What to Watch For in Boston, Massachusetts

What to Watch For in Boston, Massachusetts

Dubbed as the “Beantown” and the “Athens of America”, the city of Boston in Massachusetts is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the U.S. It is also one of the most visited cities in the country with its wealth of historical sites, museums and live performances.

Historic Sites

The best place to start a historic sites tour of Boston is the Freedom Trail. Located in the downtown area, it is a 2.5-mile walk that leads visitors to 16 of Boston’s historic sites including the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, USS Constitution and Old State House.

Museums

Boston is loaded with lots of museums. For some collections with historic significance, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology. Other museums that are worthy a peek include the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, MIT Museum, Semitic Museum, USS Constitution Museum and Warren Anatomical Museum.

Art Museums and Galleries

For art lovers, the prime art museum to visit is the Museum of Fine Arts. Considered as the best museum in Boston, it has permanent collections of artwork from ancient Roman and Greek times to American art including Egyptian, French and Japanese pieces as well. Take time to visit the Harvard Art Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art too. Art galleries also abound the city like the Panopticon Gallery and Axelle Fine Arts Galerie.

Child-Friendly Attractions

Kids will surely be awed by the collection of marine wildlife at the New England Aquarium, the largest fish tank in the world. They would also surely love the Museum of Science, home to 500 interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre. Other kid-friendly entertainment venues include the Boston Children's Museum and Franklin Park Zoo.

Greenery

For some greenery sightings in the city, the best place to be is the Boston Common and Public Garden. Considered as the oldest public park in the country, it is especially popular for its landscaped gardens and Swan Boats. Those who are in for near-nature activities should head to the Boston Harbor Islands State Park to enjoy picnicking, swimming, fishing and camping. They could also head to Arnold Arboretum for its amazing landscaped gardens.

Live Performances and Events

While in the city, watch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Also try watching at least one live performance at Boston’s Theater District, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra and New England Conservatory. For events, never miss the Fourth of July celebration in the city as it is filled with events like parades, concerts, fireworks, games, music, dance and lots of food. Also to watch out for is the First Night celebration of Boston which is the oldest New Year’s Eve party in the country. Other fun events in the city include the Patrick’s Day or Evacuation Day in March, Patriot's Day/Boston Marathon in April, Boston Pride in June and The Head of the Charles Regatta rowing event in October.

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Guest Contributions

Jun 7, 2011 by Linda Mayer

Lovely Boston Boston is a place where you can truly have fun that does not involve fancy dress ups or drill holes in your pockets. We call the place “Beantown” although some tend to call it “Athens of America.” Perhaps because of its age. We at Boston offer you lots of historical places to see. After all, what’s the point of being compared to Athens if you don’t have ancient buildings, right? Some of the places you HAVE to see are the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church. Kids will LOVE Boston. We have some fun kid-friendly places that are sure to be a blast. For example, we have the New England Aquarium, the iMAX theatre, and the Franklin Park Zoo. The Aquarium is supposed to have the largest fish tank in the world, although I cannot personally vouch for that because I have not seen other fish tanks. But it is big! Guest submitted photos