History and Culture
The Old Corner Bookstore is a historic commercial building located at 283 Washington Street at the corner of School Street in the historic core of Boston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1718 as a residence and apothecary shop and first became a bookstore in 1828. The building is a designated site on Boston's Freedom Trail, Literary Trail, and Women's Heritage Trail. The Old Corner Bookstore was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This building is currently under consideration for the Boston Landmark status by the Boston Landmarks Commission.
Old Corner Bookstore
283 Washington StreetThe Old Corner Bookstore is a historic commercial building located at 283 Washington Street at the corner of School Street in the historic core of Boston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1718 as a residence and apothecary shop and first became a bookstore in 1828. The building is a designated site on Boston's Freedom Trail, Literary Trail, and Women's Heritage Trail. The Old Corner Bookstore was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This building is currently under consideration for the Boston Landmark status by the Boston Landmarks Commission.
The Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States. It is also one of a number of membership libraries, for which patrons pay a yearly subscription fee to use Athenæum services. The institution was founded in 1807 by the Anthology Club of Boston, Massachusetts. It is located at 10 1/2 Beacon Street on Beacon Hill. Resources of the Boston Athenæum include a large circulating book collection; a public gallery; a rare books collection of over 100,000 volumes; an art collection of 100,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts; research collections including one of the world's most important collections of primary materials on the American Civil War; and a public forum offering lectures, readings, concerts, and other events.
16 locals recommend
Boston Athenaeum
10-1/2 Beacon StThe Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States. It is also one of a number of membership libraries, for which patrons pay a yearly subscription fee to use Athenæum services. The institution was founded in 1807 by the Anthology Club of Boston, Massachusetts. It is located at 10 1/2 Beacon Street on Beacon Hill. Resources of the Boston Athenæum include a large circulating book collection; a public gallery; a rare books collection of over 100,000 volumes; an art collection of 100,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts; research collections including one of the world's most important collections of primary materials on the American Civil War; and a public forum offering lectures, readings, concerts, and other events.
King's Chapel Burying Ground is a historic graveyard on Tremont Street, near its intersection with School Street in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest graveyard in the city and is a site on the Freedom Trail. Despite its name, the graveyard pre-dates the adjacent King's Chapel; it is not affiliated to that or any other church. King's Chapel Burying Ground was founded in 1630 as the first graveyard in the city of Boston. According to custom, the first interment was that of the land's original owner, Isaac Johnson. It was Boston's only burial site for 30 years. After being unable to locate land elsewhere, in 1686, the local Anglican congregation was allotted land in the graveyard to build King's Chapel. Today there are 505 headstones and 59 footstones remaining from the more than one thousand people buried in the small space since its inception. There are also 78 tombs, of which 36 have markers. This includes the large vault, built as a charnel house, which was converted into a tomb for children's remains in 1833. The earliest tombs are scattered among the grave markers. Most are in tabletop form.
King's Chapel Burying Ground
40 Tremont StKing's Chapel Burying Ground is a historic graveyard on Tremont Street, near its intersection with School Street in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest graveyard in the city and is a site on the Freedom Trail. Despite its name, the graveyard pre-dates the adjacent King's Chapel; it is not affiliated to that or any other church. King's Chapel Burying Ground was founded in 1630 as the first graveyard in the city of Boston. According to custom, the first interment was that of the land's original owner, Isaac Johnson. It was Boston's only burial site for 30 years. After being unable to locate land elsewhere, in 1686, the local Anglican congregation was allotted land in the graveyard to build King's Chapel. Today there are 505 headstones and 59 footstones remaining from the more than one thousand people buried in the small space since its inception. There are also 78 tombs, of which 36 have markers. This includes the large vault, built as a charnel house, which was converted into a tomb for children's remains in 1833. The earliest tombs are scattered among the grave markers. Most are in tabletop form.
