Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts United States with an estimated population of 4.6 million (2015) in the metropolitan area. One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston was founded on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England.
Boston has expanded beyond the original peninsula. Its rich history attracts many tourists, with Faneuil Hall alone drawing over 20 million visitors per year. Boston's many firsts include the United States' first public school, Boston Latin School (1635), first subway system (1897), and first Public Park (1634).
Boston is an international center of higher education, including law, medicine, engineering, and business, and the city is considered to be a world leader in innovation and entrepreneurship with nearly 2,000 startups.
The city is a major seaport along the United States' East Coast and the oldest continuously operated industrial and fishing port in the Western Hemisphere.
Tourism also composes a large part of Boston's economy, with 21.2 million domestic and international visitors spending $8.3 billion (2011).
We recommend you stay in Boston for at list 3 nights. Main sights recommended are:
- Downtown. The Financial District of Boston is located in the downtown area near Government Center and Chinatown.
- Faneuil Hall, located near the waterfront has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1743. Visit Quincy Market nearby.
- Massachusetts State House, is the state capitol and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Old State House. Built in 1713, it was the seat of the Massachusetts General Court until 1798, and is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States.
- Trinity Church, was founded in 1733 and is a home to several high-level choirs.
- Beacon Hill, a 19th century residential area named for the location of a beacon that once stood here atop the highest point in central Boston.
- Boston Common, dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States. Nearby visit the Public Garden, established in 1837.
- Freedom Trail, is a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) path through downtown Boston, that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States.
- Bunker Hill Monument, in Charlestown, the oldest neighborhood in Boston. The 221-foot (67 m) granite obelisk was erected to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was among the first major battles between British and Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War, fought there June 17, 1775.
- John Hancock Tower, is a 60-story, 790-foot (240 m) skyscraper. It is the tallest building in New England.
- Prudential Tower, the building is 749 feet (228 m) tall, with 52 floors. Visit the observation deck on the 50th-floor and see the view of the city and bay.
- Tea Party Boat & Museum is an interactive, high tech, floating museum that show you the events that led up to the American Revolution.
- Boston Harbour, a major shipping facility in the northeastern United States. Visit the USS Constitution, launched in 1797; it is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat.
Around Boston main sights recommended are:
- Cambridge, a home to two of the world's most prestigious universities; Harvard and MIT.
- Harvard Square, near the center of Cambridge.
- Harvard Yard, the oldest part of the Harvard University campus, its historic center, and its modern crossroads.
See more tourist information on Boston including sights, hotels, etc.
