Editing Boston (section)

==Things to see and do in Boston==

Some Boston CSers have compiled a '''[http://tinyurl.com/2bq2hr google map of their favorite views, bars, and spots in Boston]''' to help you out during your visit, find good photo spots ("kodak moments") and other things to see. We also keep a list of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=664&post=1521446 free activities] to check out.

===History/Culture===
* [http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ Freedom Trail] - Three mile (4.8km) walking tour of 16 historical sites in Boston. Tours are scheduled in the spring, summer and fall, but you can do this walk on your own as well. The sidewalks are painted with a red line, or with a brick path indicating the route, so you don't even necessarily need a map! Plan at least 3-5 hours for this walk. Park Street Station on the Red and Green Line.
* [http://www.harvardtour.com/ Harvard University] - Located in Cambridge (not Boston - did you read the "[[#Understanding_the_region_of_Greater_Boston|understanding]]" section above?), Harvard is one of the oldest and most well known universities in the world. You should also check out [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hahvahd_tour "unofficial" free walking tour]. The tour guides are students who work for tips, and have good stories and jokes. Be sure to check the tour schedule link, before you head there. No reservations are needed. The [http://www.harvardsquare.com/ Harvard Square] area is also home to boutiques, cafes, and other interesting urban interactions. You can find free Wi-Fi here too, in the open area as well as in every coffee shop. Plan at least 3 hours to the tour plus exploring Harvard Square. Harvard Station on the Red Line. 
*[[:wikipedia:Boston_Common | Boston Common]] and [[:wikipedia:Public_Garden_(Boston) | Public Garden]] - The oldest city park and garden in the United States, the common and garden are a place for gatherings, protests, concerts, ice skating in the winter and general relaxation. The Common is part of the Emerald Necklace, an 1,100 acre chain of parks in Boston and Brookline designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who also designed Central Park in NYC and Mont Royal Park in Montreal). Be sure to visit the [[:wikipedia:Swan_Boats_(Boston,_Massachusetts)|Swan Boat Ride]] and the [[:wikipedia:Make_Way_for_Ducklings|Make Way For Ducklings]] statues. Plan at most 1 hour to explore the Common and Garden. Boylston Station on the Green Line, and Park Street Station on the Red and Green Line.
*[http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com Faneuil Hall]- A shopping and dining center, Faneuil Hall is also a 15 minute walk to many of Boston’s attractions. Nearby is also the [[:wikipedia:New_England_Holocaust_Memorial | Holocaust Memorial]]. It is bordered by the North End, the financial district, Haymarket and Government Center. In the summertime, there are street performers outside the hall itself. Plan at least 2 hours to explore this area. Haymarket Station on the Orange Line.
*[http://www.mfa.org Museum of Fine Arts] - Fantastic art museum with a top-notch gallery of impressionist paintings by Renoir, Monet, Manet, Picasso, Degas, as well as the rest of the museum with large galleries and more. Great for an all day activity, especially on a bad weather day. Museum of Fine Arts Station on the Green E line.
*[[:wikipedia:Boston_Public_Library,_McKim_Building | Boston Public Library]] - Be sure to see [[:wikipedia:Boston_Public_Library,_McKim_Building#Bates_Hall|Bates Hall]], the reading room, which is simply stunning. Plan at least 30 minutes to explore inside. Copley Square, Green Line. Free.
*[http://www.paulreverehouse.org Paul Revere House]- Visit the home of Paul Revere, the midnight rider who warned of the British advance in the Revolutionary War. His home, built in 1680 is the oldest building in downtown Boston and is now a national historic landmark. The Freedom Trail takes you past this house. See Freedom Trail above.
