Downtown, Boston guide

The Freedom Trail is a four-kilometre red-brick path connecting Boston’s most famous landmarks, many of which are in the heart of the city. These include the 1741 marketplace Faneuil Hall and the Old State House, the seat of colonial and state government during the 18th century. You can walk the route independently, but a guided tour will give you a deeper insight into the city’s rich heritage.

Any pilgrimage to Faneuil Hall Marketplace should include a stop at the legendary Quincy Market. This is the oldest food hall in the US, located inside an impressive 19th-century Greek Revival–style building. Look for New England staples like clam chowder, lobster rolls and raw oysters. Or soak up the lively atmosphere from outside, where you’ll find street performers, patio bars and outdoor dining.

You can’t miss Downtown Boston’s historic waterfront, where the city skyline merges with sailboats. Stroll the Boston Harborwalk to admire picturesque wharves, old schooners and some of the city’s top seafood restaurants. Don’t miss the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Step aboard replicas of 18th-century vessels for interactive exhibits about the fateful Boston Tea Party, which took place in 1773.

Break up the sightseeing with a visit to the New England Aquarium. Gaze at tropical fish, turtles, eels and rays swimming through the four-storey Giant Ocean Tank. You can also learn about local species like Atlantic harbour seals. Kids get a kick out of the Boston Children’s Museum, just across the water in South Boston. Take part in bubble-blowing, fort-building and art-making in this interactive space.

Several landmarks on the Freedom Trail deserve your attention, including the Old State House and Old South Meeting House. These 18th-century buildings have two of the best museums in Downtown Boston. You’ll find Revolutionary War weapons, artefacts from the Boston Tea Party and a model of colonial Boston among the collection. For an immersive art experience, head to WNDR, known for its light and sound installations.

The best restaurants in Downtown Boston serve everything from Creole cuisine to Chinese dim sum and wood-fired pizza. For New England seafood in a historic setting, visit Union Oyster House, the city’s oldest restaurant. Head to James Hook & Co. for some of the best lobster rolls in town. Boston Public Market is a hotspot for farm-to-table goodies, including sourdough bagels, local ice cream and craft beer.

Step straight off the Freedom Trail and into The Last Hurrah, an iconic whiskey bar inside the historic Omni Parker House. Or go for a proper pint of Guinness at one of the neighbourhood’s many Irish bars. For something more upscale, Downtown Boston’s craft cocktail joints, intimate speakeasies and swanky hotel bars hit the mark.

Faneuil Hall is the place for shopping. You’ll find everything from jewellery and books to arts and crafts and unique souvenirs among the stalls and shops here. For foodie gifts, stroll around Boston Public Market to sample local cheeses, fresh doughnuts and artisan coffee. Next door is the open-air Haymarket, a local favourite for fresh produce, vegetables and seafood.

On the Fourth of July, Boston Harborfest fills Downtown with historical reenactments, marching bands and more. New Year’s Eve brings live music at City Hall and fireworks displays over the harbour. If you’re visiting around Chinese New Year, it’s worth heading to neighbouring Chinatown for the annual parade. Expect a colourful procession of paper lanterns, dragon puppets and traditional dances.