A to Z Guide to Boston for Tourists

Your guide to Boston -- A to Z.
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Aquarium
Outside the New England Aquarium, watch the sea lions play for free, and next door find a Simons IMAX Theatre for some of the best nature documentaries available


Back Bay
This upscale Boston neighborhood is famous for its rows of Victorian brownstone homes, as well as restaurants and shopping nearby on Newbury and Boylston Streets.

Castle Island
Located in South Boston this 22-acre site has been home to a fortification since 1634 and has some of the best views of the city.


Duck Tour
By land or by sea -- these amphibious bus tours take riders all over Boston and the Charles River every single day. Quack quack.

Esplanade
The "Esplanade" is a state-owned park situated on the banks of the Charles River. Jogging, bike riding, boat rentals and more are available here.


Fenway Park
The oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, this iconic Boston landmark has been hosting games since 1912. Fenway is a must-visit venue for any sports fan.

Good Will Hunting
"How do like them apples?" This Academy Award-winning movie was set and (somewhat) filmed in Boston.

Harpoon Brewery
Take a tour of the brewery and sample the suds, but don't miss out on the beer and delicious pretzels in the great hall afterwards. For even more fun, time your trip for the twice-yearly Harpoonfest.


ICA
The Institute of Contemporary Art is a museum and exhibition space along the Boston waterfront. It currently has free admission on Thursday evenings from 5-9 p.m.

JP Licks
J.P. Licks is Boston's best place for homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt and fresh-roasted coffee.

Kendall Square
Restaurants, lab space, tech start ups, residences, parks and theaters all converge in this beautiful Cambridge neighborhood.

Landsdowne Street
Located in the shadow of the Green Monster, Landsdowne Street offers nightlife and dining options for both Red Sox spectators and the general public.


Marathon Monday
Thousands of spectators cheer on the amazing runners for 26.2 miles through small Massachusetts towns into the city's center on Patriot's Day.


North End
Settled in the 1630's this primarily Italian neighborhood boasts some of the most sought after restaurants in the city, as well as the best dessert shops.

Omni Parker House
The Omni Parker House is America's longest continuously operating luxury hotel and is located along the historic Freedom Trail adjacent to Beacon Hill.

Paul Revere
Visit Boston my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.You can also tour his house. You can also tour the Old North Church where he hung the famed lanterns.

Quincy Market
This building offers food and shopping in the heart of Faneuil Hall -- don't miss the street performers and statue of Red Auerbach (Celtics legend) right outside.


Rose Kennedy Greenway
One of the best parts about the Big Dig disaster (kids, Google this) is the Rose Kennedy Greenway -- a linear sprawling grassy area that stretches around the North End and financial district and includes public seating, fountains, and more.

SOWA
The largest open-air market in New England takes place in the South End and has all types of specialty foods, clothing and other items for sale.


T
The "T" is the subway portion of the MBTA system that brings travelers all around the metro Boston area. Use the subway and its various colored lines to get around during your visit.

Union Oyster House
Since 1826 this restaurant has been serving delicious seafood and other fare to hungry Bostonians -- located just outside the North End and Faneuil Hall.

Victory Gardens
The Victory Gardens are the oldest continuously operating Word War II Victory Gardens in the United States, spanning 7.5 acres with over 500 gardens.

Whitey Bulger
South Boston mafia king and recent convict. A new Bulger biopic starring Johnny Depp entitled Black Mass is currently filming all over the city.

X-ray
This one is technically cheating -- but "X-ray" represents all of the top hospitals in Boston including Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Children's Hospital. Ill patients come from all around the world to be seen and treated in Boston.

Yawkey Way
Busy street just inside the Fenway Park gates with gift shops, sausage carts, and thousands of excited fans.


Zakim Bridge
A massive, cable-stayed bridge connecting Boston, Charlestown, and Interstate 93. Colored lights showcase the gorgeous architecture nightly.

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