It may surprise you that Boston, a city with so much history and architectural beauties, can be visited in a day, but I'm here to tell you that it's possible! Here are the must-see attractions in the Athens of America
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is the easiest way to jam-pack your day with the best tourist spots. It's a flat 2.5 mile long trail marked by red bricks and metal seals on the ground, but don't let that number deter you if you're not very active; you will be making plenty of long stops along the way, so it doesn't feel like a hike.
You can start this adventure from either side of my guide below, as they are in order:
Acorn Street
This isn't part of the Freedom Trail, but was my favorite part of Boston. This old cobblestone street shows you how colonial Boston used to look, and is tucked away in Beacon Hill, which has some great places to eat and sweet streets to walk around and get photos of.
Boston Common / Public Garden
At America's oldest public park and botanic garden, make your way around the flower beds, take a ride in one of the swan boats, and pose with the Make Way for Ducklings statues. The surrounding buildings have a lot of character, too, and are worth a look.
Massachusetts State House
Ever wanted to be blinded by a building? Just kidding, but the gilded dome on this building is as impressive as the old structure itself. Right across the street from the front of the building is the Robert Gould Shaw memorial, where you can read about the first all-volunteer African American unit in the Army.
Park Street Church and Granary Burial Ground
Here, look for famous names such as Paul Revere, Mary Goose, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.
Old South Meeting House
This was the meeting spot right before the Boston Tea Party, and holds the oldest American clock still in operation in it's first location (1766).
Old Corner Bookstore
Apart from being a beautiful and very old (1712) building, it was a meetings place for discussing poetry and politics by people like Hawthorne, Emerson, and Dickens. Now, you can go in and discuss the same things while you get your Chipotle burrito.
Old State House
This was quite the political center back in the day. On the balcony of this building was where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public. While here, check out the monument for the Boston Massacre.
Union Oyster House
I'm not saying you absolutely have to get Oysters, but this part of town is so sweet and the building is about as historic as all the other political buildings surrounding it on the trail.
The Paul Revere House
This place is exactly what it sounds like; the old home of famous Paul Revere, and the oldest structure in Boston (1680)
Copp's Hill Burial Ground
A beautiful place to be with lovely buildings surrounding it, walk around this park looking for famous names and your favorite tombstone.
USS Constitution
One of my favorite parts of the journey, check out the oldest ship in the US Navy, which was originally created to fight off pirates. The surrounding water and smaller boats are also fun to see.
