Charms of the city of Boston, between American history and an emerald necklace
Known as “America's Walking City,” Boston is a city that awaits the visitor with an incredible array of options. An unforgettable tour.
It's no secret that the city of Boston is rich in history. Founded at the beginning of the 17th century by settlers from England, this beautiful university metropolis was the scene of some of the most important events that shaped the American identity.
From the American Revolution that led to the declaration of independence to the construction of the first public school in the country, the city reflects its legacy in arts, culture and education while continuing to promote the active life of its diverse neighborhoods and the enjoyment in its public parks.
Boston has something for everyone. In the northern country, summer is beginning and it is an excellent opportunity to explore it.
What to do in the city of Boston
Affectionately known as “America's Walking City,” you can stroll along its sidewalks, enjoy sprawling green parks, or simply people-watch from one of the many sidewalk cafes.
Walking the historic streets and admiring the Anglo-Saxon architecture becomes a vibrant experience, especially when the tour is completed through the various neighborhoods.
The black neighborhood, the Latino neighborhood or the Asian neighborhood develop unique personalities and the visitor incorporates them with the senses when tasting typical flavors, visiting the shops and galleries or open-air markets.
Boston, a city with a lot of history
The African American community of 19th century Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice.
These remarkable men and women, along with their allies, were leaders in the Abolition Movements, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the early fight for equal rights and education.
Perhaps no neighborhood has defined Boston's history more than Beacon Hill. Its residents, their homes, and their gathering spaces played a transformative role in Boston's unique social, cultural, and political history.
Long associated with lavish mansions, Beacon Hill is also the neighborhood for the Black Heritage Trail, the Museum of African American History, and the Boston National African American Historic Site.
Here lived wealthy merchants and poor immigrants, industrialists and artisans, reformers and social activists, political and religious leaders, writers, artists and workers. Touring Beacon Hill is key to understanding American history.
Boston Parks: The Emerald Necklace
"Emerald Necklace Parks" is the name given to this linear system of parks and avenues that connects to Boston Common Park, which, founded in 1634, is considered the oldest park in America and the Public Garden of 1837.
It is a chain of nine continuous parks along the Muddy River and the Leverett, Willow, Ward's and Jamaica ponds, configuring a route of approximately 10 kilometers to walk or bike.
It is easy for a park to "fool the eyes" in its own way. We look at a landscape and, without giving it much thought, we see it as something natural: a pleasant reserve of land that has been rid of the built environment of the city that surrounds it.
But up close, the parks are far from natural phenomena. They are feats of engineering, marvels of visionary urban planning, contributing to public health and functioning as transportation corridors.
The parks thus interlocked work as a system and since their conception in the 19th century have provided a common ground where all people could turn for healthy relief from the pollution, noise and overcrowding of city life.
Parks in this system are designated Boston Historic Landmarks and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
They have been settings for public assembly and freedom of expression. From the aviator Charles Lindbergh, Martin Luther King, Pope John Paul II or the hundreds of rallies against the Vietnam War.
Boston is definitely a city that has something for everyone.