Taking a trip to historical Boston, Massachusetts is a travel experience for Americans, along with international tourists. As the biggest cosmopolitan city in New England, Boston is a hub for history buffs and sports fanatics, as well as those who like to shop, dine at fine restaurants, and explore what the city has to offer.

With more than 18 million tourists traveling to Boston each year, the city has made a name for itself as one of the top travel destinations in the United States. Divided into distinct neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill, the South End, Back Bay, and Downtown, contemporary activities are intertwined throughout the historical city.

Visiting Boston often begins at the famous Boston Common, a historical park in the heart of the city. Boston Common, also referred to as the Commons, is the oldest park in the United States. First opened in 1634, the park is a 50 acre nature retreat amidst the bustling streets and skyscrapers. The park has served as a public space for hundreds of years, paving the way for historical events throughout the years.

The Commons once housed camps of soldiers in 1775, followed by scenes of public hangings in the 1800s. In more recent times, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech there. A walk through Boston Common allows visitors to step back in history while admiring the beautiful green space. The Commons now is a place where visitors and Bostonians can enjoy festivals and the natural outdoors.

The history of the city can be seen in its famous marketplace, Faneuil Hall. Created in 1742, Faneuil Hall was considered to be a meeting place, where people could come and share ideas and news.

The original Faneuil Hall also had a portion designated as a marketplace. The use of Faneuil Hall has changed over the course of time, now making it one of the most popular marketplaces for people to visit.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a shopping and dining spot where visitors can browse through nationally known apparel stores. Visitors can also choose from dozens of food vendors, as well as 14 different restaurants and bars. Visiting Faneuil Hall brings the pleasures of contemporary shopping into a historic space, where people can view the old architecture of the building while admiring the history behind it.

Traces of Boston’s history can be seen all throughout the city’s architecture. A walk through the South End neighborhood of Boston can be an easy way for visitors to understand and appreciate the history in its houses. The streets of this quieter neighborhood are lined with brownstones; a Victorian style of housing which dates back to the 19^th century.

Walking through the neighborhood is a great way for visitors to get away from more famous tourist traps for the opportunity to experience Boston the way Bostonians do.

The South End is a neighborhood full of unique shops and hip restaurants. Tremont 647 offers an array of delicious food for anyone with a hungry appetite.

For those who want to catch live music, The Beehive is a spot where people can grab a drink at the bar or have dinner while listening to new music. With a minimal amount of venues offering live music in Boston proper, The Beehive makes sure it offers a live band every day of the week, often having numerous bands throughout the weekend. Spending time in Boston’s South End shows how a neighborhood rich with history can mix contemporary restaurants and bars.

For visitors with a sweet tooth, a stop at the legendary Oak Room in the Fairmont Copley Plaza is a must. The Oak Room, opened in 1912, is rich with history in every inch of its regal wood paneling and ornate drapery. Ordering a slice of the city’s famous Boston Cream Pie at the Oak Room is a way to taste history in the luxurious dining room. Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, the Oak Room is just a short distance from the South End.

Visiting the sights, sounds, and tastes of Boston give visitors the chance to take in the contemporary, cosmopolitan experience of New England’s popular city, while also stepping back in its history rich culture that remains the backbone of the city.

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About the author

Sarah Dayan
I'm a Brooklyn native with a strong love for New York City, traveling, photography, writing, and music. I have my Bachelors degree in psychology and communication, and my Masters degree in school counseling. Through my writing, I want to share all my fun experiences in New York City.