Walk This Way: Beat the Street in Boston
Whilst many people may associate Boston with the American sitcom 'Cheers', the Boston Red Sox or the Boston Tea Party, the Massachusetts capital has actually come to be known as 'The Walking City', because its small, safe and friendly neighbourhoods are ideal for, well, walking. Indeed, Boston is widely recognised as being one of the most walker-friendly cities in the whole country.
Given that Boston is built on a peninsula, the city is surrounded by water - but the streets and architecture contained within the city boundaries are historic and very well preserved, many of which were built back in the 18th century. Today, Boston is as accessible as ever and there are several routes visitors should consider if ever in town.
Firstly, there is what is known as the Freedom Trail, which is a walking route that passes by 16 historical sites covering well over two centuries of American history. Taking roughly two hours to complete, the walk includes the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and the restored Quincy Market.
Then, there is the Charles River Esplanade which is an eight mile stretch running along the Charles River, with countless runners, walkers, skaters and bikers taking advantage of the fantastic riverside route. Starting at the Museum of Science (well worth a visit too, incidentally...), it's simply a case of meandering along and taking in the scenic cityscape and idyllic, tranquil settings en-route to the finish.
To properly get to grips with the quaint streets of Boston head to the North End, which is the city's oldest neighbourhood and contains a neat little web of narrow streets intertwined with markets and a smattering of Italian restaurants and cafes.
For wide opens spaces, Boston Common should be the first port of call with 50 acres of open land that was once used for grazing cattle. Whilst it's a beautiful, sedate park today, the common has a lot of history to it and has been a site for duels, hangings, celebrations and speeches - not all at the same time, of course.
With aquariums, public gardens and a whole lot of other activities to wander to and from in the Massachusetts capital, it's little wonder that hotels in Boston [http://www.hotels.com/city-hotels_boston_1401516.html] are always in such great demand.
Furthermore, a mere four hours drive from New York, Boston is perfect for those wishing to take in more than one major city on their trip stateside and, with a population of a little over half a million, Boston offers the perfect antithesis of the behemoth that is the Big Apple.
Given that Boston is built on a peninsula, the city is surrounded by water - but the streets and architecture contained within the city boundaries are historic and very well preserved, many of which were built back in the 18th century. Today, Boston is as accessible as ever and there are several routes visitors should consider if ever in town.
Firstly, there is what is known as the Freedom Trail, which is a walking route that passes by 16 historical sites covering well over two centuries of American history. Taking roughly two hours to complete, the walk includes the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and the restored Quincy Market.
Then, there is the Charles River Esplanade which is an eight mile stretch running along the Charles River, with countless runners, walkers, skaters and bikers taking advantage of the fantastic riverside route. Starting at the Museum of Science (well worth a visit too, incidentally...), it's simply a case of meandering along and taking in the scenic cityscape and idyllic, tranquil settings en-route to the finish.
To properly get to grips with the quaint streets of Boston head to the North End, which is the city's oldest neighbourhood and contains a neat little web of narrow streets intertwined with markets and a smattering of Italian restaurants and cafes.
For wide opens spaces, Boston Common should be the first port of call with 50 acres of open land that was once used for grazing cattle. Whilst it's a beautiful, sedate park today, the common has a lot of history to it and has been a site for duels, hangings, celebrations and speeches - not all at the same time, of course.
With aquariums, public gardens and a whole lot of other activities to wander to and from in the Massachusetts capital, it's little wonder that hotels in Boston [http://www.hotels.com/city-hotels_boston_1401516.html] are always in such great demand.
Furthermore, a mere four hours drive from New York, Boston is perfect for those wishing to take in more than one major city on their trip stateside and, with a population of a little over half a million, Boston offers the perfect antithesis of the behemoth that is the Big Apple.
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