Magnificent historic city of Boston is one of the
beautiful and unique cities in the United States. Boston is the capital and most populous city of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and one of the oldest cities in
the United States. Being the most populous city in New England,
Boston is considered the economic and cultural center of the region
and is sometimes referred to as the "New England Capital"
unofficially. In 2008 the city had a population of 645 169
inhabitants, which makes it the twenty-first most populated city in
the country. Boston is also the nerve center of a large and populous
metropolitan area called Greater Boston, with a population of 4.5
million, the tenth largest metropolitan area in the nation, Greater
Boston, as a region to which many workers are displaced, including
seven counties in Massachusetts, all of Rhode Island and parts of
New Hampshire; with what totals 7.5 million inhabitants, so this
Combined Statistical Area is the fifth in the United States by
population.
In 1630, Puritan settlers from England founded
the city on the Shawmut peninsula, and during the late eighteenth
century, Boston was the site of several important events during the
American Revolution, such as the Boston Massacre and the Tea Party.
Several battles at the beginning of the Revolution, such as the
Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston, occurred in the city
and surrounding areas. Through land reclamation and municipal
annexation, Boston has expanded beyond the peninsula. After the
independence of the United States, Boston became an important
seaport and manufacturing center, and its rich history now attracts
16.3 million visitors a year. The city hosted a number of firsts,
including the first public school of the United States, the Latin
School of Boston (1635) and the first university center, Harvard
University (1636), in neighboring Cambridge. Boston was also home to
the first subway network in the United States.
With a
multitude of faculties and universities within the city and its
surroundings, Boston is a center of higher education and, in turn, a
center for medicine.The economy is also based on research,
electronics, engineering, finance, technology and biotechnology,
mainly, Boston ranks first in the country in jobs per square mile,
ahead of New York City and Washington DC The city has experienced
gentrification and has one of the higher living costs of the United
States, and remains one of the cities with the best standard of
living in the world.
Greater Boston is notoriously provincial, and as
such, the surrounding area contains hundreds of small communities
that are closer than anywhere else in the United States. Even a
large city like Boston found it difficult to annex surrounding land
as it grew. After absorbing independent cities, they retained their
unique culture, of which today's inhabitants are extremely proud.
What does this mean for the traveler? You will find that almost
every district has more than one name, and the total number exceeds
110 different squares, circles and points. Don't worry about
remembering all the names; just remember that Boston is a very
compact city. When you're ready to move on, the next block is sure
to attack.
Downtown (Downtown, Chinatown, North End, West
End)
Downtown in many ways, downtown Boston is where it all
starts. Perennial tourist favorites Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
are located here, and most of the Freedom Trail sights are nearby.
Back Bay-Beacon Hill
Classic Federalist architecture, The State
House, America's oldest city park, and one of the most photographed
streets await. Later, eat at some of the city's best restaurants to
recharge your tired legs.
Fenway-Kenmore
Perhaps best known as
the home of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox; Fenway also boasts
many top cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts.
Southend
Around the South End and SoWa Market, an upscale
shopping, dining and arts scene has united. The famous Victorian
bronze buildings and gas-lit cobblestone streets can delight you at
any time of the year.
South Boston
Don't be fooled by the
movies, South Boston is a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood that
still clings to its working-class Irish Catholic roots. The changing
times are best seen in the Seaport district, where the Institute of
Contemporary Art is located.
Charlestown
Located between the
Charles and Mystic Rivers, Charlestown is home to important
landmarks such as the U.S.S. Constitution and the Bunker Hill
Monument. Boston's oldest neighborhood, Charlestown, also has its
oldest tavern.
East Boston
This former shipbuilding center has
always been an immigrant neighborhood. Today, its population
consists mainly of Italian Americans and immigrants from Central and
South America and Southeast Asia. If you arrive by plane, this is
the first district you will visit.
Allston-Brighton
The
ever-changing Allston is best known for its student population and
the shops and restaurants that cater to them. The landscape becomes
more residential as you move west to Brighton.
Jamaica Plain -
Mission Hill
Jamaica Plain is home to the Arnold Arboretum and
Sam Adams Brewery, while Mission Hill houses a healthy collection of
students and physicians from many nearby colleges and hospitals.
Roxbury
The once farming community of Roxbury is the heart of
black culture in Boston. It is also home to the historic Shirley
Eustis House, built by the British Royal Colonial Governor. Franklin
Park is also here, considered the "crown jewel" of Frederick Law
Olmsted's Emerald Necklace park system.
Outer Districts
Once
considered a "garden suburb" of Boston, today's Roslindale residents
are still drawn to the area's natural beauty. Mattapan's population
is largely made up of African Americans and immigrants from the
Caribbean. West Roxbury in Southwest Boston is known for its civic
activism and youth programs. As the southernmost district of Boston,
Hyde Park offers immaterial urban life, as well as open space, more
often associated with the suburbs.
Many of the sights that
tourists expect to see are outside the city limits. Politically
distinct from Boston, the following three cities are connected to
Boston by shared borders, transit options, and cultural values.
Mayors often meet to plan and discuss long-term events, and citizens
travel between them on a daily basis. Random visitors may not even
realize they are leaving Boston.
Cambridge: The "People's
Republic of Cambridge" is best known for the prestigious Harvard
University and MIT. The many great museums, architecture and events
belonging to these schools are worth visiting. Cambridge also has
The Longfellow House among other colonial sites.
Somerville:
While it's mostly a residential area, you can find yourself here by
exploring Davis Square's many restaurants and quirky shops. In the
warmer months, independent musicians and artists host festivals
ahead of Union Square and beyond.
Brookline: By far the greenest
neighborhood, Brookline is home to Frederick Law Olmsted's Fairsted,
the first landscape design firm. Larz Anderson Park and the
Automobile Museum are also nearby. Additionally, many shopping and
dining options can be found in Coolidge Corner and Washington
Square.
Often used in movies and television as shorthand for "blue-collar"
and "working-class" stereotypes, most of the Boston accent is still
alive and well in the region; the accent, known for dropping the "R", is
an inheritance of the English accent imported by the first settlers It
is believed to have been the first English accent to be imported by the
first settlers. Today, however, the Boston accent is on life support in
the city as longtime residents move out and young immigrants from around
the country and abroad move in. If you listen to the conversations of
police, firefighters, and construction workers, this is your best chance
to hear the language in this city. If you have time, visit the North
Shore or South Shore and you will actually hear it.
Although the
Boston accent is rarely used anymore, younger Bostonians still use a lot
of local words, with "wicked" being particularly common. Young
Massachusetts (and New England) residents also tend to speak more
quickly than other Americans.
The word "wicked" is still strongly
used and serves as an amplifier in place of "very". You will also hear
"packie" for liquor (package) dealers and "blinkers" for car turn
signals. Some of your British friends may also recognize "roundabouts"
as roundabouts. There are many others, but these are the most commonly
used today. It's fun to use "wicked" like this; saying something like
"Pahk tha cah in Hahvid Yahd" is obvious to tourists; avoid saying
"Pisser" (pisser boy); you see it printed on T-shirts, but no one really
says it anymore! The Hispanic population is very large.
With a
very large Hispanic population, Boston is a great place to practice your
Spanish.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS IATA), Toll Free: +1 800
23-Logan (56426). Modern, clean, and easy to navigate, it is the main
gateway to Boston and New England. Logan Airport has many restaurants
scattered throughout the terminal, some of them excellent. These days
you can find food direct from local farmers and a wide selection of
organic, locally brewed beers. Of course, this is America, so it's hard
not to see McDonald's and Sbarro's. If you're shopping, you'll easily
find a new book or magazine once you get past security. You can also buy
a fancy new pair of shoes, headphones, or a hundred other things.
Logan Airport, New England's main airport, has frequent direct flights
to most major cities in the US and most major airports in Europe. Logan
Airport is a JetBlue center and a hub for Delta Air Lines. Regional
airline Cape Air and commuter airline Penn Air also serve Logan. Flights
are often on time, but you never know with the rough New England
weather. Try not to plan connections too tightly. Security is as tight
as at any major U.S. airport, and you can expect a thorough, efficient,
and fast response from the TSA.
All terminals at Logan are directly connected to the central parking
lot like spokes in a hub; Terminals A and B are fairly close, and
Terminals C through E are walkable. Shuttle #11 quickly connects the
four terminals in a circular route. Shuttles #22 and #33 connect the
subway and rental car center, Terminals A&B and C&E, respectively.
Shuttle #55 operates during off-peak hours and connects them all, while
shuttle #66 also adds a water transportation dock. Finally, shuttle #88
connects all terminals and economy parking. If you rent a car, don't
wait for a branded company van to get on one of the shuttles.
Massport's shuttles connect to the Airport Station, where you can
transfer to the Blue Line. For most travelers, however, the best option
is to take the Silver Line at Logan for free and transfer to the Red
Line for free. The Silver Line carries you straight from the terminal to
the South Station downtown. Transfers to other lines are also free, but
if you plan to ride the T again, be sure to pick up your Charley card at
South Station. The service ends around 12:30 a.m., so if your flight
arrives after that time, you will have to take a cab.
Cabs in
Boston are more expensive than in many other cities. Fortunately,
however, the airport is fairly close to downtown. Fares range from $25
to $50, depending on the final destination. There is no one color scheme
for Boston cabs, but they are often white (hence the local name "white
cabs"). Cabs vary in make and model, with the Ford Crown Victoria and
Toyota Camry Hybrid being the most common. Ride-hailing services such as
Uber and Lyft can pick up and drop off passengers at Logan; in March
2019, the airport has announced plans to move all pickups to the ground
floor of the central garage, so check before you leave.
Check
with your hotel about airport shuttle service, as it is an amenity that
many hotels offer. Other shuttle services that cruise the airport
include
Logan Express Direct bus service from Braintree, Framingham,
Woburn, and Peabody. Buses run approximately every hour and take 30-45
minutes. Express buses to the airport also run from Copley Square and
the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay. One-way fare is $7.50.
Axis
Coach, ☏ +1 617 340-3403. airport limousine to/from Logan or Manchester
Airport.
If you are driving to Logan Airport, the route is well
marked, but the airport road system is complicated. Read the signs
carefully and make sure you are in the correct lane. There is no need to
panic if an unexpected off-ramp creeps up.
Several small airports in New England have "Boston" in their name,
even if they are located in other states or have little or no way to get
to Boston by public transportation. Flights to other New England
airports such as Portland, Maine (PWM IATA) and Hartford (BDL IATA)
sometimes appear in online searches, but they are nearly 100 miles (160
km) from Boston! Not only are these airports impractical, they are
usually more expensive due to economies of scale. These airports should
only be used if you are heading out of the country in the first place.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT IATA) (50 miles (80 km)
north of Boston, accessible via Interstate 93). Major flights are
operated by Southwest Airlines, with several flights by American
Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. If you plan to travel to
northern New England or the northern suburbs of Boston (Haverhill,
Salem), this airport is the best option.
T.F. Green Airport (PVD
IATA) (60 miles (97 km) south of Boston, accessible via Interstate 95) -
15 domestic flights depart daily from T.F. Green Airport. However, only
a few trains a day stop at this station during rush hour. Otherwise, one
must take a bus or cab to the downtown station to catch a Boston-bound
commuter train.
Worcester-Boston Regional Airport (ORH IATA), 40
miles (64 km) west of Boston. Only flights to Orlando and Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, are served daily by JetBlue.
If coming from
outside the U.S., it may be cheaper to fly into the New York airport
(JFK IATA or EWR IATA) and take a bus or train (see below) to Boston.
However, any unmentioned time and costs for this transfer should be
carefully considered, as you will need to make your own arrangements.
The savings on airfare will quickly disappear when you add up the
SkyTrain, subway, bus, and cab fares. For example, EWR to Boston takes
over 8 hours, so consider a stopover in New York if you are making this
trip.
Boston is a major global city, one of the 30 most economically
powerful cities in the world. Its metropolitan area is the 6th largest
economy in the U.S. and 12th largest in the world, and is a major
commercial air hub in New England.
Boston Logan Airport offers
three commercial FBO terminals for commercial air travel, but Boston's
primary airport for commercial and general aviation is Lawrence G.
Hanscom Field, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Bedford,
Massachusetts (FAA LID : BED). Norwood Memorial Airport (FAA LID: OWD)
is located southwest of I-95 in Norwood, MA, while Beverly Regional
Airport (FAA LID: BVY) and Lawrence Municipal Airport (FAA LID: LWM)
arrive north of Boston.
Air charter companies such as Harvard Air
Taxi offer shuttle flights within the Northeast, and brokers such as
Tailwind Aviation and Jet Charter Brokers such as Tailwind Aviation and
Jet Charter Boston provide access to private aircraft based at airports
around the country for private flights to and from Boston and
surrounding New England areas. Aircraft options range from luxury
aircraft such as Gulfstreams to economical single-engine and twin-engine
aircraft for individuals and small groups.
