Margaret

Explore Boston At Your Pace: A Comprehensive Guide

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, one of the New England states, is a popular tourist destination, and for good reasons. The city is perfect for sightseeing and unwinding in all the four seasons. No wonder more than 20 million travelers flock to Boston annually to enjoy the sights, historic neighborhoods, and sample the local fares.

Ideal Season for Visiting Boston

Boston has four distinct seasons, and wanderlust visitors can schedule a trip to the city at any time of the year. Since every season has its own distinctive appeal, the season you’d prefer to travel will be based on your tendencies.

Spring (April -June) in the Massachusetts capital attracts a good number of tourists, and for good reasons. Boston appears vibrant and colorful, thanks to blooming plants and green foliage all around. You’ll never have a dull moment as you’ll have the chance to explore more than 300 parks, Boston Public Garden being prominent amongst them.

However pack adequate warm layers as the weather tends to remain quite chilly with temperatures ranging ranging between 10-19°C (50-66°F).   

• Summer (June-August) is peak travel season as vacationers from around the world descend in droves. With free open-air concerts, gregarious baseball matches, and alfresco banquets, you’ll simply be spoilt for choice. Nevertheless you’ll need to plan well ahead to avoid steep accommodation and airfare rates.
• Fall (September-November): Boston takes on a magical and ethereal look as you feel the nip in the air. You marvel at the foliage as the trees and plants change colors, and the cool, pleasant mornings titillate you to take a leisurely stroll. This is the season for unwinding at a slow pace or enjoy a picnic in any of the numerous parks in Boston.
• Winter (December-March)  is the perfect time to discover the city, especially if you’re on a budget. You’ll come across fewer holidaymakers owing to the biting cold and occasional though heavy snowfall when temperatures plummet to as low as 2-6°C (36-42°F).    

Proceeding to Boston

By Air

Logan International Airport (BOS), situated in East Boston, is the chief gateway from where it takes approximately 15 minutes to get to downtown. Multiple transport options connect Boston airport with the city center:

·      MBTA Silver Line SL1 operates free bus service that directly connects you to the Boston South Station

·      MBTA Blue Line: The South Station connects you to multiple MBTA Blue Line subway routes, Greyhound bus depot, Commuter Rail, and other transportations

·      Water Shuttles ferry you to the city center via a picturesque waterway 

·      Ridesharing services and Taxicabs let you travel throughout Boston

By Train

MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak intercity trains available from three railway stations link you with the subway network and other local transport options.

Exploring Boston

You can explore several places of interest, hotspots, and parks in Boston simply on foot. However several efficient local transport services allow you to discover the city speedily and comfortably:-

·      MBTA Subway Network with color-coded routes is the most affordable and convenient means to see the city’s major sights.

·      Water Shuttle is the best option if you’re planning to visit Charlestown, Boston Harbor Island, and particular spots along the harbor

·      Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours: Hop-off and/or hop-on at your pace for visiting historic sights using vintage-styled trolleys

·      Bicycles: Get around Somerville, Brookline, Cambridge, and Boston by hiring a Blue Bikes’ (bike-sharing app) bicycle

Must-See Places of Interest

• Harvard University: Take your time discovering North America’s oldest university (founded in 1636) located in Cambridge
• Fenway Park constructed in 1912 is the oldest baseball stadium in the US
• Freedom Trail: Hike through this 4-km pathway snaking through 16 historical landmarks along the city center 
• Boston Common designed in 1634 is the oldest greenspace in the nation
• Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) housing one of the world’s largest fine art collections is located in Back Bay Fens’ parklands

Hidden Gems You Should Visit

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Shop, dine, and people-watch at this legendary meeting hall and marketplace
• Coit Observatory: Make the most of stargazing (free on Wednesdays round-the-year) at Coit Observatory in Boston University
• Copley Square: Unwind at Copley Square by stepping inside Boston Trinity Church, enjoying a theater, and lending an ear to musicians
• Museum of Science: Your kids will love to check out the various insightful displays in one of the country’s finest museums

Recommendations for Tourists Traveling to Boston

• Buy areplenishable Charlie Card (MBTA transit card) for saving on fares
• Tax-Exempted Shopping: Head to New Hampshire for embarking on a tax-free shopping spree
• Pack a pair of walking shoes for trudging on historic cobblestoned streets
• Do your bit for the environment by refraining from purchasing plastic mineral water bottles as tap water is very potable 

Local Fares You Must Sample

Your Boston trip is incomplete if you don’t try these local fares:-

·      Lobster Roll: A local favorite containing buttered lobster sandwiched between two toasted bread rolls

·      Clam Chowder: A classic soup made from milk cream, clams, onions, and potatoes and topped with oyster crackers

·      Boston Cream Pie: A signature dessert since 1856  

·      Fenway Frank: Boston’s native version of the vintage hot dog

Boston’s rich cultural diversity integrating perfectly with the city’s modernity has something to offer travelers with distinct tastes and preferences. The proficient public transportation systems coupled with the city’s compact layout makes it a preferred destination for tourists.