Boston is a city that blends American culture with European charm. With its sandstone buildings and winding streets, you might feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
Tips
– Free Airport Bus: The bus from the airport to the city centre is free —just hop on! I took the SL1 bus and got off at South Station. You have to pay on the way back.
– Follow the Freedom Trail: Walk along the red brick line that guides you to the city’s most famous historical sites.
– Tipping: Like most places in the U.S., tipping is expected. However, I found that paying in cash and rounding up to the nearest note often let me slip away without tipping before they counted it.
Activities
Sports
For a quintessential American experience, catch a game of the Boston Red Sox (baseball) or the Boston Celtics (basketball). If you want a souvenir, the merchandise shops have great finds.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 3 km walking route marked by a red brick line, leading you past key historical landmarks, statues, and small museums. The trail corners near the USS Constitution, and instead of walking all the way back, a local informed us about a ferry that takes you most of the way for just $7—definitely worth the fare to save your legs!
View Boston
For stunning city views, head to View Boston, an indoor and outdoor observation deck. It offers a unique perspective on how green the city is, with trees scattered throughout, giving it the feel of a city within a forest. Thanks to a building height restriction—likely due to the nearby airport—your view remains unobstructed. Entry costs around £20 per person.
Places of Interest
MIT and Harvard Universities
Boston is home to multiple universities, but MIT and Harvard are the most famous. Though it’s a long walk, exploring their campuses is worthwhile—the well-manicured landscapes and stunning architecture make for a pleasant stroll. You’ll also find Harvard and MIT merchandise shops if you fancy a souvenir T-shirt.
USS Constitution
One of the oldest warships still commissioned by the U.S. Navy, the USS Constitution is part of the Freedom Trail. You can visit its small museum and explore three decks of the ship—just watch your head in the lower levels!
Boston Public Library
One of the oldest public libraries in the world, the Boston Public Library is a must-visit. It features a room frequently used in films and TV shows due to its stunning aesthetics. Entry is free, and you can explore both the old and new sections—I spent some time browsing the U.S. Presidents’ memoirs section.
Boston Public Garden
Located in the heart of the city, the Public Garden is a beautiful open park with walking trails. At its centre, a picturesque lake and miniature bridge make for great photo opportunities. It’s a fantastic place for a picnic, and you’ll also find statues and sculptures scattered throughout. Boston has several parks like this, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Cheers Bar
Fans of the TV show Cheers can visit the bar that inspired it. While the building itself doesn’t fully resemble the show’s set, the bar area is said to be an exact match. You can order a drink and take photos with cardboard cutouts of the characters.
Food
Boston offers all the classic American food options, but lobster is a local specialty. However, be prepared—a lobster sandwich can cost over $25, often making it the priciest item on the menu. I gave it a try, and while it was good, it reminded me of a fancy prawn mayo sandwich.
Boston is a city full of history, culture, and great experiences. Whether you’re walking the Freedom Trail, catching a sports game, or indulging in fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!