*[http://www.northendboston.com The North End]- This section of Boston housed the immigrant Italian enclave. Although many Italians have moved on and out, their legacy lives on in the numerous restaurants in this neighborhood's tiny streets. This is a heavily touristed area, but also a residential area where locals visit for excellent old world cuisine. To eat like a local, step off the busy,touristy Hanover St. and onto the smaller streets. With so many restaurants tucked away, you may discover a gem to pass on to your host! Haymarket Station, Orange Line (walk of 5-10 minutes required).
*[http://www.bso.org Boston Symphony Orchestra] - Symphony Hall, the home of the BSO and the Boston Pops, is consistently rated in the top 5 classical halls in the world. Comparable to the Musikverein in Vienna, Symphony Hall was scientifically designed with perfect acoustics in mind. Cheap tickets are available for students, and currently anyone under 40 can purchase tickets for $20. Symphony Station on the Green E Line.
*[http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/ USS Constitution]- "Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned warship in the world afloat. This ship was originally launched October 21, 1797. It's now housed at the Charlestown Navy Yard, near the famous Bunker Hill. Charlestown, while not as picturesque as the North and South Ends or Beacon Hill, is distinctly Bostonian, with a mix of Irish and Italian families, newer immigrants, young professionals and transplanted families.
*[http://www.jfklibrary.org John F. Kennedy Library] - The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and museum of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. The building is the official repository for original papers and correspondence of the Kennedy Administration. JFK Station on the Red Line (may take some time to reach from downtown).
*[http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/index.jsp Fenway Park]- Stadium home of the Red Sox baseball team, this ballpark is almost entirely unchanged  since it opened on April 20, 1912. Take in a game or simply take a tour and see a piece of Boston's history. Note that tickets for the Red Sox can be difficult to find. The team has dramatically increased their online presence in the last few years, making it worthwhile to keep an eye on the site if you think you might want to check out a game. Kenmore Station on the Green Line (any line except "E" line, just look for the Fenway Park signs! Note that the "Fenway" station on the is farther from the stadium than Kenmore Station.)
*[http://www.oldnorth.com/ Old North Church]- The Old North Church is officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. Built in 1723, it is the oldest standing church in Boston. On April 18, 1775 church sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple and held two lanterns signaling that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land (according to the website).
*[http://www.bostonhistory.org/old_state_hs_hist.php Old State House]- Now dwarfed by the modern buildings surrounding it, the Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston. The Old State House bore witness to the [[:wikipedia:Boston_Massacre|Boston Massacre]], a reading of the [[:wikipedia:United_States_Declaration_of_Independence|Declaration of Independence]], and a visit from President Washington. State Street Station on the Orange Line.
*[http://www.kings-chapel.org/history.html King’s Chapel]- This Unitarian Universalist church was founded in 1686. It was built on a burying ground since no one would sell land for the construction of a non-Puritan church. Today, it is located on the Freedom Trail and the burying grounds still lay adjacent.
*[http://www.nps.gov/boha/ Boston Harbor Island National Park]- Thirty-four islands comprise the BHINP. Within minutes of Boston, you can visit Civil War historical sites, see historic lighthouses, camp, hike, swim, fish, etc. The islands make a great day trip or break from the city.

