Calling this quaint and charming city the 'Athens of America' might seem a bit boastful, but the city's 19th-century glory radiates through its grand architecture, its population of literati, artists and educators, and its world-renowned academic and cultural institutions.
Before the 20th century
Called Trimountain (from its three hills) in its earliest days, Boston took its permanent name from the English town. The vanguard of English settlers, led by Reverend William Blaxton, arrived in 1624 - less than four years after the Pilgrims arrived in nearby Plymouth.
The colony of Massachusetts Bay was established six years later in 1630, when the elder John Winthrop, official representative of the Massachusetts Bay Company, took up residence. From the beginning this was the centre of Puritan culture and life in the New World.
Puritanism was intellectual and theocratic, and so the leading men and women of early Boston society were those who understood and followed Biblical law - and could explain in powerful rhetoric why they did. Thus it comes as no surprise that the Boston Public Latin School was established in 1635 (and continues as an elite public high school today). A year later, Harvard College (now Harvard University) was founded in neighbouring Cambridge. By 1653 Boston had a public library as well, and by 1704 the Thirteen Colonies' first newspaper, the News-Letter.
Though the New England coast had many excellent natural ports (Essex, Plymouth, Providence, Salem), Boston was blessed by geography with the best of all. By the early 1700s it was well on its way to being what it remains today: New England's largest and most important city.
As the chief city in the region, it drew London's attention. When King George III and Parliament chose to burden the colonies with taxation without representation, the taxes were first levied in Boston. When resistance surfaced, it was in Boston. The Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party were signal events in the development of revolutionary sentiments, and the Battle of Bunker Hill solidified colonial resolve to declare independence from the British crown.
Following the Revolutionary War, Boston suffered economically as the British government cut off American ships' access to other ports in the British Empire. But as new trading relationships developed, Boston entered a commercial and industrial boom which lasted from the late 1700s until the mid-1800s. Fortunes were made in shipbuilding, maritime trade and manufacturing textiles and shoes. Chartered as a city in 1822, Boston's Beacon Hill was soon crowned with fine mansions built by the leading families, and Back Bay was filled in to make room for more.
These same prominent families also patronised arts and culture heavily. Though conservative and traditionalist in their general outlook, Bostonians were firm believers in American ideals of freedom, and firm supporters of the abolition of slavery and the activities of the Underground Railroad.
Modern history
As the 19th century drew to a close, Boston's prominence was challenged by the growth of other port cities and the westward expansion of the national borders; New England's economic boom turned into a bust when the textile and shoe factories moved to cheaper labour markets in the South.
In the 20th century the city became more culturally diverse than ever before. The city's ethnic and economic profile had already been significantly altered by the 19th-century arrival of thousands of Irish immigrants, driven from home by devastating potato famines. The cultural mix grew more diverse with 20th century arrivals from Italy, the Ottoman Empire and Portugal.
Economically, Boston became more of a satellite than a hub, although it remained a prominent centre for medical education, treatment and research, and USA's premier university centre. Many graduates choose to remain in the Boston area, which has helped fuel a local booming commerce in high-tech industries and financial services.
Recent history
Since the beginning, Boston has been a champion of civil rights and social reform. In the 21st century, Boston again became a battle site, this time for gay and lesbian rights. In 2004, by order of the state supreme court, the country's first legal gay marriage took place in Cambridge. Meanwhile, in the state capitol - in anticipation of Obama-mania - Massachusetts elected Harvard grad Deval Patrick, the state's first African American governor and the country's second.
Although Boston is famous for its ties to history, the city continues to see itself on the frontlines of progress. As the challenges of the 21st century unfold, Boston moves forward while drawing on its past.
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Boston is a surprisingly active town, given to walking, cycling and swimming for brisk, constitutional reasons. Cycling on the Charles River Esplanade is a cardio-intensive way to see the skyline, while local walks meander through the city's historical precincts.
