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Top Boston Attractions
The first time you visit Boston, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Boston
to help with your itinerary planning.
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Beacon Hill
The district of Beacon Hill is well known for its rows of picturesque
brownstone townhouses and unique boutiques, all set along tree-lined
sidewalks. Residents pride themselves on the small town atmosphere
surrounding the area’s big city location. Two staples of Boston
culture and history, Boston Common and The State House, further
enhance the excellent residential community.
Boston Common’s fresh cut fields and strong standing trees
attribute to Beacon Hill’s quaintness. Over the years since
Boston’s founding, the area has always been a rural spot in
an ever-growing city. In the past, Boston Common has acted as a
camping ground for Revolutionary war soldiers and as a pasture for
cattle grazing, but today stands as the nation’s oldest existing
public park. On any afternoon, you can stroll through Boston Common
and witness a mingling of people from all over the city. Contemplative
students, hard-at-work musicians, wedding parties in search of the
perfect photo opportunity, and businessmen and women on break, can
all escape to Boston Common.
Just a short walk from the great park, you will discover The State
House. Sitting on land once owned by John Hancock, the State House
is recognizable by its gold plated dome, dramatic white columns,
and red brick exterior. While The State House is an architectural
triumph, keep in mind that even greater value lies in what is inside.
Since 1798, the State House has functioned as the seat of Massachusetts’s
government, and continues Boston’s legacy of democracy and
justice.
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Faneuil Hall Marketplace
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| Location |
Government Center |
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| Admission |
Free |
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| Hours |
9 am to 5 pm daily |
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| Phone |
617-242-5642 |
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Although all of Boston is brimming with great food and fashion,
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the city’s main centers
of commercial activity. Composed of Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market,
North Market, and South Market, as well as numerous street vendors,
you can purchase almost anything at the marketplace. Whether you
want souvenirs, couture, hamburgers at a replica of the original
Cheers bar, or fine seafood dining, the marketplace will meet your
needs and more than satisfy your shopping desires. During warmer
months, various festivals take place outside, allowing for a thoroughly
entertaining shopping experience.
Apart from its marketplace identity, the original Faneuil Hall
serves a second, but not secondary, purpose. Since 1742 it has acted
as a meetinghouse for citizens of Boston to exercise their constitutional
right to freedom of speech. Since the Revolution, the hall, dubbed
the “Cradle of Liberty”, has welcomed both protesters
and inspirational speakers alike. George Washington commemorated
America’s first birthday with a celebratory toast at a party
that took place in the building, and set an example for many political
figures to follow. Since the first President’s oration, captivated
audiences in Faneuil Hall have heard many speakers, such as women’s
rights activist Susan B. Anthony and former President Bill Clinton.
Even today, the second floor of Faneuil Hall serves as a place for
Boston citizens to discuss and debate community issues and events.
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Old State House
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| Address |
Corner of State Street and Washington Street |
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| Hours |
9 am to 5 pm daily |
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| Phone |
617-720-1713 |
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The Old State House was built in 1713, and served as the seat of Boston’s
government for nearly 85 years. Once the tallest building in Boston,
it now stands modestly among skyscrapers, and is instead renowned
for being the oldest public building in Boston. Currently owned
by the Bostonian Society, the Old State House acts as a museum of
Boston history. Although it houses many artifacts, the most significant
historical item is the building itself. The circle of cobblestones
in front of the Old State House marks the site of the Boston Massacre,
during which five Bostonians were killed by British fire. A few
feet above the street, the building’s white balcony sits prominently
underneath a gold-rimmed clock. This balcony served as the podium
for the speaker who delivered Boston’s first reading of the
Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Old State House is truly
representative of Revolutionary Boston, both as a museum and as
an independent monument.
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USS Constitution
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| Address |
Charlestown Navy Yard |
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| Admission |
Free |
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| Hours |
Winter, Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
/ Summer, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm |
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| Phone |
617-242-5670 |
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| Website |
www.ussconstitution.navy.mil
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A faithful servant of the United States Navy for over 200 years,
the USS Constitution sits peacefully on Boston Harbor. Like many
monuments in Boston, she is a major symbol of the city’s significant
role in the early developmental years of America. Commissioned by
President George Washington to defend American interests abroad,
the USS Constitution has seen the world through both war and peace.
She earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War
of 1812, when cannonballs from an enemy British ship appeared to
bounce harmlessly off of her sides. The live oak, white oak, and
yellow pine construction held strong, and the USS Constitution emerged
victoriously from the battle. Today, she is honored in the Guinness
Book of World Records as the world’s oldest commissioned warship
still afloat.
Roughly every half hour, experienced and active Navy sailors conduct
tours around the ship to give you a glimpse of life at sea. While
the tours are insightful and interesting, the rich history of the
ship cannot be encompassed in a half hour. To properly celebrate
the ship and all of its glory, you should take time to visit the
USS Constitution Museum, located just a short walk away. A visit
to the museum is more of an independent experience, but knowledgeable
staff members are always on hand to answer questions and provide
assistance. As you walk through the various rooms, the museum provides
interactive activities, such as hoisting a sail and maneuvering
a ship’s helm. The USS Constitution museum is flooded with
artifacts, such as the ship’s log, flags, and various images
captured throughout the years. While “Old Ironsides”
is in a state of retirement, sailors still occupy its quarters,
as it is the most prized possession of the United States Navy.
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Paul Revere House
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| Location |
North End |
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| Admission |
$3 |
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| Hours |
Winter, 9:30 am to 4:15 pm daily / Summer,
9:30 am to 5:15 pm daily |
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| Phone |
617-523-2338 |
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| Website |
www.paurlreverehouse.org |
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After more than two hundred years, Paul Revere remains one of Boston’s
most legendary citizens. His “midnight ride” exclamations
that “the British are coming!” warned Boston citizens
of the hostile British troops’ advancement towards the city.
Today, his former home still stands on 19 North Square, and attracts
visitors who are eager to discover the every day life of a man who
displayed such extraordinary bravery.
While touring through the house, you will find it hard to believe
that at least nine children and two adults occupied the quarters
at any given time. Keep in mind that a third floor existed during
the time that the Revere family inhabited the house. While you are
free to walk around, proceed responsibly and cautiously as a few
original Revere belongings are preciously preserved in the home.
More than just a dedication to an American hero, the Paul Revere
house is a real life introduction to living in Revolutionary Boston.
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Boston Travel Guides
 Frommer's Boston
Lonely Planet Boston
Let's Go Boston
Fodors Boston
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