The city of Boston is a living open-air museum rich in cultural heritage. Set along the most western point of Massachusetts Bay, Boston is surprisingly compact, with many impressive landmarks accessible by foot. Along the picturesque Freedom Trail, US history unfolds before your eyes along the waterfront, in the North End and in Charleston. Boston's refined way of life offers a world-class symphony, shopping along Newbury Street, spectacular theaters, galleries, and gastronomical delights in superb surroundings.
The Freedom Trail
Follow the red brick road past 16 sites that mark Boston's colonial history and role in the start of the Revolutionary War. Favorite sightseeing stops include Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church where the lanterns were hung, sending Revere on his midnight ride. Tickets for the audio tour are available at the Concierge Desk.
www.thefreedomtrail.org
The North End
Teeming with historic sites and Italian restaurants, the North End is one of the most historic parts of Boston. The area consists of many historical sites including the Old North Church, Paul Revere House and North Square. Hanover Street is the main thoroughfare and it is lined with myriad restaurants and cafes. Consider Michelle Topor’s North End Market Tour to explore this part of the city. See the concierge for additional information.
www.northendmarkettours.com
The New England Aquarium
The recently expanded aquarium features 7,000 aquatic animals from around the world. The four story giant ocean tank contains a re-created coral reef and is home to sharks, turtles and moray eels.
www.neaq.org
Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall
Located a mere 15 minute walk from the hotel, the four buildings collectively known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace -Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market - hum with the activity of shoppers, diners and sightseers day and night, attracting millions of visitors a year. The structures are grouped around a cobblestone promenade where jugglers, magicians, mimes and bands continually entertain a constant influx of passersby. Great fun for the whole family!
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
The Rose Kennedy Greenway and Christopher Columbus Park
With the completion of the Big Dig, which moved the highway into a tunnel, and the extensive revitalization along the Boston waterfront has created a series of urban parks, ideal for strolling and exploring the harbor side.
www.rosekennedygreenway.org
The Children’s Museum
Overlooking Fort Port Channel in a converted wool warehouse is The Boston Children’s Museum. Featuring a variety of interactive and educational exhibits, the museum will keep children entertained for hours. The Hood Milk Bottle, a local dairy, is a landmark at the museum where ice cream is served in season.
www.bostonkids.org
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world. The Museum's purpose is to advance the study and understanding of President Kennedy's life and career and the times in which he lived; and to promote a greater appreciation of America's political and cultural heritage, the process of governing and the importance of public service.
www.jfklibrary.org
The Boston Symphony Orchestra
Housed in Boston's historic Symphony Hall, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the premier orchestral organizations in the world.
www.bso.com
The Boston Pops
Known as America's Orchestra, the Boston Pops are one of the most engaging and beloved orchestras in the country.
www.bostonpops.org
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Fairmont Copley Plaza was built on the original site of the Museum of Fine Arts after the museum moved to its current Huntington Avenue location. One of the premier art museums in the United States, the MFA boasts a large collection of American art, Impressionists, Asian and Egyptian art, among others.
www.mfa.org
The Public Garden and Boston Common
Visit this picturesque park and the bronze statues of the Mallard family, the ducks made famous in Robert McCloskey's children's classic, Make Way for Ducklings. Or experience the city's one of a kind Swan Boats. Across Charles Street from the Public Garden, the Boston Common marks the official start of the Freedom Trail. It is also home to a skating rink in winter and a splash-around Frog Pond in summer.
