Boston, Massachusetts

There is so much of Boston that I don’t even know where to begin. Maybe I’ll start off with the tallest natural point in town – Bunker Hill. Atop this hill stands a monument that commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolution. Visitors can brave the steps to the top for free in this National Parks managed monument.

Another very green and open area of the city is the Boston Common. Boston Common is to Boston as what Central Park is to New York City. It provides the city with a green lung to ease urban density and pollution and even contains an ice skating ring in winter months. The Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument is also housed inside this 50-acre space. On the edges of the 18th century park, visitors can gawk at the golden dome on the Massachusetts state house and be inspired by the Boston Public Library.

To follow the roots of America’s establishment and the events that led up to the Revolutionary War, budding historians have to visit the Old State House to see where the colonial centre of power resided. Then make their way via the Old City Hall (which is now a restaurant) to see Park Street Church that anchored Boston’s religious activities in the early 19th century.

When you get hungry, head over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market, and South Market for delicious and fresh local food. Don’t miss Ghirardelli’s experience store where chefs craft desserts made with Ghirardelli’s own products. A little farther north lies Boston’s vibrant North End. Once a derelict and run-down area full of poverty-stricken immigrants, Jane Jacobs wrote of how they used independent systems of finance to refurbish the entire neighbourhood into a commercial area to escape the fate of the wrecking ball.

For those who fancy the city’s naval history, both the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young are permanently moored by the Boston National Historical Park as museum ships. Floating opposite each other, the first-generation destroyer shows how far we have come from wind-powered warships. This area offers clear views of the Boston skyline so be sure to book a table for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.