The Best Places to See in Boston, MA

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox - oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use

People are pretty sentimental about Fenway Park. While other cities are tearing down their stadiums in favor of new, updated, and higher capacity stadiums, Boston has kept there's intact. While a new stadium has been proposed again and again, the original still stands, with the Citgo sign in the background and the Green Monster (Monstah is you're a local) and all. It can be found at 4 Yawkey Way, which is near Kenmore Square.

Boston City Skyline

Photos of this famous skyline

The two largest objects on the skyline are the Prudential Tower, which is gray, and the John Hancock Tower, which is made of striking blue glass. Other notable parts of the skyline are the Copley Mall, and the old Hancock Building, which changes its antennae to change color certain times of year (much like the Empire State Building does).

Boston Bridges

Zakim, Longfellow, and Tobin Bridges

Boston has a few noteworthy bridges. The most distinguishable one is the newer Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge on I-93. This bridge is on the north end of the Big Dig Central Artery Tunnel, and crosses the Charles River. It is the widest cable bridge in the world.

The North End

Great Italian food, historical buildings, and the Freedom Trail

The North End of Boston has deep history and a cool setting. Best of all, it's probably the best food in the city! Check out some of the restaurants on Hanover Street like Giacomo's, Ristorante Fiore, Il Panino, Cafe Pompeii, Modern Pastry and Mike's Pastry.

Copley Square

Located in Back Bay, home to Trinity Church, Prudential Building, and Hancock Building

The biggest skyscrapers in the city as well as some of the most beautiful churches like Trinity Church can be found in Copley Square. This area is part of Back Bay, and is west of Boston Common and Public Gardens (about a 20 minute walk). You'll also find the Prudential Mall (111 Huntington Ave, actually just down the street from the ACTUAL Copley Square, but whose counting?), Old South Church, and Boston Public Library here.

Southie

Home of Castle Island (Fort Independence) and lots of Irish

Southie is a neighborhood on the southeastern side of Boston known for having plenty of Irish descendants. It has been depicted in several movies has lots of charm and presence. A mostly residential neighborhood, you can find a quick drive through Southie intereseting by heading to Castle Island. The area has become very gentrified over the years, becoming one of the more desirable parts of the city to live in. The Institute of Contemporary Art and Convention Center are located in this neighborhood. It was also home to one of the most notorious criminals in US history, Whitey Bulger.

Fanuiel Hall/Quincy Market

One of the city's most visited tourist destinations

Fanuiel Hall is located in the heart of the city and has incredible shopping, food, bars, comedy clubs (like the Comedy Connection), and the cobblestone streets it is famous for. This part of the city can get very busy with tourists. Also watch out for people trying to scam you from time to time by saying they lost their money and need 5 bucks for a ride to the airport, or some long winded story. It doesn't happen all the time, but sometimes they look for people they think look gullible and prey on them (this could really happen anywhere in any city). Crime here is very low though, so don't worry too much about that. Here are some photos of Fanuiel Hall/Quincy Market, which has some great places to eat and shop:

Boston Common

Beautiful grounds in front of the State House and Downtown Crossing

Boston Common is a brief walk from Fanuiel Hall, and is directly next to Boston Public Garden and Downtown Crossing. You can see the State House and a number of high-end, luxury hotels in this district. Downtown Crossing is known for its large shopping area and cobblestone backstreets. The "Park Street" T stop on the green line will lead your directly to Boston Common, the State House, Downtown Crossing and a number of other recognizable areas.

Boston Public Gardens

Boston Lighthouses

The oldest lighthouse in the country located on Little Brewster Island!

There are several lighthouses in Boston harbor. One in particular is Boston Light, or Boston Harbor Light, on Little Brewster Island. It lies on the outer harbor, not too far from the peninsula town of Hull. It is the very first lighthouse built in the United States in 1716, before the country claimed its independence from England. Currently standing is the 2nd lighthouse on the property, making it 2nd oldest in the United States. It is one of the most recognizable views of Boston. Other lighthouses in the area are the Graves Ledge Lighthouse (or the Graves) and Long Island Lighthouse.

Cambridge, MA

The city across the Charles River (and the Longfellow Bridge)

Cambridge is seemingly part of Boston, but is seperated by the Charles River. Spectacular views of Boston can be seen from the Cambridge side of the Charles. Harvard is also located in downtown Cambridge.

Quincy, MA

Historic city on the South Shore - minutes from Boston

A few minutes south of Boston is Quincy, MA. This city is the birthplace of John Quincy Adams, and contains a national historic area dedicated to him. Along the shore are Wollaston Beach and Marina Bay, busy areas in the summertime heat.