===Activities===
Thanks to some Boston locals and their research check out few of the links

*[http://hubpages.com/hub/21-free-things-to-do-in-boston 21 Free Things To Do In Boston] - This is a list and guide of Free Things to do in Boston while visiting - the list includes museums, tours, events, entertainment, places to eat and lots more.

*[http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/massachusetts/towns/boston/galleries/25freethingstodoinBoston/ 25 free things to do around Boston] - Taken from one of the local Boston sites.

*[http://www.bostonducktours.com Boston Duck Tours] - Unique ride and tour of Boston on special amphibious vehicles. Tour guides are full of interesting information, jokes and historical oddities. They also encourage "quacking", making this tour perfect for children and adults unafraid to feel slightly silly. A bit pricey (maybe $30), but a "must do" if you only have 1 or 2 days in Boston and want to get a quick feel for the city without walking around or reading a book. Locals also enjoy this ride. Good on a sunny or rainy weather day.  Tours start at either the Prudential Center (E branch of the Green Line) or at the Museum of Science (Science Park on the Green line).
*[http://www.swanboats.com/ Swan Boats] - Summer only. For $2 or $3, you get a nice little ride around the lagoon in the public gardens. Arlington Station on the Green line, and walk eastward into the Public Gardens.
*[http://www.prudentialcenter.com/shop/shop_detail.php?id=64 Skywalk at the Prudential Center] - Best view of the city from the top of the tallest building. Cost is approximately $12 to go to the top. Dusk (4pm-7pm) for sunsets is probably the best time to visit. Go to the Prudential Station on the Green Line.
*[http://thehubway.com/ Hubway Bikesharing] - Similar to the Vélib bikesharing program in France and in other cities, you can rent a bicycle at one station and return it at another. The the bikesharing program closes during the winter months, however. 
*[http://www.photowalks.com/ Photo Walk] - Explore Boston on five separate photo walking tours presented with fascinating historic commentary and creative photography tips. Capture amazing pictures in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Public Garden, along the Freedom Trail and Boston Harbor. All ages and skill levels welcome. Starting points vary based on walk locations.
*[http://www.mos.org Museum of Science] - Highly interactive museum that is absolutely fun for kids and adults. Great for a rainy day. Science Park Station on the Green Line. 
*[http://www.urbanadventours.com/tours.php?tourtype=daily Urban Adventours] - Choose from several different bike ride tours of different parts of Boston and the surrounding area.
*[http://www.minutemanbikeway.org/ Minuteman Bikeway] - Off-Street paved bicycle path appx 15km long. Takes you through historic [http://www.libertyride.us/historic.html Lexington Center], home of the [[:wikipedia:Battles_of_Lexington_and_Concord|first battles at start of the American Revolutionary War]]. Starts at Alewife Station on the Red Line.
*Rent (hire) Bicycles - Bike Tours and other independent rental shops: [http://www.landrys.com/services/BikeRentals/default.aspx 1], [http://www.cambridgebicycle.com/design/rentals.htm 2], [http://www.urbanadventours.com/bikes.php 3], [http://bostonbiketours.com/rentals.htm 4] (various locations).
*[http://crw.org/ Charles River Wheelmen] - A group of regular cyclists ride together around the city and surrounding areas. Also visit [http://www.massbike.org/ Mass Bike Association] for regional bicycling information.
*Spirit of Boston Cruise-
*Whale Watching-
*[[:wikipedia:Isabella_Stewart_Gardner_Museum|Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum]] - smaller, private art museum - collection of the same namesake. Several high value paintings were stolen from this museum in 1990, including works by Vermeer and Degas. Longwood or Musueum of Fine Arts Station on the Green E. Line.
*[http://www.neaq.org New England Aquarium] - slightly expensive ($30) and not an all-afternoon activity, Boston CSers recommend you go to the Museum of Science or Museum of Fine Arts first, before you go here. Good on a rainy weather day. The harbor-walk next to it is a nice, free walking activity instead if you are nearby. Aquarium Station on the Blue line.
*[http://www.esplanadeassociation.org Charles River Esplanade] - Walk along the Charles river, along the Boston/south side. Share the path with dozens of bicyclists and joggers, as you head westward. Rent canoes, sit on the river, watch sailboats, or maybe even dip your feet in the water. Excellent to visit on a warm, sunny weather day. Charles/MGH Station on the Red Line for the eastern-most end.
*[http://www.bostoncommonfrogpond.org/ Ice Skating at Frog Pond] - Winter season only - Smaller version of NYC's central park rink. Park Street Station, Red and Green lines.
*[http://www.yelp.com/biz/samuel-adams-brewery-boston Samuel Adams Brewery Tours] - Take a tour of a popular local beer brewery. All ages welcome, however you must be 21 years old to sample the beer. Good on a rainy day. Stony Brook station, Orange Line.
*Foliage viewing - Fall / Autumn Season only -

===Coffee Shops, WiFi and Internet Cafes===

Starbucks are numerous and easy to find, and so we won't list them.  To use the Wifi at most Starbucks, you must have an AT&T internet account or a registered Starbucks card, which gives you two hours of free Wifi per day.  The Starbucks at the Barnes & Nobles in Prudential Center has free wifi without the need of an account.    When the weather is good, there is [http://www.harvardsquare.com/Home/Articles/Free-Public-Wi-fi-in-Harvard-Square.aspx free public wifi in Harvard Square] as well as [http://www.techsuperpowers.com/newburyopen.net on Newbury Street] if you don't want to sit indoors at a coffee shop. 

