Boston Aquarium and Long Wharf; credit Boston CVB
Boston General Attractions
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
DESCRIPTION: Also known to locals as Quincy Market, this low slung trio of buildings is a shining example of urban redevelopment, but not without challenges. In 1742, Boston’s wealthiest merchant, Peter Faneuil, built 530-foot long Faneuil Hall as a home to merchants, fishermen, and meat and produce sellers. Colonists first protested the Sugar Act against the British in 1764 and established the doctrine of “No Taxation Without Representation.” Samuel Adams rallied the Boston citizens to first seek independence from Great Britain here, George Washington celebrated the nation here on its first birthday and over the years many famous civic activists spoke in its great hall, giving it the nickname, “The Cradle of Liberty.” Faneuil Hall was expanded in 1826 to include the Greek Revival-style Quincy Market. It remained popular as a public market until late 1950’s when freeways and suburban malls took over; the buildings fell into such disrepair and empty tenancy the site was set for demolition until a group of citizens fought to preserve it in the 1970s. With public investment and a visionary developer, Faneuil Hall Marketplace was fully restored in 1978 with more than 70 upscale brand names to unique local treasures and restaurants like Cheers (not the original), McCormick & Schmick’s, Dick’s Last Resort, and Ned Devines & Parris. Today, this national historic landmark is Boston’s leading attraction for 14 million visitors per year.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10a-9p, Sun Noon-6p; Quincy Market Food Colonnade has extended hours
ADDRESS: 4 South Market Building, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: 75 State Street Garage has $3 off with store validation during weekdays
RAPID TRANSIT: State Street MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-523-1300
WEBSITE: http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Marketplace Center
DESCRIPTION: A modest retail complex that offfers two levels shops and dining venues. The site oscillates between sales struggles and great popularity, even though it sits between Faneuil Hall Marketplace and New England Aquarium.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: daily 10a-9p
ADDRESS: 200 State Street, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: 75 State Street Garage has $3 off with store validation during weekdays
RAPID TRANSIT: Aquarium MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-478-2030
WEBSITE: none
Old State House
DESCRIPTION: Charles Bulfinch’s structure is arguably one of the greatest works of classical architecture in America and one of the earliest seats of government in America. It features a mixture of Georgian and Federal design with Corinthian columns on the portico. The golden dome is sheathed in copper from the foundry of Paul Revere. Managed by the Boston Historical Society, it has also featured African Americans involved with the American Revolution.
ADMISSION: Under $10
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p with longer hours in summer
ADDRESS: 206 Washington Street, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: nearby garages
RAPID TRANSIT: State Street MBTA Station next door
PHONE: 617-727-3676
WEBSITE: http://www.bostonhistory.org
Boston Common
DESCRIPTION: Established in 1634, it remains America’s oldest public park. This green venue features 48 acres filled with events, music performances, picnics and outdoor activities. Swan Boat rides across landscaped 24 acre lagoon are always a hit with kids. Being safe and inexpensive makes them a hit with adults as well. The historic Freedom Trail starts here.
ADDRESS: Bounded by Tremont, Beacon, Charles, Park and Boylston Streets, Boston, MA MAP
WEBSITE: https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/emerald-necklace
Old North Church
DESCRIPTION: The history and fame of Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton, Robert Newman held two lanterns from the steeple as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This event triggered the first major battles of the American Revolution.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Jan–Feb Tue–Sun 10a–4p, Mar–May daily 9a–5p, Jun–Oct daily 9a–6p, Nov–Dec daily 10a–5p
ADDRESS: 193 Salem Street, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: 75 State Street Garage has $3 off with store validation during weekdays
RAPID TRANSIT: Haymarket MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-523-6676
WEBSITE: http://www.oldnorth.com
Cheers
DESCRIPTION: This is the pub that inspired the TV program Cheers. It still features one of the top bartenders in the city.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: daily 11a-until
ADDRESS: 84 Beacon Street, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: 75 State Street Garage has $3 off with store validation during weekdays
RAPID TRANSIT: Arlington MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-227-9605
WEBSITE: http://www.cheersboston.com
Hard Rock Cafe Boston
DESCRIPTION: althugh the restaurant only features standard fare, there’s plenty of memorabilia and great tunes that fans of Rock n’ Roll enjoy.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 11a-11p, Fri-Sat 11a–12p
ADDRESS: 131 Clarendon Street in Copley Square, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: Copley Square garage
RAPID TRANSIT: Back Bay MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-424-ROCK
WEBSITE: http://www.hardrock.com
Skywalk Observatory
DESCRIPTION: Boston tallest and only observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and informative exhibits on Boston’s famous historic places, artists and athletes. Its located on the 50th floor of Prudential Center, over 700 feet above ground.
