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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look to this map of the city, to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market,
North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace,
with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now located on the Freedom Trail,
Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts
politics. Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against
the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their
soapboxes here. In fact, this is where Jonathan Mayhew famously
challenged the Sugar Act of 1764 by proclaiming, "no taxation without
representation." Since Mayhew's declaration, the marketplace has
expanded to include more than 100 shops and restaurants.
Some former visitors caution that the items sold at Faneuil Hall Marketplace are a bit overpriced. However, if you're looking to kill some time or snap some great photos, consider strolling through the market's halls. You'll also find various cuisines served in Quincy Market if you're in need of a quick bite. Keep in mind that this market gets crowded quickly (especially on weekends and in the summer), so it's best to visit during a weekday if you don't want to encounter hordes of people.
The marketplace welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Restaurant and store hours may vary, so it's best to consult Faneuil Hall Marketplace's website before you visit.) To reach Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which sits just south of the North End in downtown Boston, travelers can take the "T" to the Aquarium, Haymarket or Government Center subway stations. Eight bus routes stop a block away on Congress Street, and a parking garage can be accessed on Broad Street. An hour of parking will cost you $28, but garage tickets can be purchased on the 75 State Street Garage website for a reduced rate, and parking validation coupons are available through select retailers. No fees apply to enter any of Faneuil Hall Marketplace's buildings, and free tours and performances are occasionally provided in South Market and outside Faneuil Hall.
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4. Boston Common
The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. After a few years, overgrazing became a problem and the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events, including theater and musical performances, hosted here throughout the year.
5. Old North Church Some former visitors caution that the items sold at Faneuil Hall Marketplace are a bit overpriced. However, if you're looking to kill some time or snap some great photos, consider strolling through the market's halls. You'll also find various cuisines served in Quincy Market if you're in need of a quick bite. Keep in mind that this market gets crowded quickly (especially on weekends and in the summer), so it's best to visit during a weekday if you don't want to encounter hordes of people.
The marketplace welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Restaurant and store hours may vary, so it's best to consult Faneuil Hall Marketplace's website before you visit.) To reach Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which sits just south of the North End in downtown Boston, travelers can take the "T" to the Aquarium, Haymarket or Government Center subway stations. Eight bus routes stop a block away on Congress Street, and a parking garage can be accessed on Broad Street. An hour of parking will cost you $28, but garage tickets can be purchased on the 75 State Street Garage website for a reduced rate, and parking validation coupons are available through select retailers. No fees apply to enter any of Faneuil Hall Marketplace's buildings, and free tours and performances are occasionally provided in South Market and outside Faneuil Hall.
Get Google maps directions>
4. Boston Common
The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. After a few years, overgrazing became a problem and the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events, including theater and musical performances, hosted here throughout the year.
Though
some visitors said you won't find much to do in this park, Boston
Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Recent travelers also
noted that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In
addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play
at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool
during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter.
Boston Common sits alongside the Boston Public Garden near the center of the city. The easiest way to get to the site is by the "T" – the Boylston Street and Park Street stations are located at the southern and eastern edges of the park – or by walking from downtown. You can also park for a fee in the underground parking garage or on the surrounding streets. The area is free to visit, but additional charges apply for food purchased at Frog Pond Café, rides on the carousel and ice skating on Frog Pond. Public restrooms are available, and in the summer, free yoga classes are offered by Frog Pond. The Common is open 24 hours a day, however, most park facilities are only open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Get Google maps directions>
Boston Common sits alongside the Boston Public Garden near the center of the city. The easiest way to get to the site is by the "T" – the Boylston Street and Park Street stations are located at the southern and eastern edges of the park – or by walking from downtown. You can also park for a fee in the underground parking garage or on the surrounding streets. The area is free to visit, but additional charges apply for food purchased at Frog Pond Café, rides on the carousel and ice skating on Frog Pond. Public restrooms are available, and in the summer, free yoga classes are offered by Frog Pond. The Common is open 24 hours a day, however, most park facilities are only open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Get Google maps directions>
Founded in 1722, Christ Church in the City of Boston, known to all as the Old North Church, is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and one of its most visited historical sites. The site consists of five notable locations; The Old North Church, Capatain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop, Printing Office of Edes & Gill, the Gardens, and the Gift Shop.
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6. Freedom Trail
Stretching across 2½ miles, the Freedom Trail weaves past 16 of the city's most historical sites, including Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Paul Revere House and Old North Church. Taking in all of the trail's attractions requires a full day (and some comfortable walking shoes), but you can easily plot points of interest before you begin your jaunt from Boston Common.
