Themed Tours in Boston
You and your beloved are in an unfamiliar city, and this unfamiliar route takes you across town from one body of water to another. It's fun no matter when you set out, as long as you get to the Otis House Museum in time for the last tour, at 4:30pm. You're rebels, travelling roughly perpendicular to the Freedom Trail, off the beaten path. It's the two of you against the world. See? Bonding already.
Start: Blue Line to Aquarium.
Long Wharf
Surrounded by water on three sides, in view of the airport and most of the harbour ferry and sightseeing-boat routes, the wharf affords perfect front-row seats on a busy seaport. The boardwalk overlooking the marina on the north side of the wharf is a good vantage point; from 2008, construction may keep you from visiting the end of the wharf, another excellent place to pause and look around.
Time to spend
at least 10 min.
Where
Long Wharf (end of State Street).
Boston Harbor Water Shuttle
Some commuter boats go to distant suburbs; the smaller ones are local. Getting out on the water is the best part of the experience of taking a narrated cruise, and riding to Charlestown and back on your own costs far less than a formal tour. If you didn't have time to visit Long Wharf before jumping on the water shuttle, allow time when you return.
Time to spend
1 hour.
Foster's Rotunda
The ninth-floor balcony provides an awe-inspiring perspective over Boston Harbor, Logan Airport and the Seaport District. Be prepared to skip this stop in favour of Independence Wharf when there's a private function in the rotunda (the lobby security staff will turn you away) and on weekends.
Time to spend
30 min. You may have to show ID, sign in or both.
Where
30 Rowes Wharf (Atlantic Avenue between High Street and Old Northern Avenue), in the Boston Harbor Hotel complex.
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 11am-4pm.
The "T"
Blue Line to Aquarium or Red Line to South Station.
Independence Wharf
Independence Wharf is more likely to be open when you visit than Foster's Rotunda, but the view isn't as amazing. If you've already been there, you can skip this stop. If not, the 14th-floor vistas of Boston Harbor and the Fort Point Channel from here are worth your time.
Time to spend
30 min. You may have to show ID, sign in or both.
Where
470 Atlantic Avenue (Moakley Bridge at Seaport Boulevard).
Opening Hours
Daily 11am–5pm
The "T"
Red Line to South Station or Blue Line to Aquarium.
Post Office Square Park
This gorgeous park stands on land that once held an ugly municipal garage. A visionary redevelopment project moved the parking into a new underground facility (it's been called the ‘Garage Mahal') and created an arrangement under which the revenues from below help support the green space above. The beautifully groomed park has free wireless Internet access, a café for humans and a fountain for dogs, with water flowing at their mouth level. The 1.7-acre space, formally Norman B Leventhal Park, sits at the heart of the Financial District and enjoys the distinction of being one of the busiest warm-weather pick-up joints around. What's romantic about that? You and your love get to feel like chaperones at a school dance.
Time to spend
At least 10 min.
Where
Zero Post Office Square.
Telephone
+1 617 423 1500
The "T"
Blue or Orange Line to State.
Website
Old Granary Burying Ground
One of Boston's oldest graveyards, this is the final resting place of many important figures of the American Revolution. (It's also big enough to give you some privacy if you want to steal a kiss in a quiet corner.) Among the most famous people interred here is Paul Revere, whose home is now a museum. He shares a tomb with his second wife, Rachel. At a time when marriage was often a sort of business arrangement, theirs was a love match. Paul sometimes took breaks from his work as a silversmith to write Rachel poems, calling her "the fair one who is closest to my heart." They were married for 39 years.
Time to spend
At least 10 min.
Where
Tremont Street at Bromfield Street.
The "T"
Red or Green Line to Park Street.
Otis House Museum
One of New England's most famous architects, Charles Bulfinch made his name by popularising the Federal style in residences as well as public spaces that survive to this day (including the Massachusetts State House). This magnificent home, completed in 1796, was the first of three he designed for his friend Harrison Gray Otis. The engrossing tour touches on the history of the neighbourhood, discusses historic preservation and, most important, shows off the house and its furnishings. As interesting as the architectural details are, they share the spotlight with the story of a companionable young family bound for bigger things. Otis, a real estate developer who was later a congressman and mayor of Boston, and his wife, Sally Foster Otis, appointed their home in grand style and enjoyed a reputation for entertaining lavishly. They were married for nearly 50 years.
Where
141 Cambridge Street (Staniford Street); enter from Lynde Street.
Telephone
+1 617 227 3956.
Opening Hours
Wed-Sun 11am-4:30pm. Tours on the hour and half hour
Cost
Tours US$8.
The "T"
Green or Blue Line to Government Center (or Blue Line to Bowdoin, on weekdays only).
Website
Charles Street
One of the best streets in the entire city for aimless strolling, Charles Street abounds with gift and antiques shops. It's also the heart of this little residential area, with such non-touristy businesses as a pharmacy and a convenience store (the 7-Eleven at 66 Charles Street, with hilariously low-key signage that follows the street's strict zoning rules). Shop till you drop or just wander around.
Where
Cambridge Street to Beacon Street.
The "T"
Red Line to Charles/MGH.
Panificio
Superb fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches and pizza will draw you to this little storefront restaurant. The cosy atmosphere will keep you here for a while.
Where
144 Charles Street (Revere and Cambridge Streets).
Telephone
+1 617 227 4340
Longfellow Bridge
Originally the West Boston Bridge, this bridge is nicknamed the Salt and Pepper Bridge, because the towers resemble salt and pepper shakers. It's a favourite for the up-close views of the Charles River Basin, the straight-down views of Boston Duck Tours vehicles and sailboats, and the distant views of the setting sun. (And if your timing is exactly right, the rising moon appears to float in the John Hancock Tower.) Most important, the sidewalks on either side of the busy road split briefly so pedestrians can pass around the ornate towers. On the water side of these little recesses, you can take in the panorama and snuggle with your beloved.
Where
Located between the intersection of Cambridge and Charles Streets, Boston, and the intersection of Main Street and Memorial Drive, Cambridge.
