Whether you are visiting Boston for business or leisure, there are many great things to see and do. The city is the financial and cultural center of New England. You’ll find a wealth of museums, historical sites, and other attractions here. The next time you fly into Boston with Cathay Pacific, make sure to consider the following.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Located on the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of Boston’s most popular tourist attractions. It is the location of many historical events and offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. The market is part of Boston’s rich history and plays a vital role in the lives of Bostonians for over 250 years.
The building was originally a warehouse for vendors selling goods, but it soon became a gathering place for colonial protests. It is said that it was the site of many pre-revolutionary speeches, including those of Samuel Adams. He spoke to the colonists about the ideals of freedom, leading to the fight for independence.
Today, Faneuil Hall continues to be the ceremonial location for rallies and speeches. In 1976, James Rouse restored the building. The renovation was the first major urban renewal project in Boston. He added more than a dozen shops, restaurants and taverns, as well as a street performance area.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts. The building is located near the New England Aquarium and the Boston Public Garden.
Museum of Fine Arts
Located in Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts is a world-class museum that houses a vast collection of art. It features a permanent collection of over 450,000 works, which are spread over five wings, including the Art of the Americas Wing.
The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the oldest art museums in the United States. It also serves as one of the country’s largest art museums.
The Museum of Fine Arts is located in Copley Square, near the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Boston Museum of Science. It is a popular destination, with more than one million visitors annually. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. It is easily accessible by several bus routes and the MBTA’s T subway system.
The Museum of Fine Arts has special exhibits on loan from around the world. These temporary exhibits include works by Picasso, J.M.W. Turner and other artists. In addition, the MFA hosts special concerts throughout the year.
The MFA offers a special admission on Wednesdays, after 3 p.m., and students can see screenings for $5. The Museum of Fine Arts is closed on Thanksgiving and Independence Day.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1936 as the Boston Museum of Modern Art, the Institute of Contemporary Art has a long history of bringing contemporary art to Boston. It now resides in an imposing waterfront building in the Seaport District.
Originally located on Boylston Street in Back Bay, the Institute of Contemporary Art moved to South Boston in 2006. It is now housed in a modern steel and glass building designed by architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It is also the first new art museum to be built in Boston in more than a century.
The ICA is a major Boston landmark. It is a great place to see contemporary art.
The ICA hosts various shows, ranging from lectures and film presentations to themed exhibitions. The ICA also has a great gift shop and summer outdoor cafe-bar.
There are also free guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays. These tours are well worth planning a trip around.
The ICA has been called the best museum in Boston. The building is an architectural marvel. It features a glass structure that cantilevers over a waterside plaza. It also features a glass-enclosed gallery space that enables a multimedia presentation.
Charles River Esplanade
Located in Back Bay, the Charles River Esplanade is a scenic park with river views. A 64-acre park, it offers a great deal of attractions for the whole family. It has plenty of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. The best time to visit is during the warmer months of the year.
The park is a great place to catch a concert or watch the Fourth of July fireworks. Concerts and performances are held at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell. The Hatch Shell is also a great place to see the famous Boston Pops July 4th concert.
The Esplanade is also the site of the Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest two-day rowing event in the world. It draws tens of thousands of spectators.
The Esplanade is also a great place to catch a free concert. The state of the art sound system and speakers make it easy to hear and enjoy the music. Several events are held throughout the year, including the GroundBeat Music Series.
The Esplanade is also one of Boston’s most popular destinations for runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. There are several footbridges that allow for easy access to the park.
Old Ironsides
During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution earned the nickname “Old Ironsides”. The three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate was built in Boston and launched on September 20, 1797. This ship was a major part of the young American effort to build a Navy.
After the War of 1812, the ship participated in skirmishes along the Barbary Coast in the early 19th century. She was also used as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy. In 1878, it carried artwork from the United States to the Paris Exposition.
The ship is currently docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. It is the last surviving survivor of six ships built in accordance with the Naval Armament Act of 1794.
The ship is also considered to be the world’s oldest commissioned warship. It is still in commission and was awarded the title of “America’s Ship of State”. This designation means that members of Congress and the President can invite visiting heads of state to the ship.
The vessel is berthed at Pier One in the Charlestown Navy Yard. It is free to visit, but there are wait times. The wait times are longer during the summer months and on holidays.
JFK Presidential Library & Museum
Designed by IM Pei, the JFK Presidential Library & Museum is a fitting tribute to the life and times of America’s 35th president. Visitors can tour 25 exhibits that tell the story of Kennedy’s life and presidency. These displays include artifacts, historical documents, memorabilia, and audio and video recordings.
The first floor of the JFK Library and Museum features a museum filled with historical artifacts. The presidential library and museum also uses video to re-create history for visitors. This helps engage visitors of all ages. Visitors can watch recordings of Kennedy’s speeches.
There are 25 multimedia exhibits at the JFK Museum and Library. Each exhibit focuses on a different aspect of Kennedy’s life. Visitors can see the presidential campaign in 1960, a documentary on the Cuban Missile Crisis, an exhibit on Kennedy’s assassination, and much more.
The museum also features a replica of the President’s desk in the Oval office. The library is also home to the archives of Ernest Hemingway. His widow donated his papers to the library in the early 1970s.
Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights and Sights Tour
During the holiday season, Old Town Trolley presents a holiday lights tour that will have you wowed. Their Holiday Lights and Sights Tour is an innovative and fun way to see Savannah in the lighted season. The tour features a special display of glittering lights and other holiday gizmos that aren’t available during other times of year.
The tour will feature special holiday lights glasses, a magical viewing glass that turns the lights into a glittering spectacle, a toy workshop, and a stop at the Massie Heritage Center. The Massie Center is home to Santa and an impressive toy display.
The tour is a two-hour affair, departing at 6:30 and 8:30 pm. It features a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village. A festive atmosphere, free hot apple cider and cookies, and a fun n’ festive ride are just a few of the benefits of the trolley’s tour.
The Holiday Lights and Sights Tour is a new holiday season tradition from the folks at Old Town Trolley. It is a family-friendly tour that is sure to delight the entire family.