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Must-do's in Boston
Highbrow culture, beloved sports teams, and a collection of centuries-old sites that will make history geeks shiver with glee: Boston’s attractions are nothing if not diverse. Best of all, Beantown’s accessible, walkable scale means you can realistically explore all corners of this lively hub without hiring a car. On your next city break, be sure to hit Fenway Park for a Red Sox game or retrace the steps of early American colonists as you wind your way around town.
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Boston Art Museums
Chalk it up to the cold winters, but Boston’s indoor attractions are as compelling as its outdoor landmarks. Exhibit A: the city’s wealth of museums and galleries. From the classical canvases at the Museum of Fine Arts to the modern attractions on show at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, you’re spoiled for artistic choice. If you only hit one museum during your time in Boston, make it the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which houses many masterpieces (and occupies beautiful, Venetian palace-style grounds).
Boston Sports
In case you haven’t heard: sports are a pretty big deal here in Boston. For proof, just visit Fenway Park when the Red Sox are playing a home game. Though fans have always been passionate, the team’s 2004, 2007, and 2013 World Series wins have really upped the enthusiasm (and the decibels). But the Red Sox aren’t the only team in town. From the Patriots at Gillette Stadium to the Bruins at TD Garden, Boston truly is an all-year-round sports town.
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The Freedom Trail
When a city has as many historic landmarks as Boston does, how do you see them all? Simple: hit the Freedom Trail. Stretching for 2.5 miles in the centre of the city and passing 16 different landmarks of historical significance – from Faneuil Hall to the USS Constitution, an 18th century warship — the Freedom Trail is your cheat sheet of quintessential Boston sites.
Cambridge
Just like Cambridge in the UK, this Cambridge is home to a world-class university. Harvard, in this case – we’re guessing you’ve heard of it. The oldest university in the United States, Harvard isn’t just for students: the iconic red brick buildings lining Harvard Yard can be appreciated by everyone. Wander through campus, catching glimpses of the Charles River as you go, before heading back to Boston proper.
Boston Common
Though Boston Common is also included along the Freedom Trail, this is one landmark that’s worth singling out. The oldest public park in the country, Boston Common has been an oasis of green for city residents since the 17th century. Well, not for everyone: during the American Revolutionary War, British troops were stationed here. These days, though, things are a lot more peaceful. From picnics and concerts in the summer to ice-skating and sledding in the winter, it’s worth visiting all year round.
Image credits: Isabella Gardner Museum © Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, All other imagery © iStock