Boston is located on the east coast of Massachusetts in the northeastern part of the United States. Boston is an excellent place to visit with countless historical attractions, Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox, and tons of iconic New England food. From the wharf district to the Freedom Trail, there’s something for everyone and too much to do in one day!
In this article, we will provide you with the best historical attractions, museums, and other entertainment opportunities that you can visit in Boston.
Additionally, we’ll direct you to the best eats Beantown has to offer. Strap on your walking shoes because this little city has a lot to show you!
What Is the History of Boston?
Boston, Massachusetts was founded by the Puritans in the early 17th century and became an integral part of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States of America.
Boston is the scene of many important historical events in America’s beginnings including the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, and Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride.
Many of the historical sites still stand today amidst the growth of 21st century buildings and infrastructure. It is still important today with pop culture significance from the Cheers bar to the baseball home of Babe Ruth.
What Are Some Weird Boston Laws?
All cities have some pretty wacky laws and Boston is no exception. In Boston, it is only lawful to have a duel to the death on a Sunday if the governor is there to witness it.
Also, you cannot take a bath unless you have a prescription from your doctor to do so, but you must bathe before you go to bed.
Other things that are illegal to do in Boston include eating peanuts while attending a church service, playing the fiddle, or cursing within city limits.
Oh, and if you were wanting to take that lion you befriended at the zoo to a movie, you can’t – it’s illegal.
What Historical Attractions Should You Visit in Boston?
If you are in Boston for its rich historical significance, then the place to start is the Freedom Trail. This free walking tour is marked throughout the city, just look for the arrows on the ground pointing your way along two and a half miles of trail.
It begins at the Boston Commons and concludes at Paul Revere’s house in Boston’s North End.
The Freedom Trail features sixteen historical sites including the location of the famous Boston Massacre and the Old North Church where Paul Revere had two lanterns hung in the belltower to signal a warning of British troops arriving by sea.
Speaking of the sea, another amazing historic place to visit is the USS Constitution which is anchored in the Charleston Navy Yard. This is the oldest vessel still afloat and is open for tours so you can take a trip back in time to life at sea in the late 18th century.
What Are Some Iconic Places to Eat in Boston?
There are so many great options for food in Boston, it can be hard to choose where to eat. If you have a hankering for Italian food, check out Mario’s Restaurant or Mamma Maria’s. Maybe you want more classic American pub fare; the North Street Grille or Lincoln Tavern are your best bets.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Boston has a variety of restaurants to fulfill your shellfish and finfish needs. The Atlantic Fish Co, Luke’s Lobster Back Bay, and Shaking Crab located in Boston Commons are a great start to your seafood adventure.
If you can’t decide what you want, check out Faneuil Hall. Not only is there a great marketplace, but there are also a plethora of restaurants representing every food you can think of from burgers to sushi to burritos to ice cream.
Hopefully you made room for dessert because you cannot leave Boston without getting a cannoli from Mike’s in the North End. The line is usually out the door but those heavenly ricotta filled pastries are worth the wait!
What Museums Does Boston Have?
Boston is home to many museums that all offer insight into the history of the city, the country, and the natural world.
For those who love science, the Boston Museum of Science and the Harvard Museum of Natural History are great places to visit with exhibits featuring dinosaurs, glass flowers, and more.
If you’re a history buff the Museum of African American History and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is the way to go. With rich insight into integral parts of America’s history, you’re bound to learn something you never knew before.
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are perfect for art enthusiasts, while the kids will enjoy the Boston Children’s Museum. No matter what your age or interests, Boston has a museum just for you.
What Other Entertainment Opportunities Does Boston Have to Offer?
For such a small city, Boston has a lot of entertainment opportunities. Explore marine life from sharks to penguins to colorful jellyfish at the New England Aquarium. Their 200,000 gallon tank placed in the center of the aquarium is home to giant sea turtles, reef fishes, and more.
If you’re all about sports, check out Fenway Park. The home of the famous Boston Red Sox and the Green Monster wall is open every day for tours. Or plan your trip just right and catch a ball game.
Boston hosts hundreds of concerts every year for popular music artists from around the globe. With venues like the House of Blues, Leader Bank Pavilion, Orpheum Theater, and Symphony Hall, there is always a good show playing in Massachusetts’ historical capital city.
Perhaps you just want to visit a place where everyone knows your name. That’s right, the Cheers bar in Boston is a perfect way to end your day with a pint and a few friendly faces from your favorite 1980s sitcom.
