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AC Cruise Line
See another side of New England without the hassle of driving, and take a scenic coastal cruise to the historic seaport of Gloucester on a 500-passenger boat. The tour stops for two hours at Studio Restaurant in Rocky Neck. Explore the area known as Salem Willows, then head back to Boston as the sun goes down. The M/V Cape Ann is equipped with three decks, dinner facilities and room for dancing. The two lower decks are heated and offer good protection from the elements.
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Adams National Historic Site
Located approximately 10 miles south of Boston, the Adams National Historic Site is the former home of John Adams, America's second President, and his son John Quincy Adams, America's sixth President. The house features all of the original furnishings and a chance to step back in time from 1788 to 1927 when the Adams family lived here. The house is located in the Adams National Historical Park, which has 11 historic structures on 14 acres of land. Cash only; no credit cards accepted.
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African Meeting House
Dedicated in 1806, this is the oldest African-American church. Home of the First African Baptist Church, and later a center for the Abolitionist Movement, William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Slavery Society here. In 1972, it was acquired by the Alianza Contemporary Crafts
This Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts
Stroll through the fourth floor of Armenian Library and Museum of America
Watertown hosts a large Armenian-American community, so it is no surprise to find the nation's foremost Armenian museum downtown. The exhibits combine history, textiles, art and a library to create a comprehensive resource for Armenians and others wishing to learn about their rich heritage. The most eye-opening exhibit memorializes the Armenian Genocide, which began in 1915 and has been largely forgotten by the public. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for students.
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Arnold Arboretum
This botanical garden, located in Back Bay
The quaint, tree-lined streets in this neighborhood are filled with brownstone shops, restaurants, bars and upscale housing. The Back Bay Fens
Tucked away on winding roads behind the Bay State Cruises
Bay State Cruises offers ferry service to Provincetown, both excursion and express service. Three bars, a large dance area, table seating for 160 passengers, an enclosed deck and a sizable observation area are some of amenities on the Providence II, which is used for excursion trips. Provincetown is popular with tourists due to its quaint streets and pristine beaches. The beach town is also popular with the gay and lesbian crowd. Bay State Cruises also offers entertainment cruises on Boston Harbor. Call ahead for ticket and schedule information.
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Bayside Expo Center
This waterfront exposition center is conveniently located close to the subway and to the highway. With 240,000 square feet of exhibition space and 19,000 square feet of conference space, this is one of the largest convention spaces in Boston. The building features an attached hotel, a full-service restaurant, concession stands and ample parking. The expo center is the annual home of automobile, flower and boat shows as well as many trade shows. Audio/visual services are available through an outside vendor.
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Beacon Hill
Steeped in history, this is one of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods. Always the home of statesmen, artists and intellectuals, 'The Hill' is also the site of the State House, which is the beginning of the Beantown Trolley
If you want to see as much of Boston as possible and do not have much time, this is a great choice. An uninterrupted narrated tour takes two hours. For those with more than two hours to spare, there are 20 stops where passengers can get on and off the trolley to sightsee on their own. Stops include Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Located near Logan International Airport in East Boston, this is the only remaining salt marsh in the city. Many species of fish and shellfish call this wetland home. Several species of birds also reside here, from shorebirds to snowy owls. Twenty-eight acres have been landscaped and include walking trails and an observation tower. The spectacular view allows you to watch the nearby plane traffic as well as Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline. Guided walks on salt marsh ecology and cultural history are also available. Admission is free.
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Black Heritage Trail
The Boston Ballet
Founded in 1963, this is one of the best ballet companies in America, if not the world. The troupe performs classics such as the 'Don Quixote, Firebird' and 'Swan Lake'. The yearly Nutcracker performances are a New England tradition for young and old. The company is also committed to performing new works. Most performances are held at the Boston Beer Museum
Learn the history of the Boston Beer Company, brewer of Sam Adams beer, since its beginnings in 1984. Have you ever wondered how the brewing and fermentation process works? You will learn how yeast, grain and malted barley turn into liquid cheer. View the giant machinery that does it all (with a little help from the brewmasters). At the end of the guided tour, visitors get a taste of the famous Boston Lager and seasonal brews. There is a gift shop on site.
