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Boston’s Top Ten for First Time Visitors
BOSTON, MA (May 12, 2015):With everything from history and shopping to marine life and beer, the attractions in Boston offer something for whatever you are interested in. There are so many different things to do in Boston it is hard to know where to start. Here is a quick guide to 10 things you must do if you have never been to Boston before.
1. Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is the perfect tour to take around historic Boston. In the 1950’s concerned Bostonians were determined to preserve the story of the American Revolution as it began in Boston through preservation of 16 historically significant sites. These 16 sites are located along a unique 2.5 mile urban walking trail, marked with a bricked or painted red line. You can opt to walk the trail alone or alongside a tour guide dressed in traditional 17th and 18th century clothing. Some of the top sites to see on the trail are, The Paul Revere House, where you’ll get a good sense of how people lived in the 1770s, the Old North Church, where the two famous lanterns warned Paul Revere the British were coming by sea in 1775, Old State House museum, which houses a vial of the tea salvaged from the original Tea Partiers, and the original site of the Boston Massacre.
2. Fenway Park
“America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” is uniquely nestled in the city of Boston. See the home of Red Sox legends, Williams, Yaz, Fisk, and Rice. Visit Pesky’s Pole and sit atop the world famous Green Monster which stands 37 feet high overlooking leftfield. You can grab a ticket to a game, take a public tour, or just walk around the outside while exploring the city.
3. Boston Public Library
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library was the first large free municipal library in the United States. The present Copley Square location has been home to the library since 1895, when architect Charles FollenMcKim completed his “palace for the people.” Even before you enter the building, you’re surrounded by magnificent sculpture and architecture and once you’re inside, you’ll see something splendid everywhere you look. Within its collection of 23 million items, the library boasts a wealth of rare books and manuscripts, maps, musical scores and prints. Among its large collections, the Boston Public Library holds several first edition folios by William Shakespeare, original music scores from Mozart to Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” and, in its are book collection, the personal library of John Adams. When you see the Boston Public Library, you won’t be able to resist a look around.
4. Boston Common/Boston Public Garden
Don’t miss your chance to take a relaxing stroll through the Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden. The starting point of the Freedom Trail, Boston Common is the oldest park in the country. Almost 50 acres in size, the “Common” has been used for many different purposed throughout its long history. Until 1830, cattle grazed the Common, and until 1817 public hangings took place there. British troops camped on Boston Common prior to the Revolution and left from there to face colonial resistance at Lexington and Concord in April, 1775.
Two centuries separate the creation of the Boston Common and the Public Garden. The Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. Admire the rich and unusual plants, the Lagoon, the monuments and fountains, and the Swan Boats floating peacefully by on the middle pond.
5. New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium allows visitors to meet marine species from around the world. Experience New England’s largest shark and ray touch tank. Spiral up the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Watch fur seals and sea lions frolic in their waterfront exhibit and catch a 3D IMAX film on New England’s largest screen. See penguins up close, peek into their burrows and find out what’s behind their underwater super speed. Get your hands wet at the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank and cradle a hermit crab in the palm of your hand. The New England Aquarium is the ideal place to spend the day learning about and experiencing exciting new things.
6. Institute of Contemporary Art
Located in Boston’s Waterfront Neighborhood, the Institute of Contemporary Art is arguably more interesting for its architecture than its art. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the museum is all glass and sharp angels. One of the most notable aspects of the museum is the rear, which features a cantilever that extends to the water’s edge. When not admiring the breathtaking architecture, you can wander the many exhibits the museum offers. The multi-faceted exhibition program includes the Momentum series, focusing on the work of emerging artists, the Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall, an annual, site-specific commission in the museum lobby, and much more.
7. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is actually four great places in one location – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, all set around a cobblestone promenade where jugglers magicians, and musicians entertain the passers-by. Boston’s wealthiest merchant, Peter Faneuil, built Faneuil Hall in 1742. The building was home to merchants, fishermen and meat and produce sellers and was where the colonists first protested the Sugar Act in 1764. To better accommodate the merchants and shoppers, Faneuil Hall was expanded in 1826 to include Quincy Market. Customers enjoy unique, locally loved, and nationally recognized shops while indulging in the worldwide cuisine at the restaurants, pubs, and in the world-famous Quincy Market Colonnade. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is located in downtown Boston just steps away from the waterfront.
8. Cambridge
Home to two of the most prestigious universities in the country, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge is worth the trip across the Charles River. With its stunning architecture and incredible diversity of restaurants and shopping attractions, Cambridge attracts a mix of students, locals and sightseers. Check out one of the many coffee shops or take a stroll through the historic Harvard Yard. Cambridge is also home to many museums including, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the MIT Museum just to name a few.
9. Samuel Adams Brewery
In 1985 Samuel Adams Brewery Lager made its debut in about 25 bars and restaurants in Boston. Jim Koch, the founder, and his partner Rhonda Kallman were the only employees. Today, Samuel Adams is a team of around 1,200 people with breweries in Boston, Cincinnati, and Pennsylvania. Their family of beers includes of 50 different beet styles available in all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries. Experience the brewery first hand with a free tour. You will learn about their history, experience the entire brewing process, and have a chance to taste specialty malts.
10. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a mile and a half of contemporary parks in the heart of Boston that connect people and the city with beauty and fun. The Greenway has a number of offerings for visitors, including seven water features to cool off in, a number of renowned food trucks and carts offering a variety of distinctive, affordable food offerings, as well as one of the largest free public WiFi networks in the Commonwealth. Recently opened is the Greenway Carousel, a one-of-a-kind carousel with characters such as cod, lobster, squirrels, skunks and more inspired by the drawings of Boston school children.
Been to Boston before? Go off the beaten path and check out the Harbor Islands, Outlets at Assembly Row, Larz Anderson Auto Museum, Waterworks Museum, FROST, and much, much more.
Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands is a National Park area compromised of 34 islands, 8 of which are accessible to the public via season ferryboat service. The islands are a great way to get outdoors and explore the best part of being on the coast!
Outlets at Assembly Row
Boston’s newest premiere-brand outlet, dining and entertainment village located just 7 minutes by subway from downtown Boston. Some outlets to put on your must-hit list are: Brooks Brothers, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s Clarks, Converse, Le Creuset, Nike Factory, Orvis, and Saks Off 5th among others. It is also home to popular restaurants such as, Papagayo, J.P. Licks and Legal on the Mystic, in addition to a variety of others.
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Just ten minutes from downtown Boston and nestled inside the 64 beautiful acres of Larz Anderson Park, the Museum is home to “America’s Oldest Car Collection.” These automobiles form the Museum’s permanent collection and are housed within the Carriage House, built in 1888 and designed by the city architect of Boston, Edmund M. Wheelwright, who was also responsible for several notable Boston structures like the Boston Public Library.
Waterworks Museum
Ever wonder where your water comes from? That’s where the Waterworks Museum comes in. Located on the site of the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir and pumping station built in 1887, the Museum offers you a chance to explore the remarkable machinery, wonder at the massive wrenches that kept the pumps running and marvel at the beautiful architecture.
FROST Ice Loft
FROST Ice Loft, located in Faneuil Hall, houses New England’s only permanent indoor bar designed and furnished entirely of ice. Maintained at a brisk 21 degrees, guests of all ages can enjoy a transportive experience within the dramatic, artfully-sculpted lounge serving premium drinks, featured cocktails, local brews, wine and non-alcoholic selections.
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