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.

Baby Formula

The New England Medical Center devised nutritionally enhanced baby formula in 1919.
Back Bay Fens

This lush ribbon of grassland, marshes, and stream banks follows Muddy River and forms one link in the Emerald Necklace of parks (see Boston Common & Public Garden). The enclosed James P. Kelleher Rose Garden in the center of the Fens provides a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. A path runs from Kenmore Square to the museums and galleries on Huntington Avenue, which makes a pleasant short cut through the Fens.

Back Bay Fens
Barbara Krakow Gallery

Since opening in 1964 with an exhibition of Ellsworth Kelly prints, Barbara Krakow’s keen judgment of contemporary art has earned her many fans – and customers.
Barking Crab

This colorful fish shack is most congenial in the summer, when diners sit outdoors at picnic tables. Most of the local fish – cod, haddock, tuna, halibut plus clams and crab – are so fresh that they only need the most basic of preparation.
Barking Crab

Place your order and grab a table outside at Boston’s only fish shack. In winter, sit inside their cozy dining room (see Barking Crab).
Bay Tower Room

From the 33rd floor the best view in Boston is matched by impeccable service and a litany of luxury menu items, including caviar.
Beach Street & Chinatown

As the periphery of ethnic Chinatown becomes increasingly homogenized, Beach Street remains the purely Chinese heart of the neighborhood, home to the traditional apothecaries and other merchants who serve a primarily immigrant population. An ornate Dragon Gate at the base of Beach Street creates a ceremonial entrance to Chinatown. The wall behind the adjacent small park is painted with a dreamy mural of a Chinese sampan boat.
Beacon Hill Bistro

This kitchen (in the Beacon Hill Hotel) puts an American stamp on French bistro cuisine with delicious results.
Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro

This townhouse hotel is mere steps from Boston Common (see Boston Common & Public Garden). The rooms are mostly small but Euro-chic, and there’s a first-floor bistro that serves breakfast (included in rates). There’s even a private roofdeck for guests.
Beacon Hill Pub

This pub attracts freshly-minted college grads with the promise of cheap suds and even cheaper conversation.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
- under $150
- $150–$250
- $250–$350
- $350–$450
- over $450
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