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Boston Bowl Family Fun Center
This is the ultimate bowling alley and entertainment complex, and it is open 24 hours a day. Boston Bowl features 30 ten pin and 14 candle pin lanes. There are 12 pool tables, 80 video games, a pizza parlor and vending machines everywhere. Cosmic bowling, with dance music and laser lights, is a popular feature. This is an ideal place to take the kids on birthdays or other special occasions. Call ahead for prices.
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Boston By Foot
This tour company has put together several 1.5-hour walks that focus on certain areas of Boston. One tour covers a portion of the Freedom Trail. You can also look at Boston's maritime history, explore of the Italian neighborhood or discover the influence of the Victorian era on the Back Bay. A "Boston By Little Feet" tour for children lasts an hour and explains history for the younger set.
Tours meet in front of Faneuil Hall at the Sam Adams statue. No reservations are required, but advance booking is available. More »
Boston Common
America's oldest park is the heart of Boston, offering recreation opportunities and a glimpse into history through numerous monuments to the past. Designated as public space in 1640, British soldiers later camped here during the Revolutionary War. Part of the Boston Duck Tours
A fleet of Ducks, brightly colored, vintage World War II amphibious vehicles provide 80-minute, narrated, half-land, half-water tours of Boston. Do not be alarmed when your Duck abandons its wheels and lowers itself onto the Charles River! Tours depart on the half-hour and cover many of Boston's downtown tourist attractions. Keep in mind: Tour guides encourage quacking! Tickets, which may be purchased two days in advance, often sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends.
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Boston Harbor Cruises
This boat line offers ferry service, whale watches, sightseeing and chartered boats on Boston Harbor. Whale watches take about 3 hours on high-speed catamarans. Sightseeing options include a 45-minute Boston Harbor Islands National Park
Did you know a whopping 34 is the number of islands clubbed together in this National park? And what's more they are all heaped up with cultural and natural resources. You can lose yourself in the Civil War Fort, explore the tide pools, race up the lighthouse...and then throw yourself on the lush greens when you are tired. Isn't it exciting? Just go for it!
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Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center
If you are planning to tackle the Boston Public Library
A century-old Italianate structure of bronze doors and grand marble staircases, this literary landmark—the first large public library in the nation—holds 6 million books and sees 2 million visitors annually. Priceless holdings include first edition folios by Shakespeare, original music scores by Mozart and Prokofiev, and the personal library of former President John Adams. The cool interior features murals by John Singer Sargent and a relaxing courtyard. Surprisingly interesting and free guided tours are offered daily (except Wednesday); call or see Web site for schedule. More »
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Since the first performance in 1881, this orchestra has become one of the world's greatest. In addition to performances of traditional classical music, the group has also been committed to commissioning and performing new work. Past guests have included Itzhak Perlman and Kathleen Battle. The performance season is from October through April at Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum
Any Bostonian will tell you, there is little one can do when it comes to high taxes in Massachusetts. But in 1773, when colonists were steamed about the British tax on their tea, they disguised themselves as American Indians and destroyed the tea on three British ships. This protest may have helped spark the Revolutionary War. At this museum you can explore a replica of a British ship and relive a bit of the "party" by tossing your own bale of tea into the water. Admission is USD8 for adults, USD7 for students and USD4 for ages 4-12.
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Boston University Observatory
When you want to get up close and personal with the stars, check out this astronomer's haven. Every Wednesday night with clear skies, the observatory is open to the public. The evening begins with a brief talk from Frank Sienkiewicz, the observatory curator, who will describe the celestial wonders in store for you. Then, take a gander at the moon, stars and planets through hi-tech telescopes.Admission is free. More »
Brattle Book Shop
Right in the heart of downtown Boston, the Brattle Book Shop specializes in rare and out-of-print materials. With over 250,000 books, maps, prints, postcards, and ephemeral items, the Brattle Book Shop can lure in enthusiasts for hours. Founded in 1825, the bookstore has maintained its location ever since.
