Boston offers a dynamic combination of historic, cultural and entertainment options. Birthplace of America’s early struggle for liberty, history is everywhere and can be explored along the famous Freedom Trail. Culture of all kinds abounds, with museums, theater, music and exhibitions.

The city is also a center of academic excellence, home to Harvard University, MIT and many other seats of learning. With the completion of the Big Dig, the city’s major transportation and infrastructure project, Boston can now be explored with ease.

Boston highlights include:

Old North Church/Paul Revere's statue

On 18 April 1775, the sexton of the Old North Church displayed two lanterns from the tower of the Old North Church, the signal that warned Paul Revere of British troop movements and prompted his famous “midnight ride” which marked the start of the American War for Independence. Built in 1723, the Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston. A statue of Paul Revere stands nearby.

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Faneuil Hall, in the heart of Boston, served as an open forum meeting hall and marketplace for over 250 years. The hall was built by wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil in 1742 and given to the town as a gift. It was here that John Hancock and other Bostonians held the first “tea meetings” and declared the doctrine of “no taxation without representation”. Adjacent to this historic building is Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market, where visitors can shop and eat in a festival atmosphere, entertained by world-class street performers. In addition to fine shops, the Bull Market houses a fleet of pushcarts featuring wares from New England artisans. The food hall offers a wide range of different eateries.

U.S.S. Constitution in Boston Harbor

The U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the world still afloat. The ship was nicknamed “Old Ironsides” during the war of 1812, when she fought and sank the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The Guerriere’s cannonballs simply “bounced off” her sides as if they were made of iron. In fact, her “iron sides” are a three layer wood sandwich of oak and pine.

Newbury Street

Newbury Street is Boston’s premiere hotspot, an exciting cosmopolitan mix of upscale shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and trendy fashion outlets. Spanning eight blocks, Newbury Street ranges from elegant boutiques at one end to vintage fashion and funky second-hand stores at the other.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a 19th century downtown Boston residential neighborhood situated directly north of the Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden. It has a friendly village atmosphere and is known for its perpetually-burning gas lights, brick sidewalks, decorative ironwork, window boxes and hidden gardens. The neighborhood’s main street, Charles Street, has many antique shops and several good restaurants.

For more Boston highlights, visit the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center online.