The Black Heritage Trail is a path in Boston, Massachusetts, winding through the Beacon Hill neighborhood and sites essential in African-American history. The Black Heritage Trail links more than 15 pre-Civil War structures and historic sites, including the 1806 African Meeting House, the oldest surviving black church in the United States. In 1783, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to declare slavery illegal — mostly out of gratitude for black participation in the American Revolutionary War. Subsequently, a sizable community of free blacks and escaped slaves developed in Boston, settling on the north face of Beacon Hill and in the North End. With a robust abolitionist community, Boston was long considered a desirable destination for southern black slaves escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad.
Black Heritage Trail
46 Joy StThe Black Heritage Trail is a path in Boston, Massachusetts, winding through the Beacon Hill neighborhood and sites essential in African-American history. The Black Heritage Trail links more than 15 pre-Civil War structures and historic sites, including the 1806 African Meeting House, the oldest surviving black church in the United States. In 1783, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to declare slavery illegal — mostly out of gratitude for black participation in the American Revolutionary War. Subsequently, a sizable community of free blacks and escaped slaves developed in Boston, settling on the north face of Beacon Hill and in the North End. With a robust abolitionist community, Boston was long considered a desirable destination for southern black slaves escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad.
The Old South Meeting House is a historic Congregational church building located at the corner of Milk and Washington Streets in the Downtown Crossing area of Boston, Massachusetts, built-in 1729. It gained fame as the organizing point for the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. Five thousand or more colonists gathered at the Meeting House, the largest building in Boston at the time
12 locals recommend
Old South Meeting House
310 Washington StThe Old South Meeting House is a historic Congregational church building located at the corner of Milk and Washington Streets in the Downtown Crossing area of Boston, Massachusetts, built-in 1729. It gained fame as the organizing point for the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. Five thousand or more colonists gathered at the Meeting House, the largest building in Boston at the time
The Charles River Esplanade of Boston, Massachusetts, is a state-owned park situated in the Back Bay area of the city, on the south bank of the Charles River Basin.
279 locals recommend
Charles River Esplanade
Charles River EsplanadesThe Charles River Esplanade of Boston, Massachusetts, is a state-owned park situated in the Back Bay area of the city, on the south bank of the Charles River Basin.
If you're walking through the streets of Beacon Hill or the pathways of the Boston Common, you'll notice a building with a golden dome, made from copper and topped with gold. That's the Massachusetts State House, which has been there since 1798 and houses the state's government. There's plenty of Massachusetts history to take in if you visit for a free tour.
567 locals recommend
Boston Common
139 Boylston StIf you're walking through the streets of Beacon Hill or the pathways of the Boston Common, you'll notice a building with a golden dome, made from copper and topped with gold. That's the Massachusetts State House, which has been there since 1798 and houses the state's government. There's plenty of Massachusetts history to take in if you visit for a free tour.
Acorn Street is one of the country's most photographed streets and once you're there, you'll understand why. The narrow cobblestone pathway lined with old brownstones has become a popular backdrop for both photographers and tourists, especially during the holiday season when the entire neighborhood is decorated with festive wreaths, lights and more. As you walk to Acorn Street — and through all of the neighborhood streets of Beacon Hill — you'll pass by plenty of other picture-worthy brownstones.
35 locals recommend
Acorn Street
Acorn StreetAcorn Street is one of the country's most photographed streets and once you're there, you'll understand why. The narrow cobblestone pathway lined with old brownstones has become a popular backdrop for both photographers and tourists, especially during the holiday season when the entire neighborhood is decorated with festive wreaths, lights and more. As you walk to Acorn Street — and through all of the neighborhood streets of Beacon Hill — you'll pass by plenty of other picture-worthy brownstones.
If you're visiting Boston for the first time and want to dive into the city's history, walking along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is the best way to do just that. Beginning at the Boston Common and ending in Charlestown, this trail is easy to follow thanks to the painted brick red line on the sidewalks and roads. There are 16 stops along the way and on average it's best to give yourself three or so hours to take in all of the landmarks along the way, including the Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Bunker Hill Monument.
