Characterized by cobblestone streets, clam chowder, fishing harbors, and crisp
fall afternoons, Boston is the quintessential New England city. As one of the oldest
cities in the nation, Boston lives up to its title of the "Cradle of Modern America,"
with endless traces of historical Colonial and Revolutionary America permeating its
streets. The ideal way to experience Boston’s history is the Freedom Trail walking
tour (free to the public). Beginning at Boston common park and ending at the USS
Constitution, the tour includes visits to historic sites dating back to Colonial
America and the American Revolutionary War. "The Cradle of Liberty," or Faneuil Hall,
is a popular stop on the trail. Dating back to 1742, this famous meeting hall was the
location for speeches given by Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others during the
Revolutionary War. Boston Common, one of the oldest parks in the United States, features
historical burial grounds, the Massachusetts State House, Boston Public Garden, and
the Parkman Bandstand (used for musical and theatrical performances). Shakespeare on
the Common and Boston Lyric Opera performances also draw visitors to the park.
Just as in centuries past, Boston is still a worldwide financial and commercial
center. This modern financial dominance is symbolized by the skyline landmark, the
Prudential Tower, Boston’s second tallest after the John Hancock Tower. Open to the
public, the Prudential Skywalk welcomes visitors to travel to the top of the highest observation deck in New England. The Port of Boston, the oldest continually active major port in the Western Hemisphere, is also a symbol of Boston’s commercial and
industrial influence. In addition to its commercial strength, Boston is a well-
regarded intellectual and multi-cultural capital with more than a hundred colleges
and universities located in the Greater Boston Area. Two of the most prestigious
universities in the Boston Metropolitan Area are neighboring Cambridge’s Harvard
University and Boston’s own Boston University. The Ivy League-Harvard University is
the oldest institution of higher learning in the nation and influences the
intellectual and artistic culture apparent in the streets of Cambridge and Boston.
The main campus of Harvard boasts architectural and historical must-sees, in addition
to several museums like the Harvard Art Museum which specializes in Western Art
dating back to the Middle Ages.
Many artistic experiences await visitors in the celebrated city of Boston, including
jazz shows, rock concerts, classical music performances, and theatrical
presentations. To experience the arts in Boston some local favorites include the
Boston Pops Music, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Ballet, and the
Boston Opera House. An often frequented area of the city is Copley Square, home to
the exquisite Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, Museum of Fine Arts, and the
finish-line of the Boston Marathon. For a true Bostonian experience, do not forget to
go shopping at Quincy Market (also known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace) or enjoy a
Faneuil Hall
MarketplaceBoston RedSox baseball game at Fenway Park.
On national holidays, Boston is the place to be, hosting some of the largest Saint
Patrick’s Day, (Boston Irish Public), Fourth of July, and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the east coast.
When it comes to dining in Boston, outdoor cafés and waterfront restaurants serve
everything from extravagant world-cuisine to simple city-famous city dishes, such as
Boston cream pie, clam chowder, and lobster roll. Locals also enjoy beer in many
authentic city pubs or at Boston’s Samuel Adams Brewery. As for
transportation in Boston, most locals get around town by foot, giving Boston the
name, "the Walking City." Home to the first subway system in the United States,
public transportation is well-developed, but congested, so many students, residents,
and visitors choose to walk. When walking is not practical, the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority offers commuter rail, rapid transit, light rail, bus, and trolley services.Logan International Airport, located in East Boston, is
the area’s main airport.
