Neighborhoods
Back Bay: An affluent area filled high-end shopping, top restaurants and offers attractions such as the Prudential Center & Copley Square.
Beacon Hill: This historic section of “Bean Town” is lined with beatuiful townhouses and offers such tourist attractions as Boston Commons & the Public Garden.
Downtown: Definitely the most “touristy” section of the city. It is filled with plenty of places to shop in and dine out. Be sure to check out Faneuil Hall and be sure to stroll through the Freedom Trail. Downtown is also filled with many government buildings as well.
Fenway-Kenmore: Most notable residents are a little known baseball team called the Boston Red Sox. I think a few locals are fans. Walk along Yawkey Way and catch a game at Fenway Park.
Financial District: Where all the business gets done in this great city. But do not let the name fool you, this financial hub of Boston also features an array of popular bars, restauranrs and tourist attractions such as the New England Aquarium.
North End: This is the city’s oldest neighborhood and home to over 80 Italian restaurants and bakeries. New York’s Little Italy “ain’t got nothin’ on this I-talyan neybahood.”
A Group pedals with the duck tour along a lake in Boston Common.
Things To Do
Boston Common: A very popular spots to sit back and relax while visiting Boston. Whether it is sunbathing in the summer or trekking through the leaves in the fall, this beautiful lawn is the oldest public park in America. Some highlights include a walk over the world’s shortest suspension bridge and riding the popular swan boats.
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market: Two marketplaces that are filled with mostly tourist-oriented shops and restaurants. A popular spot for families to bring their children and enjoy a day in Boston.
Freedom Trail: This 2.5 mile walking tour kicks off at Boston Common, goes through downtown Boston, the North End and Charlestown, ending at the USS Constitution. Some of the 16 historic sites that you will get to visit along the way include the old State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.
Sam Adams Brewery Tour: Owner Jim Koch loves beer…and he wants you to love it with him. Check out this informative and delicious trip through the Sam Adams Brewery. At the end of your visit, you will even get to sample 3 of Sam’s concoctions.
Theater District. While not as big or popular as New York’s or London’s, Boston’s theater district is well known as a location where most Broadway shows start off before heading to the Big Apple and beyond.
4-star Boston Marriott Copley Place
Hotels
Boston Marriott Copley Place: Located in the historic Back Bay district, this hotel is popular among business travelers and offers 65,000 sq ft of meeting & event space. 110 Huntington Ave., (617) 236-5800
Nine Zero Hotel: This Downtown boutique hotel is located just steps from Boston Common and surrounded by top restaurants and pubs. Nine Zero is a chic hotel with beautiful accommodations and top notch service. 90 Tremont St., (617) 772-5800
Intercontinental Boston: A new luxury hotel located in the waterfront – surrounded by Boston harbor – is a beautiful architectural structure that provides travelers with amazing accommodations, delicious restaurants and a seductive spa. 510 Atlantic Ave., (617) 747-1000
Restaurants
Umbria: Voted 2005 best new restaurant by Boston Magazine. Umbria serves up simple yet elegant country-style food for both lunch & dinner. Organic items on the menu include warm and crusty breads, delicious pasta, fresh seafood, artisan cheeses & truffles. Umbria is also a nightclub and lounge. 295 Franklin St.,
Legal Sea Foods Although technically a Cambridge creation, this popular seafood restaurant has since branched out to many other parts of the country. However you must try the original and be sure to order a bowl of their signature New England Clam Chowder. Prices are reasonable and portions are plentiful.
North End Italian Restaurants: As I mentioned earlier, this section of Boston is filled with Italian bakeries and restaurants. Choose one…walk in…sit down and be ready to scream “Mama-Mia” at the insanely authentic Italian fare.
Drink up!
Nightlife
The Black Rose: With a line out the door on most weekend nights, this place is surely a hot spot for Boston drinkers. The Irish bartenders brogue will enhance your drinking experience in “Bean Town” and make you feel as if you were in Dublin…but with just New England accents. Not only does Black Rose pack a punch with their drinks, but they also serve a mean shepherd’s pie as well as a mouth watering bangers & mash. 160 State St., (617) 742-2286
The Littlest Bar: This is the new home of The Littlest Bar as of early 2008. The original shut down and the owners moved to Broad Street in the Financial District. While not as little as the first, the new location can only fit a little less than 100 people inside. 102 Broad St., (617) 542-8469
Emmet’s: Like a little piece of Ireland located on Beacon Street in downtown Boston. The aroma of shepherd’s pie and the sight of a tall pint of Guinness as you walk into this cozy nook surely makes you feel as if you flew 5 hours to the Emerald Isle. Tons of brews on tap, a full menu and ample room to sit and enjoy some quality time in a quality locale. 6B Beacon St., (617) 742-8565
