City Guide: Boston

This vibrant capital embodies quaint New England charm as a world-class city that’s filled with cultural neighborhoods, exciting museums and classic architecture.

Boston is a city filled with historic districts nestled beside modern skyscrapers; tourists and locals alike find themselves wandering through Boston Common, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the cobblestone streets of the city’s oldest neighborhood in the North End.

Here’s how you, too, can enjoy some of the most beautiful sights Boston has to offer.

Where to Stay

The Godfrey Hotel (505 Washington) recently opened a location in the Downtown Crossing neighborhood. With 242 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, this contemporary hotel offers a range of full-service amenities to guests incorporating modern technology into the design and plan of the hotel. Each room is equipped with complimentary WIFI, a desk with USB ports, a 55” LED TV that allows you to tether your devices to the television as well as mobile accessible hotel services. An onsite restaurant and George Howell coffee shop are also set to open later this year.

The Revere (200 Stuart Street) shows its original and contemporary nature from the moment you walk through the main doors and are greeted in the artistic lobby. Centrally located in downtown core, The Revere is an upscale hotel just steps away from Boston’s Theatre District. Each room has been outfitted with skoah bath products and is decorated with modern furniture and design elements. Onsite dining is also available from the award-wining bistro Rustic Kitchen and drinks at The Emerald Lounge.

Fifteen Beacon (15 Beacon Street) is located in the stunning Beaux Arts building, which was first built in 1903. Located in the historic and stunning residential neighborhood of Beacon Hill, this hotel beautifully combines the antique elements of the building with modern amenities. With 63 elegantly decorated rooms, this hotel has become to go-to spot for upscale visitors looking splurge on a nights stay in this prestigious hotel.

See + Do

Explore Boston’s historic side by foot, along the 2.5 miles of The Freedom Trail that take you on a journey through the significant sites that led to the creation of the United States. Learn from engaging guides about the American Revolution as you walk through the museums, meetinghouses, churches and burying grounds that have helped to shape the country’s rich history. After your tour, be sure to swing back to the Old State House and Faneuil Market for a closer look into the cultural landmarks still present in Boston.

The Skywalk Observatory, located off of the 50th story of The Prudential Building, boasts one of the best aerial views of the city and its surrounding area. Offering guests a 360-degree panoramic view of the greater Boston Area, drop by to learn more about the city’s history through their interactive and educational exhibits. For those looking to dine in style, the Top of the Hub (located on the 52nd floor) allows guests to enjoy this spectacular view while dining over jazz music.

Boston is also a city known for its exceptional collection of museums and historic attractions. A local favorite is the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in the US and houses a comprehensive collection of over 450,000 works of art. For those looking for the seaside history lesson, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a must-see spot for tourists of any age. If you find yourself over in Cambridge, be sure to drop by the Harvard Museum of Natural History and The Peabody Museum of Archaeology to explore the extensive and impressive collections.

If you are a music or art lover, see what’s playing at the Citi Performing Arts Center Boston to discover this downtown hub of arts and culture at either the Citi Wang or Citi Shubert theaters. With a wide selection of programming, there is a live performance or show to enjoy on every night of the week. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the most iconic symphony halls, is known worldwide for exquisite acoustics and renowned ensembles; it has a full-range of engaging musical programming year round to please guests of all ages and interests.

For great shopping, the 1.5 km stretch of Newbury Street is the city’s most popular area, housing some of the finest fashion houses in historic 19th-century buildings that line the street with stores, cafes and sprawling patios in the summer.

Food + Drink

Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave): Launched in 1986 by Harvard graduates in Boston, this local brewery has become a staple for beer lovers looking to taste and explore a wide range of craft beer creations made in Boston in the traditional European brewing way. Serving freshly made pretzels and beer in the German inspired beer hall, and offering tours of their facilities, Harpoon Brewery is beautifully situated along the waterfront in the Seaport District.

The Beehive (541 Tremont St): If you are looking for a spot to listen to contemporary jazz while enjoying delicious eats, then look no further than The Beehive. This highly acclaimed restaurant and bar embodies the eclectic bohemian nature of this artistic community in an elegant space serving comfort food dishes fused together from a variety of cultures.

Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar (412 West Broadway): Located in the eclectic South Boston neighborhood, LOCO is a local favorite that specializes in tacos, a raw bar and tequila. Infusing Latin flavors in inventive ways, Chef Matt Drummond experiments with an eclectic menu of traditional dishes presented in not-so-traditional ways served with refreshing cocktails.

Cinquecento (500 Harrison Ave): This contemporary restaurant boasts a comfortable atmosphere while serving traditional Roman trattoria cuisine created with local and imported ingredients, leaving guests with a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located in the South-end of Boston, this restaurant reflects the relaxed vibrancy of an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Pastoral (345 Congress St): Opened in 2014, Pastoral has quickly become one of the standout restaurants along the popular Congress Street strip in the Fort Point neighborhood. Adding an eclectic flare to rustic Italian inspired cuisine, owner Todd Winer has designed Pastoral to create a relaxed atmosphere of delicious and affordable food in a modern pizzeria and bar setting.

What do you love to see/do when in Boston?

Images provided by Caleigh Alleyne