Boston, one of the largest cities in New England and located on the beautiful North American coast, is very popular with locals, tourists and even students – not surprising at all. Even if it’s not time for you to pack your bags yet, here are ten great reasons to plan a trip to this enchanting city.
1. It is rich in American history
Walking the Freedom Walk is the best way to get to know Boston. Follow the red-marked tiles around the city, stopping at 16 historic sites that represent different highlights in Boston’s history and the early history of the United States. From Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, you will pass the site of the Boston Massacre, board the USS Constitution and learn all about the American Revolution – in just 4km.
2. It is simply gorgeous
Everywhere you look, harmonious historic architecture mixes with 21st century buildings. On the same day you can cross cobbled streets and tree-lined avenues and explore the thriving and modern harbor. Boston’s most important monument, the Old State House, is the oldest remaining public building in the city and from its balcony, the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776. Its flawless red brick Georgian design is worth more than just a post on your Instagram feed.
3. It is a very popular destination for education
A major city in the largest English-speaking country, Boston is a fantastic place to learn English . The whole city is “thirsty for knowledge”. Central Boston is home to more than 250,000 students and on the other bank of the Charles River, Cambridge is Harvard University – the oldest institution of higher education in North America and one of the best universities in the world.
4. You can experience the daily routine in a big metropolis …
Boston is a busy metropolitan city, home to more than 4.7 million people. The streets are full of life and there are endless and varied neighborhoods full of charm to explore on weekends. From music festivals to street food, from exhibitions to sports games (go Red Sox!), There is always something going on.
5.… and at the same time experience the atmosphere of a small town
But Bostonians also enjoy the intimacy of a small town. In no way like New York, its busy East Coast neighbor, laid-back Boston has earned the name “America’s walking city” as more than 15% of people walk to work – a true record in the United States. Why take the metro when you can walk through green avenues?
6. Home to iconic wildlife
Located on the northeastern coast of the United States, Boston is fortunate to offer breathtaking ocean views and boasts the extraordinary opportunity to see whales. Humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales feed by the hundreds in the cool New England waters during the summer, often just a few miles from the coast. Between May and October, catamaran trips for whale watching are virtually guaranteed, allowing you to see these noble animals up close.
7. Seafood is delicious
Just as whales are attracted to super productive underwater ecosystems, so are fishermen. For a long time, Boston has been known as the place to dine like a king if you can tell a crab from a shrimp. However, you don’t need to go to fancy restaurants to sample Boston’s best seafood. Two words: lobster rolls. These amazing world-famous sandwiches filled with lobsters caught just a few miles away are so good they are enough to get anyone to move to Boston. Check out our guide to typical Boston meals here .
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8. Oh, and so are the drinks!
When it comes to Boston, one cannot fail to mention tea. (And not just because I’m English). The Boston Tea Party event – where pro-independence Bostonians turned against the tea tax and threw a load of tea in the harbor – is best known as one of the triggers for the American War for Independence. But some coffee aficionados also claim that from the moment American patriots swore never to drink tea again, the American love affair with coffee began. Let’s dive headlong into coffee culture and head downtown for some of Boston’s most hipster cafes.
9. The celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day
Boston has a strong Irish influence, with more than 20% of the population coming from the Emerald Isle. Thousands of Irish settled in Boston in the 19th century, helping to make the city what it is today. Everywhere you look, the proud Irish heritage is clear, with lively pubs on every corner of the city hosting live music nights, making it a great place to celebrate St Patizio! This aspect can even be found in the name of the basketball team: the Boston Celtics.
10. It is very well connected
Boasting a very well served international airport, the rest of the United States (and even more distant places) can be easily reached; you can spend a weekend in Reykjavik, get some sun in Miami or reach New York in less than 4 hours by train. For epic road trips, Montreal is less than 5 hours away by car and the whole of New England is famous for its stunning natural scenery and landscapes.