Amtrak, ☏ +1-215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Boston is
served by national passenger rail service and suburban commuter trains.
The most important station is South Station, where Amtrak's
long-distance and most commuter rail lines terminate. The other major
station is North Station, which serves all northbound commuter trains
and Amtrak routes to Maine. Transfers between these two stations take
15-30 minutes.
South Station, 2 South Station.
North Station, 135
Causeway St.
All heavy gauge commuter rail trains (called the T
or Purple Line) terminate at either North Station or South Station. Once
in town, you will find a variety of stations where you can easily
transfer to light rail (or the T). It runs to Worcester, Lowell, and
Providence, RI, and is considerably cheaper than Amtrak. The furthest
you can go on the Cape is to take the Cape Flyer to Hyannis. This
service operates only during the summer months in cooperation with the
MBTA and the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
The Acela will
run multiple times daily between Boston and Washington, D.C., with stops
in Westwood, Providence, New Haven, Stamford, New York, Newark,
Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. It is the fastest train in the
U.S. (and the slowest "high speed" train in the world). It takes 2.25
hours from New Haven, 4 hours from New York City, 5.5 hours from
Philadelphia, and 7 hours from Washington, D.C. to reach South Station.
There is also no need to go through airport security checks and no need
to worry about traffic delays affecting the schedule.
Northeast
Regional... An inexpensive train that runs several times a day along the
East Coast. Similar to the Acela, but stops at the following stations
from South Station: New Haven (3 hours), New York (5 hours),
Philadelphia (7 hours), Washington D.C. (9 hours), and Richmond,
Virginia (12 hours). The Northeast Regional overnight service from
Washington, D.C., includes sleeping cars, with trains departing
Washington, D.C., around 9 p.m. and arriving in Washington, D.C., in the
early morning.
The Downeaster will operate five to six daily one-way
trips between Brunswick and Boston North Station, with stops in
Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach (seasonal service), Saco, Wells,
Dover, Durham, Exeter, Haverhill, and Woburn. Travel time from Brunswick
to Boston is 3 hours and 20 minutes, and to Portland is 2 hours and 30
minutes.
Lake Shore Limited operates daily service between Chicago
and Boston or New York City. The train stops at most stations along the
line, but not at some smaller stations. Trains consist of cars from both
branches between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer). Trains split into
separate branches between Albany (Rensselaer) and Boston and New York
City. Stops between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer) include South Bend,
Elkhart, Waterloo, Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Erie,
Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Schenectady. Stops
between Albany (Rensselaer) and Boston are Pittsfield, Springfield,
Worcester, and Framingham. The terminus in Boston is South Station.
Travel time from Chicago to Boston is 19.5 hours, from Buffalo 11 hours,
and from Albany (Rensselaer) 5 hours.
Cape Flyer: Passenger train
that runs from South Station to Hyannis on summer weekends from Memorial
Day to Labor Day (2 hours 20 minutes).
Most buses to and from Boston arrive at South Station. The bus
terminal is a few hundred feet south of the train terminal; if you
arrive by T, go outside on the second floor. Then, with the train on
your left, follow the signs to the bus terminal. You should arrive 30
minutes before the scheduled departure time, especially if the airline
does not assign you a seat. If you need food, try to arrive a little
early so that you can buy it near the train. There are a variety of food
options at the train station, but only the most basic facilities are
available near the buses.
The routes operated by Greyhound and
Peter Pan range from pricey to extortionate, but many bus fares are
quite reasonable if you book at least a week or two in advance (as fares
are based on demand). The routes served by Greyhound/Peter Pan range
from overpriced to extortionate, but some companies offer teaser fares
as low as $1. The New York City route is very popular and takes about 5
hours on average. However, if you leave in the middle of the night, it
can take less than 4 hours, and if you are unlucky enough to get caught
in traffic, it can take more than 8 hours. For destinations outside of
New York City, there is usually only one bus company that operates the
route. If the bus ride takes more than 10 hours, it may be worth
considering the cost of flying.
BoltBus, South Station,
toll-free: +1 877 265-8287. Another option between Boston and New York,
Newark, or Philadelphia. This bus was one of the first to offer Wi-Fi
and power outlets to passengers. Today, you can find these amenities on
nearly every intercity bus.
C&J, South Station and Logan Airport ☏ +1
603-430-1100, toll-free: +1-800-258-7111. Connects Boston to
Newburyport, MA; Portsmouth, NH; and Dover, NH.
Concord Coach Lines,
South Station and Logan Airport, ☏ +1 603 228-3300, toll-free:
+1-800-639-3311: +1-800-639-3317. Maine is a great place to live and
work in Portland, Augusta, Bangor, and along the coast and It serves
many small communities along the highway. New Hampshire also provides
service in Manchester and Concord, then splits into two routes. Each
route connects small villages en route to Littleton, New Hampshire and
Berlin, New Hampshire.
Flixbus, (bus stop) 90 Traveler Street (pick
up location is in the LAZ parking lot; enter the parking lot at the
northeast corner of Traveler and Albany St.) (There is a FlixBus "Please
wait here" sign in this area). To/from New York City only. There is also
a stop at 38 Professors Row at Tufts University.
Go Bus, 11
Cambridgepark West, Cambridge (Alewife Station). Although not in Boston,
this company connects Cambridge (Alewife Station) and Newton (Riverside
Station) with New York City.
Greyhound Bus Lines, South Station, ☏ +1
617 526-1800; if you can find it on the map, Greyhound probably operates
buses there. Not always the best option, but sometimes the only option.
For example, it is the only airline that connects Boston and Montreal.
LimoLiner, 39 Dalton Street, Sheraton Back Bay, ☏ +1 309 502-6411. a
luxury bus transportation company offering professional business
services between New York and Boston. They may offer hot meals, wait
staff, and wood paneling, but you have to sit in traffic like everyone
else. 99 one-way.
Lucky Star Bus, South Station ☏ +1 617 734-1268,
between Boston's South Station and New York's Chinatown. Buses run every
30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased only 24-1 hour before departure. 25
one-way.
Megabus, South Station, toll-free: +1-877-462-6342. Connects
Boston to the region's major cities. New York City, Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Washington, D.C.. Also serves Secaucus, NJ; Portland, ME;
Burlington, VA; New Haven, CT; and Hartford, CT.
Peter Pan Bus Lines,
South Station, toll-free: +1-800-343-9999. Like Greyhound, but for New
England. Serves nearly every town and major city in the region: New
York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. Plymouth & Brockton (Street Railway
Co.), South Station, Logan Airport, 200 Stuart St., ☏+1 508-746-0378.
this bus company serves Cape Cod. Boston to Rockland, Plymouth,
Sagamore, Barnstable, and Hyannis. The route continues from Hyannis to
Cape Cape, stopping several times in Provincetown along the way.
If you are coming from outside the East Coast, I-90 is the way into
the city. Officially called the Massachusetts Turnpike, it is known
locally as the "Mass Pike" or simply the "Pike. Running east-west and
connecting directly to Logan Airport, it is over 3,000 miles long and
can take you as far as Seattle if you have time. the end of I-90 is the
Ted Williams Tunnel. Built between the Big Dig, the tunnel ducks under
Boston Harbor and connects East Boston and Logan Airports with the city
of Boston. The Pike is a toll road with no toll booths, so cash
transactions are not allowed. Tolls are paid automatically by E-ZPass
(in-vehicle transponders) that communicate with sensors installed along
the road. No need to worry if you lose your transponder. An overhead
camera takes a picture of the license plate and mails you a bill. Tolls
are generally inexpensive. Tolls to get out of the city are less than
$2, and the Ted Williams Tunnel is $1.50.
I-93 and Route 1 are
Boston's major north-south highways; I-93 is tolled and, like all roads
in Boston, has several names that no one agrees on. The
Southeast/Northern Expressway, or simply Expressway, is the most common,
usually referring to the section of I-93 within the Boston metropolitan
area. Another name for this road is the "Central Arterial" or "Tip"
O'Neill Tunnel, which refers to the portion of the road that runs
underground through central Boston. This section was built during the
Big Dig and connects I-93 with I-90 and US-1. Route 1, also known as the
Northeast Expressway, connects Boston with its northeastern and
southwestern suburbs. Route 1 north from Boston is a toll road that
crosses the Tobin Bridge north of Zakim and heads to a commercial
development in the area of Saugus, where it connects to I-95.
Southwestbound Route 1 is a scenic parkway that parallels Boston's
Emerald Necklace System of parks and becomes a regional commercial
artery in West Roxbury. It crosses the mouth of the Charles River and
the Zakim Bridge (Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge). Located at the
intersection of Route 1 and I-93, this impressive bridge is designed to
echo the adjacent Bunker Hill Monument.
Notably, I-95 (known
locally as Route 128) does not enter Boston directly; in the 1960s,
there were plans to run I-95 from the Amtrak station on Route 128 to
I-93 along the commuter rail line, then up to Zakim and along what is
now Route 1 was in the works, but this plan was scrapped. Instead, it
would bypass the city by looping around the northern and western
suburbs.
Coming from the coast of New Hampshire, Maine, and
Atlantic Canada, exit I-95 at Exit 44, then turn south on US 1 to I-93.
I-95 is a toll road throughout New Hampshire and parts of southern
Maine, and Route 1 (as mentioned above) is a toll road from I-95 to
Boston. I-95 is a toll road that leads from I-95 to Boston. If coming
from Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and points
south, take I-95 north to I-93 near Canton.
If coming from
Hartford and most of Pennsylvania, take I-84 to merge onto I-90 near
Sturbridge.
In downtown Boston, along Route 1A, there are two
tunnels sunk under the harbor, the Callahan Tunnel and the Sumner
Tunnel. These tunnels are small and poorly located (they are connected
at Haymarket). In any case, use them only if you are in the area or have
problems with the Ted Williams Tunnel.
Other notable roads
include Route 2, which sweeps in from the northwest suburbs, and Route
9, which parallels the Pike and is toll-free. Alternative routes into
the city from Worcester and the Metrowest suburbs of Middlesex County
include Storrow Drive and Memorial Drive (two parkways parallel to the
Charles River).
Despite being an oceanfront city, there are surprisingly few options for arriving by boat. If you are sailing through the state, go to Long Wharf, next to the downtown aquarium. From here, MBTA ferries offer seasonal service to Provincetown, Lynn, and Salem, and year-round service to Hingham and Hull. If you want to spend a little more time at sea, go to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal (☎ +1 617-330-1500). Cruise ships depart from here for Fort Lauderdale, Montreal, and Quebec City. There are also boats going to San Diego via Bermuda, the Netherlands, and the Panama Canal.
Unlike other large American cities, Boston is not laid out in a grid
pattern. Folklore says that modern streets were designed by wandering
cattle, but that is definitely a myth. What is more likely is that
existing Native American trails have been reused and expanded over the
years. New roads were cut around hills and streams, shallow swamps were
hastily backfilled wherever commercial forces demanded, and even the
burning of the city in 1872 was not widespread enough to trigger a
comprehensive urban renewal.
In its compact, walkable center,
Boston resembles a European city more than an American city. The narrow
streets and twists and turns can make getting around a bit of a
challenge, but with a good map and a sense of adventure, anyone can find
their way around. Most streets are clearly labeled, especially in the
more touristy areas. Don't be surprised to find that street names change
frequently or that names are reused. Many neighborhoods in Boston were
independent cities a century ago, and as they were annexed, their naming
conventions changed as well. This is why there is a street with a
different name at every traffic light, or Tremont Street intersects with
another Tremont Street.
The MBTA, or "T" for short, is the best way to get around Boston.
Bostonians complain endlessly about this transit system, but there is no
denying its convenience, affordability, and extensive coverage. As the
fourth largest transit system in the nation, the "T" performs a daily
symphony of every imaginable mode of transportation to get more than 1.3
million people to their destinations. Plan your route using your
favorite mapping application or the MBTA's official transportation app.
Tickets can be purchased at kiosks located at the entrances to
nearly every station and accept cash, credit and debit cards. Without a
reloadable card, your options are limited, so try (hard) to get a
Charlie Card, which is available at most subway station kiosks.
Tap the card and follow the on-screen instructions to add value. The
cost of a train ride is $2.40, whether you are going across the city or
just one stop. Instead of paying for each ride, you can purchase what is
called a "Link Pass. This option allows unlimited rides for $12 per day
or $22.50 for 7 days. It's not a lot of money, but if you take the train
often, it will save you money. Transfers between lines are free
everywhere. Once you exit the turnstiles, transfers to buses are free,
but if you want to return to the train or transfer to a third bus, you
have to pay again.
You can't use your Charlie Card? Really? Most
stations have automatic ticket vending machines. All the big stations
downtown have them. Many convenience stores and hotels also carry them.
Have you tried the CharlieCard store at the Roche Bros. entrance to the
Downtown Crossing station? Then it looks like you'll have to buy a
Charlie Ticket. Printed on cheap paper and with a flimsy magnetic strip,
these tickets cost more and do not offer free transfers. If you only
take the train once or twice, no problem.
The Charlie Card/ticket
is valid for all subway, trolley, and local bus rides. If you use
commuter rail or boats, you must switch to mTickets to pay the fare. You
can also buy paper tickets the old-fashioned way at the North Station,
Back Bay, and South Station ticket windows. Finally, you can also buy
tickets on board the train with cash, but there is a $3 surcharge for
this.
Boston's traditional subway system consists of the Red Line, Orange
Line, and Blue Line. A unique feature of Boston's subway system is that
lines heading toward the center of the city are labeled "inbound" and
lines leaving the center are labeled "outbound." For those who are more
familiar with that, the terminus station is always indicated. Train
service begins around 5:30 AM (6:15 AM on Sundays) and ends around 12:30
AM, so plan your trip accordingly. You can bring your bicycle on any
subway, but not during rush hour.
The Red Line is one of the
busiest and most convenient subway lines for visitors to Boston: north
of the JFK/UMass station, it runs every 10-12 minutes; south of the
JFK/UMass station, it runs every 21-23 minutes as the Red Line is
divided into two branches. One terminates at Ashmont Station in
Dorchester, while the other runs outside the city to Braintree. The
trains used on this line are quite old, but are gradually being replaced
by shiny new cars throughout the 2020s.
The Orange Line, with its
1970s chic, runs every 14 to 16 minutes. The cars on this line will be
replaced throughout the 2020s, and for many Bostonians, this is not
going to happen anytime soon. It connects downtown with Roslindale and
Malden, and is ideal for access to the Arboretum and Franklin Park.
The more modern Blue Line runs every 9-13 minutes and can go from
downtown to the wonderland of the North Shore. Other than connecting to
the airport, the line is not very useful to tourists, but there are some
great summer resorts along this route.
Most people would consider the Green Line a trolley, but in the city
center it uses the subway tunnel. When running above ground, the Green
Line serves many areas in four branches: B, C, D, and E. Each branch
runs trolleys about every 9-15 minutes, but traffic can be
unpredictable; the B, C, and D lines meet at Kenmore Station; the E line
is a bit quirky The E line is a little eccentric, passing through
Mission Hill and Longwood, and meeting at Copley Station. All trolleys
go to Park Street, but only some trolleys continue to Union Square in
Somerville. All trolleys go to Park Street, but only some trolleys
continue to Union Square in Somerville.
The ironically named B
Line, which runs through Allston/Brighton, is the slowest of the three;
if you are within four stops of the B Line, it would be faster to walk.
the C Line follows Beacon Street to Brookline. the C Line, like the B
Line, has signal stops, but is faster because it is direct and has fewer
stops. the D Line runs Brookline south and ends in Newton. With its own
dedicated road, the D Line is (comparatively speaking) a rocket ship.
The Mattapan High Speed Line is an extension of the Red Line. It
departs every 12-15 minutes from Ashmont and connects Dorchester and
Mattapan via Milton. These pretty cars were built in the late 1940s and
may be a tourist attraction in themselves for railfans.
Although the MBTA classifies the Silver Line as high-speed rail, it
is clearly a bus. The Silver Line buses operate on natural gas and
electricity from overhead wires. There is a slight delay while the buses
switch from gas to electricity, and the engines must be shut off. Don't
worry, you will not be killed. Subways ride SL1, SL2, and SL3, and buses
ride SL4 and SL5. If you have a Charlie Card, you can tap and go and
never get lost.
SL4 and SL5 run from downtown through the South
End to Dudley; SL2 runs through South Boston and connects with SL1 at
South Station; SL1 connects from South Station to Logan Airport via many
terminals; SL3 is a new branch of the Silver Line, SL3 is a new branch
of the Silver Line that runs on a dedicated route from Chelsea, with a
short stop at the airport, before continuing on to South Station.
Regular buses are cheaper than trains and can get you closer to your
final destination, but they can take longer and usually run less
frequently, unless they are on key bus routes. Express buses are more
expensive, run longer distances, and typically connect downtown Boston
with the Route 128 suburbs during the rush hour commute. Charlie Card
holders pay $1.70 for regular buses, $4.00 for the Inner Express, and
$5.25 for the Outer Express, with free transfers from the subway. (For
those who do not have a Charlie Card, the fare will be 20-30% higher and
the free transfer benefit will be lost.
Boston's commuter rail system, used primarily by office workers
traveling to and from their homes in the suburbs, consists of 12 lines
running in all directions and is most frequent during rush hours. Fares
range from $2.40 to $13.25 one-way; you can purchase tickets after
boarding, but you will pay an extra $3 for the convenience. The official
way to purchase tickets is through the mTicket app, which is free to
download and does not require an account. If you prefer the
old-fashioned way, get in line to buy tickets at North Station, South
Station, or Back Bay Station. Rarely, if ever, can you take a commuter
train from Back Bay Station to South Station for free.
Trains
heading north of the city depart from North Station, while those heading
south or west depart from South Station. Both stations have good subway
connections. North Station is served by the Green Line and Orange Line,
and South Station is served by the Red Line and Silver Line. The two
stations are not directly connected and can take 15 to 30 minutes
depending on the connection. North Station trains serve popular tourist
destinations such as Salem, Gloucester, and Concord. South Station
trains connect to Providence, Plymouth, Framingham, Worcester, and
sometimes Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Be sure to decide on your return
train. As the night wears on, trains become less frequent (on evenings
and weekends, most lines are typically every two to three hours). The
last train back into the city departs around 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and
the last train out of the city leaves around 10:45 PM to 11:45 PM.
Accommodations can be scarce in outlying communities. Some routes do not
operate on weekends.
The MBTA operates many water shuttles throughout the year. The most
convenient for tourists is the Inner Harbor Ferry (F4) from Long Wharf
to Navy Yard for $3.50. This ferry is a convenient ride between the USS
Constitution and the New England Aquarium. There is also a shuttle bus
(F2H) from Long Wharf to Logan Airport, but it runs relatively
infrequently. Plan ahead if you want to make good use of this service.
There is also a commuter ferry to Hull and Hingham for $9.25 per trip.
The fare is a bit more expensive because it is a bit farther away.
Public ferries other than the MBTA also leave from some piers,
including the Aquarium and Lowe's Wharf. Water cabs make several stops
along the Boston waterfront. In the summer, you can simply wait for the
ferry to arrive, or call 15 minutes in advance if your schedule is
tight. Tickets are $12 each, and children are free. The same company
that operates the water cabs also operates the Harbor Island Ferry to
George's Island.
The Ride, ☏ +1 617 337-2727. Automatic driving service for people who cannot use regular transportation due to disabilities. You need to make a reservation well in advance. Ideally, call at least a week before your trip; make sure you have your "ADA Paratransit Eligibility Certificate" or allow plenty of time to call the service staff to go over the details. Everyone complains about these aging vans, but at least they exist.
You will be doing a lot of walking while you are here, so wear
comfortable shoes. There is no other way to properly examine the
secluded side streets and historical nameplates. Downtown and the Back
Bay in particular are compact and easy to walk. It only takes about 45
minutes to walk the 8 kilometers from the State Capitol to Fenway Park.
While here, it is almost impossible not to notice the amount of
jaywalking that Bostonians do on a daily basis. For historical reasons,
crosswalks are not always well placed. When you need to cross a street,
do as the locals do and walk down the street. Of course, use common
sense and do not walk out from behind a truck or attempt to cross a
multi-lane highway.
Driving in Boston is strongly discouraged in dense tourist areas.
Boston drivers are notoriously aggressive and impulsive, and
construction is a way of life. Just ignoring a traffic light is enough
to give you a heart attack. But if you must, here are some helpful tips.
Local drivers frequently ignore yellow (and red!) lights. ), so be
careful to accelerate when the light turns green. Be prepared to change
lanes at any time. Some travel lanes become right-turn lanes, parking
lanes, or simply do not exist anymore. Be prepared to stop at any time
as drivers double park wherever they want. Do not try to squeeze past a
bus or interrupt a trolley. If you come across a roundabout, give way.
Remember that the right of way is within the roundabout. Do not stop at
a roundabout! Some streets are two-way, but only wide enough for one
car. Don't be in a hurry and pull into the parking lane while they pass
by.
Garage parking is expensive, about $12-15 an hour or $40-50 a
day if space is available. Garages are located near Quincy Market, the
Aquarium, the State Street Financial Center, the Theater District, and
the Boston Common. It is about 1.5 km from the highway to these parking
garages, so take into account that it will take about 30 minutes to get
there. On-street parking is usually for residents only and requires a
special sticker. Time limits on parking meters are diligently enforced
for the few precious spaces remaining. The city has rolled out high-tech
solutions and is even experimenting with "surge pricing" in some areas.
Many parking meters are digital kiosk-style, which print receipts to be
displayed on the windshield, but a few old-fashioned
quarter-gobbler-style meters remain. As a general rule, if you think you
are parking illegally, you probably are. Fines for parking violations
range from $25 to $120, depending on the nature of the offense.
If you are going to Boston for a day trip, consider parking and taking
the "T." The MBTA parking lots are cheaper than the city's parking lots,
and you don't have to drive there. These stations have large parking
lots, but they fill up by 9:30 AM on weekdays.
Alewife ($7/day,
$8/night), adjacent to Route 2
Braintree ($7/day, $8/night), near
I-93
Riverside ($6/day, $7/night), near I-90/Route 128
Quincy
Adams ($7/day, $8/night), near I-93
Wellington ($6/day, $7/night),
near I-93, adjacent to Route 16
Although there is no one official livery, taxis in Boston are predominantly white in color (hence called "white cabs" by locals). Including a tip for the driver and any highway tolls you might need to pay, expect to spend at least $15 and possibly up to $40 for an in town ride. Cabs are more expensive in Boston than you might expect, so be judicious using cabs if money is a concern. For example an $80 taxi fare from the airport to the nearby suburb of Wellesley, would not be unreasonable. Uber X and Lyft are both available and may be cheaper than taking a white cab, especially for longer trips. Be careful during major events, as "surge pricing" could actually make these options more expensive than a traditional taxi.
Many Boston residents use bicycling as their primary mode of transit
all year round. Boston's small size and relative flatness make biking an
effective and appealing way to get around. Efforts under the Menino
administration increased city investment in bicycling and the bad old
days of "worst cycling city in America" are long gone. Cambridge does
tend to have more bicycle lanes and racks than Boston, although Boston
is catching up.
Most bicycle traffic is going to and from
Cambridge, so you'll often see the Longfellow and Mass Ave bridges
festooned with spandex. Comm Ave is a busy east/west corridor, as
students and commuters make their way across Allston and into downtown.
Another popular route is the Southwest Corridor Bike Path, running
parallel to the Orange line. It connects JP and Roxbury to the Back Bay.
This is an excellent means of transit if you intend on visiting some of
the city's southern parks.
Boston and its neighboring cities run
a bike-sharing service, Bluebikes. Similar to many other urban
bike-sharing services, riders pick up a bicycle at any station and
return it to any station. The system is optimized for commuting and
short trips. Your pass grants unlimited 30 minute rides, but fees are
charged for long rides in order to keep bike stations full. If you're
going to be doing some distance riding, consider renting your own bike
for a day or two.
Cambridge Bicycle, 259 Massachusetts Ave (T:
Central), ☏ +1 617-876-6555. Renting out Linus Dutchi and Roadster Sport
3-speeds. Set up with flat resistant tubes and tires plus a cute little
basket to store whatever you've got. $35/day.
Bluebikes (formerly
Hubway). 24 hours daily. Bike sharing service offering 3,000 bikes
across 300 stations in Boston and 4 nearby municipalities. Journeys
longer than 30 minutes (2 hours for the Adventour pass) cost an
additional $2.50/30 minutes. Don't forget to bring your helmet; none are
offered at the stations! $10/one day, $20/month.
Urban AdvenTours,
103 Atlantic Ave (T: Aquarium), ☏ +1 617-670-0637. Provides all types of
bike rentals: mountain, road, hybrid, even "e-bikes" with pedal assist.
Rentals include helmet and lock. Delivery available. $40-100/day.
Check out 50 Under 50 for great discounts on popular tourist attractions. This site, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Tourism, offers great deals on some of Boston's most popular attractions. Also, check out the Boston CityPASS, which is a $50 value for a $50 discount on the Boston CityPASS. This pass costs $56 and allows you to visit four famous attractions for nine days. The GoBoston Card is also more flexible, with passes that can be purchased based on the number of days and attractions visited. Prices range from $39 to $175, and if you really want to do a lot of sightseeing, this may be a better deal.
The Back Bay and Beacon Hill neighborhoods are home to many of the
city's notable buildings. The facade and gold dome of the Massachusetts
State House are well-proportioned, and both the modern and classic parts
of the Boston Public Library stand out in their own right. Many of the
nearby churches are also very picturesque. Trinity Church has created
its own unique architectural style, while Old South Church graces many
postcards. Finally, no visit would be complete without a stop at the
venerable Quincy Market.
