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 gaslamps 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. Making matters even worse is the Big Dig, a massive renovation of the city's roadways that one of the largest public-works project in the United States. Driving in Boston 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 some 200,000 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.
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 Gardens 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 rollerblade, 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 NeighborhoodsJamaica 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. Once the home of wealthy Bostonians who wished to escape the grime and crime of downtown, their old and rambling Victorian houses 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 and density 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. Perhaps because of the large population of students and alumni, the city is more colorful, liberal and funky than staid Boston. 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 passersbys on almost every street corner.
