The Area
The Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro is located at the center of Boston's finest and most sought-out attractions. Within a ten minute walk lie the best that Boston has to offer, including the Boston Common and the Public Garden, the Theatre District and Back Bay, The Esplanade on the Charles River, Faneuil Hall and Government Center, Copley Square and the Hancock Building, the Financial District and the shops of Downtown Crossing, the State House, three convenient subway T stations as well as plenty of great shopping and fine dining on Charles and Newbury Streets. Not to mention Boston's premier jewel - Beacon Hill itself.
Below are some of the more popular attractions in the Boston area, many of which are within a short walk of the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro.
Click on the section header below to go directly to that section.
Things to See
Beacon Hill
Settled in early 19th century by the wealthiest and most prominent members of Boston society, Beacon Hill remains the most prestigious neighborhood in the city. One of Boston's (and America's) oldest communities, Beacon Hill maintains a direct link to a bygone era with cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and elegant townhouses.
Charles Street
One never tires of walking down picturesque, gas-lit Charles Street. In addition to a staggering array of fine antique shops, gourmet grocers, clothing and specialty boutiques (no chain stores in sight!), Charles Street also offers excellent and award-winning cuisine in its many restaurants and cafes.
Boston Common and Public Garden
The Public Garden features replicas of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings from "Make Way for Ducklings" (Mrs. Mallard is large enough for kids to sit on) and the Swan Boats, which take you for a leisurely "cruise" around the Lagoon. Across the street is the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country, where the Frog Pond offers a spray pool in the summer and skating in the winter.
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
Lots of food, shops and street performers, right next to Haymarket Square and Government Center. www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is the famous 2.5-mile red line in the sidewalk linking 18 historic sites from Revolution-Era Boston. It is a favorite of Boston visitors of all ages.
Charles River Esplanade
A beautiful 17-mile stretch of park land along the Charles River perfect for exercise and enjoying free summer concerts at the Hatch Shell.
Newbury Street
Boston's celebrated shopping street: a mix of chic expensive boutiques, funky shops and fine restaurants.
The North End
A very European neighborhood famous for its great Italian restaurants and weekend festivals.
Things to Do
The Duck, Trolley and Harbor Tours
Boston Harbor Cruises offers tours of the Boston Harbor, the USS Constitution and the Harbor Islands including George Island. The Boston Duck Tours offers land and water tours of the city aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle. The Old Town Trolly offers narrated tours of Boston and Cambridge.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Styled after a 15th century Venetian palace with over 2,500 works of art including work from Botticelli, Degas, Raphael, Titian, the first painting by Matisse to enter an American collection, and many works by John Singer Sargent and James McNeill Whistler, both friends of Isabella Stewart Gardner. It is the only private art collection in which the building and the collection are the creation of one individual. www.gardnermuseum.org
Museum of Fine Arts
A World-renowned collection of art, the Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum in New England featuring over 350,000 objects.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Even if you have only a passing interest in Modernism, a visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, is a must. An architectural wonder, the stunning building on the Boston Harbor waterfront is worth a visit in itself. Check out their calendar for special events and exhibits, but don’t miss the permanent collection.
Museum of Science
First established in 1830, the Museum of Science contains more than 400 participatory exhibits, from astronomy to zoology. It also houses a planetarium and Omni Theatre (reservations recommended, separate fee).
New England Aquarium
When the Aquarium opened in 1969, it was the first of the nation's modern aquariums. Located on the waterfront near Faneuil Hall in Downtown Boston, The New England Aquarium is undergoing a major expansion which will greatly increase the capacity and scope of the Aquarium on Boston's Central Wharf.
Symphony Hall
Renowned for its impressive acoustics as well as for its beauty, Symphony Hall is the home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra - the world's largest orchestral organization.
Theatre District
Located across the Public Garden from the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro, the Theatre District is a regional magnet. It is home to a myriad of performing arts companies and venues, amongst them The Boston Ballet, The Blue Man Group, The Colonial Theatre, The Wilbur Theatre, The Charles Playhouse, The Wang Theatre and The Shubert Theatre among others. For tickets, contact Ticketmaster or visit the Theatermania Listings Page for more details.
Resources
General
- The Boston Phoenix
- boston.com
- Boston-online
- Boston Citysearch
- Boston weather
- Beacon Hill Online
- Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park
Events
- Ticketmaster
- Boston Athletic Association (Official site of the Boston Marathon)
- Boston Tickets
- Metropolitan District Commission (includes Hatch Shell and Charles River Esplanade events schedule)