A photo guide to Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution

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January 25, 2019
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A photo guide to Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution

Looking to take a modern trek along the streets where Paul Revere took his famous midnight ride? Curious what more there is to do in Boston than visit the "Cheers" bar and ? 麻豆原创 tapped a Boston native to lead a tour through the Massachusetts capital with 30 must-see stops. The comprehensive list, designed for history buffs and tourists alike, shows off the city's rich past, natural beauty, expansive culture, and world-class cuisine.

Visitors can stroll along the Freedom Trail and learn about key events of the American Revolution, before stopping at Paul Revere's House or visiting old souls at the Granary Burial grounds. The tour also offers great activities for lazy afternoons, whether it's hopping aboard the Swan Boats in the Public Garden's lagoon or strolling through Beacon Hill or South Boston neighborhoods. There is plenty here to keep travelers busy, and a few fun places that may even be new for lifelong Bostonians. Read on for inspiration for your next visit to Bean Town. 

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Freedom Trail

Learn about 250 years of history and key events of the American Revolution on the Freedom Trail. The trail is a that ribbons around Boston and leads to 16 historic sites. Highlights include Boston Common, the USS Constitution, and Paul Revere鈥檚 House.

Paul Revere House

Paul Revere might have taken his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, but visitors can stop by in Boston鈥檚 North End any time. The national historic landmark is part of the Paul Revere Memorial Association鈥檚 .

North End

Boston鈥檚 North End is a multicultural neighborhood best known for its narrow streets, rich history, and plethora of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. The North End is a popular spot on Boston鈥檚 Freedom Trail is just one of the Italian restaurants lining Hanover Street, the heart of Boston's .

Faneuil Hall

where locals and tourists have been enjoying music, restaurants, boutiques, and pubs since its revitalization in 1976. Street performers and musicians entertain along the cobblestone promenade. A where visitors can find 18 restaurants and 35 colonnade eateries, including Boston鈥檚 famous clam chowder.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill, Boston's stony residential area, is . Tourists flock to see the charming neighborhood boasting a variety of architectural styles including Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian. The iconic bar, is located in Beacon Hill.

 

Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden, , is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon. Tourists can take a ride on the famous Swan Boats and stop to see the " statues created by Boston artist Nancy Sch枚n. The garden is also home to the " where Robin Williams delivered his speech to Matt Damon.

 

Old North Church

A stop to the site where the first rumblings of the American Revolution began is on the top of the list for many visitors to Boston. Old North Church is Boston鈥檚 oldest surviving church and is found along the Freedom Trail. Made famous by Paul Revere鈥檚 midnight ride, Old North Church is the most visited historic site in Boston.

Bunker Hill

Visitors to Boston come to Bunker Hill to stand on the grounds of what many consider the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Intrepid tourists can climband take a moment to reflect on a poignant chapter in American history.

 

Chinatown

Boston鈥檚 Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown in the United States. An easy walk from Boston鈥檚 downtown shopping district, to a neighborhood full of restaurants offering Chinese favorites simmering with great flavors.

 

Fenway Park

Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox. The oldest surviving stadium in Major League Baseball, since it was opened in 1912. In 1947, the left field wall was painted green and earned the moniker the "Green Monster," which became one of the park's most iconic features.


 

Fort Point

Once a fort in colonial times, the is brimming with warehouses that are home to art studios and galleries. Activities include aor the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museums. Beer aficionados can also pop by Trillium Brewing Company鈥檚 flagship brewery or .

Rooftop at the Envoy Hotel

Visitors looking to get a glimpse of Boston鈥檚 modern skyline and waterfront can stop by the The panoramic view is open all year long, as LED igloos are installed in the winter.

Seaport District

Once an empty waterfront brimming with parking lots, the into one of the city鈥檚 hottest neighborhoods. The single is home to a growing number of upscale restaurants, shops, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Institute of Contemporary Art

The stretches back to 1936 when it was founded as the Boston Museum of Modern Art, a sister to New York鈥檚 MoMA. It was renamed the Institute of Contemporary Art in 1948. In 2006, a new building was constructed on Boston鈥檚 waterfront that expanded the scope and size of ICA鈥檚 exhibitions and programs, making it the go-to destination to experience contemporary art in Boston.