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Bunker Hill Monument
This monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, where the famous command "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" was issued. Local lore makes much of the battle's misnomer; the battle actually took place on Breed's Hill. To keep the guidebooks simple, Breed's Hill was renamed Bunker Hill, and the original Bunker Hill was flattened. Many visitors end their Castle Island Historic Site
Jutting out into Boston Harbor like a long finger, the fort of Castle Island (which is now connected to the mainland) watches over the approach to the inner harbor. During Boston's early years, this fort provided necessary protection to the shipping trade. Walk the fort's periphery and enjoy great views of the harbor and islands, or sit back and watch the planes taking off from the nearby airport. The "sugar bowl" trail, roughly one mile around, is popular with rollerbladers. Local shops and bakeries in South Boston offer a pleasant diversion.
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Charles River Esplanade
Get a feel for Boston with a stroll along 17 miles of riverside paths and parks. Watch sailboats and racing college crews. On summer evenings there is free music at the Charles Riverboat Company
These boats glide along the Charles River and offer hourlong tours of sights such as Chase Gallery
Since 1990, this Cheers Beacon Hill
Tourists still flock to this Beacon Street bar, which was the inspiration for the Cheers television series, which ran for 11 years and won a number of awards. Avid fans should be forewarned, however: the exterior is very familiar, but the inside is nothing like the TV version. Drinks and food are served here, but its icon status is what draws people in here. It is considered by many to be one of the top tourist attractions in Boston. A second site, named Children's Museum
This a great place to entertain and educate your children and a fascinating museum for all ages. Interactive exhibits focus on four themes: art, culture, science and technology. Displays such as the science playground, hall of toys, playspace, weaving and climbing sculpture are exceptional in their ability to teach children about their environment and the world they live in. Validated parking available at Farnsworth Garage. Admission for children ages 2-15 and seniors (65+) is USD7; adults USD9; 1-year-olds, USD2; on Fridays 5p-9p all admissions are USD1.
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Childs Gallery
This Chinatown
Spanning the area between South Station and the Boston Common, this neighborhood is filled with many Chinese immigrants and their businesses. There are numerous Chinese restaurants as well as bakeries and teahouses. In addition, there are Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese restaurants in the neighborhood. Specialty shops sell everything from medicinal dried roots and herbs to fine jade jewelry. Food markets sell fresh fish, hard-to-find Asian vegetables and even live poultry.
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Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Running the length of Atlantic Avenue between Mercantile Street and Long Wharf, this waterfront park boasts some of the best views of the harbor and is the gateway to the City Hall Plaza
Although it has often been criticized as an architectural nightmare, the area around Boston's City Hall has quite a bit to offer visitors. Going downstairs along the hall leads you directly to Commonwealth Museum
This museum at the Massachusetts Archive exhibits some of the more interesting documents and legal records belonging to the state. The museum's education department offers lectures encouraging the use of material from the archives. A special exhibit entitled 'Highway to the Past' is dedicated to the archeology of the Copp's Hill Burial Ground
Hidden in the back streets of the Curley Memorial Plaza
Located near historic Davis Square
This section of Somerville is very popular as both a place to live and to relax. Although Tufts University is nearby, many residents are young and middle-aged professionals and their families. It is a fantastic area for after-work gatherings. Bars such as DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park
The largest contemporary New England art museum is northwest of Boston in Lincoln. Julian DeCordova, a successful businessman loved to travel and collect art. He bequeathed his estate to Lincoln for use as an art museum. The result is a contemporary art museum with more than 2,000 works and an outdoor sculpture park featuring the work of 50 modern sculptors. The sculpture park is sure to thrill the kids who will be greeted by a giant chicken. Main gallery admission: $6 Adults; $4 Seniors, Students and Children 6-12. Sculpture park admission is free.
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Downtown Crossing
People, pigeons, big stores, little stores, kiosks, chestnuts, burritos, salsa bands and rapping all stars. What more could you ask for on a blustery day in Boston? Downtown Crossing encompasses the area between Tremont Street and the Financial District. The main thoroughfares are Summer, Winter and Washington Streets; their intersection is the location of Faneuil Hall Marketplace
A five-building complex that includes Quincy Market, there are more than 100 places to eat, shop and drink at this historic site. French merchant Peter Faneuil (pronounced FAN-you-wull) gave the hall that precedes the marketplace to his adopted home of Boston in 1742. It has been called the "Cradle of Liberty" because of the number of revolutionaries and abolitionists who delivered important speeches here. The hall is now a tourist center, but public meeting facilities are still available.
