Boston Guide » More About Boston: Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
- BACK BAY: This elegant neighborhood practically exudes class. Its notable attractions include Newbury Street (known for its elite shops) and Copley Square. The Boston Public Library and Trinity Church can also be found in the vicinity. When not shopping or sightseeing, visitors often sit on the patio of one of the many cafés and enjoy a pastry and cappuccino.
- BEACON HILL: One of Boston's most famous neighborhoods, this district features cobblestone streets, red-brick homes, and such renowned attractions as the State House and the Charles Street Meeting House. Singer Carly Simon is a current resident, carrying on the tradition from film director Alfred Hitchcock and writer Louisa May Alcott, who both lived in the neighborhood. Area homes, as mandated by the Beacon Hill Historic District, must maintain an historical appearance, so the enclave's charm is assured. It's also a wonderful place to take a stroll and envision how Boston might have lived and looked during colonial times.
- CAMBRIDGE: Cross the Charles River and land in what is affectionately referred to as Boston’s “Left Bank”. Cambridge offers visitors an exciting and unique multicultural setting. Known around the globe as home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this city, made up of 5 distinct squares (Central, Harvard, Inman, Kendall and Porter), is where a mix of 95,000 of the most culturally diverse residents live and work. Central Square is the seat of city government, while Harvard Square, centered next to the country's oldest university, is known for dining, shopping, book stores, and nightlife. Inman Square is bursting with energy and made up of a bounty of shopping finds and unique restaurants which offer bold meals. Just across the Longfellow Bridge from Boston's Beacon Hill, Kendall Square is where MIT and the State’s booming high tech and biotechnology industries call home. In the north, Porter Square boasts the region's largest concentration of Japanese eateries and shops. So if it’s diversity you want, just hop on the “T” and find out how much this modern 17th century community has to offer.
- CHARLESTOWN: This port's fame derives from its 1775 burning during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Shortly after the conflagration, the area underwent reconstruction, and the port began to flourish again. Today, the waterside district's most famous resident is the "USS Constitution" (also known as "Old Ironsides"). Docked at the Charlestown Naval Yard, the ship, which is the nation's oldest commissioned warship, attracts a large number of tourists annually. After catching the local sights, visitors often stop in at one of the many restaurants and pubs that line the neighborhood's narrow streets.
- FINANCIAL DISTRICT: At various times during the average workday, the Financial District looks like a massive track meet as bankers, lawyers and other business types run to and fro to catch important meetings. It has its peaceful moments, though, and it's not surprising to see suit-wearing men and women stopping for sandwiches (and breathers) in one of the peaceful parks. The streets are lined with an impressive mix of architecture, ranging from newly constructed skyscrapers to quaint two-level buildings dating from the 18th or 19th century.
- NORTH END: The oldest residential neighborhood in the city, the North End is a potpourri of friendly Red Sox banter, cobblestone streets and the enticing aromas of Old Country cookery. Indeed, the majority of the residents, restaurants and shops here are Italian. Also, many of the sites on the Freedom Trail are located in this area, including Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. It is recommended that visitors walk since the streets are very narrow and parking is virtually impossible ... And walking makes it easier to stop off for a snack at one of the fresh produce markets.
- SOUTH END: Beautiful Victorian homes, tantalizing restaurants and peaceful parks outline this unique and artistic area. Upon closer inspection, visitors will quickly notice that diversity (cultural, ethnic and religious) defines the neighborhood. A large portion of Boston's gay community also lives here as well as numerous writers, designers and musicians. A visit to the South End always proves to be a truly enlightening experience.
- THEATRE DISTRICT: The blocks extending south of the Common make up Boston's Theatre District, which complements its many venues with numerous fine restaurants, nightspots and hotels. Chinatown lies just east of Tremont, and to the west is fashionable Back Bay.
- AIRPORT - BOS
- BRIGHTON
- BROOKLINE
- CHINATOWN
- DORCHESTER
- DOWNTOWN
- EAST BOSTON
- FENWAY DISTRICT
- HARVARD SQUARE
- JAMAICA PLAIN
- KENMORE SQUARE
- LEATHER DISTRICT
- MATTAPAN
- NORTH METRO
- ROSLINDALE
- SEAPORT DISTRICT
- SOMERVILLE
- WATERFRONT
- WEST END
- WEST METRO
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