Boston
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Boston is a city in the US state of Massachusetts.
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Transportation
Getting Into Boston
- Logan Airport:Logan Airport serves Boston. Public buses, Logan Express (bus), water transport, taxis, etc can get you from Logan into the city and eventually to your final destination.
- Bus:If you are taking a bus into Boston, chances are you will be arriving at South Station. This station connects you to the Commuter Rail, local and long-distance buses and the Silver and Red lines.
- Rail/Boat:
- Taxi: Chances are if you are taking a taxi into Boston, you are coming from a fairly close location or have enough money to afford a taxi from a very far location. Either way, taxis are not necessarily the best way to get around the city once you are here. Check out the MBTA website for train and bus schedules. (Taxis are best after midnight when public transportation stops.)
Getting Around Boston!
Unlike many other U.S. cities, Boston roads were not constructed in grid formation. Rather, many claim that modern roads are simply the paved cow paths of colonial Boston. And with "The Big Dig", the roads are constantly changing. As driving in the city can be confusing to the seasoned Bostonian, it is not recommended for travelers. Fortunately, Boston does boast a decent network of public transportation. Buses, boats, trains and taxis are available to transport you around the greater Boston area. This network is run by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority or MBTA. (In Boston, this is most commonly referred to as simply, the T). For fares, schedules, maps and more check out the MBTA website. Please note: The T shuts down at 12am except for special occasions like July 4th, etc.
Getting Out of Boston
From Boston to New York City
Many travelers stop in Boston before heading to New York City. There are many ways to reach NYC including: car, train, bus and plane. Pick the method that fits within your travel budget.
- Fung Wah Bus (cheap) One of the cheapest ways to get to NYC is the Fung Wah bus. The trip to NYC is $15 per person each way. Although not as fast as a plane trip or the high-speed train, it is a much more economical option. Warning: Fung Wah has been in the news lately for repeated accidents and safety violations.
- Peter Pan Bus(cheap) Another inexpensive option is the Peter Pan/Greyhound bus. If you buy your tickets online, the trip is $15 per person each way.
- Amtrak/Acela (moderate) There is also a train that leaves from Boston (or Westwood) going to NYC. This service is slightly more expensive ranging from around $50 to over $200. There are two stations in Boston: Back Bay and South Station as well as a station in Westwood. To view fares, schedules and to purchase tickets check out the website. If you have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), you may be able to save 15%, be sure to check out any specials on the website.
- Air Travel: (more expensive) Flights to NYC depart from Boston daily. While the flights are relatively quick (about 45 minutes), the tickets may be more expensive especially if you are buying last minute. Still, if money is of no consequence check out the websites under Airlines/Websites at the bottom of this guide. Also, note that these flights land on Long Island (La Guardia Airport or JFK) and will not bring you directly into the city. Please factor in costs for getting from the airport into the city.
Things to do in Boston
History/Culture
- Freedom Trail- Three mile walking tour of 16 historical sites in Boston and neighboring Charlestown. Tours are scheduled in the spring, summer and fall but you can do this on your own as well.
- Faneuil Hall- A shopping and dining center, Faneuil Hall is also a 15 minute walk to many of Boston’s attractions. It is bordered by the North End, the financial district, Haymarket and Government Center.
- Paul Revere House- Visit the home of Paul Revere, the midnight rider who warned of the British advance in the Revolutionary War. His home, built in 1680 is the oldest building in downtown Boston and is now a national historic landmark.
- The North End- This section of Boston housed the immigrant Italian enclave. Although many Italians have moved on and out, their legacy lives on in the form of savory restaurants. If you’re craving Italian, head to the North End.
- USS Constitution- "Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned warship in the world afloat. This ship was originally launched October 21, 1797.
- Fenway Park- Home to the Red Sox, this ballpark is almost entirely unchanged since it opened on April 20, 1912. Take in a game or simply take a tour and see a piece of Boston's history.
- Old North Church- The Old North Church is officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. Built in 1723, it is the oldest standing church in Boston. On April 18, 1775 church sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple and held two lanterns signaling that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land (according to the website).
- Old State House- Now dwarfed by the modern buildings surrounding it, the Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston. The Old State House bore witness to the Boston Massacre, hosted the reading of the Declaration of Independence and a visit from President Washington.
- King’s Chapel- This Unitarian Universalist church was founded in 1686. It was built on a burying ground since no one would sell land for the construction of a non-Puritan church. Today, it is located on the Freedom Trail and the burying grounds still lay adjacent.
- Cheers Boston/Beacon Hill- Everyone may not know your name, but if you want to grab a bite and a beer at the setting for the popular TV show, this is the place. There are locations in Beacon Hill and Faneuil Hall.
- Boston Harbor Island National Park- Thirty-four islands comprise the BHINP. Within minutes of Boston, you can visit Civil War historical sites, see historic lighthouses, camp, hike, swim, fish, etc. The islands make a great day trip or break from the city.
- Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum- closed for renovation until 2008.
- Boston Common- The oldest city park in the United States, the Boston Common is a place for gathering, protests, concerts, ice skating in the winter and general relaxation. The Common is part of the Emerald Necklace, an 1,100 acre chain of parks in Boston and Brookline.
Shopping
- Newbury Street-
- Shops at the Prudential-
- Downtown Crossing-
- Haymarket-
Activities
- Swan Boats-
- Skating at the Frog Pond (seasonal)-
- Spirit of Boston Cruise-
- Whale Watching-
- Skywalk at the Prudential Center-
- Museum of Science-
- Museum of Fine Arts-
- Boston Duck Tours-
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum-
- New England Aquarium-
- Charles River Esplanade-
Boston Nightlife
Like any city, Boston is brimming with clubs and bars. Instead of listing them separately, I will list the areas that are home to these establishments.
- Landsdowne Street
- Boylston Street
- Faneuil Hall
- Allston/Brighton
- Cambridge
Where to Eat in Boston
- North End- "little italy" with loads of little restaurants
- Quincy Market- plenty of restaurants and fast-food
- Sonsie’s-
- Fire & Ice- a disney-fied all-you-can-eat extravaganza
- The Living Room-
- Top of the Hub-
Vegetarian Options
- TJ Scallywaggles Vegan Pizza & Subs- Allston
- Dali- Somerville
- Food not Bombs- delicious and free vegan food
Where to Eat After-hours
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Helpful Websites
Find places to eat, shop, and hang out:
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