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Discover Places to Go and Things to Do
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Boston, MA
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New England's Metropolis
Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, evokes a distinct European feel, which is evident in the city's culture. The city's role in the American Revolution has led to the nickname, the "Cradle of Liberty."
Once considered ultra-conservative, Boston has developed a progressive culture and attitude. It has become one of the most exciting places in New England, with excellent culinary hotspots and an abundance of attractions and sights. Historical buildings, parks and cemeteries are national landmarks, and the city boasts the birthplaces of many famous patriots, presidents and politicians. The city's architectural treasures include lovely brownstones and cobblestone streets, and gas-lamps light the way in many neighborhoods.
Getting Around Boston Boston streets are not easy to navigate. They are believed to follow cow paths trodden in the 17th century, which would explain the labyrinth of confusing one-way streets and rotaries! Needless to say, driving here can be a nightmare.
Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, evokes a distinct European feel, which is evident in the city's culture. The city's role in the American Revolution has led to the nickname, the "Cradle of Liberty."
Once considered ultra-conservative, Boston has developed a progressive culture and attitude. It has become one of the most exciting places in New England, with excellent culinary hotspots and an abundance of attractions and sights. Historical buildings, parks and cemeteries are national landmarks, and the city boasts the birthplaces of many famous patriots, presidents and politicians. The city's architectural treasures include lovely brownstones and cobblestone streets, and gas-lamps light the way in many neighborhoods.
Getting Around Boston Boston streets are not easy to navigate. They are believed to follow cow paths trodden in the 17th century, which would explain the labyrinth of confusing one-way streets and rotaries! Needless to say, driving here can be a nightmare. Fortunately, Boston may be one of the most walkable cities in the country; and neighborhoods and districts are easily accessible by America's oldest underground transit system, the  MBTA , known to Bostonians as "the T."
Who's Who in Boston The city and environs draw hundreds of thousands of students to more than two dozen universities, including some of the world's most famous institutions. The regular influx of students from all over the world has played a major role in the entrepreneurial and international spirit of the metropolis. Walk down Newbury Street or go to a nightclub on Lansdowne Street, and you will hear a medley of foreign languages.
Boston has been a magnet for writers, artisans, politicians and industry leaders throughout its history; Paul Revere, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Mary Baker Eddy are just a few of the individuals who have left their imprint on the city.
City Living Each of Boston's neighborhoods has unique characteristics and reasons to be explored. Beacon Hill , or "the flat on the hill," is where Boston's Brahmins once lived. With its impressive row houses and gas-lit cobblestone streets, it is still one of the more exclusive neighborhoods in town.
The South End is home to the city's gay-friendly community and is filled with art galleries and excellent bistros. The North End offers a dizzying array of authentic Italian eateries and is home to several summertime Italian festivals.
Popular Newbury Street is a swanky, upscale stretch filled with shops, restaurants and cafes. At the end of Newbury, you can people-watch in the Public Garden and "make way for ducklings" on the Swan Boats .
Newbury Street runs through the heart of the Back Bay , where you will find opulent brownstones. Stroll down the grassy mall on Commonwealth Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and the Public Garden to get a feel for the way Bostonians lived in the 18th century. Bordering Back Bay is the Charles River, and the parkland along its banks, called the Esplanade , where you can roller-blade, bike or run to your heart's content.
Near the Boston Harbor waterfront is Faneuil Hall Marketplace , which is an important stop along the Freedom Trail . It is a great place for souvenir shopping and photo opportunities. Or you can shop where locals shop, in Downtown Crossing , which has several blocks of department stores, jewelers and tiny shops.
Outlying Neighborhoods Jamaica Plain has been described as a suburban neighborhood inside the city. Have a picnic at Jamaica Pond or wander through botanical gardens at the Arnold Arboretum . Old and rambling Victorian houses of wealthy Bostonians who wished to escape the grime and crime of downtown, are being renovated to their former splendor as this vibrant and diverse area is rediscovered.
