Boston, Mass., is a one-of-a-kind city that boasts
neighborhoods so diverse that sometimes you'll think you're in a
different city every time you blink.
That's good news for the tourist who wants to see a variety of
historical and modern city attractions, many within walking distance of
each other. Compact yet somewhat confusing to navigate, Boston isn't
your typical city that's built on a cookie-cutter grid. It's more like
a labyrinth on steroids. It seems the only neighborhood that isn't
present in Boston is Mr. Rogers'.
So, put on your Boston Red Sox cap, drop the Rs in your words, beep
your horn at someone for driving too slow (10 miles over the speed
limit) and enjoy this sampling of some of Boston's best neighborhoods
for visiting tourists:
The most popular tourist area is downtown
Boston with the Boston Common, Boston Public Garden (with the
Swan Boats rides in the summer), and lots of shopping and dining
opportunities at the historic Faneuil Hall area. Faneuil Hall,
also known as Quincy Market, is perhaps Boston's most popular tourist
attraction with 100-plus combination of retail stores, restaurants,
bakeries and ice cream stops offering visitors a charming retail and
dining destination Steeped in history as a meeting place for the
country's "movers and shakers" to convene prior to the American
Revolution, Faneuil Hall Marketplace was eventually restored and
gentrified into a wonderful tourist attraction. It consists of
the original 1742 building and two other restored buildings.
The North End, about a
10-minute walk from Faneuil Hall, offers colorful Italian
neighborhoods, charming narrow streets and wonderful, authentic Italian
restaurants (al Dente, Mamma Maria, Giacomo's to name a few) and
bakeries (Mike's Pastry is amazing!). The North End is the home of the
original Regina Pizzeria, turning out amazing Italian-style pizza in
brick ovens since 1926. Commercial St. leads to the Boston waterfront
with fine dining opportunities and the world-class New England Aquarium
at Central Wharf. You could spend a day at the Aquarium which seems, at
times, like it has more fish than in the sea!
East Boston is a closely-knit,
series of largely Italian neighborhoods, home of Logan Airport and the
famous Santarpio's pizza - perhaps the best Italian pizza we've
ever sampled. Because it's on the other side of Boston Harbor, the
skyline views in certain areas are simply amazing!
On the west side of the downtown is Beacon
Hill -- bound by bound by Beacon St., Bowdoin St., Cambridge
St., and Storrow Drive -- with its brick sidewalks, gas lamps, million
dollar brownstone neighborhoods, and the stately, historic
Massachusetts State House (which you can tour). Charles Street is
quaint, with many antique and specialty shops and dining ranging from
basic to upscale and romantic. We especially like the Paramount, with
two personalities: cafeteria-style dining for lunch and dinner and a
romantic dimly-lit bistro at night. Cambridge Street, another
commercial area near Beacon Hill, has a history of being a bit shabby,
but has really neatened itself up with more upgrades on the way.
Along Cambridge Street are many restaurants and shops as well as access
to Storrow Drive -- the perfect place to walk, or jog along the scenic
Charles River.
The Copley Square and Back Bay areas offer the European
flair of Newbury Street, fine hotels and restaurants, an upscale intown
shopping mall at Copley Place and the Boston Public Library -- the
largest municipal library in the United States. Two of Boston's tallest
buildings, the Prudential and John Hancock interestingly contrast with
historic landmarks like H.H. Richardson's Trinity Church. The trendy
South End is nearby with its diverse lifestyles, arts scene, grand old
building residences and small, quaint restaurants.
The Fens and Kenmore Square area feature historic
Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox), lots of nightlife on
Landsdowne Street and beyond, and other college hangouts given that
world renowned Boston University (BU) resides primarily on Commonwealth
Ave. Allston and Brighton are located on the west side of Boston
University and feature BU and Boston College neighborhoods, bars,
restaurants and shops. On the Fens side, the Museum of Fine Arts,
Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum and Symphony Hall lend a true
cultural feel to the area, given their world-renowned reputations.
South Boston, or "Southie" has
working class leanings, Irish pubs, two-family homes with small yards
and architectural charm, and the benefit of Castle Island area, a
coastal recreational area perfect for walking, hiking, swimming,
fishing or grabbing a hot dog or hamburger at Sullivan's take-out
stand.perhaps the jewel of New England antique
shopping destinations, is best appreciated by walking the quaint
downtown.
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