays from April 1 through September 30 (Summer Hours). During the winter months (October 1 - March 31), it is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Visit the zoo on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm to take advantage of 50% off the regular price of admission. Standard admission fees are as follows: $11 for Adults; $9.50 for Senior Citizens ages 62 and up; $6 for children ages 2 to 12; and free for children under the age of 2 and members. For more information: 617-541-LION
Boston Tours
Boston Lighthouses and Harbor Islands Tours
Once upon a time lighthouses were scattered all over the Boston shoreline; however, today there are only a few remaining structures dispersed across the Massachusetts coast. Tour the last historical lighthouses standing, including the first lighthouse in the United States, as well as explore the high-tech lighthouses that serve as guides to the ships that forge the sea today.
Discover the wonder of the Boston Harbor islands by visiting historical sites, observing wildlife, and participating in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, swimming and fishing. Fall in love with the breathtaking scenery of Deer, Spectacle, Thompson, Peddocks, Georges, Lovells, Great Brewster, Little Brewster, Bumpkin and Grape islands.
For more information: 617-223-8666
Charles Riverboat Tours
See all of the historical highlights of Boston and Cambridge while enjoying a 60-minute narrated cruise along the Charles River Basin. The adventure includes sites like Esplanade Park, Beacon Hill, and the Back Bay, as well as the river's seven historic bridges. Cruises depart from Canal Park at the CambridgeSide Galleria daily from June to August at 11:30 am, 12:45 am, 2:00 pm, 3:15 pm, and 4:30 pm. Tour costs are as follows: $13 for Adults; $6 for Children; and $10 for Seniors.
For more information: 617-621-3001
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery Tour
Discover the art of brewing while sampling and learning about Samuel Adams' award-winning beers. Located within the old Haffenrenner Brewery building, this Samuel Adams test brewery is where the recipe for every new beer is created. Tours are offered on Thursdays at 2:00 pm, Fridays at 2:00 pm and 5:20 pm, and Saturdays at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. All tours are free of charge; however, a $2 donation is suggested. All proceeds benefit local charities. Upon completion of the tour, all visitors will be given a small commemorative glass to take home.
For more information: 617-368-5080
Boston Movie Tours
Explore the locations that have been backdrops to many well-known TV shows and movies while discovering how Hollywood filmmakers transform historic sites into movie sets. Gain insight into behind-the-scenes trivia and get in on insider gossip surrounding movies and shows like Good Will Hunting, Legally Blonde, Mystic River, The Departed, Fever Pitch, and Cheers. Reservations are required and should be made in advance. Visitors can choose between a 2.5 hour bus tour or a 90-minute walking tour.
For more information: 866-668-4345
