Boston Travel Guide

From the cobbled streets of the North End to the newly-designed Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston offers a distinct blend of history and modernity that keeps visitors returning for more!  Landmarks like the Bunker Hill Monument and the Old North Church are ties to the American Revolution, while posh shopping on Newbury Street keeps visitors in touch with the latest fashions and foods.  Each neighborhood is a pocket of local culture, and locals bursting with Boston pride who are eager to show visitors the best of "Beantown."

Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill nestles between the quaint shops of Charles street and the activity of Boston Common.  Home to many Boston elite, you'll find impressive townhouses here, high-end markets and boutiques, and fine foods.  Young professionals also flock to this neighborhood and congregate at local pubs. It's just a few block from the banks of the Charles River!

South End
The South End also offers a quaint setting, with brick sidewalks, chic restaurants and endless blocks of cozy coffee shops and cafe's.  Well-kept dog parks line the side streets, and it's just a short walk to Back Bay and Newbury Street.  The area is also considered one of the most "gay-friendly" parts of the city.

North End
Need an Italian fix? Come to Boston's North End.  Shops like Mike's Pastry are not-to-be-missed, and you can also pick up the historical Freedom Trail here.

Newbury Street
Newbury Street is a downtown thoroughfare with the most posh shopping Boston has to offer, not to mention top-of-the-line restaurants and cafes.  The Public Garden marks the beginning of this stretch, and there you can find the famous "Make way for Ducklings" statues and the Swan Boats.

Waterfront
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a must-see by the waterfront, and if you linger in the plaza outside on a nice day you're almost sure to see a fun street performer to add flavor to your trip! Souvenir shops abound here, and it's one of the stops on the Freedom Trail. Just a few blocks away is Downtown Crossing, as well as the New England Aquarium (great for kids).

Jamaica Plain
Just outside the city, Jamaica Plain is "up and coming" and has started to attract more and more of the city's families and young professionals. Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboretum offer beautiful outdoor settings, and Victorian homes line the streets.  Also, right downtown is the famous J.P. Licks ice cream shop ("Jamaican Plain" being the namesake).  Don't forget to stop there!

Brookline
Home to enclaves such as Coolidge Corner and Washington Square, Brookline offers the best Jewish Deli's in town! Local movie theaters, bookstores and bars welcome visitors and create a lively atmosphere.  Check out Zaftigs and the Publick House to hit up some of the best of Brookline's food and drink scene.

Somerville
Davis Square is a lively Somerville hub, and this area also houses Tufts University.  Just a short ride on the Red Line from Boston's center, Somerville gets you just outside the city but still offers a little urban flair and hustle-bustle.  Somerville draws a crowd looking for quality housing at an affordable, and recent college grads often flock to this area.  In Davis Square, be sure to check out Redbones for some of the best BBQ around.

Cambridge
Set on the banks of the Charles River, Cambridge teems with college students, as it's home to both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Kendall Square is a mecca for technology and science research and entrepreneurship, and Harvard Square offers colorful shops and eateries.  Street performers are a common sight, as are outdoor chess tables, rowing teams on the waters of the Charles River, and bicyclists cruising Memorial Drive.  Cambridge is definitely worth the short trip across the river!

Where to Go in Boston