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The City

Boston has a tradition unlike any other city in America. It was here in 1773, when America was still a colony of the British Empire and residents, angered over a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III, launched a bold nighttime protest in which they dumped 342 chests of English tea into the Boston Harbor. The “Boston Tea Party,” as the raid was called, was the first major event that would lead to the American Revolution.

While proud of its history, Boston has adjusted well to modernity. In 2004, Boston finally completed its decades long “Big Dig” project. The stunning Leonard P. Zakim Bridge, with a width of 180 feet, is the widest cable-stayed bridge in the world and the crowning achievement in the single most expensive feat of civil engineering in human history. The completion of the project has made a city already laced with stunning parks and colonial era architecture even more beautiful.

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Do & See

Despite its traditions and its idyllic façade, Boston has more than its fair share of excitement. With more than 20 universities, including world-famous Harvard University, and over 100,000 students, Boston is the quintessential college town. From its outstanding live music venues to the fascinating museum and lively parks, Boston pulses with the energy of youth.

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Dining

As long as there are fish in the sea, Boston will be a seafood town. New England clam chowder is Boston’s most famous delicacy and is a must try. While the traditional sea fare is as popular as ever, interesting new restaurants of all varieties are popping up every day across the city.

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Diners & Cafes

Coffee was introduced to North America in 1668, and drinking coffee soon became a popular social activity. Boston was, however, dominated by the tea trade, and it took about a hundred years before coffee took over the scene. Coffee houses formed all over the city, and the United States is now the leading consumer of coffee in the world, with Americans drinking an average of 400 million cups of coffee per day.

Diners are an important part of Boston's culture. These casual, family-friendly restaurants are known for their comfort food, like pancakes, waffles, sandwiches and burgers, as well as their friendly and efficient service. Many diners in Boston have been around for decades and have become institutions in the city, with a loyal clientele. They serve as a meeting place for locals and a spot for a casual and affordable meal. They are scattered around the city, and you can find one easily, especially in the downtown area, and they are often open 24 hours a day.

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Bars & Nightlife

Boston is a diehard sports town, and that infatuation is reflected in its bar scene. However, the trendy lounges and dive bars of Back Bay offer an alternative to the sports bar scene. Home to rock legends such as Aerosmith, the Pixies and, well, Boston — the city is a live music town with several outstanding venues. Electronic music aficionados should head to Lansdowne Street, where the young and scantily clad come to dance the night away.

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Shopping

Finding great shopping in Boston is rather simple — just follow the crowds. While straying off the beaten path can occasionally uncover a hidden gem, the majority of worthwhile shopping is found in the following popular areas.

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Tourist Information