SoWa Art + Design District

Those looking to discover local flavor should stop by to find art studios, galleries, boutiques, design showrooms, and eateries. Popular events include SoWa Open Market, SoWa First Fridays, and SoWa Art Walk.

Back Bay

featuring boutiques, restaurants, and brownstone homes. Newbury Street is one of the main attractions featuring upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants. Landmarks include Trinity Church, the Prudential Center, and the Boston Public Library.

Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library, the U.S., is a National Historic Landmark. The library contains more than  as well as paintings, tapestries, and sculptures. John Adams鈥 personal library is also housed at the library along with original music scores from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sergei Prokofiev, and many others.

Esplanade

The Esplanade along the Charles River. A perfect spot for walking, running or hiking, visitors can enjoy picnics on the green and concerts in front of the iconic Hatch Memorial Shell.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is heralded as one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, . Visited by over 1 million people each year, the MFA features numerous collections and exhibits, including

The Mapparium

Visitors to the Mary Baker Eddy Library will gain a unique perspective of the world at the . Tourists can explore the Earth at its center, surrounded by continents and oceans, all from the bridge of the giant, stained颅 glass sphere. Since 1935, more than 10 million people have crossed the 30-foot-long glass bridge.

Granary Burial Ground

Granary Burial Ground, , was built in the 1660s. The cemetery has only 2,300 markers, though it is estimated that more than 5,000 people  Visitors can pay their respects to Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams. Although a large obelisk bears the name of Benjamin Franklin, .

TD Garden

, TD Garden is best known as the home of the NHL鈥檚 Boston Bruins and NBA鈥檚 Boston Celtics. More than 3.5 million people a year visit TD Garden to enjoy concerts, sporting events, and family shows.

Boston Common

Visitors can stand at oldest American parkthe U.S.鈥 oldest park. Boston Common still remains a stage for free speech and public assembly, though it has evolved from a common ground for cow grazing and public hangings to a popular green space to play ball, ice skate, and enjoy the wonder of nature.

 

South Boston

Southie is often depicted as a rough neighborhood in movies and television shows鈥攖hink "Good Will Hunting,鈥 "The Departed,鈥 and "Ray Donovan.鈥 But the neighborhood where George Washington鈥檚 army is now a desirable area serving as home to Fort Point, beaches, and parks.

Museum of Science

Boston's Museum of Science is one of the world's largest science centers and New England's most visited cultural institution. to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through the world-class, hands-on exhibits and programs. Visitors can enjoyand interactive permanent exhibits.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church, located in Boston鈥檚 Back Bay, is renowned for its history and architectural splendor. The National Historic Landmark building is considered one of this country鈥檚 top 10 buildings by the American Association of Architects. Almost 300 years after it was built, Trinity Church is an active parish as well as a few during the week.

USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is the world鈥檚 oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It is located inside Boston Historical Park as part of the Charlestown Navy Yard in Charlestown. "Old Ironsides鈥 is free and open to the public. There is also a museum next door where visitors can learn more about the history of the USS Constitution.

Rose Kennedy Greenway

stretches for a mile and a half of contemporary parks that ribbon through the heart of Boston. Highlights include a rooftop garden atop a highway, food trucks, the Trillium Garden, Greenway Carousel, and numerous fountains. Tours are held May through September.

Castle Island

Tourists can visit Fort Independence, enjoy a picnic, take in the view, or watch planes take off from Logan International Airport. Those who  can witness Old Ironsides take its annual cruise from the Charlestown Naval Yard and enjoy a great seat for the fireworks.

Boston Duck Tour

A great way to explore the city of Boston is to . Highlights include Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Newbury Street, Quincy Market, the Prudential Tower, and a splash in the Charles River. Winning Boston sports teams take their victory ride on the World War II-style amphibious vehicles.

 

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