Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, rich in culture and history. Its relatively compact size makes it a great destination to explore on foot; in fact, it has one of the highest percentages of pedestrian commuters in the country. But, don’t let its small size fool you—there is plenty to see and do here, and any tourist will certainly have no trouble filling up his daily itinerary. Here are just a few things that would make worthy additions.
The Common
The Common is the oldest public park in the country, was originally filled with grazing cattle—don’t worry, they have been banned since 1830. This area is chock-full of interesting sites, such as the Boston Massacre Memorial, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to honor Civil War troops, the Central Burying Ground and the Robert Guild Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial.
Boston Harbour
Exploring Boston’s Harbour is another must-do on any Boston itinerary. You can set out on the water in a privately hired sailboat or with a cruise company. The Liberty Cruises are particularly popular, and leave several times a day. If the weather is good, a sunset cruise will net you plenty of beautiful pictures definitely worthy of a Facebook share! For those of you who would enjoy a bit of drinking on your trip around the harbor, the Rum and Revolution Cruise may be a good bet. You will get a bit of history, along with samples of beverages of the time.
If you like nature and the outdoors, the Boston Harbour Islands National Recreation Area offers camping, boating and other outdoor activities. This area is comprised of 34 separate islands, with George’s Island being one of the most visited. You can reach them by ferry, the schedule of which can vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week.
You can also do the HarbourWalk which connects the waterfront with various attractions, neighborhoods and open spaces. And if you are there during the warmer months, you can hit the beaches.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles of fascinating history. This red path, mostly comprised of bricks, will lead you through16 historical sites in downtown Boston. You will find markers identifying each site, and giving background on its historical significance. Here you will find a mix of locations where important events took place, churches, various other buildings and a naval frigate. Most of the sites are free, with others charging a small admission price. Give yourself at least three hours to walk it at a leisurely pace and soak in all you are learning
Boston Public Garden
Located in the heart of the city, the Boston Public Garden, is the oldest in the United States. Here you can ride the famous Swan Boats from mid-April to mid-September, or go ice skating in the winter. The numerous plants found throughout the garden are supplied by 14 greenhouses, which operate specifically for this purpose. You can also see a number of interesting statues throughout the park.
Museum of Fine Arts
Being the MFA is the largest art museum in New England, there is plenty for you to see here. It is most famous for its Monet collection, the largest outside of his home country of France. The Art of the Americas Wing opened in 2010, and has become of the most popular collections.