Boston City Hall is perhaps the city's
finest example of modern architecture. This brutalist edifice is notable
primarily for its detestability, but it is not too early to give up on
exciting modernism. Head to Cambridge and explore the campuses of
Harvard University and (especially) the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. There you will see some great "star architecture" by Le
Corbusier, Eero Saarinen, Frank Gehry, and others. If you are
interested, check online to find out when the next tour will be held.
A highlight of many itineraries is a tour of colonial Boston. The Old
State House, one of the oldest public buildings in the country, is
impressive and full of historical significance. Faneuil Hall is
conveniently located and always popular. The Old South Meeting House was
a hotbed of patriotic activity in its day. Boston's North End, near the
waterfront, is no less historic. The Old North Church is where Paul
Revere began his famous horseback riding. Then visit Paul Revere's house
nearby.
The Longfellow House is a National Historic Landmark in
Cambridge. This is where Washington established his headquarters in
1776, and it would be impossible to tour colonial America without George
Washington. There are other interesting 18th century historic sites in
Roxbury. If you go this way, don't miss the Shirley Eustis House, one of
the last surviving royal governor's residences. Roxbury Heritage State
Park, once the center of town, is home to the Dillaway-Thomas House and
the First Church of Roxbury. Both are fine examples of 18th century life
in Boston.
Many of Boston's suburbs have historic colonial sites.
In particular, the town of Lexington is a must-see for history buffs
coming to Boston. Depending on traffic, it is a 20-30 minute drive
northwest of the city (follow the signs for Route 2 or take the Red Line
to the Minuteman Commuter Bike Path if you are biking). The town is
famous as a stopover on Paul Revere's Midnight Ride, which originated in
Boston, and many colonial monuments and historic buildings can be seen
throughout the town.
If you're near the ocean, you'll see Fort Independence on the South Boston shoreline. If you like Civil War forts, check out Fort Warren on George's Island. Ostensibly built for the defense of the city, these forts were actually obsolete by the time they were built. There is also the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, which faces the harbor and can be seen for miles around. And don't forget the iconic U.S.S. Constitution.
Boston is home to some wonderful museums covering a wide variety of
subjects and interests. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, located at the
Fenway, is Boston's premier art museum, exhibiting a wide range of art
in a traditional museum format. Highlights include popular French
Impressionist works, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and a comprehensive
collection of early American art. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is
an imaginative and eclectic museum that displays art curated by
Isabella's aesthetic eye.
For modern art, the Institute of
Contemporary Art in South Boston. Here, artists such as Anish Kapoor,
Tara Donovan, and Shepard Fairey are on display. Also on display are
works by lesser-known artists working with glass, textiles, and sound.
If you are worried about whether or not your children will be
interested, take them to the Boston Children's Museum. It is very
interactive and engaging, and look for the oversized milk bottle out
front. When the "kids" are a little older, take them to the Science
Museum in the West End. It has a giant Van de Graaff generator (the
largest in the world!), a Charles and Ray Eames generator (the largest
in the world!), and a Charles and Ray Eames generator. ) and exhibits
designed by Charles and Ray Eames.
In the middle of downtown is
the New England Aquarium. Walk around the giant cylinders that resemble
coral reefs and watch the penguins in action in a chilling manner. The
Museum of African-American History on Beacon Hill, though small, tells a
large but often overlooked story of Boston's history. Finally, if
contemporary history is your thing, don't miss the JFK Presidential
Library and Museum in Dorchester.
In Cambridge, Harvard
University has wonderful collections at the Harvard Museum of Natural
History and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The "Glass
Flower" exhibit alone has been on tourists' to-do lists for over 100
years. If you specialize in the visual arts, visit the museums scattered
around campus, such as the Fogg Art Museum and the Sackler Museum. And
don't forget the fascinating MIT Museum! With a variety of hands-on
exhibits, it is well worth your time.
Like many other major U.S. cities, Boston has a park designed by
Frederick Law Olmsted. Called the Emerald Necklace, these parks occupy
almost half of the city's green space. The oldest and most beloved of
these parks is Boston Common. At its heart, this park is always in use.
Right next to it is the Public Garden. Although small in size, the many
plantings and formal design give this park a more elegant feel. The
gorgeous Charles River Esplanade, which leads down to the water's edge,
is a wonderful place to relax and escape from city life.
If
you're downtown, don't miss the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. This
wonderful ribbon of green has replaced a toxic and congested highway
with art, food, and life. Its construction has restored a connection to
neighborhoods that had been cut off from the rest of the city for
decades.
Further afield, the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is
officially dedicated to science. Nevertheless, this will be news to the
crowds soaking in the grandeur of this immaculately maintained park.
Picnics are not permitted. Continue your exploration in Roxbury and
visit Franklin Park, the largest link in Olmsted's Emerald Necklace.
Although in need of maintenance, Franklin Park has miles of excellent
hiking and biking trails. Not to mention a zoo and an 18-hole municipal
golf course.
East Boston also has many parks. Because they are on
opposite sides of the harbor, these parks and beaches are less visited
than other parts of town.
For the most up-to-date event information, check out the Boston Calendar, where you can filter through nearly every event taking place in Boston. Also, check out the City of Boston's events page. It has a mix of attractions for residents as well as visitors. I also recommend DigBoston, a free informational magazine with information on events large and small. Get a copy (or a competitor) from the newspaper boxes often found at busy intersections.
If music is your thing, Boston is the place to be. Boston has a
variety of live music venues, and there is sure to be something to your
liking. The large student population helps, and a variety of artists
perform throughout the year. For megastars and headlining performers,
check out TD Garden or Fenway Park. These are usually sports arenas, but
for the right artist (think Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga) they
also host music events. Another huge music attraction is Boston Calling,
a multi-day festival held at the end of May. Crowd into Harvard Stadium
with 20,000 of your friends to see the famous and up-and-coming artists
that kids are crazy about these days.
When it comes to smaller
venues, Allston-Brighton is the place to be. There are a variety of
options, but if you're looking for the next indie sensation or a band
just starting to explode, try Paradise Rock Club, Brighton Music Hall,
or Great Scott. All of these places generally have a good selection of
artists, but when the big names come to play, tickets can sell out
quickly.
Cambridge has plenty of great music spots on the other
side of the Charles. Be sure to check out Middle East (upstairs or
downstairs), where artists from many different countries play. Phoenix
Landing is a football-friendly restaurant that transforms into a dance
club at night. For a real nightclub experience, try the nearby Middlesex
Lounge or go to The Plough & Stars for live rock music. The electronic
festival is held in Together Boston for one week in May and features
performances that combine elements of art and technology.
Head
downtown and you'll find some of the city's best nightclubs. Many of
them are clustered around Faneuil Hall (like in Hong Kong) or in
Boylston Place, a small alley off Boylston Street. The House of Blues on
Lansdowne Street often features very talented artists, although the
music is not as frequent as one might expect and the popularity is not
as "red hot" as it once was.
For a smaller venue that offers a
unique experience, try Wally's Cafe in the South End. This jazz club was
once one of dozens in the area and is one of the last remaining. Still
family owned and operated, you can expect to see talented and passionate
Berklee students gracing the stage. A trip to the Berklee Performance
Center is a great way to hear unknown musicians perform.
If
you're a melody explorer, check out the Midway Café in Jamaica Plain.
You never know what you'll find, but the sound here often has a queer or
punk edge. In the summer, hang out at the neighborhood porch fest. The
homeowners open up their porches as impromptu performance spaces for
local and offbeat bands to play. Neighbors and visitors alike stop by
and roam the city streets to see what intrigues them. Somerville's
original, with hundreds of performers, is the best, but JP has some good
ones, and Roslindale is another contender.
A visit to the Theatre District is a great way to attend unusual
cultural and entertainment programs all year round. The heart of
Boston's theater scene is found in the dozens of 19th century buildings
scattered between Washington and Tremont Streets. Even if theater is not
your goal, simply strolling through this historic district can be a
performance in itself. If you're buying tickets, check out the
performances being staged at the Emerson-owned Cutler Majestic Theater
or the Paramount Theater. The Wang Theatre is another landmark historic
building.
The world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra performs
renowned classical music in the fall, winter, and spring in the opulent
Symphony Hall. In the summer, the orchestra transforms into the Boston
Pops Orchestra, always entertaining audiences with a program of light
classical and popular music. The Boston Ballet, the first professional
ballet company in New England, performs exclusively at the Boston Opera
House. Its production of "The Nutcracker" is especially popular and has
been performed annually since the late 1960s.
The New England
Conservatory of Music is a world-renowned music school located near
Symphony Hall. It is well known among musicians, but often overlooked by
the rest of the population. Concerts, recitals, and chamber music
concerts here are usually free without tickets. Don't miss the Berklee
Performance Center, either. It is another great spot in town to see
talented performers (usually) at a discount.
At the end of July,
many family-friendly performers gather in Copley Square for the Boston
Summer Arts Weekend. The event is sponsored by local public broadcaster
WGBH and the Boston Globe. Outside The Box, another major performing
arts festival, takes place on the Common in mid-July. It's a pretty big
deal, but there are several free events for the whole family to enjoy.
The Boston area has a very active social dance scene, but much of it is concentrated in Cambridge or the suburbs. Contra dances such as the BIDA series, held on the first and third Sundays, are especially welcome due to the ease of learning.
Boston is a sports town, and its teams are both loved by New
Englanders and hated by the rest of the country; winning (or at least
playing in) almost every championship game since 2002 will have that
effect on people. Watching almost every game in New England could be the
highlight of your trip. However, tickets are hard to come by, so do your
research and plan accordingly.
The team with the most wins (and
most likely to frustrate non-New England football fans) is the New
England Patriots. They play during the winter months at Gillette Stadium
in Foxborough, southwest of town. Talking to any Englishman in a jersey
about former quarterback Tom Brady and the "deflategate" scandal
(whether positive or negative) is sure to spark discussion. Bring up the
Manning brothers Eli and Peyton, the New York Giants, and the Nick
Foles-era Philadelphia Eagles, and you will get a similar response. The
Eli-led Giants did not give the Patriots two rings in a hard-fought
Super Bowl, but the Foles-led Eagles produced the biggest upset in
sports history, defeating the heavily favored Patriots in Super Bowl
LII. Payton, meanwhile, is seen by many football fans as the "best
quarterback." Before we broach these topics, let's make sure we have a
drink or two. Also calling Gillette Stadium home is the region's soccer
team, the New England Revolution. While not as popular as soccer, soccer
fans are always enthusiastic as well. Both teams are owned by Robert
Kraft, whose controversial politics and personality make him a lightning
rod for passionate debate.
Two of Boston's oldest teams play at
TD Garden. The Boston Celtics (pronounced SEL-tiks) have been shooting
hoops since 1946 as one of the original NBA teams. They had a great
rivalry with the L.A. Lakers, culminating in the 1980s when Larry Bird
and Magic Johnson faced off at the Yosemite. Also in the winter, the
Boston Bruins are in the West End and call the Garden home. The Bruins
have been playing hockey since 1924 and are the oldest NHL team in the
United States. They also have a great rivalry. Affectionately known as
the "Habs," they have finished off the Bruins many times in the Stanley
Cup playoffs over the decades.
Finally, the Boston Red Sox are
perhaps the team most closely tied to Boston's identity. The iconic Red
Sox "B" logo adorns ball caps everywhere you look, and for 86 years the
Sox started each season strong, only to have their hopes of winning
dashed by one unfortunate incident. Bad play, unfair decisions, and a
"there's always next year" mentality. That is how the drought broke in
2004, and the city rejoiced. The Red Sox have called Fenway Park home
for over 100 years, and the "Cathedral of Baseball" is worth a visit
even if baseball is not your thing. If you can get tickets, jump on this
opportunity. Getting into the park during a Red Sox-Yankees game is next
to impossible. This is one of the fiercest rivalries in sports, and it
is highly recommended that you leave your NY goodies at home on game
day.
While college sports are not as prominent in Boston as in
other parts of the country, there are still some good Division I games.
College hockey fans in particular should not miss the Beanpot. The
tournament takes place on the first two Mondays in February and features
teams from the following four schools.
Tours in Boston are big business. No matter what kind of ride you are
looking for, you can find a tour centered around that ride. The widest
variety of tours depart from near the downtown aquarium. The fact that
Duck Tours navigates Boston by land and sea may have propelled them to
the top, but their competitors are not to be outdone. Various companies
offer harbor cruises, a comfortable and relaxing way to see the sights.
If you choose whale watching, go with one that is affiliated with an
aquarium.
You can also bike, walk, skateboard, or Segway around
the historic sites. Some popular tour companies depart from Back Bay.
First Night: December 31-January 1 of each year Boston's New Year's
Eve is the oldest public New Year's Eve party in the United States and
is copied in cities around the world. A family-friendly celebration of
arts and culture, it begins at midnight with children's events and
continues until midnight with music, dancing, poetry, and other
exhibits, culminating in a fireworks display on the waterfront. Dress
appropriately.