Top Attractions
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Granary Burying Ground
Government Center 
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Copp's Hill Burying Ground
North End 
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Paul Revere House
North End
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New England Holocaust Memorial
Waterfront 
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A Perfect Day
By Mara Vorhees
I wake up in Somerville. It's Tuesday, so I head to Karma Yoga in Cambridge for my daily dose of downward-facing dogs. Suitably stretched, I grab a Karma cupcake and head out into the world. I spend the rest of the morning perusing the offerings at the Harvard Bookstore and the Globe Corner Bookstore. Lunch is at Café Pamplona, hopefully accompanied by a new book. I ask for garlic soup, with an egg, even though it's not on the menu. They have it.
After lunch, it's time for a little 'kultchah', so I head to the Museum of Fine Arts to check out the exhibit on offer. I never leave without visiting Paul Gaugin and examining his provocative Where did we come from? What are we? Where are we going?. I contemplate those questions as I stroll through the Back Bay Fens to Kenmore Square. I meet up with friends for a drink on the outdoor patio at Eastern Standard or in the cozy basement at the Lower Depths.
Music is on the menu for the evening. We might saunter over to the House of Blues if we know who is playing there. Otherwise, we figure we can't go wrong at Church, where the cover is $10 and the bands are wicked local. After the show, we make our way to Audubon Circle for another round of drinks. I order grilled cheese and tomato soup, even though I've already eaten soup today. Okay, maybe I order something a little fancier.
After dinner, I make my way back to Somerville. I have saved room for dessert so I can stop at Christina's Ice Cream on the way home. I order a scoop of coconut chip, unless it's fall, in which case I go for the pumpkin.
Boston springs are ephemeral; blink and the leaves have turned from buds to full-blown shadow puppets. Summer can get a bit steamy at times but September and October are predictably pleasant, with clear blue skies, cool mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons. January and February bring harsh winds and punishing temperatures, but snowfall accumulation is measured in inches rather than feet. Air masses from the Great Lakes and Canada collide with moderate Gulf Stream currents, making for sudden and frequent weather changes. Dress in layers and be ready for anything. Surprisingly, Boston is windier than Chicago and gets more rain than Seattle.
Average weather
Main Currency
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Symbol: US$
| average room cost | average meal cost | |
|---|---|---|
| High: | 250+ | |
| Mid: | 125-250 | 15-30 |
| Low: | 0-125 | 0-15 |
Transport
Getting around
Boston's 'T', one of the oldest subways in the country, is the best way to get around the the Boston-Cambridge area. If you're not in a rush, the city is made for walking, with urban heritage paths and lots of green. Ferries cross Boston Harbor. Cars are not really a great idea for within the city - it's a bit of a nightmare to navigate for out-of-towners.
Getting there and away
Getting in and out of Boston is easy. The train and bus stations are conveniently side by side, and the airport is a short subway ride away.
Amtrak trains will speed you to Boston (there's one from New York that takes only three hours - but it's pricey). The bus station is conveniently situated to give easy access to the city. Logan International Airport, Boston's major air hub, has good connections.
Health & Legal Requirements
Dangers and annoyances
As with most big US cities, there are rundown sections of Boston in which crime is a problem. These are primarily in Roxbury, Mattapan and Dorchester (where tourist attractions are limited). Parts of the South End border Roxbury, as does Jamaica Plain. In the South End, avoid areas southeast of Harrison Ave and southwest of Massachusetts Ave after dark. In Jamaica Plain, stay on the west side of Hyde Park Ave, Washington St and Columbus Ave at night. You may find a few vestiges of 'skankiness' along Washington and Essex Sts in Chinatown, where one or two X-rated shops hang on by the thread of a G-string. Avoid parks such as Franklin Park and the Back Bay Fens after dark. The same goes for streets and subway stations that are otherwise empty of people.
fast facts
| Full name | Boston |
|---|---|
| Currency | US Dollar, USD (US$) |
| Population | 645000 |
| Languages |
English (essential) Native American languages (other) Spanish (other) |
| Time zone(s) | GMT/UTC: -5 |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Hertz | 60Hz |
| Plugs |
Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin |
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