Brookline is a wealthy suburb just to the west of Boston. The bars, movie theaters, shops, Jewish delicatessens and restaurants attract families and professionals who enjoy the area's friendly urbanity. The Coolidge Corner area, at the intersection of Harvard Avenue and Beacon Street, is the town's liveliest and most rewarding area to visit.
Somerville is located to the north of Cambridge. The lively bars and restaurants here are frequented by young, hard-working professionals who cannot afford to live downtown, as well as by older residents who enjoy Somerville's funky mix of urban sophistication with a suburban pace and attitude.
The Other Side of the Charles Cambridge is a city unto itself, located opposite Boston along the Charles River. It is best known as the home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, two of the most prestigious universities in the United States. The city is more colorful, liberal and funky than staid Boston, perhaps because of the large population of students and alumni. Central Square in Cambridge is a lively area with cheap ethnic cuisine and perhaps the highest concentration of music clubs and bars in the greater Boston area. Harvard Square is the area just outside of famed Harvard Yard. It is home to many fine restaurants that are beyond the budget of any college student, along with unique shops including several specialty bookstores and funky clothing stores. Any warm weekend evening is a mini-carnival, as street performers compete for loose change from passersby on almost every street corner.
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By AdonyCab
2 days
This 2-Day trip covers a lot of "Boston"... The Boston Common, Boston Pops, Boston Tea Party Ship, Boston Red Sox. And oh, yeah, there is the Freedom Trail for a change of "name" pace. And a couple of Museums. And Paul Revere's House. All in all, a pretty neat Boston experience in a short time.
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By Fisher55
21 days
This luxury vacation has you spending 4 days in Portland, Maine, then a whopping 17 days in Boston! Of course, you can use Boston as your hub & take day trips from there, but this itinerary shows you all you can do in Boston alone! Plus, you'll be staying at either the Boston Harbor Hotel or the Radisson, both of which are exceptional hotels. Enjoy!
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78 people reviewed Boston (1-20 out of 78)
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Top
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at 1:10AM May 29, 2008
Greatest place to live, go to college, have great sports teams, and to grow up!
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at 6:49PM November 13, 2008
Great city all around
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at 2:42AM May 29, 2008
It's so hard to find a parking lot there and it cost a bomb to park!
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at 4:41AM May 28, 2008
I went twice last year with good friends and would like to frequent it everyear =)
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at 4:10AM July 20, 2009
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at 6:25PM September 7, 2008
loved it so much I want to go back.
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at 1:00PM June 19, 2008
loved the Italian flavor of north Boston and the history
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at 10:59AM May 29, 2008
Very short trip but had a lovely time - go in the Winter - lovely cold crisp days.
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at 2:01AM May 29, 2008
Top Ten tour cities
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at 10:04PM May 28, 2008
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at 6:56PM May 28, 2008
love this city! its not dirty, its small, and the nightlife is awesome!!
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at 6:33PM May 28, 2008
Boston is my favorite place in the world. I recommend a visit to anyone who's interested. The subway system is just as easy as walking, the people are big-city friendly and the diversity is unmatched. Be prepared to EAT!!
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at 3:50AM May 28, 2008
This was an amazing trip and I love this city - there's so much history and so many things to see and do.
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at 2:11AM May 28, 2008
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at 10:50PM May 27, 2008
nothing better than corn chowda and some history
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at 1:20PM February 3, 2009
This city made me fall in love with the east coast. Lots of great food- if you've never had portugese food, get it here. It's delicious!
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at 1:59AM November 12, 2008
went to college (Emerson) here...love Cambridge, beautiful architecture, very stuffy, but in the early 90's, it was different and there were a lot of great bands I got to see( esp. My Bloody Valentine, Helmut and Fishbone all on the same bill!)
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at 7:00AM August 25, 2008
I just love this place, though i did not get much time, but it was amazing trip.
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at 3:20PM August 19, 2008
Beautiful city with lots of interesting historical sites to visit and great restaurants, but a bit "hoity toity" for my taste.
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at 9:00PM July 24, 2008
Wonderful place to visit...even live! Loved it!
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