What to see in Boston
The East Coast of the United States is full of history, in particular the capital of the state of Massachusetts. Here at Civitatis we’ll give you all the top tips on what to see in Boston. Its combination of tradition and the avant-garde makes this city a great destination.
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and its past is closely linked to the country’s history. This historical city has witnessed many important events such as the Tea Mutiny of 1773 and the Revolution of the 13 Colonies in 1776.
So take a look at what we’ve come up with as the most outstanding monuments and sites not to miss in this fantastic city!
Harvard University
The British legacy on the East Coast of the United States has left its mark in the form of the many institutes of higher learning. Among them is Harvard University, the most prestigious in the world. Its campus is located in Cambridge, a town adjacent to Boston, from which it’s separated only by the Charles River.
A walk through the campus of Harvard University is like taking a journey through the past of the United States, as some of its buildings are full of history. One of the most interesting is Memorial Hall. It’s a Victorian-style building dedicated to the university’s students who fought in the American Civil War.
Other must-see places on campus include the statue of John Harvard, dedicated to the father of the institution, and the Memorial Church. There is no doubt that Harvard’s classrooms and lecture theatres are impressive but part of its charm comes from strolling around the campus.
You can learn about the history of the institution on this guided tour of Harvard.
MIT
In addition to Harvard, in Cambridge, but only 10 minutes from Boston, we find another of the most prestigious universities in the world. It’s MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The contributions of this institution to 20th-century science and technology are immense. Did you know that one of the very first personal computers was developed here?
Like Harvard, MIT also has many important monuments. One of the most important is the Great Dome building, whose dome has become a symbol. You can’t miss the Stata Center either, it’s interesting curved design by the prestigious architect Frank Gehry makes it a sight to see!
If you want to know more about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, you can’t miss this guided tour of MIT.
Quincy Market
Considered the heart of Boston, Quincy Market and its surroundings are an indispensable part of the capital of Massachusetts. It’s a United States National Historic Landmark due to its great heritage value. It’s the perfect place to combine shopping, dining and, of course, history.
Quincy Market offers a wide variety of food: from doughnuts to biscuits, cup cakes, pastries… As well as food, you can also buy typical Boston souvenirs. So it’s no surprise that it has become one of the favourite places for tourists visiting the city.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party, which took place on 16 December 1773, occurred when the cargo of tea from several British ships was thrown into the sea in the city’s harbour. This act of protest by the American colonists against Britain was an important milestone. In fact, it’s considered a precedent for the later American War of Independence, which took place between 1775 and 1791.
Beyond all these historical facts, the truth is that today it is still possible to learn about the legacy of this landmark in Boston. To do so, visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This is a popular floating museum where you can learn about how the riot took place in a fun and educational way.
Check out the following link to buy your ticket to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Beacon Hill
One of Boston’s most picturesque neighbourhoods is Beacon Hill. Located on a hillside, as the name suggests, the houses in this district are characterised by their distinctive Victorian brickwork. Strolling through this neighbourhood is like stepping into another city, as the atmosphere here is much quieter and calmer than in the rest of Boston.
In addition to its typical brick houses, on Beacon Hill you’ll also find other must-see places that should not be missing from your list of what to see in Boston. Whilst you’re here why not check out the one the historic Boston Common urban park.
And you can’t leave the city without seeing the façade of the Massachusetts State House.
Salem
Less than 40 minutes’ drive from Boston is Salem, the famous witch town. The legend dates back to 1692, when several women in this Massachusetts town were accused of practising witchcraft.
But where did these outlandish accusations come from? The truth is that many of the accusations were falsified and were the results of social and political factors. The legend spread throughout New England and is now a major tourist attraction. The Salem Witch Museum is one of the most visited museums in the area.
If you want to go to Salem from Boston, you can choose this ferry ticket to Salem.
