Boston is one of the most historically significant cities in the United States, but what is less well-known is that it is also one of the most energetic and vibrant. Part of this may be due to the large number of universities that make Boston and the surrounding vicinities their home, but Boston also has thriving ethnic communities that derive from all corners of the globe. With regards to accommodation, there is an overwhelming variety of choices each of which offers a unique perspective on this fascinating city.
Downtown Boston is the area most convenient for exploring Boston by foot and by public transportation. Since the completion of the Big Dig construction project in 2006, downtown has been revitalized with simplified pedestrian access to the historic districts, the waterfront, Boston Common, and the North End. The diversity of neighborhoods and attractions that can be explored in one day in downtown Boston is breathtaking.
Beacon Hill contains some of Boston's most picturesque and coveted real estate as well as the seat of Massachusetts' state government. Beacon Hill is conveniently close to the downtown attractions and the North End with the added advantage of proximity to the Charles River Esplanade on the opposite side.
A little further up the Charles River from Beacon Hill is the Back Bay, likewise acclaimed for beautiful and historic bowfront townhouses as well as some of Boston's most high end boutiques. The Back Bay abuts a long section of the Esplanade and Boylston Street has a strip of bars and restaurants popular with students.
Directly south of the Back Bay is the South End, which has been the center of gay and lesbian culture in Boston for many years. The South End is also beloved for historic townhouses and contains many of Boston's best cafés and restaurants. The South End's proximity to blue collar neighborhoods to the south creates a stronger sense of cultural diversity than one might feel in the Back Bay or Beacon Hill.
While not technically a part of Boston, Cambridge is otherwise the most renowned city within the metropolitan area. Cambridge is the home of two of the country's most prestigious universities and is dominated by academic life. The Kendall Square area around the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is closest to downtown Boston while the Harvard Square area to the west is an iconic neighborhood in its own right.
@zzlangherhans has toured the globe with his family, having visited over 55 countries. He writes about their journeys on his excellent blog - Fledgling Explorers
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