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Fenway Park
You don't need to be a baseball fan to love Fenway Park. One of the oldest stadiums in the league, Fenway is famous for its storied franchise and the Green Monster, a towering 37-foot wall out in left field. And don't be surprised if you experience some of the magic you should expect from a field that has seen the likes of Cy Young, Babe Ruth, and Ted Williams. Plan very far in advance though if you would like to catch a game because the Red Sox sell out every home game. Don't worry though because if you can't make a game, you can always catch a tour.
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First Church of Christ, Scientist
The Romanesque Mother Church of the Christian Science religion is part of the sect's Boston headquarters. Mary Baker Eddy, a New Hampshire native who moved to Boston in 1881, founded the church in 1879. Members spurn modern medicine in favor of prayer-based healing. The church was built in 1894, and the reflecting pool along the building is a relaxing spot for people of all faiths.
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Forest Hills Cemetery
From early spring through late fall, visitors can take a guided tour through the gardens and foliage of this peaceful, beautiful cemetery. The garden-style graveyard is the burial site of playwright Eugene O'Neill and poet e.e. cummings. On Sundays during warm months, meet at the big Gothic gate for a sculpture tour. Do not miss the Garden of Memories.Admission: $8 for sculpture tours. More »
Fort Point Arts Community Gallery
Fort Point Channel has become something of a hot spot for budding New England artists, and Fort Point Arts Community Gallery displays their work in its 1,093-square foot site. The gallery is located in the Artist Building on the mezzanine level. An example of the work shown here is the exhibit Our Pets/Our Selves, which highlights artists Paul Weiner, Anna Salmeron and Jim Head Clausnitzer. Admission to the museum is free.
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Franklin Park Zoo
This zoo has numerous habitats with exotic animals from all over the globe, including a tropical forest with gorillas, warthogs, tapirs and bats. Hit the "Outback Trail" to view kangaroos, wallabies, emus and cockatoos. Encounters with lions, zebras, ostriches, snow leopards and butterflies are also possible. The "Franklin Farm" exhibit features a petting zoo for children and a chicken hatchery. Admission: USD9.50 adults; USD8 seniors; USD5 children 2-15. Group rates are available when arranged two weeks or more ahead of visit.
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Freedom Trail
This three-mile ribbon of red paint links 16 historical sites. Most visitors start the trail at the Freedom Trail Players
Walk the Two week advance reservation is required. Customized trail tours last 90 minutes. More »
French Library and Cultural Center
The French Library and Cultural Center makes its home in two historic mansions in the Fresh Pond Reservation
Surrounding the public water supply for Cambridge, this 150-acre tract of land has paths for bikers, runners and walkers. Joggers, beware: dogs are allowed to go unleashed. Many come to picnic, stroll or take an early morning run. Also known as a great spot for bird watching, many avian species reside or visit here. Depending upon the season, loons, herons, orioles, warblers and waterfowl may make an appearance. Parking available.
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Frog Pond Skating Rink
This concrete formation is a wading pool in summer, but it is its winter incarnation as a 16,000-foot outdoor skating rink that gets the most use. On crisp Boston nights, there may be nothing better than a twirl on the ice beneath the trees of the Gallery NAGA
Located inside a stone church on Gibson House Museum
Built in 1859, the Gibson House was the residence of Charles Hammond Gibson. The family preserved the original decor and converted the house into a museum after his death. The structure is constructed with brownstone and red brick. The interiors are laced with black-walnut woodwork, elegant wallpapers, imported carpets, furniture, paintings, sculpture, photographs, silver, porcelain, curios, and 18th-century family heirlooms. Several filmmakers have used the house as a setting for period films, notably Merchant-Ivory's The Bostonians. The Gibson House Museum was officially opened to the public in 1957, and is a National Historic Landmark.
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Gore Place
Gore Place bills itself as a museum of the federal era. Built in 1806, it is the former home of the seventh governor of Massachusetts and former US Senator Christopher Gore and his wife, Rebecca. This 22-room mansion is decorated with early American, European and Oriental furnishings. The museum has a gallery and a gift shop. Gore Place offers a number of a programs and events, including mansion tours, sunset tours, lectures, concerts, story hours and even a sheepshearing festival. Call for schedules and admission prices.
