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Central Boston

A visit through Central Boston will take you through the heart of the city, allowing you to sample several of the city’s staple attractions. Just hop on the “T” for a quick jaunt through Downtown Boston, or go for a walk along the waterfront for a nice view. From Paul Revere’s House to Harvard University, Central Boston has you covered.

Attractions

There’s lots of ground to cover in Central Boston. If you’re in the historic neighborhood of North End, check out Little Italy, a mecca of Italian food and culture. Just about every street corner has an Italian restaurant or two… or three. Don’t miss famous hotspots like Paul Revere’s house, or the Old North Church either. Officially known as the Christ Church, it was made famous when church sexton Robert Newman hung two lights from the steeple in 1775 to signal a sea invasion by the British, sparking the American Revolution.

In Downtown Boston step back in time by following the Freedom Trail starting at the Boston Common, one of the oldest U.S. parks to date. The trail will take you across many of Boston’s historic landmarks.

Step over to Beacon Hill, a quaint neighborhood filled with Federal-style row houses and quaint, narrow streets. The African Meeting House on Joy Street was the scene of many prominent black leaders, such as Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth.

If you’re looking to spice things up, slip into Chinatown for a taste of Asian history and culture amid the New England vibe. Almost 70 percent of Chinatown’s residents are Asian. Be sure to snap a picture by the paifang, a traditional Chinese piece of architecture located on the Beach Street entrance.

What to Eat

One of the oldest bakeries in Boston is tucked away in the North End neighborhood. Since 1932, Bova’s Bakery, a family owned and operated establishment, has always had something warm and tasty like fresh “Spuckie” or spucadella rolls ready to eat. Of course, while you’re there, check out any one of the many Italian restaurants in the area, like Taranta Cucina Meridionelle, a unique mix of Peruvian and Southern Italian cuisine.

If you’re on the go and looking for a quick bite, Downtown Boston’s Quincy Market features New England clam chowder and other city staples, as well as generic fast food like pizza. Bonus? Walk while you eat and take in some of the nearby historic places!

Hotels

Downtown Boston features some of the most elite hotels the city has to offer, including the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, where several former U.S. presidents have previously stayed.

For more affordable accommodations, check into the Doubletree Hotel, which features Feng-shui inspired designs in tribute to neighboring Chinatown. Just blocks from the Boston Common and the Public Garden, the Doubletree Hotel is a great location for a reasonable price.

The Charles Street Inn in Beacon Hill offers a quaint bed & breakfast experience, and is just minutes away from the Nichols House Museum, Boston Public Garden, and Gibson House Museum.

Want a room with a view? The Fairmont Battery Wharf in the North End neighborhood is the only luxury hotel located right on the waterfront. Situated right next to Little Italy, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and TD Garden, the Fairmont Battery Wharf also offers mind/body spa options, combining convenience and comfort for your stay.

Getting Around

To get a true Bostonian experience, go for a walk in “America’s Walking City.” Better yet, hop on the “T,” and find the city at your fingertips with the city’s public transit system. Driving a car around Central Boston can get complicated with pricey parking and hard to find open spaces.

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Central Boston