City Guide: Boston, Massachusetts

By Katy Dutile: Subscribe to Katy's

September 19, 2011 6:34 PM EDT

Boston has something for everyone from the history buff to the sports fanatic.

The Massachusetts city is rich in history, key to the Revolutionary War. Many visitors enjoy a walk through the forts and meeting halls of the era that are linked by the popular Freedom Trail.

A true college town, Boston is home to top institutions such as Harvard University, Boston University, and Boston College. This new infusion of young culture, combined with its historical importance, makes Boston a great choice for many different types of travelers.

Boston is the central hub of New England, and no visit to the area is complete without at least a day in "Beantown." The city has a great transportation network and plenty of things to do without the hustle and bustle of the United State's other big cities.

Here's a look at the top spots to help you plan your trip:

Follow us

Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Creative Commons)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Creative Commons/ TonytheMisfit)

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall or "Quincy Market" is the perfect place for clam chowder, fish and chips, and other Boston delicacies. Both sides of the hall are lined with different food vendors tempting you with every stop. Faneuil Hall Marketplace was originally funded by Peter Faneuil to create both a town hall and marketplace for Boston. The hall is often called the "cradle of liberty" due to its importance in the American Revolution. Unfortunately, the originally hall burnt down in 1761. However, it was rebuilt shortly after. Today, visitors can still gather at the marketplace to take in some Boston fare and watch the street buskers that perform most days on the cobblestone streets surrounding the hall.

Paul Revere's House (Creative Commons/ candiRSX)
Paul Revere's House (Creative Commons/ candiRSX)

Freedom Trail

While the Freedom Trail may not be for everyone visiting Boston, history buffs will love following the 2.5-mile red brick line to 16 different historical sights. Tours depart from Faneuil Hall and Boston Common, or just pick up the trail from any of the sites and follow it on your own. Some of the main attractions include Paul Revere's house, Bunker Hill Monument, and the Boston Common.

Newbury St. (Creative Commons/Worawit Suphamungmee)
Newbury St. (Creative Commons/Worawit Suphamungmee)

Newbury Street

For those wanting to shop until you drop, Newbury Street is the place to go in Boston.  From high end stores like Marc Jacobs to consignment shops, Newbury Street has it all. The street is full of outdoor cafés reminiscent of the European style. There are no complaints on the numerous frozen yogurt shops that have popped up all over the trendy street.

Red Sox's Lackey throws the first pitch against the Blue Jays during the first inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston (Reuters/Adam Hunger)
Red Sox's Lackey throws the first pitch against the Blue Jays during the first inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston (Reuters/Adam Hunger)

Boston Sports

Whether it's the Celtics, Bruins, or Red Sox, catching a Boston sports game is a must in any season. So, grab your Celtics of Bruins jersey and head over to TD Bank North, at North Station. If you're visiting Boston in the fall or summer, head to Fenway Park to cheer on with Boston Red Sox fans in hope of another World Series.

A young Kemps Ridley turtle rescued by the New England Aquarium from the shore of Cape Cod flaps its flippers wildly as it is carried to an examination table by Aquarium Medical Center intern Katarina Peterson (Reuters/Jim Bourg)
A young Kemps Ridley turtle rescued by the New England Aquarium from the shore of Cape Cod flaps its flippers wildly as it is carried to an examination table by Aquarium Medical Center intern Katarina Peterson (Reuters/Jim Bourg)

New England Aquarium

This article is copyrighted by International Business Times, the business news leader
Sponsor Link:
Join the Conversation
Most popular
IBTimes TV

73 yr Old Becomes Oldest Woman to Climb Mount Everest

Follow IBTraveler

Global Markets
Existing Home Sales Jump, World Banks Lowers China Forecast, Euro Prepares for Greek Exit