Boston is politically powerful – regarded as the unofficial capital of New England. It is also rich in American history, such as the 1773 Boston Tea Party, when American patriots threw 342 chests of tea from British ships into the sea to prevent paying British-imposed taxes.
Seasonal visits
In the summer, visit The Public Garden – the first public botanical garden in the U.S. (established in 1837). In the winter (mid-November to mid-March), visit the Common Frog Pond, with skate rentals, concessions, a warming area and numerous special events.
Tours
Take an Old Town Trolley tour for its 100-minute fully narrated tour and see the best of Boston.
Good eating
Go to The Oak Room at the Copley Plaza Hotel for their famous Boston cream pie and to the Blue Ribbon BBQ for Boston baked beans.
The best burger is at the Napkin Burger. 80 Thoreau has good food, a lively bar scene and is right at the train station. American Provisions in South Boston has fresh produce, an amazing array of local cheeses and handmade pastas.
Antique shopping
Boston is awash with antiques but you might enjoy a visit to the warehouse-size Machine Age for early 20th-century pieces.
What you need to know:
- Temperatures range from an average of 29F (-1.8C) in January to 73F (22.7C) in July.
- It is a “walking” city. Drivers may have difficulty navigating its historic cobblestone streets. Parking is difficult. Buses and taxis are recommended.
- Go to the fast-paced financial district for national department stores, boutiques and pushcarts.
- Visit at least one of the city’s 16 historic burying grounds which date between 1630 and 1892.