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Hammond Pond Reservation
One of the few Metropolitan District Commission parks easily accessible by the Harriet Tubman House
With its collection of photographs and artifacts, this museum celebrates the life and deeds of African-American leader and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman. A figure from the famous slave-liberating Underground Railroad, Tubman was born into slavery but escaped to Boston in 1849. Nicknamed the "Black Moses," she personally helped over 300 people escape from slavery. Admission is free.
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Harrison Gray Otis House
This early 19th-century house was built by Charles Bulfinch, Boston's first and most famous architect. The Federal-style building was one of three homes that he designed for the prominent 18th-century lawyer and politician, Harrison Gray Otis. Now the headquarters of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA), tours are offered by the society on the hour and on the half-hour. View one of Bulfinch's few surviving townhouses in the city and get a glimpse into society life in the 1800s. Admission: $8 Adults; admission for two adults: $15; $24 maximum per family. Group tours are welcome. Free for Historic New England members.
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Harvard Museum of Natural History
In coalition with Harvard University, this museum is three museums in one. The Botanical Museum includes plants, paleontological evidence of ancient plants and a famous collection of flowers made from glass. The Museum of Comparative Zoology has exhibits on paleontology, marine biology and entomology. The Mineral and Geological Museum includes many meteorite samples. Everything from 480 plant species to lizards and insects can be discovered within these museum walls.
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Harvard Square
Harvard Square is home to Harvard University and is also probably one of the most unique and diverse parts of Boston. Easy to access from the Red Line, Harvard Square offers great food, shops, and theaters. Harvard Square is also home to many street performers who congregate around the center of the neighborhood. Harvard Square offers an unparalleled way to experience Boston's popular college culture.
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Harvard Stadium
Harvard Stadium is the nation's oldest; it opened in 1902. Although it is a relatively small stadium, the fans like it because they are close to the action. The Harvard University gridders' biggest game of the year is against Yale. That series dates back to 1875. The Patriots played here during the 1970 season, before moving into what would later be known as Foxboro Stadium.
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Hatch Memorial Shell
Located on the House of the Seven Gables
This 17th-century Salem mansion was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. Also named the Turner-Ingersoll mansion, 'seven gables' refers to its seven triangular points above the roofline. Built in 1688, this house contains a hidden staircase and is located on Salem Harbor. The house where Hawthorne was born has been moved to this property and is also on the tour. Guided tours are conducted throughout the year. Visit the website for further details.
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Institute of Contemporary Art
The Institute (ICA) continues to be at the vanguard of contemporary art with its excellent program of exhibitions by cutting-edge artists. From Picasso and Warhol to Cindy Sherman to Bill Viola, the ICA has been the first to show many of the most innovative and inspired artists from around the world for more than 65 years. They also have an Education Department that promotes art appreciation and interpretation by teenagers, families and adults through exhibition-related programs and tours. The Vita Brevis program commissions local, national and international artists to create new, temporary works of art for public settings in response to Boston's history and landscape. Proving they are truly contemporary, the ICA also commissions video and web-based art projects.
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
At the beginning of the 20th century, heiress and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner built a home modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palace. Gardener was a great patroness of famous artists, such as James Whistler and John Singer Sargent. She also acquired European masterpieces, and her palace is now a museum filled with works by Titian, Matisse, Rembrandt, and Raphael. The courtyard is an oasis in any season, filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Admission: adults USD10-11, seniors USD7, college students (with ID) USD5, children (under 18) free.
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Jamaica Plain
This neighborhood, often referred to as JP, boasts more green space than any other in Boston. Rolling hills, botanical gardens, a pond and tree-lined streets make this one of the city's most popular places to live. Lilac Sunday, held every May at the Jamaica Pond
This large pond was carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Unusually deep and cold, the pond is linked via underground channels to other bodies of water along the Jamaicaway. The park features one path for walkers and runners and another path for cyclists. During the summer months, you can rent a rowboat or sailboat, or you can fish for trout, bass, salmon and perch.
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John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
President John F. Kennedy's memory is sacred in the minds of many Americans. This library and museum, a glass pavilion designed by architect I.M. Pei, is dedicated to his memory. Visitors are transported back to the darkest days of the Cold War. A short film recounts JFK's deeds in his own words, and photos and exhibits evoke the brief period in White House history that nostalgic Americans refer to as "the days of Camelot".
