Boston, Massachusetts is nestled in the lush New England region and offers rich history, exquisite architecture and world-class cultural establishments. No wonder it’s in the Top 10 list of must-visit cities in the USA.
Browse Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is the most comprehensive museum in Boston and the main highlights are the Monet and Japanese art collections. There is a large collection of French Impressionist paintings on display with the most Monet pieces outside of Paris. And the Japanese art section is the biggest collection outside of Japan. There is also American, Roman and Egyptian art and collections. The Egyptian collection includes exquisite tombs, carefully preserved mummies and ancient coffins. Other notable institutions include the interesting Museum of Science and the MIT Museum, which features inventions and innovative ideas.
Experience the Boston Symphony Orchestra for yourself
The magnificent Boston symphony Orchestra is world renowned and if you get the opportunity, try to catch a performance at the Symphony Hall on Massachusetts Ave. Founded in 1881, the classical music orchestra is considered one of the finest in North America. Highlights this year include performances of Mahler Symphony No. 3, All-Beethoven Program, and a Brahms and Schubert performance. There are some free performances available (get in quick) otherwise tickets can cost up to 124 USD.
Catch a Red Sox Baseball Match
Boston is fanatical about its sports and the highlight has to be the local baseball team – the Boston Red Sox. To experience the atmosphere for yourself, catch a match at the Fenway Park Stadium. Opened in 1912, this is the oldest major league baseball facility still in use in the US. Boston also has soccer, basketball, hockey and football stadiums which host regular matches from the local teams. See the soccer team New England Revolution, in action at the Gillette Stadium and catch the Boston Celtics basketball squad and hockey team Boston Bruins in action at the TD Garden. Nothing is more satisfying that catching a match and a beer in Boston.
Explore the academic institutions of Boston
Boston is highly regarded across the world for its outstanding academic facilities. The schools, colleges and universities support a quarter of a million students. Many of the facilities offer tours and an insight into everyday student life. Visit Harvard Yard, the oldest college in the US, which opened in 1636 and has produced no less than 8 US Presidents!
Take part in the Boston Marathon
Stretch your legs in the annual Boston Marathon which is run each third Monday in April. Scheduled to coincide with Patriot’s Day, this is the oldest marathon race on earth. First run in 1897, the marathon trail sets off at Hopkinton and finishes at Copley Square. Patriots’ Day marks the anniversary of the Lexington and Concord Battles of 1775 and if the strenuous marathon doesn’t take your fancy, you can always join the large battle re-enactment crowd instead! The Red Sox also play on this day, so expect Boston to be buzzing!
Get to Boston for The Fourth of July Celebrations
Boston is the place to be for the Independence Day celebrations where special events are festivals are held, with the Boston Pops Concert being the highlight. The Boston Symphony Orchestra fuses classical and pop music to the delight of the crowds. Set along the banks of Charles River, seats fill up fast and its standing room only. Independence Day starts at 9am with an official flag-raising ceremony held at the City Hall. The American Declaration is read from the balcony of the Old State House and the day culminates in a spectacular fireworks display and street parties. In fact Boston’s public gathering Fourth of July celebrations are said to the oldest in the USA.
Get back to nature at the Boston Harbor Islands National Park
Take a ferry trip out to the Boston Harbor Islands which are actually a collection of 34 small islands. Only 12 of the islands can be visited and travellers come here to swim, hike, picnic, kayak and fish. Wander around Fort warren, which is located on the busiest island of George’s Island. Fort Warren is a reminder of the Civil War and is notable for having housed Confederate prisoners. Join an organised tour led by the local park rangers who explain why Boston was probably the most impregnable city within the New World.