Evacuation Day (St. Patrick's Day): March 17 each
year. A local holiday commemorating the expulsion of occupying British
troops from Boston. Remember to wear green, drink beer, and wear
something that says "Kiss Me I'm Irish". Join the celebration with a
huge parade in Southie on the nearest Sunday.
Patriots' Day (Boston
Marathon): . The third Monday in April, locally known as "Marathon
Monday," is the oldest marathon in the world. The race began in 1897 and
is held on the holiday to commemorate Paul Revere's famous ride in 1775.
The race, which runs 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to the finish line at
Copley Square, attracts more than 500,000 spectators. Try not to move
around too much as most of the city will be closed during the race.
There will also be a Red Sox home game on Patriot's Day.
Harborfest:
. A family-friendly seaside festival held before Independence Day (July
4). Check out musket gun technology, 18th century chocolate making, or a
presentation on the Stamp Tax Law. But there's also a pub crawl, which
is cooler than you might imagine. Several tours specializing in history,
architecture, wildlife, and sightseeing are also available by land and
sea.
Independence Day: July 4 each year. There are a variety of
events throughout the day, including fireworks and a Boston Pops concert
on the Esplanade. Many roads are closed, trains are packed, and nearly
one million spectators flock to the banks of the Charles River. To enjoy
this national holiday in "Boston" style, visit the Old State House
during the day. Here you can hear the full text of the Declaration of
Independence read from the main balcony, as it has been done every year
since 1776.
St. Anthony's Festival: . A religious festival held on
the last Sunday in August in the Italian North End neighborhood. St.
Anthony, the patron saint of the poor, is also known as the "Saint of
Miracles" and the "Discoverer of Lost and Found". The festival includes
lots of food, games, music, and of course a parade down Hanover Street.
Allston Christmas August 31-September 1 each year. This very informal
holiday commemorates the annual "lease change," when students throughout
the city swap apartments. Picture tens of thousands of young people
renting moving trucks en masse and hauling everything they own half a
mile down the road. Everything that did not fit into the truck is dumped
on the street. Check the curb in a densely populated student
neighborhood and you will find everything from furniture and kitchenware
to clothing and groceries. The city's DPW is working day and night to
deal with this mess.
Head of the Charles Regatta: . Mid-October.
Thousands of rowers come from around the world to compete for two days
in one of the largest regattas in the world. Be there before 8 a.m. to
see the first sculls run. The course is on the Charles River between
Cambridge and Allston and takes about an hour to walk the 3-mile course.
T to the Harvard, Central, or Boston University stop.
Thinking about going to Boston? Join the Club Boston is home to an
estimated 250,000 college students, and dozens of universities call
Greater Boston home. Academics are ingrained in Boston's culture, and it
is not uncommon to overhear conversations about Planck's constant or
contextual theory over morning coffee.
The most prestigious is
undoubtedly Harvard University in Cambridge, where eight U.S. presidents
were educated. Two miles away, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) is also one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Not
only do these two schools hold billions of dollars in endowments, but
they have also produced a large number of Nobel laureates, Rhodes
Scholars, new companies, and patents. These two schools are among the
most selective on the planet!
Of course, Boston is home to other
top-ranked research universities. Boston University, with 65,000
students, is spread across a 1.5-mile urban campus straddling Fenway and
Allston; BU was attended by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who earned his
PhD here in 1955. Boston College is not a college (it is a fully
accredited university), nor is it entirely located in Boston (the main
campus is in suburban Chestnut Hill, with a satellite campus in
Brighton); BC is a highly regarded private Jesuit Catholic research
university The university is located in the suburbs of Chestnut Hill and
has a satellite campus in Brighton. Northeastern University in Fenway is
also widely regarded as a liberal arts college. Another prestigious
school is Tufts University, just north of town in Medford.
Adjacent to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Simmons College at the
Fens is almost entirely female and offers a wide range of liberal arts
degrees. Wentworth Institute of Technology, with an emphasis on
technical design and engineering, also calls Fenway home. West of town
in Waltham, Brandeis University is known for its small class sizes,
Jewish roots, and selective system.
Fine arts are also thriving
in Boston. Emerson College specializes in communications and the arts
and has an excellent radio station. Berklee College of Music is the
largest independent contemporary music college in the world. It is often
confused with the completely unrelated Berklee in California. One of the
oldest art schools, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is the
only publicly funded art school in the United States. Other colleges in
the area include the up-and-coming Bunker Hill Community College, state
schools such as Lesley University and Boston University, and numerous
suburban schools not already mentioned.
Remember, the above is
only an overview. If you are interested in pursuing higher education in
the Boston area, delve into the arts, architecture, languages, law,
medicine, music, research, science, and much more, and don't forget
about affordable universities like UMass Boston, as well as community
colleges located throughout town. With its dense concentration of
educational opportunities, Boston offers a great education on a small
budget.
Boston, along with New England in general, transitioned long ago from
a manufacturing-oriented economy to a service-oriented economy. Many
jobs in Boston require advanced degrees and years of specialized
training. Those seeking to join Boston's workforce face stiff
competition for high-paying jobs. Many applicants for advanced positions
have advanced degrees and may need a master's degree, MBA, or PhD to
stand out. If you don't have these credentials, don't lose hope. Degrees
are not universally required, and many professors and executives hire a
lot of support staff to assist them. The construction industry is also
booming, but to get these jobs you need to unionize somehow.
Higher education is, unsurprisingly, the major employer here, and health
care is also one of the largest industries. Longwood in particular
employs tens of thousands at dozens of hospitals, including: Beth Israel
Deaconess, Brigham and Women's, Dana-Farber, Children's Hospital, and
Harvard Medical School. And let's not forget Massachusetts General
Hospital in the West End.
Startups, high tech, and biotech have
been big business in Boston for decades. Boston has the most venture
capital outside of the Bay Area; companies like Formlabs, Runkeeper, and
Hopper are just a few of the hundreds of startups operating in the city.
The greatest concentration of incubators is in the Seaport Innovation
District and Kendall Square in Cambridge. Established companies such as
Boston Dynamics, Broad Institute, and Akamai are examples of "startups"
that have been successful in the past. Today's biotech companies are
concentrated in Cambridge and the suburbs along Route 128.
Multinational companies are also making inroads into the area. Gillette
(or Procter & Gamble) has been here for years and in 2016 welcomed new
neighbor General Electric. Financial services such as Bain Capital,
Liberty Mutual, Fidelity, and several hedge fund firms are located
downtown. For reasons unknown, sneaker companies seem to love Boston.
Converse, New Balance, and Reebok are all headquartered in the city. It
is also likely that at least one of your favorite Fortune 500 companies
is based in Boston.
If it exists (and can be bought) in New England, it exists in Boston.
Sure, you can find the multinational staples that have come to be
expected throughout the United States, but many neighborhoods are
striving to maintain an enduring independent spirit. Soaring real estate
prices are putting pressure on owners to "sell up," but many
entrepreneurs are still finding ways to make their businesses
successful.
One of the first places people visit is the Quincy
Market downtown. The stores here are clearly geared toward tour bus
customers. It's not all snow globes, shot glasses, and postcards, but
there are a few novel accessories. And don't forget the Boston Public
Market. It is about a block north. Or head to Downtown Crossing, where
many locals frequent for fast fashion and other affordable items.
The most frequented shopping spot is probably Newbury Street in Back
Bay. This street, lined with historic brownstones, is lined with some of
the best stores and restaurants in town. If you notice too many zeros on
the price tags, it may be because it's near the Public Garden. Walk
west. The farther you walk, the less sticker shock you'll see. While
you're here, don't miss Boylston Street a few steps south. Many stores
call this street home, and two huge upscale shopping malls are
accessible from Boylston.
Charles Street in Beacon Hill begins
just north of the Common. The mix of storefronts makes it ideal for both
window shopping and shopping for daily necessities. If you just want to
grab a bite to eat or a coffee, there are multiple options, making it a
pleasant and scenic walk. If you're in town on a weekend, head to the
South End's Sewa Open Market. It's a great chance to pick up some
one-of-a-kind handmade goods and get a taste of local color.
If
you're shopping in Cambridge, make Harvard Square your first stop. It's
a little more corporate, but it's Harvard and there are still more than
a few interesting stores. Once in Brookline, head to Coolidge Corner.
This area has the highest concentration of stores, restaurants, and
entertainment in Brookline.
While delicious seafood is the first thing that comes to mind for
many travelers, there are other quality restaurants in Boston. Many
travelers will find it an unforgettable experience to indulge in fine
Italian cuisine in the charming North End neighborhood, while others may
prefer the classic dining options scattered throughout the Back Bay and
South End. Others may prefer to visit the classic restaurants that dot
the Back Bay and South End. Also, if you are used to eating late,
consider that many of the restaurants in the area close at 10 or 11 PM.
Boston cuisine is better known as New England cuisine. These are
often thought of as traditional Thanksgiving dishes, which makes sense
when you consider the origins of Thanksgiving. While the types of these
dishes served in the city may be more "highbrow," the examples found in
the countryside are also flavorful. Also, Boston baked beans no longer
exist. But if you really want to try them, check out the menus at some
of the more touristy restaurants downtown.
Atlantic Cod: Highly prized by the early settlers, this ingredient is
closely associated with the Boston diet. Prized for its flavor, ability
to be salted, and market value, cod was overfished and its stocks
collapsed in the 1990s. Today, haddock or another white fish, scrod, is
sometimes served. Frankly, they all taste about the same (as long as
they are fresh!) and ), choosing to eat this "trashy fish" will give
this vulnerable animal time to recover.
Clam chowder: It's like the
New England version of pho, and all the restaurants have their own
unique take on this traditional dish, though they all taste similar. No
matter where you eat it, you can be sure to find clams swimming in a
thick cream broth, diced potatoes, onions, and celery. They may also be
served in bowls with colorful garnishes, different kinds of crackers, or
even whole clams. As long as there are no tomatoes added, as is
blasphemously done in certain large southern cities, you can be sure you
are eating the best of the best.
Fried Clams Clams are taken out of
their shells, battered and fried. Not particularly healthy, but always
very tasty. This is another dish you can find anywhere, but it is said
to be best eaten outdoors at a picnic table that may or may not be
clean. Try to be patient until you find one.
Lobster Roll: The
eternal debate of who has the best lobster roll. It is a very popular
way to eat lobster. A lobster roll is diced lobster meat dipped in
butter and seasoned with mayonnaise and a variety of condiments. They
are also served on a toasted New England-style bun. Don't be surprised
if the lobster rolls are usually served cold. If you see a roll that is
piled high with toppings and slathered in mayo, it is most likely an
inferior product.
Oysters: Bostonians love oysters, especially during
happy hour, when they are often served cheaply after work. These
bivalves vary in taste and texture depending on the bay or cove where
they come from. Oysters from Duxbury or Wellfleet are often first on the
list to disappear. Accompaniments vary, but cocktail sauce and lemon are
always present. A wide variety of toppings are available, many of them
spicy.
Steamer: clams steamed in their shells. The clams are scooped
out with a small fork and dipped in butter before eating. Various
accompaniments are also available, depending on the restaurant.
Boston Cream Pie A Boston original and the official dessert of
Massachusetts, this custard-filled yellow cake (not pie!) was invented
at the Parker House Hotel in 1856 and can still be ordered today. ) is
still available to order today. If fine dining is a bit rich for you,
try a version from a slightly nicer donut shop in town. Same idea. If
you don't want to go through the hassle, you can get the Dunkin' Donuts
version anywhere.
Fluff: marshmallow made into a liquid paste.
Artificially and morbidly sweet, it is often combined with peanut butter
to make a sandwich called "fluffernutter" and is loved by children of
all ages throughout New England. In Somerville, the birthplace of fluff,
the sweet is so beloved that an entire weekend in late September is
devoted to fluff festivities. You can get a jar at any grocery store, or
just take a closer look at the menu. At Gallows in the South End, it's
used in the crème brûlée.
Ice cream: New Englanders eat more ice
cream than any other region on earth. In Boston, you will find people
devouring all kinds of ice cream, not only in the summer, but also in
the cold winter months, with the region's artisanal flavors. A few of
the more well-known local dairy producers include: J.P. Licks, Emack and
Bolio's, Toscanini's (Cambridge), The Ice Cream Smith, Picco, Ron's
Gourmet Ice Cream, and many more. There are numerous other locations in
and around Boston, as well as custard and gelato.
Frappe: Milkshakes in New England are mostly milk, not the drinkable
ice cream you are looking for. In New England, a milkshake is called a
frappe, bucking the global trend. It is delicious whether pronounced
"flap," "frappay," or even "milkshake. The best are made at Lizzie's in
Harvard Square and at several UBurger locations. Many of the ice cream
stores in town might also make a good frappe.
New England IPA: Is
this really its own style of beer or not? That remains to be seen. But
if you can get your hands on this popular elixir, note the
unpasteurized, cloudy, hazy appearance; the bitterness of a traditional
IPA is tamed in NEIPA to bring out the floral, fruity character of the
hops more smoothly. Trillium is the best place to go in the city, but
get in line early.