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John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
If you have seen the John F. Kennedy Park
The John F. Kennedy Park was created as a memorial to the former president. It is located between Memorial Drive and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and across from the Charles River. This multi-acre site has been beautifully landscaped and is in its glory in May with plants that bloom around the anniversary of JFK's birthday. The memorial fountain is a lovely focal point, and there are some of JFK's famous quotations inscribed on the stately stone entrance pillars. The park is open free to the public.
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John Hancock Tower
At 60 stories, the John Hancock Tower is the tallest building in Boston and serves as a good landmark to judge where you are in the city. The design of the building is supposed to reflect the history of the city in its windows. Unfortunately, since 9/11 the top floor observatory has been closed, but there has been talk of opening it again. Its shorter next-door neighbor is the old John Hancock Building, with its noticeable blue and red beacon on top. Remember this simple rhyme:
Steady blue, clear view.
Flashing blue, clouds due.
Steady red, rain ahead.
Flashing red, snow instead.
(Flashing Blue and Red, The Curse of the Bambino is dead!)
Flashing red in the summer means the Red Sox game has be postponed.
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King's Chapel
This historic church, built in 1749 and part of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum: The Museum of Transportation
Within this 1888 carriage house on the grounds of the Literary Trail of Greater Boston
The Literary Trail of Greater Boston goes through Boston, Cambridge and Concord over a five-hour period. Stops include Longfellow National Historic Site in Cambridge, Emerson's study, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House and Walden Pond, as well as the Old Manse, which was home to both Emerson and Hawthorne. The tour starts and finishes at Boston's Omni Parker House Hotel. Ticket prices are USD 25 per person (call or see the website for group rates). Tickets must be booked in advance. The tour includes entry to the Concord Museum and the Orchard House.
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Longfellow National Historic Site
In 1936 American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow arrived in Cambridge. He first came to this house as a boarder; later when he remarried in 1843, his father-in-law bought the house and gave it to the couple as a wedding present. Longfellow lived here for 45 years and taught at nearby Harvard University. The house is doubly noteworthy as General George Washington's headquarters during the siege of Boston in 1775-76. Now a National Historic Site, the house is maintained by the U.S. Park Service. Call ahead for schedule.
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Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Riding the public transit system (known as the "T") is one of the best ways to get around Boston. The four subway lines are designated by colors, Red, Blue, Green and Orange, and the lines intersect at several points downtown. Passengers can transfer between lines free of charge. To find stations, look for circular white signs with a black "T." The base fare for the subway system is $1. The MBTA Visitor Pass allows unlimited transportation for a single fee. There are also rail lines to the suburbs, bus routes and boat routes. See the Web site for details.
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Medieval Manor
Revisit the Middle Ages during this hilarious dinner theater experience. Have a feast inside a castle while "wenches" (waitresses) bring flagons of dark ale, and jesters sing and play. You will eat loaves of bread, pepper cheese trenchers, dragon soup and roasted herb chicken; all without utensils, of course! The comedic "Lord of the Manor" will keep you entertained with slapstick storytelling performances throughout the night. The wenches join in the fun with songs, stories and even a bit of comedy. Advance reservations required.
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Minute Man National Historical Park
Created in 1959, this 900-acre park preserves locations that were significant during the battles of Lexington and Concord, which signaled the beginning of the American War for Independence. Historic sites include North Bridge, Hartwell Tavern and "Battle Road." The park also includes The Wayside, which was the home of 19th-century literary figures Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott. The newly renovated visitor's center features a 25-minute multimedia show, a large battle mural and a bookstore.
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MIT List Visual Arts Center
The List Visual Arts Center is located on the first floor of the Wiesner Building at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the renowned universities in the country. MIT has collected and exhibited contemporary art since 1950 and it has 1,500 works on site. This entertaining museum includes paintings, photographs and prints. The museum also showcases outdoor sculptures, experimental works, videos and architecture. The center features works by international, national and student artists. Admission is free.
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MIT Museum
The amazing collection of holograms at this museum proves that science can be beautiful. One of the most fun exhibits is the Hall of Hacks, which documents famous pranks pulled by MIT students (expect to see a lot of abuse visited upon the domed roof of a certain building). Other exhibits feature inventions and discoveries of the MIT community. It is worth the price of admission: Adults - USD5, youth (ages 5-18), students, seniors - USD2, children under 5 - free.
