By Kimberly Ripley
Sightseeing in Boston
Among the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of busy city living are a number of intriguing sights in the city of
Boston that every visitor should see. From history to contemporary engineering, natural beauty to revolving architecture, the sights in Boston will fascinate everyone in your circle of travel companions. Have your cameras ready and your sense of adventure intact. You're going to love the eclectic plethora of visit-worthy sights in Boston.
Modern Marvels
See amazing Boston sights from the Skywalk Observatory atop the Prudential Tower.
The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge greets visitors as they enter the north side of Boston and bids them farewell as they leave. Built as part of Boston's infamous "Big Dig" that featured extensive tunnel and roadway rehabilitation within the city, it was named after modern-day civil rights activist Lenny Zakim who was famous for building many bridges of his own. His bridges spanned religious, ethnic and socio-economic boundaries. Zakim died of bone cancer in 1999, but his work and memory live on. The bridge is known for being the widest cable-styled bridge in the world. When illuminated at night with its blue-green hues, it is indeed a magnificent sight to behold.
www.leonardpzakimbunkerhillbridge.org/
The Prudential Skywalk Observatory, located at the top of the Prudential Tower affords visitors an amazing view of the city of Boston. The only remaining observation deck in all of New England (all others were closed after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11) it is fully enclosed, and features The Top of the Hub restaurant on the Pru's 52nd floor, from which diners can also enjoy spectacular views of the city. See the harbor, the Charles River and part of the Boston skyline from this architectural perch. On clear days visitors have seen Cape Cod and New Hampshire's White Mountains as well.
The Prudential Skywalk
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
www.prudentialcenter.com
History
Visit the Paul Revere House where the famous Revolutionary War figure lived from 1770 to 1800. Revere lived here at the time of his infamous "Midnight Ride" to Lexington during which he informed others of the impending actions of the British Army. The home is open to tours, as is the silver shop. Revere was noted as being an exemplary silversmith as well as important governmental figure.
The Paul Revere House
19 North Square
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-2338
www.paulreverehouse.org/
Visit the sight where Paul Revere was warned of the British Army's mode of travel on that infamous night that is marked as the official start of the American Revolution. Church sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple to hang two lanterns, signifying to Paul Revere that the British would be arriving by sea rather than by land. The church is open to visitors and holds Sunday services as well. A gift shop features historical memorabilia.
The Old North Church
193 Salem St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-6676
www.oldnorth.com
Two If By Sea
A visit to Boston simply isn't complete without a view of its skyline from the harbor--especially at night. Boston Harbor cruises feature both daytime and nighttime cruises to such incredible Boston sights as the historic battleship USS Constitution. Visit the sight of the Boston Tea Party and marvel at an alternate view of the Old North Church from the water. See the Boston Light, the very first operable light house in all of North America and the very last to become automated in recent years. A view from the water affords visitors incredible photo opportunities of some of Boston's very best views.
Boston Harbor Cruises
One Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 227-4321
www.bostonharborcruises.com
Resources
About the Author:
Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from Portsmouth, N.H. She studied at the University of Maine and later pursued her writing studies through numerous classes and workshops. She has written hundreds of published articles and short stories and is the author of five books.
Photo Credits:
flickr, creativecommons.com
