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.

Ryles

One of Inman Square’s greatest assets, where murals of Duke, Dizz, and Lady Day inspire top jazz bands to go, go, go. Call ahead to learn if samba or swing lessons are scheduled. And don’t miss the good value Sunday jazz brunch: no cover, live jazz, boisterous crowds, and hearty entrees that rarely venture above $8.
Safety Razor

Bostonian King Camp Gillette invented the safety razor with disposable blades in 1901.
Salem

A witch may not have been killed in Salem since 1692, but witchcraft paraphernalia fills many stores, and several sites such as the Witch Museum (19 Washington Sq North) tell the tale of this dark episode. The city is more proud of its China Trade days (1780s–1880s), which are engagingly recounted on National Park walking tours. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum (East India Sq) to see the treasures sea captains brought home from distant ports.
Salem Street

Running parallel to Hanover Street, Salem is as narrow and intimate as Hanover is broad and public. Lined with a growing number of restaurants, this is also where North Enders shop for the necessities of daily life – from rabbit and veal to pillowy loaves of bread, which come fresh from local ovens around the clock. The Italian flavor of the neighborhood, though fading in recent years as gentrification inflates the cost of housing, remains its strongest on Salem Street’s narrow sidewalks.
Salts

This gracious hideaway near MIT is the kind of neighborhood mom-and-pop bistro found more often in Europe than in the US, serving a menu of southern French classics such as braises and daubes in winter, and bright veggies and fish in summer. The 40 seats fill quickly, so reserve ahead to beat the slew of Cambridge professionals who consider Salts their secret.
Salumeria Italiana

This neighborhood fixture is a premier stop for esoteric Italian canned goods and rich olive oils, as well as spicy sausages and cheeses from many Italian regions.
Samuel Adams (1722–1803)

Failed businessman Samuel Adams became Boston’s master politician in the tumultuous years leading up to the revolution (see Samuel Adams’ Tea Tax Speech (1773)). Adams signed the Declaration of Independence and served in both Continental Congresses. As governor of Massachusetts, he joined Paul Revere in laying the cornerstone of the State House (see Massachusetts State House)in 1795.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager

The beer that put Sam back on the brewing map after a 200-year hiatus.
Samuel Adams Brewery

With its supply of good local water and German immigrants, Jamaica Plain has long been Boston’s brewing center. The Boston Beer Company, creator of Samuel Adams lagers, maintains this small brewery and a tongue-in-cheek beer museum.
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat Ale

Like a hybrid between champagne and cherry soda; available at most liquor stores.

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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