Boston City Guide

Boston is both the capital and largest city in Massachusetts, New England. At over five centuries old it is one of the veteran cities of American history. As a result, Boston has often been recognized as the real central hub of operations in New England for its cultural and economic impact on this region.

History

The city of Boston was formed by Puritan colonists from England in the early to mid 1600s. It was over a hundred years later during the American Revolution that Boston became famous for historical events of considerable significance, events most people have heard including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. A number of early battles of the Revolution took place both within, and surrounding the city, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston to name but two.

After Boston gained its independence it became a major shipping port and manufacturing centre.  Boston can boast being a venue for many firsts, in particular it was the first city to gain a subway system back in 1897.

Boston is an international centre of higher education and medicine with numerous colleges and universities within the city and surrounding area, it also has one of the highest costs of living in the United States.

Attractions

For the history lover, walk the Freedom Trail and the Black Heritage Trail which allow you to really get a sense of the struggles of this country and that of the Abolitionist Movement.

The Holocaust Memorial is worth a visit, in memory of those who died at the six major Nazi death camps, six glass towers stand tall.  Etched into the glass panels you will find survival stories alongside the numbers 1 to 6 million representing the tragic number of victims. Another point of interest is the bronze statue of Mayor Curley a long serving mayor of Boston who amazingly served one out of his four terms from a federal prison.

You might also want to keep an eye out for the Boston Stone, which you can use as a starting point to measure all distances as they used to do in the 1700’s.

The Haymarket is an open air market that has been in Boston since the 1830s, open on Fridays and Saturdays with meats, cheeses, fresh fish off the boats and other products are also available from long established sellers.

Just south of the city lies the Plimoth Plantation where you can journey to the Wampanoag Home site where Native people thrived for over twelve thousand years and also where the 102 English colonists, “Pilgrims” landed in 1620.

Family Attractions

Visit the Public Garden Lagoon for a graceful ride on the Swan Boats, in the summer the kids can cool off at ‘Frog Pond’ (nowadays frog-less!) and in the winter it makes a perfect ice skating rink. For an abundance of green space and lots of exotic animals from around the world, head to the Franklin Park Zoo.

The New England Aquarium has an interesting Behind-the-Scenes-Tour including an IMAX film.  Be sure to check out the Museum of Science with over 500 hands-on minds-on exhibits, giant screen movies, and high-tech laser shows mixing music and techno-artistry.
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Like fast rides and great views? Take the Skywalk elevator –up 50 floors in an amazing 32 seconds!! – For incredible views of Boston and beyond.

Shopping and Eating Out

The sales tax in Boston is worth mentioning as it might excite some of you to learn that tax is virtually nonexistent.  So if you are looking for a good deal than you get your shopping lists out. Only on clothing items priced over $175 you are required to pay tax of 6.25% and if you are lucky to visit during the end of season sales then you can fill your shopping bags as most items are almost given away.

Restaurants are serious business, serving contemporary cuisine and traditional New England fare that cater for every palette and purse. It’s worth mentioning that a service fee is not included in your check. Tip service staff 15% to 20% of the bill, bar tenders 10% to 15% and checkroom attendants $1 per garment.

Many restaurants stop serving full dinners at 10pm and the majority of restaurants, bars and clubs close by 1-2am.

When to Visit

High Season in Boston is from April to June and from September to October. Summer brings outdoor activities and the most tourists, while winter is mostly for cultural events. Autumn is generally the best time to go, though spring and summer are pleasant as well.

5 Day Weather Forecast for Boston

Today	Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday
Chance of a Thunderstorm 29°/17°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 28°/15°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 29°/18°	Partly Cloudy 33°/19°	Partly Cloudy 32°/19°