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.

Post Office Square

On a sunny day, every bench and patch of grass in this green oasis is filled with office workers. Surrounding the park are several of the area’s most architecturally distinctive buildings, including the Art Deco post office building (Congress St), the Renaissance revival former Federal Reserve building (now the Langham Boston hotel (see Langham, Boston)), and the Art Moderne Verizon building (185 Franklin St). The lobby of the latter houses a small telephone museum and has labor murals celebrating the telephone industry workers.
Pravda 116

Like a modern-day Moscow speakeasy, Pravda seduces with its sumptuous red interior, exhaustive vodka menu, and chic clientele. Weekends bring out a mix of black-clad Euros intent on striking fetching poses with vodka martinis in hand, and international students hell-bent on having a decadent night out. DJs spin an infectious mix of house and electro.
Pravda 116

A sleek and sophisticated bar in the front fades into a Euro-trance dance floor in the back. Very popular with the international set (see Pravda 116).
Prezza

One of the longest wine lists in town guarantees just the right glass to accompany hearty Tuscan fare as well as sinfully rich desserts.
Priscilla of Boston

Boston’s bridal gown queen has been helping to make weddings unforgettable for 50 years. Should you require a fitting, it is recommended that you call ahead.
Programmable Digital Computer

A Harvard team built the first programmable digital computer, Mark 1, in 1946. Its 750,000 components weighed about 10,000 lb (454 kg).
Providence

Providence is a great walking city: stroll Benefit Street’s “mile of history” to see an impressive group of Colonial and Federal houses; or visit Waterplace Park with its pretty walkways along the Providence River. Atwells Avenue on Federal Hill is Providence’s Little Italy, bustling with restaurants and cafés.
Prudential Center

Although difficult to imagine, the Prudential Tower’s 52 stories seem dwarfed by the huge swathe of street-level shops and restaurants that comprise the Prudential Center. With its indoor shopping mall, food court, supermarket, cluster of residential towers, and massive convention center, the Prudential Center is like a self-contained city within a city. For a jaw-dropping view of Boston, visit the Skywalk on the tower’s 50th level (see Prudential Skywalk), or the Top of the Hub Lounge (see Top of the Hub Lounge) two floors above.
Prudential Skywalk

Jaw-dropping panoramic views from a 50th-floor observatory. (see Prudential Skywalk).
Prudential Skywalk

Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower (see Prudential Center), this observatory provides a rewarding Boston geography lesson. Should the jaw-dropping, 360-degree views not keep the youngsters enthralled, the audio/ video tours of Boston’s neighborhoods will. The swift, ear-popping elevator ride to the top also offers quite a rush.

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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