Boston Things To Do

This absorbing red-brick walking trail guides visitors through the history of the American Revolution via a series of historic sites that includes museums, churches, a ship, meeting houses, burial grounds and parks. Costumed guides provide a living commentary of the history of the city and the events that gave birth to a nation. Other rewarding walking trails include the Black Heritage Trail and the Literary Trail of New England.

 

Climb Beacon Hill to visit the 18th century Massachusetts State House with its landmark golden dome. The Bunker Hill Monument is the scene of a key battle in the War of Independence. A 300 step spiral staircase offers superb views of the city. The Gibson House Museum in Back Bay is a beautifully preserved 19^th century mansion house complete with kitchen, scullery and butler's pantry. There are dozens of historic civic buildings to explore in the city centre.

 

There are many entertaining ways of seeing the top attractions and sights in Boston. Themed walking tours and trails are immensely popular, covering every aspect of Boston history and culture. Curious ‘Duck Tours’ combine tours on land and water in the same vehicle. Trolley buses have tremendous charm. A wide range of boat trips depart from Boston harbour.

 

Boston has a particularly rewarding collection of museums and galleries. The Museum of Fine Arts and the spectacular Institute of Contemporary Arts are both outstanding. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, modelled on a 15th-century Venetian palace, contains a remarkable art collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and achievements of John F Kennedy. A collection of museums and galleries is the perfect excuse to visit the grounds of Harvard University. Children will enjoy the highly interactive Children’s Museum.

 

The amazing waterfront New England Aquarium features more than 600 different species. Among the highlights are the Penguins and the 4-storey Giant Ocean Tank, where sharks, sea turtles and rays populate a Caribbean coral reef environment. Franklin Park Zoo dates back to 1911. As well as animals the zoo offers wildlife shows, extensive gardens activities and attractions for children. Whale watching holiday cruises from the harbour offer fine views of the New England coast before heading into open water in search of humpback whales.

 

Longer Boston holidays should include an excursion into the glorious rolling New England countryside outside the city. The region is dotted with quaint villages and charming small towns. Highlights include the famous yachting coastline around Cape Cod and the historic town of Salem. Longer excursions range as far as the beautiful mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire.