Boston, Massachusetts is probably most well known for Fenway park and even it's Samuel Adams Brewery. But many people visiting the area are not aware of the historical aspect of this city. Some visitors to the area may not be aware of the historical sites, or even that certain sites are historical landmarks. Some may be put off by it, thinking visiting historical sites would be boring, but that could not be further from the truth. From my experience many of the must-see sites in Boston are sites full of history which give you a chance to learn more about the town you are visiting and even about American history. Many people are not aware that Boston was America's busiest, wealthiest and most influential city up until the 1760's, as well as the busiest port in Massachusetts Bay Colony. See, your learning interesting things about the city already! But, why stop there, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite historical spots in Boston to give you a heads up on some of what I think are the best historical attractions in the city.
If you don't mind walking and have a few hours to spare, I recommend Freedom Trail. Walking along this trail you will encounter many historical landmarks and learn quite a bit about Boston. It's about a 2.5 mile walk and if you want to stop at every land mark, give yourself about three hours to walk the trail. The landmarks are all marked will visible signs to alert you when you are near one. This trail begins at Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument which is the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution. Admission to all of the sites along the trail are free except for the Paul Revere House, Old South Meeting House, and Old State House. Each site charges a small fee per person or group but you can get into all three for $11.00 per adult and $3.00 per child.
Interested in seeing the darker side of Boston? Take a trolley ride on the Ghosts and Gravestones tour. Your host, a 17th century gravedigger will take you down the streets of Boston, and tell you stories of souls he has encountered and events he has witnessed. This sight seeing tour will teach you about the history of Boston in a fun and scary way. This tour will take you to the resting places of some of the heroes of the American Revolution and people who were involved in the Salem Witch Trials. This tour last 1.5 hours and there is some walking involved. This Tour is $32.40 per adult and $20.70 per child. This tour is known to run on most dark and stormy nights, so dress according to the weather.
If you are up for a boat ride, hop on board the Boston Historic Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Only $19.95 per adult and 15.75 per child get you aboard the ship to view history from the water. On board this ship you will hear tales of Boston's revolutionary battles, see the oldest continuously manned lighthouse in the nation, and learn about Boston as a working industrial port. On this 90-minute narrated tour you will see many of Boston's historic landmarks and relax while doing it.
The Plymouth Plantation brings the history to you. This site has been re-created to look the way Plymouth did in the 17th century. The staff at the Plymouth Plantation are dressed in costumes and even speak the language of Shakespeare's England. At the Wampanoag Homesite learn about traditional skills and culture of the Wampanoag people, then head over to the Plymouth waterfront where you can walk aboard the Mayflower ll. There is even a craft center where you can watch artisans make clothing and furnishings. Admission here is $28.00 per adult and $18.00 per child, which I'd say is a small price to pay to be able to actually take a step from present day into the 17th century.
These sites should keep you plenty busy while visiting Boston and still leave time for you to visit Fenway Park which happens to be the historic home of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox. If you visit during baseball season you could stop in to see a game and find out what baseball fans have been going to Fenway to see since 1912. Nonetheless, after visiting even a few of these sites while in Boston you will most likely leave knowing more about the city and even have more respect for it than you had when you showed up. You may even find yourself returning time and time again to visit the great city of Boston, Massachusetts.