Book Lover's Dream Tour
Boston History Collaborative - Literary Trail
38 Burroughs St.
Boston, MA 02130
617-574-5963
A guided walking tour of either Boston, Cambridge, or Concord's delightful, private bookstores, followed by tea and literary conversation in an elegant, historic setting. Call for reservations.
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Site of First Public School & Ben Franklin Statue
Freedom Trail stop featuring a statue of Ben Franklin and the site of the Boston Latin School (built in 1635), Franklin's alma mater.
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Boston Common
The nation's oldest public park, 40 acres were set aside for public use in 1634 (originally as a cow pasture and training ground. The Commons also has a longstanding tradition as a place where demonstrators can exercise their right to freedom of speech without the hassle of getting a permit. Free.
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Boston Massacre Site
A simple circle of cobblestones on the traffic island at the Devonshire and State Street intersection marks the site where five colonists were killed by British soldiers in 1770. The brutality of this incident helped spark the anti-British rage that ultimately led to the American Revolution.
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Boston Duck Tours
One of Boston's most popular tour opportunities is the legendary Duck Tours, showing the best of Boston from land and sea. World War II vehicles take you on a scenic drive around the most famous sites and attractions in the city, and then onto the Charles River for a delightful harbor cruise. A grand tour, filled with interesting commentary, this is a novel and enjoyable way to see the city.
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Beacon Hill Walking Tours
Visit the elegant Federal style Otis House and stroll around Beacon Hill. The walk offers views of the homes of early well-to-do merchants and modest dwellings on the North Slope where the working class resided.
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New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
(617) 973 5200
Features over 7,000 fish, aquatic mammals and penguins, as well as a massive 200,000 gallon 'Giant Ocean Tank', surrounded by a four-story spiral ramp. The tank is home to a replica of a Caribbean coral reef, sea turtles, barracudas, stingrays, sharks and more. The New England Aquarium also offers whale-watching tours with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as seal and walrus shows.
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Boston Trolley Tours
The Trolley Tours take you around the city on a route that points out the best known sites and landmarks. Travelers can step off at any of the stops to look around and then catch the next trolley, which will arrive shortly. An entertaining commentary accompanies the tour. Most Boston area hotels can provide tour information, including hours and fares.
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Women's Heritage Trail
617-522-2872
The Boston Common Visitor Information booth is the start of five guided walks through four centuries of Boston women. The Downtown Walk highlights the equal rights movement; the North End Walk explores the diversity of Boston culture; the Beacon Hill Walk reveals the stories of writers, artists and activists; the South Cove/Chinatown Walk celebrates women's action for economic and social justice; and the Back Bay Walk tells the tales of educators and social reformers. Follow the footsteps of remarkable Boston women.
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Boston Irish Famine Memorial
50 Braintree Hill Office Park
Braintree, MA 02184
617-696-9880
The Boston Irish Famine Memorial was unveiled in June, 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine, an episode which sent over 100,000 Irish refugees to Boston. It is also a tribute to the memory of over one million Irish who died during the Irish Famine (1845-1849) and a remembrance of people still suffering famines in countries around the world.
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Old North Church
(617) 523-6676
Boston's oldest church building, Old North is located in the city's Italian North End at 193 Salem Street and is still an active Episcopal church with Sunday services.
The church was made famous on April 18, 1775, when Robert Newman, the church's sexton, hung two lanterns in its steeple to warn that the British troops were arriving by sea, sending Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride to Lexington and Concord to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming. Donations accepted.
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Walks Through Freedom
617-227-8800
All year round by reservation.
Walk Boston's Freedom Trail with The Freedom Trail Players as they re-tell the known and little known tales of the past, leading the way through city streets in full historical costume!
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Bunker Hill Monument
(617) 242-5641
This 221' tall granite obelisk commemorates the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill (which actually took place on Breed's Hill), the first major battle of the American Revolution. Climb the 294 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Boston (No Elevator). During the summer, visitors also can observe free musket firing demonstrations and "battle talks." Free.
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Granary Burying Ground
The first of the three burying grounds along the Freedom Trail, Granary is notable as the final resting place of John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
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Old South Meeting House
(617) 482-6439
Site of a great deal of discussion and debate leading up to the Boston Tea Party and other events connected to the American Revolution. Offers lectures and programs on American history and culture.
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