470 locals recommend
Freedom Trail
139 Tremont StIf you're visiting Boston for the first time and want to dive into the city's history, walking along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is the best way to do just that. Beginning at the Boston Common and ending in Charlestown, this trail is easy to follow thanks to the painted brick red line on the sidewalks and roads. There are 16 stops along the way and on average it's best to give yourself three or so hours to take in all of the landmarks along the way, including the Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Bunker Hill Monument.
If you're near Boston Common, walk just a little bit further to reach the Boston Public Garden, the country's very first public botanical garden. The scenery is beautiful and this is also where you'll find the iconic Swan Boats and "Make Way for Ducklings" statues, which you'll want to grab a photo of as part of your Boston memories. If you're interested in learning about the park, take a 60-minute guided walking tour during the warmer weather months for a taste of its history, sculptures and more.
Boston Public Garden Bridge
If you're near Boston Common, walk just a little bit further to reach the Boston Public Garden, the country's very first public botanical garden. The scenery is beautiful and this is also where you'll find the iconic Swan Boats and "Make Way for Ducklings" statues, which you'll want to grab a photo of as part of your Boston memories. If you're interested in learning about the park, take a 60-minute guided walking tour during the warmer weather months for a taste of its history, sculptures and more.
The Nichols House Museum is a museum at 55 Mount Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. The house in which it is located was designed by the architect Charles Bulfinch, and built by Jonathan Mason, the politician, in 1804. The building was renovated in 1830.
Nichols House Museum
55 Mt Vernon StThe Nichols House Museum is a museum at 55 Mount Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. The house in which it is located was designed by the architect Charles Bulfinch, and built by Jonathan Mason, the politician, in 1804. The building was renovated in 1830.
The Vilna Shul is now a historic landmark building housing a cultural center, community center, and living museum. It was a synagogue and was built for an Orthodox congregation in 1919 by immigrants primarily from Vilna, Lithuania.
The Vilna Shul, Boston's Center for Jewish Culture
18 Phillips StThe Vilna Shul is now a historic landmark building housing a cultural center, community center, and living museum. It was a synagogue and was built for an Orthodox congregation in 1919 by immigrants primarily from Vilna, Lithuania.
Local Favorite Restaunts
American comfort food institution that's cafeteria-style for breakfast & lunch, full-serve at night.
152 locals recommend
The Paramount
44 Charles StreetAmerican comfort food institution that's cafeteria-style for breakfast & lunch, full-serve at night.
Tous les Jours
152 Harvard AveStar chef Daniel Boulud backs this inventive spot automating assembly of healthy veggie-heavy bowls.
Spyce
241 Washington StStar chef Daniel Boulud backs this inventive spot automating assembly of healthy veggie-heavy bowls.
Mooo....
15 Beacon Ststeakhouse
A neighborhood staple for traditional Tuscan meals in old-world, wood-&-stone ambiance.
56 locals recommend
Toscano
47 Charles StA neighborhood staple for traditional Tuscan meals in old-world, wood-&-stone ambiance.
Figs
42 Charles StBeacon Hill haunts serving a variety of simple American dishes in quaint quarters with a rustic bar.
14 locals recommend
75 Chestnut
75 Chestnut StBeacon Hill haunts serving a variety of simple American dishes in quaint quarters with a rustic bar.
Cheers
84 Beacon Sta classic bar with iconic facade for pub grub, pints & nostalgia.
The upscale pub serves beer, wild game & inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space.
59 locals recommend
Tip Tap Room
138 Cambridge StThe upscale pub serves beer, wild game & inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space.
Local counter-serve Mexican chain dishing up burritos, tacos & quesadillas in a warm space.
