The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Boston, MA
As one of the oldest cities in the USA, Boston surely does not act its age. The city has evolved, despite its staunch Puritan roots, into a conglomerate of diverse and prospering communities. Together with its surrounding areas, New England’s largest town offers a healthy combination of fun and historical interest that every visitor can enjoy. Let’s take a look…
Do the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is and always will be one of the major tourist attractions of Boston. With over 17 stops that conjure up images of Boston’s colonial and revolutionary history, the Freedom Trail is essential to understanding the town’s vital role in the formation of the United States as a whole. For those in search of an alternative but equally informative tour, the Black Heritage Trail is great for discovering Boston’s lesser-known Black history.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
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2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
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2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
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2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
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2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Pick a Museum
Being one of the brainiest of all American cities, Boston offers a wide array of museums and galleries. Ranging from the Museum of Fine Arts (home to collections relating to antiquity, photography, jewellery and textiles alike) to the MIT Museum (awash with interactive displays and exhibitions), the Boston Tea Party Museum to the African Meeting House, surely any tourist can find one exhibition to suits their tastes!
Take a Stroll in the Back Bay and South End Neighborhoods
Many often recommend the Back Bay and the South End neighborhoods for an afternoon or an evening on foot. Both areas are within walking distance of each other, as the South End sits comfortably underneath the Back Bay and the banks of the Charles River. Look for the famous Victorian brownstone rows and tree-lined streets here, while top-rated restaurants and eclectic bars aplenty mean there’s always something to do!
Go to a Game with the Locals
Park, Stadium
Go to a Game with the Locals
To truly understand the madness that is a Red Sox fan in the throes of a World Series run, attend a game at the legendary Fenway Park. Boston’s signature ballpark – toting the legendary “Green Monster”- is the oldest stadium still in use in the US, and for good reason: Boston has always been a city for big league competition, and the roster now includes four other professional sports teams! Check out Fenway Park for a fun-filled afternoon match-up, or TD Garden to root for one of Boston’s other competitive teams. Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston MA, USA, +1 877-733-7699
View from the Esplanade, Boston | © nydia hartono/FlickrWalk the Charles River Esplanade
Park
Go to College
Being home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, Boston is easily one of the most erudite cities in the USA. With the likes of Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts, there is no wasted brain space in this metropolis, which has over 100 learning institutions, colleges, and technical schools within its boundaries! Release your inner scholar and walk around the university neighborhoods of Cambridge and Dorchester – you might even learn something!
Play a Game of Candle Pins
Play a Game of Candle Pins
For a distinctly New England recreational activity, get some friends together for a game of candlepin bowling. This game uses much smaller bowling balls without finger holes and much thinner pins; so don’t be surprised when you throw your first gutter. Look to play a match at Sacco’s Bowl-Haven, a Somerville establishment that has been around since 1939. Be sure to order one of their signature flatbreads and a local brew to properly enjoy this New England game as it should be! Sacco’s Bowl-Haven, 45 Day St, Somerville MA, USA, +1 617-776-0552
Faneuil Hall Marketplace | Tony Fischer/FlickrVisit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Market
Visit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Named after its wealthy colonial patron, Faneuil Hall has been a public gathering place for Bostonians since 1742; the very spot where city dwellers protested the Sugar Act of 1764 and established the revolutionary ideology of ‘no taxation without representation’. Since those days the space has transformed and annexed the North, South, and Quincy Markets, coalescing into a shopping stop featuring over 100 stalls and pushcarts – perfect for the retail hungry traveller! Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston MA, USA, +1 617-635-4500
Recreate Your Own Boston Movie Tour
Recreate Your Own Boston Movie Tour
With classic films like Good Will Hunting, The Departed, and The Fighter, and the famous 90s era show Cheers all hailing from this fine city, a quick Google search will guide travellers to oodles of urban spaces and establishments made famous by the big screen. A good place to start is the legendary Good Will Hunting scene at the Boston Public Garden, where Sean Maguire (played by Robin Williams) recites one of the most famous dramatic monologues in American film history.
New England Clam Chowder | © Timothy Tsui/FlickrEat Clam Chowder
Last but not least, there’s the clam chowder. It’s ubiquitous and delicious – perhaps in equal measure – but there are only a few places that can really cook up the classic, home-made New England staple as it should be. Look for Legal Sea Foods or Ned Devine’s Irish Pub to provide chowder with sweet, tender clams and that hearty consistency that has won numerous public accolades for the city’s kitchen! By Benjamin Smith
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