Freedom Trail
www.thefreedomtrail.org

If you only have time to do one thing in Boston, you must walk the Freedom Trail. It is a 2.5 mile (4km) long walk and it consists of 16 sites that tell the story not only about the early Boston but also of the beginning of United States itself. The starting point for this walk can be found at the visitor center in Boston Common. So put on comfortable shoes and walk right into history.


Old State House & Old South Meeting House
www.bostonhistory.org
www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org

These two buildings are closely associated to the American Revolution. Still standing and still looking like they did in 1775, they offer visitors a step back in history. Today, the Old State House is the home of Boston's History Museum. The Old South Meeting House is also a museum, but the tradition of public speaking there has continued.


Boston Common & Public Garden
http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald/Boston_Common.asp
http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald/Public_Garden.asp

Boston Common has been public land for over 300 years. Today it is a great place for family picnics or walks. There is also a playground next to the Frog Pond. The Common has memorials to the city's founders and those who fell in the Boston Massacre in the park.

Charles Street separates Boston Common and the Public Garden. The Public Garden dates from 1837 and became the first botanical garden in the country. Here you can find the Ducklings and the famous Swan boats, which are a delight to the younger visitors.


Boston African-American National Historic Site
www.nps.gov/boaf

Boston has a long-established African-American population, which has contributed greatly to the city and country's growth and prosperity. The Black Heritage Trail links many of the African-American sights, and the trail focuses on their many achievements.

Back Bay & Beacon Hill
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/neighborhoods/back_bay/
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/neighborhoods/beacon_hill/

Although Back Bay used to be under water, it is now one of the finest 19th-century developments in the United States. Back Bay stretches from the Public Garden to Copley Square. The planners looked to France for inspiration and made Commonwealth Avenue a Parisian-style boulevard. At Copley Square, you should take the time to visit Trinity Church, the Public Library and John Hancock Tower.

On the other side of the Public Garden lies Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill is one of the best-known areas in Boston. It was the home of Boston's first settler, William Blaxton, in 1625. After the revolution, Beacon Hill was developed by Charles Bulfinch, one of the first significant architects and urban planner in the United States. Walking through Beacon Hill takes you back into Boston's history. The Old State House is located in Beacon Hill and well worth a visit. It is open to the public during working hours.


North End
http://www.northendboston.com

Today, North End is known as "Little Italy". Over the centuries it has been home to many European immigrants, and their influence can be seen even today. Today it is largely populated by people of Italian decent. There are many Italian restaurants, bakeries and grocery shops. This makes North End a great place to go for dinner or dessert!

North End is also one of the oldest parts of the city and constitutes a part of the Freedom Trail along with the Old North Church, Paul Revere House and much more.


Chinatown
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/neighborhoods/chinatown/

Boston's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese communities in North America. It is located in a quite small area in Boston's Downtown district. It offers interesting Chinese architecture, Chinese restaurants and other businesses. Today, this area is also a good place to find other Asian food such as Thai and Vietnamese.


South End
http://wikitravel.org/en/Boston/South_End

This area is known for its striking brownstones, art galleries and diversity.

Boston Harbor Islands
www.bostonislands.org

In 1996, Boston's 30 harbor islands became part of the National Park system. To mention a few, George Island, Castle Island and Gallops Island, are among the most visited.

In 1827, Edgar Allan Poe was a military recruit stationed on Castle Island. Some of his experiences on the island inspired him to write "The Cask of Amontillado". Today Castle Island is not an island anymore. It is connected to South Boston but it is still worth a visit. There are ferries to take you to George Island from May through October.


New England Aquarium
www.neaq.org

Built in 1969, New England Aquarium was the first modern aquarium in the United States, showing aquatic wildlife in a naturalistic setting. The big attraction is the four-story-high cylindrical Giant Ocean Tank, encircled by a spiral ramp. Inside the Aquarium, all visitors are able to see a sea lion show free of charge.


Whale-Watching
http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-whale-watch/
WhaleNet

If you love whales, then you have to do this. For many visitors, a whale-watching cruise is the highlight of their trip to New England. Whale Watching trips are offered by Boston Harbor Cruises or the New England Aquarium from April to early November.


Franklin Park Zoo
www.franklinparkzoo.org

Founded in 1911, the 72-acre Franklin Park Zoo is located Boston's historic Franklin Park, and very near the Arnold Arboretum. The Zoo is a non-cooperative and open all year long. Highlights of Franklin Park Zoo's collection include African lions, Masai giraffe and Grevy zebras, as well as western lowland gorillas.

If you would like to learn more about Boston and what there is to see and do, please visit the following websites:

Boston's Official Visitor Web Site
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

You can also find out more about local events and activities from the following websites:

Citysearch
Discover arts, attractions, bars and nightlife, movies, music, restaurants, shopping, sports and recreation in Boston.

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Center
You can search for coupons, discounts, special & family-friendly values, cruises, fairs, festivals & parades, theater, tours.

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Covers all of Massachusetts. You can search by type of event or by region. They also have a great monthly events calendar.

The Boston Phoenix
Your alternative source for events, arts, food and drink, movies, music, news, classifieds.

You can also check on the following newspapers:

The Improper Bostonian Magazine
Available (in printed form) in free news boxes throughout Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Somerville, Massachusetts.

The Boston Globe
Every Thursday the newspaper has a Calendar section with information about the upcoming events around town.

There are also several companies that offer guided tours around Boston. Some of the more popular ones include:

Boston by foot
Cityview Trolley Tours
Boston Duck Tours

The Boston Trolley Tour goes through Cambridge as well. You can take a trolley from Kendall MIT T-Stop.

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