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Mobilia
You will not need lamps anymore if you buy a chair that lights up, which is an item that has been featured at this quirky and fun art gallery that specializes in crafts and jewelry. The rugs, textiles, blankets and quilts often have a retro feel, and jewelry displays also hearken to a different era of Americana. This Cambridge shop schedules a series of shows; recent exhibits have showcased glassworks, jewelry, silversmithing and chairs. Paintings and other wall art are also exhibited.
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Mount Auburn Cemetery
The nation's first garden cemetery, this has been a popular spot since the Victorian era. Graves dating back to 1831 include the final resting places of Mary Baker Eddy, who was the founder of the Christian Science Church, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and painter Winslow Homer. There are as many species of trees as can be found at an arboretum, and it is a favorite area for bird-watching. Views of nearby Lake Halycon add to the atmosphere of serenity. Call for tour information.
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Museum of Afro-American History
This museum is dedicated to chronicling the contributions of African-Americans to New England during the American Colonial era. In addition to displaying artifacts, the museum holds classes, workshops and day camps dedicated to educating people about the African-American experience. Properties maintained by the museum include the Museum of Fine Arts
First opened in 1876, this art museum is one of the best in the United States and has sponsored impressive shows on Monet and John Singer Sargent. The "MFA" has outstanding collections of Impressionist art, early American art and artifacts, and Asian and Egyptian art. The museum also hosts lectures, musical performances and films. Admission is USD15 for adults, USD13 for seniors and college students, and USD6.50 for children 7-17 (outside of school hours admitted free). Admission is free for all on Wednesdays from 4p. There may be additional charges for special exhibits.
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Museum of Science
Within this museum are a planetarium, an IMax movie theater and a two-story Van de Graaf generator, capable of producing 2.5 million volts of electricity. These and the hundreds of other exhibits make this museum one of Boston's top attractions. Hatching chickens, a comparative brain exhibit and a math and statistics room are educating and entertaining. There is a food court, with a Sunday brunch buffet and Friday night cocktails.
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Mystic River Reservation
Four parks make up the Mystic River Reservation, which runs through Medford, Somerville and Everett. The Mary O'Malley Park has a boat landing and tennis courts. The Torbert McDonald Park offers many natural sites and trails. Draw Seven Park has two soccer fields and bikeways. The park area called Mystic Lakes is a popular summer spot with its combination of beach facilities and natural shady areas. Sailing and non-motorized boating are allowed on Mystic Lakes. The park is run by the Metropolitan District Commission and admission to the reservation and its parks is free.
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NESOP Centre for Photographic Exhibitions
Affiliation with the New England School of Photography enables this all-photography gallery to introduce the newest talent from Boston and surrounding areas. The space also sees a series of rotating exhibits throughout the year. The work offers unique perspectives on every category imaginable, from children to the seniors, urban city dwellers to suburban communities, nature and people from all walks of life. A recent exhibit featured the works of Boston Globe photographer Jane Knott. Admission: Free.
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New England Aquarium
Since opening in 1969, this waterfront landmark has become one of Boston's biggest tourist attractions. The most famous exhibit, the massive 200,000-gallon "Giant Ocean Tank," has a simulated Caribbean coral reef. Sharks, sea turtles, moray eels and tropical fish cruise by crowds of children pressed against the glass. Another freshwater gallery contains piranha. Visitors can view a sea otter habitat and three species of penguins. There are also hand-on exhibits. The aquarium also offers New England Aquarium Whale Watches
There are other boat companies offering whale watches departing from Boston Harbor, but this one by the New England Holocaust Memorial
Placed just outside the hustle and bustle of Faneuil Hall, this haunting monument, built in 1995, is covered with etched numbers recalling the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Six glass towers, representing the chimneys of World War II concentration camps, are designed to educate as well as commemorate this 20th-century tragedy.
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New England Pirate Museum
Captain Kidd and Captain Blackbeard are just two of the more well-known pirates that dominated the seas off the north shores of Boston. This museum gives you the chance to relive that bit of history with actors playing the parts of some these 17th century villains. A walking tour includes such sites as a dockside village and a pirate ship and bat-cave that holds some of the pirate's loot.
