Boston - 10 Places You Just Can't Miss

Boston is a city rich in history, culture and character. It is a rather small city, for how much there is to see here. In fact, it is small enough to walk through in a few hours.

10. Take a Boston Harbor Cruise

There are a few companies that do Harbor Cruises and have several options for you to choose from. It all depends on what type of amenities you want, whether its dinner and dancing, a daytime tour, or even a 4th of July fireworks show. Pricing is dependent on the time of year and what you want to do.

9. See Sparks at the Museum of Science

The Museum of Science, home of the world's largest Van de Graaff generator, gives you an incredible view into the science of electricity. Through this show, you will learn about lightning, electric charge and storm safety through demonstrations with the generator, Tesla coils and Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiments.

8. Take a walk through Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is the most prestigious section of Boston. It is a quiet here, filled with brick buildings, hidden gardens and gas lighting that line the streets. The houses are mostly in Federalist, Greek Revival and Victorian style, making it a very scenic area. Be sure to walk through Louisburg Square, where the wealthiest Boston residents of history have lived. It is still an address with privilege, since people such as Senator John Kerry live here.

7. See a show at the Wang Theater

The Wang Theater is the most prominent theater in Boston. Located on Tremont Street in the theater district, this gilded venue looks like something out of the era of Louis XIV. You will be able to see a variety of shows here, from a Boston Ballet to a comedy.

6. Walk down Newbury Street

Newbury Street can be compared to 5th Avenue in New York City. Here you will find stores like Armani, Chanel, Ralph Lauren and more. If stores like this are not in your price range, it is still a beautiful street to walk down and window shop. There are also many restaurants and cafes along this street, where on a nice day you can sit outside and watch the people pass by.

5. Have a Cappuccino in a North End Cafe

The North End is known for its great Italian restaurants and ties to Paul Revere. As you walk around this area, make sure to have a cappuccino at one of the many cafe's in this area. Some also sell pastries and gelato to snack on while you enjoy the rich culture of this area.

4. Wander through the Emerald Necklace

As you get to know Boston, you will notice that there are many gardens around the city. One of these is the Emerald Necklace, which wanders its way around the Fenway area, into Brookline and into Franklin Park. When living in a city, greenery such as the Emerald Necklace is difficult to come by, making these gardens a Boston treasure.

3. Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Just steps away from the Emerald Necklace, the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum sits on The Fenway. Gardner was a wealthy socialite who collected about 2,500 works of art from all over the world. The museum has been unchanged since her death, because she wrote in her will that if anything were changed, the museum would be donated to Harvard University. But what you do not see in this museum makes it very interesting as well. The curators of this museum have stuck to Gardner's wishes, so that when two men dressed as Boston Policemen walked into the museum in 1990 and stole several priceless works of art, the curators left the empty frames on the walls. Make sure that when you are on the second and third floors, look down into the Venetian-style courtyard below. After walking through the gift shop and back toward the entrance, look too your left, next to the courtyard hangs El Jaleo, an incredible painting by John S. Sargent of a flamenco dancer.

2. The Skywalk Observatory

The Skywalk Observatory is located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Building in Boston. You do have to pay an entrance fee, but once inside, it is worth every penny. Walk around and you will see Boston from a totally new perspective. The Skywalk Observatory has a few exhibits on immigration into Boston, as well as interesting facts about Boston sports and famous people from Massachusetts. This is an excellent adventure during the day or at night.

1. See the Skyline from a Bridge

After seeing the city and surrounding area from atop one of the tallest buildings in New England, make sure you take some time to see the skyline from further away. The view of Boston from the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge is spectacular. On a nice day, it is a great photo opportunity.