The Saturday City: Boston

One of the most amazing things about Boston is its European feel. A small city lacking few high rises and still filled with old brick buildings, the city feels like more of a large town than a modern metropolis. Its neighborhoods are easily separated yet at the same time flow seamlessly into each other. The city is small and easily walkable, its neighborhoods not far apart, unlike larger cities like New York or Tokyo or Miami.

The city of my birth, Boston has a special place in my heart. I’ve traveled far and wide and it still ranks as one of my favorite cities in the world for its charm, its people, and its beauty.

Boston is steeped in history and it is that history that gives it its charm. No visit here is complete without walking the freedom trail, taking you through all the historic landmarks of the city and giving you a chance to see the historic building and locations where the birth of a nation took place. You’ll walk past the old state house and Faneuil Hall where the revolution began, see the graves of our founders, and get a feel for colonial Boston Visit Beacon Hill, with its small streets and colonial homes, where all gentry used to and, in many cases, still do live. Ben Franklin will even give you a guided tour!

Boston is beautiful place, especially in the summer time. Winter makes us all hibernate and, as the weather warms, we trickle out of our caves and onto the streets to enjoy Boston at its best. Restaurants bring out the tables for out dining, the sounds of Fenway and baseball fill the streets, concerts creep outdoors and onto the half shell to be listened as the boats sail up and down the Charles River. Yes, summer in Boston is the place to be.

Each neighborhood holds its own flavor. Head to the north end for a taste of Italy. Here you will find some of the best Italian food the city has to offer while you wander through old brick alleys and tenement homes now redone as expensive restaurants and upscale (but still tiny) apartments.

Visit all the hip and lovely eateries in the South End.

Spend a nice day on Boston Common and wander the public gardens to see the swans. There you can lay down with the rest of the city as we rest and relax, while playing frisbee and watching the kids play in frog pond.

At night, walk over to the Theater District and take in a show or eat at some of Boston amazing restaurants like Fugyaku, Stephanie’s on Newbury, Abe and Louis, #9 Park, Vinalia, Haru, Legal Seafoods, or Teatro. There are just too many great places to name all over the city. No matter where you find yourself, you will find top rated food.

If you’re young at heart, head down to the Brighton area to hang out with the college kids and eat some very unhealthy after bar food at Rednecks.

Boston often gets a bad rap as a cold city. Not because of its winter but because of its people. We are fast paced and don’t have time to be slowed down. Often that gives people the perception that we’re unfriendly and rude, which is totally untrue. Be tourist standing around lost and just watch how many people come over to help you. Bostonians are really friendly and very welcoming but we do have a hard exterior. With the neighborhood setup of the city, everyone belongs to a a certain area. We have our friends, we have our family. It may come off as cold and callous but its not. All it takes is 5 minutes of conversation. Once the ice is broken, the glacier melts. Bostonians will instantly come alive and treat you as their own, being fiercely loyal to their new friend. We just won’t be fake nice to you for the sake of being nice.

Boston has something for everyone. I often describe it as New York without the chaos. Here you can do everything you can do in New York but without the deafening craziness that the metropolis brings and with a lot nicer looking scenery’s. When I was in Amsterdam, I was reminded a lot of Boston with its brick buildings, low skyline, fast pace, and causal feel. Boston has a lot to offer and if you are vacationing this year, I’d give Boston some serious thought. You won’t be disappointed!