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Newbury Street
Any shopper will enjoy a stroll down this street, which features eight blocks of upscale boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. On warm weekends, the sidewalks are teeming with window shoppers, street performers and overflowing outdoor cafes. Located in the historic Nielsen Gallery
You will find exhibits of contemporary painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawings at this North End
This old neighborhood is the site of the North End Market Tour
Discover Boston's Italian neighborhood, the North End, and its fine food establishments. This three-hour tour is Michele or one of her personally trained guides. Follow the cobblestone streets and discover small markets that supply ingredients for the enticing menus on Hanover Street. Michele will offer a history of the North End before delving into different stores and pointing out food products and ingredients that are staples of authentic Italian cuisine. And yes, there are free samples.
Rate: $49 per person. Reservations are required. More »
Odyssey Cruises
This luxury vessel sets sail from the Old North Church
Still an active Episcopalian Church, this, the oldest religious structure in Boston, dates back to 1723 and occupies a special place in American history. On a fateful night in 1775, Paul Revere watched for the signal, "One if by land and two if by sea". After the church sexton hung two lanterns from the steeple he began his famous midnight ride to wake and warn the countryside of the British troops' arrival. Every April, members of the colonial militia begin a lantern service commemorating the event. Sunday services are at 9a, 11a and 5p. Admission is free.
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Old South Church
When this congregation was formed in 1669, it was a dissenting group from the First Church in Boston and was known as the Third Church. Famous historical members of this church's congregation included Benjamin Franklin, William Dawes, James Otis and Phillis Wheatley. These members worshipped at the Old South Meetinghouse, which was the home of this congregation at the time. The church moved to its current Boylston Street home in 1875. It is now a congregation of the United Church of Christ. Services are held every Sunday at 11am.
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Old South Meeting House
Originally built as a church by Puritans in 1729, this building went on to play an important role in the American Revolution as a gathering point for those seeking American independence from Britain. On December 16, 1773, over 5,000 colonists met here to protest a tea tax. From the meeting, these protesters went to the waterfront, tossed crates of tea into the harbor, and had what came to be known as the Boston Tea Party. The building is now a museum on the Freedom Trail. Admission: $3 for Adults, $2.50 for seniors; $1 for children between 6-18 years.
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Old State House
With an antique brick facade set among downtown skyscrapers, any passerby can pick this building out as a relic from an earlier time. Now a museum run by The Bostonian Society, the site has a long and distinguished history. The Boston Massacre, one of the catalysts for the American Revolution, took place just outside. The Declaration of Independence was first read to Boston here on July 18, 1776. The structure served as the new state's capitol until 1797. (The new State House is on Beacon Street. Admission fee is $5 for adults, $4 for students and seniors and $1 for children (6-18).
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Old Town Trolley
In pedestrian-friendly Boston, many see the sights on foot. But if you have a limited amount of time, a trolley tour may be the answer. This company offers a 100-minute narrated tour of Boston that passes many of the highlights of the Orpheum Theatre
Since 1852, this historic theatre has played host to Broadway musicals and lectures by world renowned scholars. Today, the Orpheum carries shows from pop artists and contemporary playwrights along with the usual theatre events.
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Out of the Blue Gallery
This jam-packed gallery and shop has something for everyone. Whether you are simply browsing or looking for that special gift, you will lose yourself exploring the delicate pieces displayed on the walls and inside cases. This is an artist-owned and artist-run shop that has a diverse collection of jewelry, pottery and sculptures. Need a print to grace that empty wall in your home? There are plenty of reprints and original paintings offered at inexpensive prices.
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Park Street Church
This historical church, which is a stop on the Paul Revere House
In 1775, local silversmith Paul Revere left this house to warn fellow rebels Sam Adams and John Hancock that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest them. That night was immortalized by Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride."
The home was built in the late 1600s and bought by Revere in 1770. It just escaped the wrecking ball when Revere's descendents recovered the property in 1902. Now a national historic landmark, the building is the oldest in downtown Boston.
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Paul Revere Mall
Don't worry, this isn't a shopping center ripping off the famous blacksmith and horse-back rider. The Paul Revere Mall is a small urban park along the Freedom trail with the famous Paul Revere Statue and Old North Church in the backgrou