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Home > Shark Guides > Areas > Central Boston > Beacon Hill

videoBeacon Hill

As one of Boston’s trendiest and most desirable neighborhoods, Beacon Hill is a cozy and inviting community that attracts tourists to its numerous historical sites. Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood is a touristic haven for Boston history buffs, hungry foodies, and families alike. 

History

Beacon Hill was once owned by the first European settler of Boston, William Blaxton, and sold to the Puritans in the 17th century. The area was largely developed in the 1800’s. At this time, the South Slope comprised the most desirable real-estate, where wealthy, upstanding settlers built their houses. Facing the famous Boston Commons, the wide and attractively well-planned streets of the South Slope reflect the historical stake that Boston’s richest families had in developing the area. 

The sporadic planning of the North Slope’s back streets and allies reflects its history as one of Boston’s immigrant neighborhoods. Nicknamed “Mount Whoredom” in its heyday, the North Slope was originally home to recently emancipated blacks and prostitutes. In the early 1800’s, it was the area where Irish, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants built their first homes, and as populations increased, so did the rise unattractive tenement buildings.

Today, both the South and North Slopes are considered some the most expensive and desirable real-estate in Boston, its old brick sidewalks lined with Federal-style rowhouses.

Neighborhood Atmosphere

A stroll down the brick-lined sidewalks of tree-lined Charles Street is Beacon Hill in a nutshell, and will give you a taste of its characteristic old-world charm. It runs north to south from the MGM T-stop on Cambridge Street to the famous Cheers restaurant on Beacon Street. It’s lined with some of the neighborhood’s best restaurants and teaming with antique shops.

Major Sites

Boston Common is a hub of activity not only for Beacon Hill residents, but for all Bostonians and visitors of the historic city. Established in 1633, it is the oldest public park in America. Families will find seasonal activities for children, be it a summer swim in the famous frog pond or a winter afternoon of ice-skating. The Commons is the perfect place for a picnic, to soak up the spring sunshine or fall colors, and to break up a day of sightseeing on Beacon Hill. 

The Boston Public Garden offers another historical outdoor experience. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the country, it’s a romantic setting for swan boat rides and walks through the well groomed flower beds.

The Massachusetts State House, or “The New State House” is located at the top of Beacon Hill, facing the Boston Commons. Once home to John Hancock and designed by the leading architect of the day, Charles Bulfinch, the House is topped by Paul Revere’s original copper dome. Free tours are conducted by volunteers from 10 am to 3:30 pm and provide an engaging history of the House and the early days of Boston.

An old haunt of Emerson and Hawthorne, the Boston Athenaeum lures visiting bibliophiles to Beacon Hill. This private, member-only library established in 1807 is where some of the great American writers once brooded, and entry is still quite selective. Only members may enter the reading rooms, but visitors are welcome to explore the first floor, which houses the exhibition galleries from Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 8:00 pm. Appointments may be made to view rare materials, including portions of George Washington’s personal library.

Restaurants

If you find yourself on Beacon Street, a visit to the original “Cheers” is a must. The actual bar which inspired the TV series offers up low-key, family-friendly fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 

The award winning “Upper Crust” on Charles Street is a local favorite offering a variety of pastas and pizzas, whole or by the slice. They even offer a uniquely New England “White Clam Pizza.”

If you’re looking for something a little special, the award winning “Paramount” on Charles Street is not to be missed. Treat yourself to dinner and choose from a variety of outstanding dishes like seared ahi tuna or butternut squash ravioli.

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