Raspberry Lime Rickey Traditionally made with
raspberry syrup, club soda, and fresh lime. Some recent versions use
morbidly sweet Sprite and cheap artificial lime flavor instead, but
substitutions are not allowed! For quality RLR, try Bartley's Gourmet
Burgers in Harvard Square, Sullavan's in Southie, or Tasty Burger in the
city. In general, if a place serves burgers and isn't overly fancy, they
may serve them even if they aren't on the menu.
Some of the best food available in Boston can be bought from trucks.
Because of skyrocketing real estate prices, food trucks are a cheaper
and easier way to start a business than a full-fledged brick-and-mortar
restaurant. Many entrepreneurs use trucks as a stepping stone to opening
their own restaurants. Hundreds of trucks drive around the city serving
all kinds of styles of food. Many focus on lunch, but many also offer
breakfast and dinner.
Food trucks can be found in many
neighborhoods, but the greatest concentration is along the Greenway and
in downtown hot spots. Copley Square in Back Bay is also a good place to
start, and they can also be found in popular spots such as Sewa Market
in the South End and Lone on D in Southie. The trucks switch locations
every year, so check this filterable list, kept up-to-date by the City
of Boston. If the sheer number of choices seems overwhelming, trust the
locals and get in line for the longest line.
Bon Meh The most
trucks in the city have opened their doors. There is a wide variety of
Vietnamese staples that can be eaten on the go. There are also several
fixed locations.
Chicken & Rice Guys: It's a treat to see what you
can eat here. With Middle Eastern influences, the lamb is excellent!
Goes well with the flavorful sauces, especially the mint. There are also
several permanent restaurants.
Clover: American fast food with
technology. No freezers, so everything is fresh and constantly changing.
No freezers, so everything has to be fresh all the time. Digital menus
tell you exactly how long to wait for your order. Started by a
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduate, the restaurant now
has several locations in the area.
Jamaica Mi Hungry A fantastic
truck serving Jamaican specialties such as rice, peas, coconut milk, and
red beans, in addition to the standard spicy jerk. Currently only a
truck.
Mei Mei: has won numerous awards since 2012; has won numerous
awards since 2012; has won numerous awards since 2012; has won numerous
awards since 2012; has won numerous awards since 2012; has won numerous
awards since 2012; has won numerous awards since 2012; has won numerous
awards since 2012
Tenoch: The truck is small, but the Mexican flavors
are not. Top-notch tacos, tortas, and burritos, but cash only. There is
also one location in the North End. Yes, there is good Mexican in the
North End.
Boston has a thriving nightlife and is known as a drinking city. It
is easy to get from bar to bar and find establishments catering to
college students, businessmen, and sports enthusiasts. There is no
"happy hour" in Massachusetts. After-work drinks are not discounted, so
look for businesses that get creative with incentives. Oysters for $1
are especially common.
The downside to going out in Boston is the
early closing time. Most stores close at 1:00 a.m. and there are only a
few dozen in the city that close at 2:00 a.m. If you take the T, this
works in your favor since it stops running at 12:30 a.m. All venues are
21-and-over, with one or two exceptions for 18-and-over.
If
you're looking for an authentic Irish pub, be prepared to do some
legwork or be prepared to be disappointed. Most of the bars and pubs in
downtown and the Back Bay are a bit too sophisticated and corporate for
historical warmth. The closest downtown is Mr. Dooley's, and all the
others around Faneuil Hall are blatantly touristy; J.J. Foley's is
another decent option in the South End neighborhood. If you're picky,
try Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain or the Eire Pub in Dorchester. If you
go all the way to Eire, you're sure to find something to talk about.
Sports bars. Look to Canal Street in the West End near Boston Garden
or Lansdowne Street in the Fenway District. If you're looking for a
trendy new spot with glass walls, roof decks, and a view. Of course,
it's the Seaport District. Boylston Street in the Back Bay also
scratches an itch. Looking for a cheap place to drink. There are plenty
of options. Go to the intersection of Harvard and Brighton Avenues in
Allston Village. Central Square and Harvard Square in Cambridge are
similarly dense with bars.
Samuel Adams Brewery in J.P. and Harpoon Brewery in South Boston are
arguably the largest breweries, offering tours and tastings. Southie is
also home to Trillium Brewery, which brews some of America's most
acclaimed brews. If you're gluten-free (or just like apples), try
Downeast Cider House in East Boston. Head south of Dorchester and you'll
find two more breweries. Dorchester Brewing Company has 20 taps and
offers fresh house and regional partner beers. Deadwood is a fine little
brewery that makes homebrew for thirsty bowlers.
To the north,
Cambridge has the excellent Lamplighter Brewery, and Somerville is home
to Aeronaut, Slam Brew, Winter Hill Brewing Company, and Bantam Cider
Company. For the adventurous, the northern part of the city has some of
the best beer. With real estate a little cheaper, people can afford to
take a few more risks. Idle Hands in Malden and Mystic Brewery in
Chelsea are prime examples. Finally, Everett has some great options with
Night Shift, Bone Up, and Down the Road breweries.
If you're
looking for something a little more hard-hitting, Boston has options as
well. GrandTen Distilling in South Boston and Bully Boy Distillers in
Roxbury offer tours and tastings. Short Path Distillery, also in
Everett, specializes in rum and gin.
Few people drink as many cups of coffee daily as Bostonians. In fact, a 2015 survey estimated that 15% of young children in Boston drink coffee with their parents. The city has plenty of options. Dunkin' Donuts, founded near Quincy, has an almost Orwellian presence. There should be at least two stores in every location where small feet can get you anywhere you want to go. More utilitarian coffees can be found at Starbucks and other chains, but none are as popular as "Dunk's." Order "regular" if you want cream and sugar, or "black" if you don't. Looking for something a little more exciting? Gracenote or Ogawa in downtown, or Pavement Coffeehouse, Boston Common Coffee, Barrington Coffee Roasting, or Thinking Cup in or near the Back Bay area. Almost any coffee shop in the North End will have the atmosphere and probably what you would expect.
Boston offers a wide range of hotels, from budget to mid-range hotels
to luxury penthouses. Most hotels are concentrated in the Back Bay, with
many options in the South End, Seaport, Cambridge, and other nearby
neighborhoods. If the Freedom Trail is your goal, you'll want a hotel as
centrally located as possible. Otherwise, look for a place close to the
T station. Once you get out of the turnstiles, you can be anywhere in 30
minutes.
If anything is going to blow your budget, it would be
accommodations. Boston has the most expensive real estate in the nation,
behind only the Bay Area and New York City; in July 2019, the average
room in the city cost $280 per night! The city recognizes this problem
and more hotels are planned or under construction. Your best bet is to
book far in advance and keep in mind popular dates. It can be especially
bad during graduation in May and when schools reopen in early September.
Prices are lower in the winter, but shoulder seasons are probably a
better compromise.
There are several hostels in town, and more
affordable accommodations can be found in student-oriented areas such as
Allston and Fenway. There are also creative ways to get around. Find an
old friend, sleep on someone's couch, or browse your favorite room
rental applications. If you're staying a little longer, a summer sublet
could be a good option. Returning students often have an extra two or
three months on their lease, so they can take it over with a little
paperwork.
Greater Boston uses 10-digit dialing. This means that you must always include the area code when making a call. The standard area code is 617, but some phone numbers (especially cell phones) use the newer 857.
In Boston, as in the rest of the country, call 911 in case of an
emergency. This toll-free call can summon police, medical, and fire
services.
For a major American city, Boston's crime rate has
historically been very low. However, the situation has changed
dramatically since the mid-2010s. The reasons for this are the covid19
epidemic, growing income inequality, social unrest (fueled by left-wing
politics in the area), and distrust between police and residents. While
crimes such as murder and identity theft are uncommon, robberies,
assaults, and littering are frequent.
Keep an eye out for more
than just fun street performers, as large tourist attractions draw
crowds of people, and those crowds can attract thieves. If you plan to
enjoy Boston's nightlife, the same rules apply. Watch out for drunks
and, most importantly, students late at night when the bars and clubs
are emptying out. Beware of rowdy drivers and inebriated young people,
as they may be drinking even if you are not.
As one of America's
premier sports cities, Boston attracts some of the most passionate and
righteous sports fans. With sports teams frequently competing for
championships, locals have the right to trash talk other fan bases,
regardless of where they are from or what team they are rooting for. Be
especially careful when the Red Sox play the New York Yankees, when the
Celtics play the Sixers, Knicks, or Lakers, or when the Patriots play
teams like the Bills, Giants, or Eagles. Wearing any of these teams' (or
any other non-Boston sports team's) merchandise around town, especially
in the vicinity of Fenway Park, TD Garden, and Foxboro, is an open
invitation to verbal harassment from the locals. While generally
harmless and fun, these encounters can turn physical as the night wears
on and inhibitions are lost.
While on the train or subway, be
aware of your stops. Don't get too absorbed in your personal devices and
look around you. Remove your headphones. Be extra careful when getting
off the train at night. Busking on trains has not yet become much of a
problem in Boston. Most T stations are staffed during business hours, so
if you feel uncomfortable, ask the attendant for help. As a very general
rule of thumb, any place within a half mile of a train or T station has
likely been renovated since 2010 and is probably fine.
More than
any other major city, Boston has been hit hard by the opioid crisis; as
of 2018, the area around the Boston Medical Center is the only area
tourists should avoid. Colloquially known as the Methadone Mile, this
area borders Roxbury and the South End and is home to a high
concentration of drug addicts who sleep in tents and makeshift homeless
shelters. Many poor people suffering from opioid addiction take
advantage of programs and services available only here. These tightly
packed buildings at the intersection of Massa Avenue and the Route 93
off-ramp are one of the few places in New England that offer treatment.
They are a mix of addicts trying to recover, dealers trying to sell, and
police trying to maintain order.
Despite being portrayed as a
quagmire in countless movies and television shows, South Boston,
Dorchester, and Charlestown are not particularly dangerous
neighborhoods. However, those unfamiliar with these areas are advised to
avoid going alone at night.
The few blocks north and east of
Franklin Park in Roxbury should be avoided, as gang violence remains.
Areas of particular concern include Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, and
Mattapan. Over the years (especially the latter) there have been various
miscellaneous and violent aspects, but the situation is slowly beginning
to improve.
Early settlement
The first European to settle in this area was
British settler William Blaxton in 1625. In 1629 he sold lands to
settlers. The Puritans, who arrived in June 1630, held title to the
whole colony and in turn gave Blaxton land to cultivate. The English
emigrants grouped in a settlement on a peninsula, first called the
Trimountaine (actually "three mountains") by the Native Americans
Shawmut and by the English. At that time, the peninsula surrounded by
Massachusetts Bay was only connected to the mainland by a very narrow
land connection. The second governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony,
John Winthrop, gave the settlement the name Boston and thus founded it
on September 7th. / September 17, 1630 greg. the city. The name goes
back to a town of the same name in Lincolnshire, England, from which
some of the Puritans came.
John Winthrop had given a sermon that
became famous as "A Model of Christian Charity", in which he described
the new city as City upon a Hill and expressed that the Puritans knew
they were connected to God in a special contract. The Puritan values,
especially work, education and godliness stabilized the society to a
large extent and are still part of the social model in Boston and New
England today. In 1635, just a few years after the settlement was
founded, the first Latin school, the Boston Latin School, and in 1636,
Harvard University, America's first university, were founded.
On
June 1, 1660, Quaker Mary Dyer was publicly executed under a 1658 law
outlawing her faith. She is considered the last religious martyr in
North America and the first martyr of Quakerism.
Smallpox broke
out in the city several times, epidemics occurred in 1721, 1730, 1752,
1764, 1776, 1778 and 1792.
On March 20, 1760, a town fire broke
out, destroying 174 houses and 175 shops. The fire destroyed about a
tenth of the city. No personal injuries were reported.
The city became known for the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. At that time, protests against an increase in tea taxes by the British Parliament triggered the War of Independence. A four kilometer long red paved trail, the Freedom Trail, America's "Path of Freedom," leads to 16 historic sites around the city, including the Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House and the Old State House.
After the American Revolution, Boston became one of the wealthiest
trading ports in the world. The most important trade goods included
fish, rum, salt and tobacco. From the 1820s, due to increasing
immigration, the image of the population also began to change
significantly: up to now, Protestant descendants of English immigrants
have been the decisive factor, but now the proportion of Catholics,
especially Irish and later also Italian descent, has increased
significantly.
The city met the enormous need for space that
arose from the growing population in an unusual way: Between 1630 and
1890, the city area tripled not only through incorporations, but also
through land reclamation, especially in the shallow waters of the
Charles River and the Massachusetts bay The earth masses required for
this were gained mainly by the gradual erosion of the three mounds that
were originally on the peninsula (hence 'Trimountain'). Only in the
streets of Beacon Hill one can still guess the remains of the former
inclines. The local Massachusetts State House, the seat of the
Massachusetts governor, is located on top of the reduced hill.