124 locals recommend
Anna's Taqueria
242 Cambridge StLocal counter-serve Mexican chain dishing up burritos, tacos & quesadillas in a warm space.
Buzzy casual hangout offers hearty breakfasts, Italian plates, house-baked pastries & hot drinks.
15 locals recommend
Panificio Bistro & Bakery
144 Charles StBuzzy casual hangout offers hearty breakfasts, Italian plates, house-baked pastries & hot drinks.
Entertainment and Activities
North End
Chinatown
A spray pool in summer & outdoor ice-skating rink in winter, with a snack bar & carousel.
34 locals recommend
Boston Common Frog Pond
38 Beacon StA spray pool in summer & outdoor ice-skating rink in winter, with a snack bar & carousel.
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a linear park located in several Downtown Boston neighborhoods. It consists of landscaped gardens, promenades, plazas, fountains, art, and specialty lighting systems that stretch over one mile through the Chinatown, Financial District, Waterfront, and North End neighborhoods.
54 locals recommend
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Atlantic AvenueThe Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a linear park located in several Downtown Boston neighborhoods. It consists of landscaped gardens, promenades, plazas, fountains, art, and specialty lighting systems that stretch over one mile through the Chinatown, Financial District, Waterfront, and North End neighborhoods.
Shopping center with many stores & restaurants comprising 3 historic market buildings & a promenade.
517 locals recommend
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
1 S Market StShopping center with many stores & restaurants comprising 3 historic market buildings & a promenade.
The New England Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to the main aquarium building, attractions at the New England Aquarium include the Simons IMAX Theatre and the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which operates from April through November. The aquarium has more than 22,000 members and hosts more than 1.3 million visitors each year.
399 locals recommend
New England Aquarium
1 Central WharfThe New England Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to the main aquarium building, attractions at the New England Aquarium include the Simons IMAX Theatre and the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which operates from April through November. The aquarium has more than 22,000 members and hosts more than 1.3 million visitors each year.
Just a stone's throw from the big brand stores on Newbury Street, Charles is a world apart, with exclusively independently owned boutiques. Here we've mapped 16 must-visit stores that make this narrow street a shopping destination.
58 locals recommend
Charles Street
Just a stone's throw from the big brand stores on Newbury Street, Charles is a world apart, with exclusively independently owned boutiques. Here we've mapped 16 must-visit stores that make this narrow street a shopping destination.
Fenway Park
4 Jersey StHatch Memorial Shell
47 David G Mugar WayDrinks&Nightlife
Improv Asylum
216 Hanover StPerforming Arts, Comedy Clubs
D's Keys Dueling Pianos & Sing Along Bar
391 D StTunnel
100 Stuart StDance Clubs, Champagne Bars, Music Venues
Roxanne's
6 Beacon StreetCocktail Bar
Liberty Lobby Bar
215 Charles StDurty Nelly's
108 Blackstone StBars, Irish, Music Venues
Cafe and Dessert
Gracenote Coffee Boston
108 Lincoln StOgawa Coffee
10 Milk StThinking Cup
165 Tremont StThinking Cup
165 Tremont StOgawa Coffee
10 Milk StKohi Coffee Company
130 Guest StIntrepid Café
150 First StJaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
665 Washington StTatte Bakery & Café
70 Charles StGracenote Coffee Boston
108 Lincoln StGetting Around
South Station
700 Atlantic AveTrain station/ MBTA station/Buses
Park Street Subway Station
Subway/Train
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
37 Mystic AveCar rental
Essentials
DeLuca's Market
239 Newbury StBeacon Hill Market
55 Anderson StTop Shelf
161 Charles StRoche Bros. Downtown Crossing
8 Summer StMassachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit StBella Florist
125 Charles St SWalgreens
1890 Columbus AveTown Nail & Skin Salon At 99 Charles St
99 Charles StNail salon
ZenaRose
45-49 River StHair salon
Core De Vie
40 Charles StFitness center in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Sports Clubs
625 Massachusetts AveGym
American Dry Cleaner
777 Centre St