History. Culture. Sports. Seafood. There’s so much to see and do in Boston, you may need to move here just to get it all done. Founded in 1630, Boston is the unofficial capital of New England. Compact, quirky and fiercely proud of its place in American history, Boston is easy to walk around, hard to drive around and fun to hang around.

Always highly placed on “livability” lists, Boston offers tourists and residents a wide variety of entertainment options within a limited area. Its waterfront location is a big part of Boston’s allure, and its influence is felt throughout the city. And since it’s a college town, the nightlife is active, diverse and sometimes kind of wild—but in a good way.

The history of Boston is inexorably linked to some of the most famous events in American history, particularly those that took place during the Revolutionary War. The Boston Tea Party. The Boston Massacre. The Battle of Bunker Hill. Paul Revere’s Ride. Once the Revolutionary War ended, Boston’s reputation as a trading port grew. Exporting rum, fish, tobacco and salt, it became one of the wealthiest cities in the world. The ports of Boston are America’s oldest.

Boston’s coastal New England location on the northern Atlantic ocean moderates temperatures somewhat, but it does make it prone to nor'easter storms which can produce heavy rain and snow storms. In summer, Boston can be humid but sea breezes keep temperatures from skyrocketing. Sea breezes can, in fact, keep the city up to twenty degrees colder than inland during the cool late spring months. Fog is common during the spring and early summer but it usually burns off by mid-day.

Getting Around Boston

If you’re flying into Boston, chances are you’ll arrive at Logan International. Boston’s winding street layout is notorious among non-natives. The streets grew on an “as needed” basis as the city grew. Much of Boston is built on filled land, and roads were added along with the fill. There are a dizzying array of rotaries, one-ways and dead ends but with time, most drivers come to understand—but not always appreciate—the organic nature of the roads. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), the first underground rapid transit system in the US, serves most of the city and surrounding areas.

Boston has a reputation as a “walking town” and hoofing it is a great way to see the sights. The Charles River Esplanade is a relaxing stroll along the waterway, where you can see the rowers practicing their craft. The Freedom Trail, a 2 1/2 mile red brick walking trail, brings you up close and personal with sixteen historic sites. It’s a fascinating trip back in time, bringing you past churches, meeting halls and burying grounds. Historic markers guide you through the American Revolution to the present day. Off the trail, be sure to take a tour of the Boston State House and the USS Constitution.

Things To Do In Boston

The world famous swan boats are a must for anyone visiting Boston. For over one hundred and thirty years, they have been graciously ferrying passengers around the waters of the Boston Public Gardens, the oldest botanical garden in the country. After the swan boats, visit some living, breathing critters at the New England Aquarium or the Stone Zoo.

Seafood is synonymous with Boston. Its coastal location promises the succulent lobster and super-fresh fish. But don’t just think of fish when you think of Boston. Irish pubs, fine American, fusion, Italian—Boston’s rich ethnic mix guarantees a cuisine for every palette. Whether you’re looking for inexpensive pub fare or an elegant multi-course meal, Boston is ready to serve you. Be sure to hit the Bull and Finch Pub, the bar made famous by the television show Cheers. And for a can’t-miss beer experience, you need to visit the famous Sam Adams Brewery. The tour—and the beer—are great.

Up late? Looking for something to do? You’re in the right place. The greater Boston area is home to nearly one hundred colleges and universities, so nightlife is never a problem. Live music, dance clubs, beer joints, Irish pubs…you’re never far from what interests you. And you don’t have to be a college student to find your perfect hangout. There are plenty of places to have a quiet drink—places where you can actually find a seat and talk to your companion—if that’s what you’re after. If it’s pounding techno you require, Boston has that, too. Alternative, funk, folk…whatever your ears are up for. You’ll find the perfect place to dance, sit, talk, drink—or any combination thereof—within a short walk of anywhere in the friendly city of Boston.

Basketball, baseball and hockey are the big three in Boston. The world famous Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins call Boston home, and their fans are among the most crazed in the country. The Celtics have the most championships in the NBA and play their home games on a famous parquet floor court. The Red Sox play at the legendary Fenway Park, opened in 1912. There is a red-painted seat in the right field bleachers; it marks the longest home run ever recorded in the stadium—502 feet—hit by Ted Williams in 1946. Boston stands firmly behind their beloved Bruins hockey team. Playing in Boston since 1924, the team has won numerous Stanley Cup championships. The New England Patriots, while not a true Boston team, play in the state of Massachusetts and are the unofficial NFL team of the city.

Boston is, of course, home to the Boston Marathon. Run every year in April, it is the oldest marathon in the country. Fielding about 25,000 runners from every state in the US and fifty countries, the marathon is attended by close to 500,000 spectators.

Come to Boston and spend the night in jail. And love it! The Liberty Hotel was once the Charles Street Jail and within its elegant interior you’ll find preserved remnants of the old cells. Once the temporary home of Malcolm X, Sacco and Vanzetti, and a random collection of suffragists, it is now a luxury hotel. Located on Beacon Hill, it is centrally located in the city. If a few nights in jail isn’t right for you, there are many other hotels from which to choose. There are large chain hotels like Marriott and Omni, smaller boutique hotels and several charming B&Bs. Prices range from bargain basement to sky high, so there is a bed for every budget in Boston.

Learn more about Boston—its history, culture and opportunities—by visiting the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. There you will find information about civic programs, relocation services and general city information. Boston hosts over twelve million visitors each year—and the city is ready to welcome you!