The Bean Town Must See List
If you're planning a trip to Boston, then there are five places that you must see while there.
5 Places You Must See When Visiting Boston
1. Boston Common & Public Garden
One of the most well-known parks in Boston is the public garden, which sits in the center of the city. Right next to the public garden is the Boston Common. With over 20 acres to explore, you can easily spend hours at the Public Garden. Throughout the park, you can view beautiful plants and flowers, as well as a number of monuments, statutes and more. Let's not forget to mention the swan boats, which you can rent if you want to explore the park on water.
At Boston Common, you can participate in an array of activities. If you head to Boston between the months of November and March, then you can rent a pair of skates that can be used on the pond. In the Fall you can check out the foliage.
2. The Freedom Trail
No trip to Boston would be complete without walking the Freedom Trail. It's a 2.5 mile trail that will have you walking through the heart of Boston. Even though it's a short walk, you will see many of the city's well-known historic sites.
Here's a tip: be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours on the Freedom Trail. This is because you'll come across a number of attractions that you'll want to spend time at. These attractions include the Massachusetts State House, the Older Corner Bookstore and Boston Common. Other attractions include Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre site and Paul Revere House to name a few.
If you don't want to pack a lunch or dinner for the walk, then don't worry. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along or near the trail.
3. The New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in New England. Thousands of animals are housed in the aquarium. You can see everything from African penguins to northern fur seals and giant Pacific octopuses. Moray eels, sharks, turtles and an array of tropical fish can all be seen at the New England Aquarium.
A major highlight of the aquarium is the Edge of the Sea tank. This is a tank that houses invertebrates such as urchins, crabs and starfish. You're allowed to pet and handle the animals in the tank.
While at the aquarium, make sure to catch a short film at the Simons Theatre. The movies played at the theatre are between 22 minutes and 49 minutes long. The majority of movies are centered around animals.
Also, there is an enclosed habitat for seals right outside of the aquarium. Make sure you take time to check this out because you will love watching the seals perform and play.
4. The Boston Museum Of Fine Arts
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most popular art museums in America. Whether you're an art lover or not, you'll want to pay a visit to the museum. Inside, you'll be impressed by a wide array of collections of ancient Egyptian treasures and Impressionist paintings. The museum also houses works from the Middle East and ancient Greece.The American Wing is the newest addition to the museum. It houses collections such as American furniture, paintings and folk art. It also houses glassware, silver, decorative arts and much more.
Do make sure you check out the Buddhist Bodhisattva sculpture, which is a lacquered-wood piece that dates back to the 12th-century. Another highlight you'll want to see is the Korean painted screens, as well as the Minoan Snake Goddess.
While you're visiting the museum you'll be able to grab a bite to eat. There are several dining options to choose from, and this includes everything from family-friendly choices to fine dining. Asides from dining, there are a number of shops located on-site.
5. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a unique tourist attraction you'll want to check out while in Boston. In 1773, Bostonians decided to storm English ships that were carrying tea. The Bostonians then threw out the tea into the harbor.
Visitors can relive one of the most famous nights in Boston. In fact, there are tours that are offered by the museum. These tours are fun, interesting and involve participation from visitors.
One of the key highlights of the visit will be having the chance to dump tea into the harbor. Also, interpreters are dressed up just like the Bostonians during the Boston Tea Party. They will lead you throughout the events of the historic evening.
Boston is home to many other attractions, but the above are the top five places in the city you'll want to visit. Make sure you set aside a few hours to spend at each place.
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