In
1872 the city of Boston was hit by the worst fire in its history. The
extensive rubble of the burned buildings was then also used as fill
material for land reclamation.
On January 15, 1919, another major accident occurred near North End Park, killing 21 and injuring another 150. A flawed molasses tank failed to withstand the pressure of its contents and burst, spilling 14,000 tons of molasses onto the streets of Boston and drowning 21 passers-by.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the city of Boston underwent a structural
change marked by the retreat of old industries related to the high wage
structure compared to other areas in the US. The production factor work
had become too expensive for many industrial companies, so that they had
to relocate. As a result, the city responded with various initiatives
that have come to be known as Urban Renewal. These initiatives included
various urban development programs implemented by the Boston
Redevelopment Authority (BRA) after initiation in 1957. A lot of credit
was wasted in the early projects, as in many cases urban renewal
activities were at the expense of below-average income groups. This
policy led to the displacement of large parts of the population from the
core city. In later projects, this policy was modified and the so-called
linkage principle was introduced as a kind of social balance. This
principle, which is continued to this day, is characterized by a
financial balance between structurally strong and structurally weak core
city areas. A levy is imposed on the developers of lucrative
construction projects, which is then used for the revitalization of
dilapidated residential and commercial areas.
With the onset of
economic growth in the 1970s, which was particularly supported by the
medical sector, economic momentum developed positively for the first
time in more than 30 years. During this time, Boston-based Massachusetts
General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Brigham and
Women's Hospital were among the nation's leading medical institutions in
terms of medical innovation, among other things. But the general science
sector, which has always been important for economic growth in Boston,
was also able to attract more students during this time.
However,
the ever-increasing car traffic since the 1920s also led to new
problems. These were not easy to solve, especially in Boston, since the
city center was one of the oldest and most densely built-up in the whole
of the USA. At the end of the 1940s, however, the responsible local
politicians saw exactly this fact as part of the problem. In the years
that followed, a four-kilometer, six-lane city autobahn was laid right
through the heart of the city as an elevated elevated road. However,
this only solved the traffic problems for a short time and had also
caused the inner city to be fragmented. The Big Dig, the largest road
construction and revitalization project in the United States, was
initiated in the 1980s to mitigate the urban consequences of the road
breakthrough and at the same time solve the traffic problems. Due to its
scope, this project was not completed until 2007.
In the early
21st century, Boston finally grew into an international, intellectual
and technological center. The city also played a nationally important
role in the field of political science. However, there was also a loss
of importance of regional institutions in the financial sector and
within the journalistic sector. The Boston Globe newspaper was taken
over by the New York Times and the Boston-based insurance company
FleetBoston Financial was taken over by Bank of America. Other
problematic developments were gentrification processes, i.e. social
displacement from residential areas. Since the 1970s, these have been
accompanied by rising property and apartment prices. In 2004, the Boston
area had the highest cost of living in the country, and Massachusetts
was the only state with a declining population.
Another trend in
urban development since the beginning of the second half of the 20th
century is the revitalization of derelict harbor areas. Projects that
have been and are being promoted in Boston in this area are the
so-called Harborwalk, a continuous walkway along the so-called
waterfront in the North End, which also connects to the city center
through crossings, the revitalization of Kai Rowes Wharf through a
mixed-use complex, the revitalization of the Fort Point Channel area and
the construction of the Boston Exhibition and Convention Center as well
as the revitalization of the Charlestown Navy Yard (largest contiguous
revitalization area in the USA).
Boston is worth a visit at almost any time of the year. Spring is a time
for renewal. Especially in May, it blooms and fades, and the colors are
the brightest. Summer is, of course, summer, and June to September is
the peak of the tourist season. Daylight during the months of late
spring and early summer lasts from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. Every corner of
the city benefits from the warm weather and is full of festivals and
special events. In autumn, Mother Nature is in full view. It gives such
a show in October and November, many visitors choose this time for
vacation than all others. If you are a snow lover, winter may be the
season for you. Most residents, however, fear the low temperatures and
scanty hours of daylight that occur from December to March, and
sometimes even into April.
Although far north for an American
city, the nearby Atlantic Ocean has a moderating effect. Winters are
slowly sticking, while spring is slowly taking root. One thing in the
North Atlantic, it never gets really warm. Never. No matter how hot it
is at the beach, you can bet the ocean will be cold! The Atlantic also
has the unlikely potential to produce a Nor'Easter, a type of less
powerful hurricane. Nor'easter generally occurs from September to April,
when the cold air of the Arctic meets the warmer air over the Atlantic.
Boston can achieve 0-2 of these events a year and is well prepared for
them. So just lie low for the day while the windy deluge passes.
When the snow comes, and it will, it changes the rhythm of life in the
city. Sidewalks become slippery and narrow. Daylight starts at 7am, only
for the sun to go down at 4pm. Mercury drops below zero and can stay
there for months. It can even dip below -18°C for several weeks.
However, for a few days each winter, warm Caribbean air bursts into Bay
State, bringing with it a welcome respite from the cold. This helps
prevent snow buildup, so you'll rarely see more than a foot of
accumulation. An amazing exception was the winter of 2014-15, when more
than 110 inches (2,800 mm) of snow fell on Boston in 18 days. The city
dropped it in piles 23 meters high and had to wait until July 14 for the
last one to finally melt. Boston is not well equipped to deal with
snowfall to such an extent, so expect similar extensive transit
disruptions if that number drops again.
Good Will
Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1996). If you only watch one movie about Boston,
do it. While the story of Romeo and Juliet has been told many times,
this tale of "blue collar" and "ivory tower" lovers could only happen in
Boston. Robin Williams' powerful, Oscar-winning performance and
quoteable dialogue make this film unique. Good Will Hunting was a
breakout success for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and you'll hear some
great touches and see what the city was like before the current building
boom. How do you like these apples?!
Infiltration (Martin Scorsese,
2006). Loosely based on the exploits of Irish mobster Whitey Bulger and
corrupt FBI agent John Connolly. This star-studded tale of murder and
deception starring Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson won
four Oscars, including Best Picture. For a more biographical look at the
mobster, don't miss Black Mass directed by Scott Cooper in 2015.
Glory (Edward Zwick, 1989). Glory is based, among other things, on the
personal letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, commander of the first
all-black regiment during the Civil War. OK, so there's something like
the White Savior going on, and it's not happening in Boston; but it's
still a great movie and accurately depicts the feelings many Bostonians
had about slavery at the time.
Mystic River (Clint Eastwood, 2003).
This critically acclaimed film explores the horrific effects of the
child abuse that raged in Boston in the 1970s. Discovering where
people's loyalties really lie and the question of how far would you go
to protect what's yours. Principal photography took place in Boston.
City of Thieves (Ben Affleck, 2010) If the grittier side of Boston
intrigues you, this crime thriller from Boston's Ben Affleck will give
you an insight into the city's many unsavory and working-class
environments, peppered with ominous, thick Boston accents.
Ted (Seth
MacFarlane, 2012). On the other hand, this hilarious buddy comedy has
all the toilet humor and Boston twists you could shake a stick at.
Fenway Park obviously gets involved somehow, along with some original
(non-colored) songs.
Spotlight (Tom McCarthy, 2015). Following The
Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team, this film continues its investigation
into widespread and systematic child sexual abuse in the Boston area by
numerous Roman Catholic priests. Based on a series of short stories that
won The Globe the Pulitzer Prize in 2003.
Patriots Day (Peter Berg,
2016). Filmed in Boston and Quincy, Patriot's Day deals with the 2013
Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent manhunt for terrorists. While
the film was well received, it was criticized in Boston for being set
too early and captivating with the events on which it was based.
Often Boston is not at the center of the novel, but it makes
numerous memorable cameo appearances. Perhaps due to the academic magnet
effect that attracts bright minds here for a few short years. See
examples of David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest or Faulkner's The Sound
and the Fury. Another masterpiece, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's
Tale, is also set in Boston.
The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne,
1850). Exploring themes of legalism, sin, and guilt; the book tells the
story of Hester Prynne, who conceived a daughter through an affair and
struggles to create a new life in 17th-century Boston.
The Glass
Basket (Sylvia Plath, 1963). Esther Greenwood is a young woman from the
suburbs of Boston who suffers a series of setbacks and struggles with
depression as she tries to choose between doing what she expects and
what is in her heart. Semi-autobiographical.
Common Ground (J.
Anthony Lukas, 1985). Winning a Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction, this
novel follows three families who experience race relations in Boston in
the 1960s and 1970s. He briefly describes how each family settled in its
neighborhood before narrowing it down to racial and class conflicts.
The Rascal King (Jack Beatty, 2000). Hero or hooligan? Boston Mayor
James Michael Curley (1874-1958) certainly could be. For four terms he
built schools, playgrounds and beaches; even while in prison on a fraud
conviction.
Dark Tide (Stephen Puleo, 2003). In this book, Puelo
seeks to uncover the structural causes of the Great Boston Molasses
Flood of 1919. See this infobox for more information.
A Brief History
of Boston (Robert Allison, 2004). The chair of the Suffolk University's
history department brings Boston's history to life in 128 pages. Covers
everything from the Puritan Theocracy to the Great Excavations and
beyond.
Another Shitty Night in Suck City (Nick Flynn, 2004). A
memoir by playwright and poet Nick Flynn, describing his meeting with
his estranged father, Jonathan, an alcoholic who lived in a homeless
shelter where he was a social worker in the late 1980s.
City of
Anxiety (Dennis Lehane, 2008). A historical novel set in Boston at the
turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the main characters in the
story is Aiden "Danny" Coughlin, an Irish police officer who patrols the
Boston Police Department. Lehane is also the author of other Boston
books, often made into films. You may have heard of Shutter Island,
Gone, Baby, Gone, Mystic River, and many others.
The Gardner Heist
(Ulrich Boser, 2009). On the night of March 18, 1990, two men committed
the largest art theft in history. More than a dozen masterpieces worth
more than $500 million have gone missing and remain at large to this
day. See this infobox for more information.
Smoking is not allowed in any restaurant or bar in the Boston metro area.
Often used in film and television as shorthand for "working
class" or "working class" stereotypes, the Boston accent remains mostly
alive and well in the region. Known for dropping the "R", the accent is
thought to be a continuation of the English accent imported by the first
colonists. Today, however, it operates on life support within the city
itself as long-time residents move out and younger transplants from
around the country and the world move in. Listen to the conversations of
the police, fire department or construction workers for the best chance
to hear it in the city. If you have time, visit the north or south shore
where you're much more likely to hear it in action.
Although they
mostly avoided the Boston accent, younger Bostonians augment their
speeches with plenty of local jargon, the word "wred" being particularly
popular. Also, young people in Massachusetts (as well as in New England)
speak much faster than other Americans.
The word "wicked" is
still heavily used, functioning as an intensifier instead of "very". You
will also hear "packie" for the liquor (package) store and "blinkers"
for your car's turn signals. And some of our English friends may
recognize a "spinner" as a roundel. There are many others, but these are
the most used today. Feel free to try "malicious" as often as you like,
it's a great way to learn about the culture. Try not to overdo it -
saying things like "Pahk tha cah w Hahvid Yahd" is a dead treat for
tourists. Avoid saying "pisser" - you'll see it printed on T-shirts, but
no one really says it anymore.
Hosting a very large Hispanic
population, Boston can be a great place to practice your Spanish.
Boston (area: 233.1 km²) is located in the northeast of the United
States on the North American east coast on Massachusetts Bay. Their
strong fragmentation made it possible to create natural harbors. The
Mystic River to the west, the Neponset River to the south, and the
Charles River to the north roughly delimit the city's territory. The
original hills in the city area have been eroded over time and deposited
in the Back Bay and South End areas to reclaim more land from the
adjacent bay to the east.
Greater Boston metropolitan area
The
central Boston area forms the core of the Greater Boston metropolitan
area of 4.4 million people, which includes the cities of Cambridge,
Brookline, Quincy and many suburban communities, as well as the Boston
CMSA (Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area), the seventh largest
in the United States (in tenth place according to other rankings).
Boston is bordered by the cities of Revere, Chelsea, Everett,
Somerville, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, Quincy, Winthrop, Brookline,
Needham, Dedham, Canton and Milton.
Cambridge is home to the
world-famous Harvard University and the similarly important MIT.
Boston is part of Suffolk County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and is both capitals. On October 4, 2002, the Boston City Council
completed the redistricting of the borough, which is now divided into 23
neighborhoods: Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton,
Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde
Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mid Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End,
Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury.
Boston is known for having one of the most attractive and livable
urban centers in the country. Each district has an individual
atmosphere, determined by the local residents and their social and
ethnic affiliation. Downtown is the seat of the financial district and
is also home to Chinatown and the municipal administration center and
city hall, Boston City Hall. Back Bay, west of the Boston Public Garden,
is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States. Beacon Hill
is no less prosperous with the seat of government of the state of
Massachusetts, the State House. South End was once home to a strong
middle class society of merchants and seafarers and their families.
