Boston
Recommended Tours
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Boston is not a city where you take a tour merely out of a sense of obligation. You may find yourself simply inspired to wander around this architectural theme park of cobblestone paths, antique brownstones and 18th century buildings. Explore quaint neighborhoods and discover quiet corners within the city.
Freedom Trail
Visitors to Boston take a walk down Freedom Trail to explore 16 of the city’s most important historical attractions and monuments. Among them are the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Common, Granary Burying Ground and Copp's Hill Burial Ground. The West Street Grille is a welcoming place to stop for a meal at the end of the tour.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1876 and is considered one of the best in the country. Behind the Museum, is a secluded park, Back Bay Fens, which is convenient for taking a stroll. Nearby Canestaro is a family-friendly Italian restaurant that is well-known for its quality. When you’ve finished your meal, walk over to Copley Place or the Shops at Prudential Center, two large malls that have hundreds of stores and restaurants to explore.
Boston Common
Located in the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill is Boston Common, the country’s oldest park, which also contains a public garden and frog pond. Also in this area is the Old State House, Boston’s oldest public building. Stop into the nearby Museum of Science, which contains hundreds of educational and interactive exhibits, or shop at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which also offers many unique dining options.
Back Bay
Back Bay is a neighborhood filled with brownstones and tree-lined streets. The Boston Public Library can be found in this area. The nearby Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox. The Brown Sugar Cafe is just a few blocks away as is the Boston University Observatory, where you can look through professional-grade telescopes and learn about the history of space.
Franklin Park Zoo
With animals from all over the world, the Franklin Park Zoo is a popular attraction for families. The nearby Forest Hills Cemetery is filled with beautiful Gothic architecture. The Arnold Arboretum is just a few steps away, and contains hundreds of plant species. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum contains many documents and artifacts from Kennedy’s life and the Cold War era. The Fish Pier Restaurant & Market is just north of the Library.
North End
The North End neighborhood is a largely Italian community that is filled with history. The Old North Church is the oldest religious building in Boston. Drop into Gelateria for some traditional, Italian gelato. Just up the road is Christopher Columbus Park, which features stunning views of the harbor. Lucca Restaurant & Bar is a nearby dining option where guests can enjoy some rustic Italian dishes.
Whether you travel by foot, trolley, bike or car, you are sure to bump into a museum, historic site or architectural gem at almost every turn in Boston and Cambridge. From Paul Revere’s ride to John F. Kennedy’s presidency, Boston has long been a place where history is made, and its popularity as a tourist destination attests to the ease with which you can explore it.
Self-Guided Tours
Freedom Trail ( +1 617 242 5642 / +1 617 242 5689 / http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ )
Beacon Hill Walking Tour ( +1 617 523 9490 / http://www.beaconhillonline.com/ )
Guided Tours
Freedom Trail Players ( +1 617 357 8300 / http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ )
Boston By Foot ( +1 617 367 2345 / http://www.bostonbyfoot.org/ )
Boston Duck Tours ( +1 617 267 3825 / http://www.bostonducktours.com/ )
Black Heritage Trail ( +1 617 742 5415 / http://www.nps.gov/boaf/ )
Culinary Tours
North End Market Tour ( +1 617 523 6032 / http://www.northendmarkettours.com/ )
Boston Bike Tours ( +1 617 308 5902 / http://www.bostonbiketours.com/ )
Trolley Tours
Discover Boston Multilingual Trolley Tours ( +1 617 742 1440 / http://www.discoverbostontours.com/ )
Old Town Trolley Tours ( +1 800 868 7482 / http://www.historictours.com/boston/ )
Boat Tours
Boston Harbor Cruises ( +1 617 227 4321 / +1 877 733 9425 / http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/ )
The Charles Riverboat Company Tours ( +1 617 621 3001 / http://charlesriverboat.com/ )