Boston

Welcome to Boston

Riverside walks, museum tours, baseball games and the finest seafood on the continent.

Overview

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts is where modern America began.

The Pilgrims landed in New England and made their first settlement at Plymouth, which is barely an hour south of Boston. About 150 years later Boston threw a world famous Tea Party to which the British were unwelcome guests. Then soon after that the first skirmishes of the War of Independence broke out here, with the famous battle on Bunker Hill to the north-east of the city.

Those amongst you who like to trace back such historical events will enjoy following The Freedom Trail, a physical manifestation of the birth of the modern American Republic - around 4km (2.5 miles) of the city's streets and sights. Plus Boston had a prominent role in black American history. It was a goal to black slaves escaping the oppressive south on the ‘Underground Railway’. You can discover more by following the 2.5km (1.6-mile) Black Heritage Trail.

Today Boston is quite European and one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities. It is home to numerous universities including the world renowned Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

History and beauty envelop Boston. The surrounding New England countryside is home to the coastal resorts of Cape Cod and the island of Martha’s Vineyard. To the north of the city is Salem known for it infamous 17^th century witch trials.

Of course many of the younger generation would associate Boston with an altogether different fact. I am of course referring to the fact that Boston is home to the popular TV show, Cheers. Thousands of visitors flock to the city every year to seek out the Bull and Finch Pub which was the show’s inspiration. However be prepared for a slight disappointment, the bar looks nothing like Cheers!

Weather

Boston’s continental climate is very changeable. The weather can produce wide temperature swings in a matter of days, and unseasonable snowfalls. Summers are often sunny, hot and humid. In contrast winters are bitterly cold, windy, wet and snowy. The best time to travel to Boston is in late spring or early autumn, when the weather is warm and pleasant.

The average monthly temperatures are:

°C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	1	3	8	14	20	25	28	27	23	17	11	4
Night	-8	-7	-2	3	9	14	17	16	12	6	2	-5

Shopping

There is a huge amount of shopping to be done in Boston and no matter what your budget, you will somewhere that suits.

Newbury Street is the home of designers and fine art galleries. Copley Square is where you’ll find numerous indoor malls such as Arlington, Copley or Hynes T Stops. If you enjoy browsing, Charles Street on Beacon Hill is a great place for antiques and curios.

Chinatown is a great place to shop and people watch. You will find numerous traditional medicine stores as well as shops selling all manner of Chinese goods. If you pop over to Harvard Square you’ll find fine arts, crafts and books.

If you are looking for a unique gift try Massachusetts Avenue, and Porter Square is the place for funky boutiques, used clothing and handmade crafts.

At the intersection of Washington Street and Park is the pedestrianised mall, Downtown Crossing. Here you will find standard department stores like Macy’s and Filene’s. However make sure you venture down to the 2 underground floors in Filene’s known as Filene’s Basement. Here you will find huge savings on loads of different merchandise that is either end of line or lines that didn’t sell. You can even grab yourself a designer bargain.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is as much a tourist attraction as it is a market these days but it is well worth a browse.

entertainment

It may not be able to rival New York, but you are sure to find something to suit your entertainment tastes in Boston. Below is a selection of what is available.

Music

Classical – Symphony Hall & Berklee School of Music
Jazz – Regatta Bar (Charles Hotel), Harvard Square

Scullers (Double Treet Hotel), Cambridge

Ryles, Inmand Square, Cambridge

Folk Music – Club Passim, Cambridge
Rock – Paradise Rock Club, Mass Avenue

There is a strong theatre and cinema presence in the city and your hotel should be able to provide you with details of venues and listings of what’s on.

Sport

Baseball – Red Sox, Fenway Park
Basketball – Boston Celtics, Fleetcentre
Ice hockey – Boston Bruins, Fleetcentre
American Football – New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium

Nightlife

An Tua Nua, Beacon Street
Avalon, Lansdowne Street
The Roxy, Tremont Street
Axis, Lansdowne Street
Q, Union Street

festivals month

January

–
First Night (New Years Eve)
March

–
St Patrick’s Day
April

–
Boston Marathon & Patriots Day
July

–
Harbour Festival
October

–
Head of the Charles Regatta
December

–
First Night (New Years Eve)

excursions

While visiting Boston you may want to explore the surround country to see what else this part of America can offer. Your hotel will be able to provide you with details of possible excursions, but below are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Concord
Plymouth & Cape Cod
Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket
Salem
Whale watching

Health & Safety

You will have no problems with tap water or food in Boston but one essential is medical insurance. Healthcare is excellent and consequently very expensive especially as there is no national health service.

Boston is a safe city but you should still take the usual precautions with your valuables especially when in crowded areas. It may also be wise to check with your hotel to find out if there are any non-recommended areas around where you are staying.