Today, an LGBT population predominates alongside artists, yuppies,
African Americans and Latinos. The main attractions are the local
restaurants and the bohemian atmosphere. North End and East Boston have
a dominant Italian influence but are also home to other ethnicities.
Charlestown is an Irish district on the north bank of the Charles
River. This demographic is also found in South Boston. Allston and
Brighton are primarily inhabited by students from nearby Northeastern
University, Boston University and Boston College. Dorchester has the
greatest variety and ethnic diversity. Latinos and African Americans,
along with middle-class families displaced from neighborhoods that have
become more expensive, make up the largest proportion in Roxbury and
Mattapan, south of downtown.
The city's political system is characterized by a strong executive
system. The mayor, whose regular term of office is four years, has
far-reaching decision-making powers. Elections are held in two rounds:
an impartial primary election and a second November election between the
two primary election candidates with the most votes. Michelle Wu has
been the mayor of Boston since November 2021. She replaced Marty Walsh,
who had been in office since 2014 and who has been Secretary of Labor in
the Biden Cabinet since March 23, 2021.
The city parliament (City
Council) is composed every two years. One representative is sent from
each of the nine wards or neighborhoods. There are also four candidates
nominated by the entire city population. The school committee is
appointed by the mayor, as are the individual department heads in the
city administration.
In addition, other authorities have a major
influence on urban development. The Massachusetts Department of
Conservation and Recreation, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Masport)
and the Boston Redevelopment Authority should be mentioned here in
particular, which have a particularly large influence on life in the
city of Boston.
As the capital of the US state of Massachusetts,
Boston also has national government functions. Through numerous
politicians, including several US Presidents (for example, John F.
Kennedy was born in Boston's neighboring town of Brookline), Boston or
the state of Massachusetts also has a strong political weight in the
federal politics of the United States. This significant influence is
also expressed through various US governmental agencies in Boston. Among
other things, the John F. Kennedy Federal Office Building and the Thomas
P. O'Neill Federal Building and more recently the John Joseph Moakley
United States Courthouse, the headquarters of the United States Court of
Appeals for the First Circuit, are located here
In 2006, the
Massachusetts Secretary of the Interior reprimanded the City of Boston,
or its electoral agency, for not providing enough ballot boxes to
conduct an election properly.
The city of Boston has become known
for its very low crime rate in recent years. This is also attributed to
the close cooperation between the municipal police force and the local
action groups in the districts, which contributes significantly to
preventing young people from slipping into crime.
Boston is the seat of a Catholic Archbishop (Archdiocese of Boston).
The city seal was adopted in 1823. It is regulated by law that the seal should look like this: Round in shape, representing a part of the city, the motto: "SICUT PATRIBUS, SIT DEUS NOBIS" (God be with us as he was with our fathers) and the inscription " BOSTONIA CONDITA AD. 1630 CIVITATIS REGIMINE DONATA AD. 1822” (Boston founded 1630 AD city rights granted 1822 AD) including. The flag has a light blue background and bears the coat of arms of the city in the middle. A law protects the flag.
The population was 46.2 percent white and 24.7 percent African American, according to estimates by the United States Census Bureau in 2015; 9.1 percent were of Asian origin. 22.1 percent of the population were Hispanics. The median income per household in 2015 was US$55,777. 21.5 percent of the population lived below the poverty line.
The Boston metropolitan area generated economic output of $422.7
billion in 2016, ranking 9th among the metropolitan areas of the United
States and also one of the top performing economic regions in the world.
The unemployment rate was only 2.9 percent (as of May 2018).
According to a 2016 statistic, Boston was the US region with the highest
income inequality. The top 5% earned $266,224, while the bottom 20%
earned $14,942 on average. The difference between individual ethnic
groups is even more serious. The average white household is worth
$247,500 and the average black household is worth $8.
In a 2018
ranking of cities with the highest quality of life worldwide, Boston
ranked 35th out of 231 cities surveyed and second in the United States.
Boston's economic structure is largely shaped by the higher
educational institutions located here. These institutions are not only
among the city's largest employers, but are also a crystallization point
for the settlement of many high-tech companies, such as those in the IT
and biotechnology sectors. Many manufacturing companies from the defense
sector also play a major role in the greater Boston area.
According to a 2003 report by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, more
than 135,000 students are enrolled at the 32 colleges (including other
higher education institutions). These contribute 4.8 billion US dollars
a year to the economic growth of the city of Boston. At the same time,
the city of Boston ranks first among all US cities when it comes to
acquiring research funds in the healthcare sector.
In addition,
tourism now also plays a central role in the economic growth of the city
of Boston. In 2005, an estimated 17.6 million people visited the capital
of the state of Massachusetts. This large number of visitors was divided
into the types of classic tourism, business travelers and trade fair and
congress visitors. From this, an estimated 9.8 billion US dollars were
generated for hotel accommodation, meals, entertainment and leisure
activities and the use of transport.[33] Other important branches of the
economy are the financial sector, in particular the insurance sector,
printing and publishing (e.g. The Boston Globe). In addition, there are
now four exhibition and congress centers in Boston. These include the
Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay district and the newly built
World Trade Center Boston on the waterfront in the South Boston
district. Due to the seat of government of the state of Massachusetts,
services related to politics and business, such as corporate and
political consultants and lawyers, are also well represented in Boston.
Leading companies headquartered in Boston include Gillette, a
subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, and Teradyne, one of the world's leading
manufacturers of test systems for microprocessors and other electronic
components. In addition, the management consultancy The Boston
Consulting Group comes from Boston and still has its headquarters here
today, like the Wayfair e-commerce mail order company. Real estate REIT
American Tower, which owns cellular towers, is also headquartered in the
city. The pharmaceutical industry is represented by pharmaceutical
manufacturer Alexion Pharmaceuticals, which relocated its headquarters
to Boston in 2018. Other companies are located in the outskirts of the
city. In particular, the so-called Route 128 is referred to here.
The so-called FIRE sector (abbreviation for Finance, Insurance and
Real Estate) is of particular importance for the economic development of
the city of Boston in addition to the education sector. This influence
results in particular from the influence of the financial sector on
employment, education, economic development and housing construction.
The availability of capital within the region plays a special role for
these areas.
The financial sector employs an estimated 111,000
people in the city of Boston. This is considered one of the financial
centers in the north-east of the USA. Fidelity Investments, with 11,250
employees, was the city's top dog financial firm in 2001, followed by
John Hancock Insurance, which has 4,793 employees and has since been
acquired by Canadian group Manulife Financial.
The enormous
financial power of the city is also reflected in the architecture. The
Prudential Center was completely renovated several times during
construction and is now one of the most expensive and heaviest buildings
in the world.
In a ranking of the world's most important
financial centers, Boston ranks 10th and third in the United States
behind New York and San Francisco (as of 2018).
Boston is the site of an international airport. General Edward
Laurence Logan International Airport, Logan International Airport for
short, is number 19 of all US airports in terms of passenger numbers of
27.7 million, but number 1 in the New England states. The seaport is
number 12 on the Atlantic coast of the USA in terms of container
handling. Both the airport and the port are owned by the Massachusetts
Port Authority (massport), a corporation independent of the City of
Boston.
The public transit system is operated by the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The system consists
of suburban (commuter-rail) and four subway lines (subway - blue, green,
red, orange), the trolleybus Boston (which is integrated into the Silver
Line network of routes) as well as local omnibus lines and suburban
express buses. In common parlance among Bostonians, the public
transportation system is referred to simply as The T. Major train
stations in Boston are South Station and North Station. Among other
things, South Station is also served by the American railway company
Amtrak as the end point of the most lucrative route between Washington,
D.C., New York and Boston, the so-called Northeast Corridor. Among other
things, the Acela Express, a high-speed train based on the French TGV,
is used here.
Individual transport is served by several major
thoroughfares, and as part of the so-called "Big Dig" (one of the most
extensive civil engineering projects in the world), freeways that cut
through the city center were tunneled underground before 2007. The
so-called Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate 90, leads west towards the
state border with the US state of New York. Interstate 95 connects
Boston with Portland in Maine (northbound) and New York and Washington,
D.C. as a north-south route. (to the south). There's also Interstate 93,
another north-south interstate highway that runs from the south end of
town to north into New Hampshire
Various well-known universities are located in Boston and the
surrounding area.
In the city center these include the following:
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Berklee with the
Berklee
College of Music and the
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Boston
University
Emerson College
Emmanuel College
Forsyth Institute
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy and Health Sciences
New England Conservatory of Music
New
England School of Law
Northeastern University
Simmons College
Suffolk University
University of Mass. Boston
Wentworth Institute
of Technology
Wheelock College
Outside of the core city are:
Baben College
Bentley University
Boston College
Brandeis
University
Bridgewater State College
Cambridge College
Framingham State College
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
Harvard University
Lesley
University
Longy School of Music
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
The Art Institute of Boston
Newbury College
Pine
Manor College
Regis College
Salem State College
Tufts
University
Wellesley College
Wheaton College
From a tourist point of view, Boston impresses above all with
historical and cultural attractions. In addition, there are beautiful
landscapes in the immediate vicinity and architecturally interesting
districts within the city. The latter include Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
Recreational areas further afield include Cape Cod (approx. 85 km
south-east) and the island of Martha's Vineyard (approx. 130 km south).
The Boston skyline also has many skyscrapers worth seeing.
Major
Tourist Attractions
Freedom Trail
A red line four kilometers long
along the sidewalk leads to sites of the US independence movement.
Beginning at Boston Common, the oldest public park in the USA, it leads
to Charlestown; all 16 important sites of this historical period are
passed through. One stop is the Old State House, from whose balcony John
Adams announced the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Black
Heritage Trail
The Black Heritage Trail connects historically
significant sites of black American history for more than 2.5 km. Since
Memorial Day 2012, the tour begins at Faneuil Hall and travels through
Beacon Hill at more than 15 locations. The sites document important
stages of abolitionism and the Underground Railroad. Because of their
outstanding historical significance, some of the sites are grouped
together as a National Historic Site and form the Boston African
American National Historic Site.
Boston National Historical Park
The National Historical Park brings together sites of historical
importance that reflect the importance of the city of Boston during the
American Revolution. Sites include:
The Bunker Hill Monument
The
Charlestown Navy Yard (including the USS Constitution)
Faneuil Hall
The Old North Church
The Old South Meeting House
The Old State
House
The Paul Revere House in the NRHP with reference number
66000785
The Dorchester Heights Monument
The first seven
attractions are on the Freedom Trail.
Important museums
(selection)
Boston Athenaeum
One of the oldest cultural
institutions in Massachusetts with an important library and art
collections. In addition to historical documents and photographs,
testimonials from the first US presidents and numerous paintings by
American artists are on display here.
Isabella Stewart Gardner
Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was built around the turn
of the century using antique building materials in the historicist
Neo-Renaissance style imported from Europe.
Museum of Science
Many interactive exhibitions and experiments invite you to join in. Not
only children can playfully explore the natural sciences and engineering
here. Attached to the museum is the Hayden Planetarium with laser shows
and current presentations. There is also the "Mugar Omni Theatre", an
IMAX cinema and a butterfly garden, where visitors can also see the
breeding of butterflies. The museum also offers additional exhibition
areas where special exhibitions can be visited, such as Gunther von
Hagens' "Body Worlds 2" until the end of January 2007.
Museum of
Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is one of the most
important art museums in the USA. It houses an important collection of
Egyptian and Nubian antiquities and an important collection of Chinese
objects. Paintings by Rembrandt and El Greco are on display, as are
works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard
Manet, Edvard Munch, Alberto Giacometti, Georges Rouault and Max
Beckmann.
New England Aquarium
Located directly by the sea,
there is a lot to see from penguins to sea lions to jellyfish that lives
in the sea. In a huge, cylindrical saltwater tank that can be seen from
all sides, an artificial reef is home to several hundred different
species of fish and turtles. As an "outpost" so to speak, the NEA
organizes a daily trip where humpback whales, dolphins and others can be
observed. From 1971 to 1985 the aquarium was home to the seal Hoover,
who became famous as a talking animal and became a scientific sensation.
Other
In 2012, the Armenian Heritage Park was opened to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.
Faneuil
Hall
This is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Boston. Built
from 1740 to 1742 with financial support from the merchant Peter
Faneuil.
Old South Meeting House
Dating back to 1729 (corner
of Washington and Milk Streets), the building has seen many historically
significant gatherings, culminating in the Boston Tea Party. A memorable
exhibition illustrates the events of that time.
Temple of the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
It is the oldest surviving Masonic
temple.
National Park Service
The National Park Service
designates Boston as a National Historical Park, Boston National
Historical Park, and as a National Historic Site, Boston African
American National Historic Site. There are a total of 52 National
Historic Landmarks in Boston. The city has 271 structures and sites
listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as of November
5, 2018.