Location: Boston
Top Things to do in Boston
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5 Historic Walking Areas in Boston That You Shouldn't Miss
Walk the Freedom Trail the first time you visit Boston and you'll quickly get a sense of this coastal city's revolutionary spirit and history. But make sure you also explore some of Boston's fine museums (try the Isabella Stewart Gardner, featuring masterpieces displayed in their collector's mansion) and old neighborhoods (like the North End, Boston's Little Italy). You can't claim to have experienced real Boston culture, though, until you've watched a Red Sox game from the bleachers.
Restaurants in Boston
1. Freedom Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,358 reviews
The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of American Revolution sites. It starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.
Reviewed By 434eileenb - Wheaton, United States
American history starts here- Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Tea Party Site, the Granary Burial ground, King's Chapel, Old Corner Book Store are all must see sites. The "Red" trail takes you to all these places and more. Very easy walking short segments of the trail. Everyone friendly and wearing masks. We started at Boston Common. Visitor center didnot have any free maps -the one they had was $3.00 and it was the same as we got at our hotel..so pick one up at your hotel if possible. They also had bathrooms. Parking is free on Sundays on the streets so get there early in the day We stopped at Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Visitor center was closed (not sure if is opened at all) We drove over to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We found parking on the street. We didnot see any parking lots. Visitor center/museum was $10 per adult and worth visiting. The ship is free but they only allow 25 people at a time so go early in the day. Be prepared to stand in sun as they have limited shade and they do security and virus checks.
2. HarborWalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By superbee361 - Patchogue, United States
Taking a leisurely stroll along the Harbor Walk is a visually peaceful and exciting place to visit. The walk is so peaceful and calming with views of the harbor, a variety of boats and eateries along the way. Taken to the northern most end will place you at the top of the North End - both a revolutionary war treasure and a cultural gem filled with the sights and smells unique to Little Italy. Well worth the walk on a sunny, moderately warm day.
3. Fan Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By MerelyATourist
My wife and I visited during a week-long trip to Boston in early July. We had just cracked some Dungeness crab at The Barking Crab, which is located just beyond the start of one end of the pier, and we decided to walk the pier from there to burn off some of the resulting calories. To call it a pier seems a little strange since it's not straight like most piers; you walk its path in an arc. From it you can view the Boston Harbor with its many sailboats, tour boats, water taxis and other watercraft plying the waves. Near the other (far) end of the pier you can view across to Boston Logan International Airport and watch the passenger jets take off and land. This end also has a marina where some nice (read "expensive") private boats are moored and where some of the smaller tour boats are based. Water taxis also arrive and leave from there. Looking away from the water you can see some pretty unusual buildings, including at one end the John Moakley United States Courthouse with its deeply curved glass window facade and an abundance of newish and no doubt extremely expensive condominiums at the other end. With respect to real estate development this is evidently one of the newest parts of the city. My wife remarked that this was the kind of Boston she wanted to see. If I had known I wouldn't have taken her to see so many old historic sites, which of course is what Boston is mainly known for. At the far end of the pier we encountered Frank Anthony's Marina Cafe, which as I write this does not yet have a listing on TripAdvisor. It apparently opened only a few weeks prior. We had not had dessert at The Barking Crab so we purchased some gelato. The Cafe also serves hot items and has apparently applied for a liquor license. They do serve coffee, of course. The servers were friendly and the place, naturally, was very clean and shiny. If you have an occasion to walk the Fan Pier consider stopping by for a snack or a drink.
4. Irish Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
The Boston Irish Heritage Trail takes visitors through 300 years of local history in which the Irish have played a role. Run by the Boston Irish Tourism Association, the 20 stops along the Trail take you from the waterfront to the Fens, recounting deeds of patriots, poets and politicians. Guided tours are offered, starting at the Boston Common Visitors Center, and self-guided maps are available at visitor centers on the Boston Common and at the Prudential Center. 2019 Marks the 25th anniversary of the Irish Heritage Trail, which was officially launched in June 1994.
