Boston

Boston on wikitravel

Finally, Boston - one of our major destination. This city was a pleasant experience to both of us. We really enjoy or stay in this historic city. Boston is the city where the revolution started back in the 17th century were the new nation started its hard struggle to get rid of their connection to the royal crown. Now history may be read in much better sources, such as Boston history.

Our main interest in the city was:

• The North end with its more than 100 italian restaurants
• USS Constituion - the "Old Ironside" from 1797 and USS Cassin Young (modern destroyer)
• The lovely parks of Boston - Boston public Garden
• Harbor cruise
• The Boston Harbor area
• The freedom trail (walk among the sites of revolution activities)

What we did, and would recommend to do is to by a ticket for one of the trolley tours that covers all the major attraction in the city. There are about 7 companies doing tours in the city. Our hotel recommended "Old Town Trolley Tours" - where you can jump on and of as you like among the total 17 stops. We also upgraded our to ticket to include a cruise in the harbor region of Boston - a decision we really enjoyed. The harbor cruise was really magnificent. Plenty of opportunities to take skyline pictures of the city.

Where to stay

When going to Boston we thought it was best to stay within the city. This is more expensive, but you benefit to my point of view. We stayed at a hotel called "Omni Parker Hotel", located in School street. This is supposed to be the oldest hotel in the entire country. It is to some extend and expensive hotel, and everything you do cost more dollars. Even to get at WIFI in your room cost you more money and tip is expected everywhere. But hey, thats the way it works in the big cities. What is very special about the hotel is its magnificent interior. This is really something. Both in the lobby and the restaurant are beautiful carvings in the ceiling and parts of the wall. It also has some small exhibition of the hotels history. The restaurant is the place where John F. Kennedy proposed to his Jacoline before being president of United States.

Now, of course, there are numerous of good hotels downtown. We use a lot of time choosing a nice location and this time we were lucky. A good advice is to pick a hotel that is located near to a trolley stop, then you may use this as a part of your system of getting around. Or hotel was located near Massachusetts state house (stop number 13 on Old town trolley). When staying in the city for only a few days, you don't have the time to learn the system of the tube.

What to do

In the North End you have little Italy, which offers more than 100 italian restaurants. It was really strange walking in this area, finding nothing but italian food. Now, to eat other cuisine you must visit other parts of the city. I only spot a single chinese restaurant among all the italians.

The best spot to eat other kind of food (late dinner) is along the street called Newbury street, which start from Boston Public Garden. Of course this advise is a second hand as we asked people around of alternative dinning.

Of course, Boston is a major historic city. They called it the cradle of the revolution, and taking the freedom trail (got marked walking trail) you may se why.

Don't spend time doing shopping in the city, it is to much to explore in the city.