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Guide to Boston, USA (Massachusetts)
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Boston
A beautiful, bustling city with rich history and architecture, Boston is a fantastic place to go for business or pleasure. Historic buildings stand along the busy city streets in a mix of old and new. Boston is home to artists, educators and academics, bringing an atmosphere of culture, excitement and maturity.
How To Get There
Logan International Airport is Bostons major link for domestic and international flights. Getting into the city from the airport is easy on the legendary T transport system.
Travelling Around
Bostons subway is the best way of getting around the city. It is the oldest subway system in the USA, and arguably one of the best. Boston streets can be intimidating, so we recommend using the T instead of renting a car.
When To Go
Since Massachusetts is in the north-eastern part of the United States, Boston has a climate typical of this area. Winters are bitterly cold and the summers are moderately hot. Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best deals on flights and hotels, or go during summer to see the city at its busiest and most bustling. Prices will be higher, but its worth it to see Boston come alive with a flurry of festivals such as Chowderfest and Harborfest.
What To See
Boston is a city steeped in tradition. There are many historic landmarks and destinations to sate the appetite of history buffs and curious tourists. We recommend a visit to Beacon Hill where the Massachusetts State House is located. The building was built in 1798 and is surrounded by beautiful landscape. A visit to Boston should also include a trip to Cambridge. Directly across the Charles River, Cambridge is technically separate from Boston, but having Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology right across the river, Bostonians treat it as part of the city. Harvard Square is a great place to visit, with numerous bookstores, cafes, eateries, and shops where many academics spend their free hours. Harvard campus has architecture dating back centuries well worth a look.
Charlestown is the hub of Bostons ship-building past, and is home to the oldest ship in the US Navy - the USS Constitution, first launched in 1797. Also nearby is Bunker Hill, site of important events during the Revolutionary War.
Head to North End for a slice of traditional Boston life. With countless bakeries, cafes, delis, and a variety of other shops, this Italian neighbourhood is great to visit. Boston revolutionary Paul Reveres home is located in this area (the oldest house standing in Boston), as well as the Old North Church which played an influential role in the Revolutionary War.
For something a little less historic, theres New England Aquarium which is loved by children and adults alike. Or you can pick up some food while you shop at Faneuil Hall a complex of old trade buildings, restaurants and stalls.
Hotspot
The fantastically quirky MIT Museum is a must whether youre a sci-fi enthusiast or not. It features Light Fantastic - the world's largest exhibition of holograms, as well as an artificial intelligence display where visitors can get up close and personal with robots. The museum was founded in 1971 and is located just across the river from Boston in Cambridge.
Night Life
Boston nightlife reflects the citys varying identities college town (great nightclubs and bars), historic and cultural stronghold (top notch theatre and live music) and multicultural hub (buzzing Irish pubs and Italian delis). Whatever your scene youll be well catered for. For full listings see Boston Nightclub News.
fast facts
- Boston is the largest city in New England
- it was founded on September 17, 1630 by Puritan colonists from England
- two thirds of the citys land is reclaimed from the sea
- Bostons nicknames include The Birthplace of the American Revolution and The Athens of America
- the tradition of sending Christmas cards started in Boston in 1874
Quick History
Boston is known as the cradle of the American Revolution, and is rightfully proud of its rich and influential history. The city was founded in 1630 by English Puritans fleeing religious persecution. The peninsula of Trimountaine was renamed Boston after the English town where many of the settlers came from. In 1631 the first sailing ship built in America was launched from Boston heralding the start of a thriving shipbuilding industry. The whaling and fishing industry grew as well, and soon Boston had a strong economy boosted by trade and business.
Developing at a time when America was in its infancy, Boston was the site of many firsts and oldests including the first public school, the oldest burial ground and the first newspaper. The 1700s and 1800s saw many state buildings being erected in the city such as Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.
Trade and politics crossed swords when the British East India Company sent tea to the American colonies in 1773. Revolutionaries resented British rule, so boarded the tea ships dressed as Native Americans and threw the cargo into the sea in what was called the Boston Tea Party.
Boston officially became a city in 1822 and continued to grow with the arrival of Irish immigrants in the mid 1800s, followed by Eastern European Jews and Chinese. The economic slump of the Depression was reversed with the advance of technology. Now Boston holds a unique position as a deeply historic city at the forefront of technological progress.
Money
There are around two dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found on a currency converter.
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