ADMISSION: Adults $11, Seniors $9, ages 1 and under $7.50, Students with ID $9
DAYS & HOURS: daily 10a-10p
ADDRESS: 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: Prudential Center garage
RAPID TRANSIT: Prudential MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-859-0648
WEBSITE: http://www.prudentialcenter.com/play/skywalk.html
House of Blues Boston
DESCRIPTION: Located next to Fenway Park, this venue returns HOB to Beantown after the HOB in Cambridge closed some years ago.
BOX OFFICE: opens 1 hour prior to show time at this location; also at the Orpheum Box Office at 1 Hamilton Place and from Mon-Sat 10a–5p
DAYS & HOURS: Daily 11a-2p and 4p until close
ADDRESS: 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: Fenway Park parking garages and paid lots
RAPID TRANSIT: Yawkey MBTA Station
PHONE: 888-693-2583
WEBSITE: http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/boston
John F. Kennedy Library & Museum
DESCRIPTION: On a ten-acre park overlooking Boston Harbor, it is the nation’s official memorial dedicated to our nation’s 35th president and to all those who through the art of politics, seek a new and better world. The location is special because it is located on a ten-acre park, overlooking Dorchester Bay that JFK loved and the city that launched him to greatness. The venue enables visitors to experience the life and legacy of John Fitzgerald Kennedy our 35th President in 25 exhibits, three theaters, educational programs and tons of research material.
ADMISSION: Under $15
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p
ADDRESS: Columbia Point, Boston, MA MAP
PARKING: on premises, but limited so take transit or a taxi
RAPID TRANSIT: None
PHONE: 617-514-1600
WEBSITE: http://www.jfklibrary.org
Arnold Arboretum
DESCRIPTION: One of the nation‚s oldest parks; large collection of trees, flowers, shrubs and vines on 265 acres; great place to visit during the spring and summer
ADDRESS: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA MAP
PHONE: 617-524-1718
WEBSITE: http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu
Bunker Hill Monument & Museum
DESCRIPTION: On 17 June 1775, this site on Bunker Hill hosted one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War between American colonists and the British; today the distinctive obelisk tower is a landmark seen from Boston across the harbor. The museum houses exhibits on the Battle of Bunker Hill, the building of the Monument and the history of Charlestown.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 9a-5p
ADDRESS: 43 Monument Square, Charlestown, MA MAP
PARKING: on street
RAPID TRANSIT: none
PHONE: 617-242-564
WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/bhm.htm
USS Constitution Battleship
DESCRIPTION: Visitors glimpse into Boston’s Naval history from 1800 until 1974. The ship includes a museum covering the world’s surviving oldest war ship, the USS Constitution nicknamed “Old Ironsides.”
ADMISSION: by donation
DAYS & HOURS: Apr 15–Oct 31 9a-6p, Nov 1–Apr 14 10a-5p
ADDRESS: Pier 1 in Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA MAP
PARKING: on street
RAPID TRANSIT: USS Constitution Museum MBTA Station
PHONE: 617-242-5692
WEBSITE: http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org
Improv Boston
DESCRIPTION: New England’s premier comedy theatre and home to a touring company and acclaimed performances.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sun shows at 8p and 9:30p or 10p, occasional 11:30p and maybe a 6p family show for good measure
ADDRESS: 1253 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA MAP
PARKING: on street
RAPID TRANSIT: none
PHONE: 617-576-1253
WEBSITE:
http://www.improvboston.com
