Boston’s past is one of upheaval and change, and the city is still one of the nation’s most progressive and ground-breaking cities today.
Since Boston’s cultural centre was nicknamed the Athens of America in the 19th century, the arts have flourished there. The intellectual elite did enjoy their beautiful paintings and classical music, but they also cared deeply about distributing the cultural wealth, building museums, libraries, and symphony orchestras for the benefit of everybody. Today, Boston’s fortunate citizens (and visitors) profit from their generosity. The cultural landscape of Boston has greatly grown to include thriving contemporary art, music, and theatre communities, and these venerable institutions play a crucial role in that landscape.
“Fanatic” isn’t just a buzzword here. Sports are very important to Boston supporters. There is much to be passionate about, including the five-time world champion Patriots, the long-overdue World Series champion Red Sox, the Celtics, the winningest basketball team in history, and the Bruins, a highly successful and storied hockey team. Strong allegiances and intense rivalries are also fostered through Boston’s collegiate teams. The world-famous Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious running event in the nation, and the Head of the Charles Regatta, the biggest two-day rowing competition in the world, are both equally spirited.
A piece of advice: consume as much sea food as you can while in Boston. The “sacred cod,” freshly steamed lobster, oysters on the half-shell, and rich, creamy chowder are some of the regional favourites. Seafood can be found all around the city, but the Seaport District, which is known for its abundance of fish, is where you should eat it because there are stunning harbour vistas to go with it. Your first priority is the marine life, but don’t pass up the chance to indulge in delicious pasta in the North End and unique Asian cuisine in Chinatown. Contemporary food that is distinctively Boston is served at hip fusion restaurants, which draw on all of these diverse influences.
Boston is, technically speaking, the oldest American city. And it has so many historic sites that you can hardly take a step across its cobblestone streets without coming across one. The country’s oldest public park and a Revolutionary War combat site are both connected by the Freedom Trail, which circles the city centre and connects 16 historically significant locations. These are the actual locations where historical events took place, particularly those that led to the American struggle for independence from Britain. Other locations honour the city’s contributions to culture, the abolitionist struggle, and other things. Boston is essentially a world-class outdoor history museum.