Though most recent visitors agreed the trail is easy to navigate on your own, some culture hounds said joining one of the walking tours with the 18th-century costumed Freedom Trail Player tour guides offers an informative introduction to Boston's revolutionary roots. If you have a Go Boston Card, standard guided tours are covered by your pass.
To reach Boston Common and start your trail tour, take the Red Line or Green Line to Park Street Station and head to the Boston Common Visitor Center. Some guided tours start a few stops into the route at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Limited street parking is offered in the area, so leave early if you plan to drive. Tours operated by the Freedom Trail Foundation are available daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most tours cost $12 to $20 per person (discounted rates are available for seniors, students and children ages 6 to 12).
Get Google maps directions>
7. Paul Revere House
For a glimpse of what life was like in the
late 1700s, head to Paul Revere's former residence in the North End. The
house, which is situated on the Freedom Trail,
offers insight into how homes looked in Revere's time (it's even filled
with period pieces, including fine silver). Inside, history fans can
admire the building's sweeping beams, spacious fireplaces and some
original furnishings owned by the Revere family.
If you like American history, former travelers said you'll enjoy seeing the Paul Revere House. This house is small, though, so don't allot more than an hour to tour the property. Also, arrive early if you don't want to deal with crowds.
The Paul Revere House sits within walking distance of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Old North Church, as well as the Haymarket and Aquarium "T" stations. Street parking is limited in the North End, so it's best to use public transportation or a taxi to get to here. Entry costs $5 for adults, $4.50 for college students and $1 for children ages 5 to 17 and includes a self-guided tour of the home. (Admission fees are covered for travelers with Go Boston Cards.) The property is open daily (excluding select holidays and Mondays in January, February and March) and hours depend on the season.
Get Google maps directions>
If you like American history, former travelers said you'll enjoy seeing the Paul Revere House. This house is small, though, so don't allot more than an hour to tour the property. Also, arrive early if you don't want to deal with crowds.
The Paul Revere House sits within walking distance of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Old North Church, as well as the Haymarket and Aquarium "T" stations. Street parking is limited in the North End, so it's best to use public transportation or a taxi to get to here. Entry costs $5 for adults, $4.50 for college students and $1 for children ages 5 to 17 and includes a self-guided tour of the home. (Admission fees are covered for travelers with Go Boston Cards.) The property is open daily (excluding select holidays and Mondays in January, February and March) and hours depend on the season.
Get Google maps directions>
8. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
Boston is packed with cool outdoor spaces, but this nearly 1½-mile-long series of parks and gardens offers more than most. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was established to link Boston's diverse neighborhoods through a series of lawns, parks and walkways that occupy a former highway tunnel. Since opening in 2008, visitors have flocked to this sprawling green space to enjoy temporary public art displays, bubbling fountains, numerous food vendors and a carousel. Plus, the parks offer free weekly events, including food and art festivals, summer concert performances and seasonal fitness classes.
Many
previous visitors said the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway not only
offers a much needed respite from the city, but also an easy way to
explore Boston with kids during the warmer months. And, in many sections
of the Greenway, you're never more than a few steps away from the Freedom Trail.
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is anchored by Haymarket Square in the North End and Kneeland Street in Chinatown. Three downtown "T" stations – South Station, Aquarium and Haymarket – are located within a block of the parks, as well as several bus stops and parking garages. Free guided tours of the Greenway are offered from Rowes Wharf Plaza (about halfway between Chinatown and North End parks) at noon once a month from June to September. Or, you can visit the parks between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on any day of the year. Additional fees apply for rides on the Greenway Carousel. Food is occasionally offered in the parks during select events, and public restrooms are available in Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Get Google maps directions>
Joshua is our Boston local representative,
we asked him what an ideal day of leisure in Boston could look like,
what he would suggest doing from early morning to late at nightThe Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is anchored by Haymarket Square in the North End and Kneeland Street in Chinatown. Three downtown "T" stations – South Station, Aquarium and Haymarket – are located within a block of the parks, as well as several bus stops and parking garages. Free guided tours of the Greenway are offered from Rowes Wharf Plaza (about halfway between Chinatown and North End parks) at noon once a month from June to September. Or, you can visit the parks between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on any day of the year. Additional fees apply for rides on the Greenway Carousel. Food is occasionally offered in the parks during select events, and public restrooms are available in Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Get Google maps directions>
Here is what he suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Joshua on Twitter @bigcitychase #Boston #questionforJoshua if you have questions for him, we may publish your conversation in this blog if he thinks it might be useful to other Boston visitors.
Joshua from Boston for Big City Chase Boston :
"Hello everyone, my name is Josh, I was born in Boston and lived here all my life.
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