Boston is a city of firsts – it’s home to the first public library, the first institution of higher education, the first subway system and the first marathon was run in Boston. It was also in Boston that Alexander Bell invented the first ever telephone. Because of this, the city is steeped in history and has a rich heritage which surpasses that of many other US cities.
Only a few hours from New York City, it is definitely worth taking a detour from the city that never sleeps to explore Boston’s charm. And the ‘City of Champions’ has charm by the bucketload. From the cobblestone streets and classic townhouses in Beacon Hill, to the grandeur of Harvard University and Boston’s picturesque harbour – a weekend spent in Boston, is a weekend well spent.
WALK THE FREEDOM TRAIL
The Freedom Trail covers some of the most important historical landmarks of the city and tells the story of The American Revolution, which began in Boston in 1775. At the time, Boston was a hub for trade and home to the colonial government, so when the Revolutionary War broke out, the city was the site of many revolts and riots, which culminated in the Boston Massacre and the subsequent Boston Tea Party.
The Freedom Trail recounts this fascinating history as you walk past the Massachusetts State House, the Old City Hall, Paul Revere’s House (a hero of the American revolution) and Bunker Hill Monument (which commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives during the war). For me, the most striking of the tour’s spots were the Copps’ Hill Burying Ground and the King’s Chapel. You can take a guided tour of the trail, or pick up a free brochure which details the significance of each of the 16 stops.
BATTER UP!
The folks in Boston are very serious about their sports. And for good reason! Some of the most famous US sporting teams originated in Boston – the Red Sox (baseball), the Celtics (basketball) and the Bruins (ice hockey). So, it is imperative to brush up on your knowledge of at least one of these teams before heading to Boston as chances are, if you hang out with the locals, the conversation will at some point drift towards sports.
Better yet, check out a game! You will not be disappointed – the atmosphere at any of Boston’s stadiums is electric. The Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park, the country’s oldest major league baseball stadium, from April until October. And they are a very popular team – in fact, from May 2003 to April 2013, they sold out every home game (a total of 820)! Or get tickets to see the 17-time championship winners, the Celtics, at TD Garden. Or if you are a hockey fan, check out a Bruins game. Oh and one more ‘first’ to add to the list – Boston also held the very first marathon in the world. Now in its 123rd year, more than 30,000 people turn up every year to run the epic race.
GET CULTURED
Some of the brightest minds in history call Boston home – Edgar Allen Poe, Sylvia Path, Benjamin Franklin, John F. Kennedy and George W Bush – to name a few. Bostonians really pride themselves on being a city with an abundance of cultural spots, where curious minds are able to thrive and grow. The pinnacle of which is Harvard University. The main campus is about a 15-minute drive from the centre of Boston and really easy to reach by public transport. One of the most prestigious colleges in the county, 8 US Presidents studied at Harvard and it has the largest population of students. The campus itself is spectacular and well worth a visit. Be sure to check out the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library which is home to more than 3 million books!
Back in the city, there’s a bunch of interesting museums to explore. The Museum of Fine Arts has an incredible collection of artwork spanning the ages, and the building itself is also truly phenomenal. There is a museum dedicated to the history of the Boston Tea Party as well and another which chronical’s the life and career of John F. Kennedy. I made a beeline for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum which was built to mirror a 15th century Venetian palace. Isabella travelled the world collecting over 2,000 works of art during her lifetime, eventually opening her collection to the public in 1903, featuring pieces by Degas, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
For the kids there’s the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, the Boston Children’s Museum, and my personal favourite – the Mapparium.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
One of the things I quickly learnt about visiting the States, is that there’s always a few dishes that the locals claim are completely unique to each city. And you simply cannot leave the town without trying out at least one of its signature dishes. Boston is no exception and there is a few dishes that you must sample during your stay, they are, in no particular order – clam chowder, lobster roll, baked beans, Boston cream pie, oysters and a Yankee pot roast. As Boston is situated on a harbour, it’s no surprise that a few seafood dishes make the list as the city is famous for its supply of fresh locally sourced seafood. As for the Boston cream pie – it’s notoriety stems from French chef Augustine Anezin who created the delectable dish at the original Parker House Hotel.
When you have had your fill of the must-eat local dishes, head over to the Northern End, which has been nicknamed ‘Little Italy.’ This neighbourhood is stuffed to its edges with restaurants, dessert shops, bakeries and gelaterias. In fact, the Northern End is said to have the best cannoli’s outside of Italy. Or, saunter over to one of the five market halls – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North, South, or Public Market which all host a large variety of stalls selling local produce and ready-to-eat dishes.
I hope this gives you some inspiration. Let us know if you have any of your own tips about visiting Boston!
