A Senior Guide to Boston

As one of the birthplaces of the American Revolution and a vibrant melting pot of different communities, Boston is one of the quintessential American cities. You have museums, sports, and the bay. You may find a combination of these attractions in other cities, but Boston combines them in a way that is truly, uniquely Boston. Considering it’s so simple to get to, especially for people on the East Coast of the United States, it’s a place you should experience at least once. You’ll find an incredibly interesting and lively city with residents who are friendly and proud of the place they call home.

Why Boston is Perfect for Seniors

If you’ve never been to Boston, you should certainly add it to your list. It has a distinct mystique that’s evolved from major colonial cities to signature cultural hub. Whether you’re looking to tour the historical district with a costumed guide or explore one of the many movies sets, Boston has something for everyone. There is plenty to discover just beneath the surface, proving that Boston isn’t just a place in the history books.

Speaking of beneath the surface, Boston has a subway, called the T, that is both comparatively inexpensive and convenient for getting to the major tourist attractions. Boston also has a robust bus system, taxis, and ridesharing to help you get around. To further help you save money, you can get a CharlieCard, which is a reloadable card that you can use to pay fares on the T and buses. Similarly, there is the CharlieTicket, which is also valid for Commuter Rail and ferries, and the mTicket, a smartphone app. Finally, if you’re looking to see the sites but are a little concerned about the walking, there are many hop-on hop-off bus tours that run at a regular schedule so you can stay at an attraction that interests you and catch the next bus when you’re ready to go.

Where to Stay

When it comes to places to stay in Boston, you’re spoilt for choice. Even outside of central Boston, Cambridge is right across the Charles River, is a beautiful area, and is close to Boston’s city center. But, if you’re looking to stay in the center of Boston, it’s tough to beat these neighborhoods.

Beacon Hill

Looking for brick-lined homes and cobblestone streets? How about an area synonymous with old money Boston and the Boston Commons? Then you’re looking for Beacon Hill neighborhood. Just to the west of the historic center of Boston, there aren’t as many hotels in this area, but you’ll be staying in one of the nicest, most walkable areas of the city.

Back Bay

Moving slightly more to the west, you’ll enter the Back Bay neighborhood. While it’s a bit more of a walk to the downtown area, it’s still easy to get to. It also edges right up to Fenway Park while boasting its own worthwhile attractions like Trinity Church and the Charles River Esplanade. There are also more hotels than Beacon Hill while being a bit more residential, too.

North End

To the extreme north end of Boston, you’ll find the North End neighborhood. Known as Boston’s Little Italy, the North End is also part of Boston’s Freedom Trail, including attractions like the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and Copps Hill Burying Ground. A smaller neighborhood, it’s packed with (primarily Italian and seafood) restaurants, parks, and stuff to see and do.

Downtown

Directly to the south of North End is Downtown Boston. In terms of location, accommodation choice, history, and attractions, it’s difficult to beat Downtown. It’s the home to the majority of the Freedom Trail, Long Ward, the Aquarium, and public markets like Fanueil Hall or Boston Public Market. If you’re looking to get a feel for Boston in a single neighborhood, it’s Downtown, making it maybe the best option for first-time visitors.

What to Do

This is not an exhaustive list of things to do in Boston. In fact, we’ll barely scratch the surface. If we were trying to cover everything, this article would be thousands of words long, and we wouldn’t be able to cover anything else. Instead, this section will hopefully give you a flavor of what you can do in Boston. You can even have a wonderful time just wandering the streets. In fact, we encourage it! It’s a beautiful city, and you’ll find farmers’ markets, food halls, and plenty of shopping without even having a plan. But if you want to have something planned, you should definitely include the following ideas.

Walk Through American History

We stand by our earlier statement that “Boston isn’t just a place in the history books.” It’s a living, growing city with much to offer. But, it’s also been the site of some of the most pivotal and fascinating history in the story of the United States. While you’re staying in Boston, make sure to do the Freedom Trail, which is a free self-guided tour of the spots that played key roles in the Revolutionary War, as well as American history before and after the war. Similarly, you can visit the Boston Tea Party Museum, where you can learn more about one of the foundational events of the pre-war revolution. If you want more guidance, there are