DK Travel : Boston

“The Hub,” “Beantown,” “Baaahstin” – call it what you will, New England’s largest city exists to be explored. Its colonial-era architecture, vibrant seafaring heritage, and irrepressible Yankee character make it one of the country’s most distinctive locales. Yet for all its big-city amenities – world-class restaurants, museums, and shops – Boston remains surprisingly compact and eminently walkable.

Aquitaine

A Parisian-style bistro popular for its snazzy wine bar and its French market cooking. Black truffle vinaigrette makes Aquitaine’s steak-frites Boston’s best.
Aria

The lush life: sugar daddies and their trophies get on down amid red velvet and goth art. Admission on a busy night may depend on how hot you look.
Armani Café

Haute couture gets matched with equally haute cuisine at Armani Café. On the patio tables there’s San Pelegrino and tuna tartare; on the patrons there’s lots of black Giorgio.
Arnold Arboretum

One of the US’s foremost collections of temperate-zone trees and shrubs covers the peaceful 265-acre (107 ha) arboretum. Grouped in scientific fashion, they are a favorite subject for landscape painters, and a popular resource for botanists and gardeners. The world’s most extensive lilac collection blooms from early May through late June, and thousands of Bostonians turn out for Lilac Sunday, the third Sunday in May, to enjoy the peak of the Syringa blooms. The main flowering period of mountain laurel, azaleas, and other rhododendrons begins around Memorial Day (end of May).
Around Newbury Street

Where fashionistas share the sidewalk with punk rockers. Nowhere is the city’s myriad fashions, faces, and fortunes on more vibrant display (see Around Newbury Street).
Artù

Tuscan specialties like lamb sandwiches and roasted veggies come sizzling off the grill on to the table.
Atasca

The bold flavors of Portugal are yours for the tasting at the warmly appointed, cozy Atasca. Flavorful sautées and rustic grilled dishes are just some of its many charms.
Au Bon Pain

Every kind of Cambridge character can be found sipping coffee and munching croissants on the plaza at Holyoke Center. Top amusement? Challenging the chess masters to a speed game.
Audubon Circle Restaurant

Trendy sandwiches and heavenly burgers make this genteel spot a step above the rest.
August Moon Festival

In late August, Chinatown (see Chinatown, the Theater District, & South End)commemorates the summer’s fullest moon – signifying the beginning of the harvest season – with a jubilant, unique festival. A dragon dance snakes through the area and vendors line the streets hawking everything from hand-painted fans and herbal remedies to the festival’s official food, the semisweet mooncake.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- $60–$75
- over $75