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.

Pilgrimage to Revere Beach

The first hot day of summer sparks a massive northbound migration via the MBTA blue line to the popular Revere Beach (see Revere Beach). Salsa music blares from passing cars on Ocean Avenue, soccer players stake out their pitches, and sun worshippers jostle for space at the shore break.
Pizzeria Regina

The original Regina’s thin crust, old-fashioned pizza is far better than the pale imitations served at its other branches.
Playwright Bar

A spiffy Dublin-style pub with good food, excellent pints, and large windows that let in the sunlight and the breeze.
Pleasure Bay

South Boston’s Pleasure Bay park encloses a pond-like cove of Boston harbor with a causeway boardwalk, where locals turn out for their daily constitutionals. Castle Island, now attached to the mainland, has guarded the mouth of Boston harbor since the first fortress, Fort Independence, was erected in 1779. A grisly murder here in 1817 inspired Edgar Allen Poe to write his short story The Cask of Amontillado . Anglers gather on the adjacent Steel Pier and drop bait into the midst of striped bass and bluefish runs.
Pleasure Bay Beach

Enclosed by a man-made causeway; there are no waves, but clean sand, water, and facilities.
Plymouth

The recreated historic village of Plimoth Plantation (137 Warren Ave) gives a full immersion in to the lives of the first English settlers in Massachusetts. At the harbor, tour the Mayflower II (State Pier) and imagine the perilous crossing of the pilgrims in 1620. On Thanksgiving, the town celebrates its pilgrim heritage with a parade in period dress and also opens many historic buildings.
Polcari’s Coffee Co.

The premier bulk grocer in the North End, this charming store has sold Italian roasted coffee since 1932. It’s still the best place to find spices, flours, grains, and legumes.
Pomodoro

Pomodoro’s eponymous red sauce is arguably the tastiest in the North End. Roasted vegetables and veal dishes are excellent, and portions are large.
Porter Exchange Mall

Take a trip to Tokyotown in this renovated 1928 Deco building, boasting a Japanese-style noodle hall and gift shops with all forms of Far Eastern ephemera.
Portsmouth

Founded in 1623 as Strawbery Banke, the historic houses on Marcy Street document three centuries of city life from early settlement through 20th century immigration. Picturesque shops, pubs, and restaurants surround Market Square and line the waterfront, and the surrounding leafy streets boast fine examples of Federal architecture.

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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