Tremont Street, Boston: Tichnor Brothers, Publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsBoston, the hub of New England, or Hub of the Universe according to Oliver Wendell Holmes, or more colloquially Beantown, the city and its larger metropolitan area has certainly had its share of monikers as well as history. Originally founded by Puritans in the early colonial era, then central to the revolutionary war, it’s home to many of the nation’s firsts, including the first public park (Boston Common), the first public school (Boston Latin), the first college (Harvard), the first subway system, and even the first chocolate factory (Baker).
You can’t throw a rock without hitting a college or a Dunkies. Museums, Irish pubs, and historical landmarks abound, and the beloved Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics make their home here among their diehard fans. Top cuisine can be found everywhere along with favorite eateries. Night life hops with clubs, pubs, theater, concerts and more.
Every neighborhood offers something special – the bustling Financial District, historic Beacon Hill, the Italian North End, South Boston (Southie) with its blue collar origins, the artsy South End, Chinatown and the Theater District are just a few of the city’s offerings. Across the Charles River is Cambridge, home to Harvard and MIT.
For newcomers, the Freedom Trail is a must to get immersed in the city’s history, covering 16 historic sites. Lose yourself in top museums including the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Museum of Science. Wander the Boston Common and adjacent Boston Gardens. Check out the Massachusetts State House, Boston Public Library, Fenway Park, Symphony Hall, and the Boston Tea Party ships.
There is so much to do and see in this “hub” – make sure you leave yourself enough time, and plan for return visits.