*[http://www.wififreespot.com/mass.html Massachusetts WiFi Hotspot Listing] - Comprehensive listing of WiFi spots around the city and beyond. Also try [http://ilovefreewifi.com/boston/ I love free WiFi].
*[http://www.tridentbookscafe.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp Trident Booksellers] - Back Bay / Fenway area, Boston, on Newbury Street. Green Line, Hynes Station.
*[http://www.diesel-cafe.com/ Diesel Cafe] - Hipster/Alternative/Young Professional shop. Lots of seating. West Somerville, Davis Square station, Red Line. (No free wifi)
*[http://www.athansbakery.com/ Athan's Bakery & Cafe] - Euro Bakery and Cafe. Brookline, Green C Line, Washington Square Station.
*[http://www.yelp.com/biz/peets-coffee-and-tea-cambridge Peet's Coffee and Tea] - Cambridge, Harvard Square Station, Red Line.
*[http://www.1369coffeehouse.com 1369 Coffeehouse] - Cambridge, Inman Square. Central Square station, Red Line. (No free wifi)

Other common chains that have free Wifi are Boloco (a chain of burrito restaurants) and JP Licks (ice cream shops).

Internet cafes do not exist very much in the USA, and Boston isn't so different in this case. If you don't have your own computer and need to use the internet, there are a few options you can check out:
*[[:wikipedia:Boston_Public_Library | Boston Public Library]] - has computers you can use if you wait in line, and free wi-fi too. The BPL is worth visiting as a tourist attraction anyways, as [[:wikipedia:Boston_Public_Library#Bates_Hall|Bates Hall]] is '''stunning'''. Copley Square station, Green Line.
*[http://www.apple.com/retail/boylstonstreet/ Apple Store Boston] - Biggest Apple Store in the USA. Boylston Street, Copley Square station, Green Line.
*[http://www.apple.com/retail/cambridgeside Apple Store Cambridge] - Located inside the Cambridgeside Galleria Shopping Mall. Lechemere Station, Green Line.
*[http://www.techsuperpowers.com/newburyopen.net Tech Superpowers Lounge] - Internet Cafe. Newbury Street, Copley Square, Green Line.
*[http://www.yelp.com/biz/super-socks-boston Super Socks] - Internet cafe is located upstairs in a crazy store on Winter Street. Park Street station, Red Line, or Downtown Crossing station, Orange Line.
*[http://www.fedex.com Fedex Office / Kinko's] - Several locations in Boston: 60 State St, 2 Center Plaza, 211 Congress St, 125 Tremont St.

===Shopping===
If you are looking for unique '''souvenirs''', check out [http://www.wardmaps.com/info-store.php Boston Coasters] (Porter Station, Red Line) for special "Boston" gifts, or visit typical Fanueil Hall (see below) for lots of touristy souvenir carts and shops.

==== Electronics ====
*[http://stores.bestbuy.com/804/ Best Buy] - a "big box" electronics chain. Prices here are OK but not great; the customer service is NOT very good. We recommend you figure out what you want to buy ahead of time before going in the store. Otherwise, if you can have something shipped via online shopping, retailers like [http://www.newegg.com Newegg] or Amazon are far better options. Fenway Station, Green "D" line.
 
==== Department Stores, Fashion, etc. ====
*[http://www.newbury-st.com/ Newbury Street] -Lots of 'European' boutiques, expensive designer brands like Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Puma to Diesel, in addition to FCUK, Zara, as well as fancy cafes and art galleries. Very picturesque area of Boston. Not so good on a rainy or cold day. Accessible by the Arlington, Copley, and Hynes stations (Green Line).
*[http://www.prudentialcenter.com Shops at the Prudential] - Upscale shopping mall, brands like Coach, Tiffany, Louis Vitton, FCUK, A/X, etc. Good on a rainy or cold day. Accessible by Back Bay (Orange Line), Prudential (Green E Line), Hynes (Green B, C, or D Lines).
*[http://www.downtowncrossing.org Downtown Crossing] - Mostly large department stores (Macy's), clothing (H&M, TJ Max, Filene's Basement), and a very large shoe store (DSW). Accessible by Downtown Crossing (Orange Line), or Park Street (Red or Green lines).
*[[:wikipedia:Haymarket_Square_(Boston)|Haymarket]] and [[:wikipedia:Faneuil_Hall_Marketplace|Faneuil Hall Marketplace]] - open air food market on certain days, souvenirs and other local food geared towards tourists. Accessible by Haymarket (Orange Line)

====Used, Vintage, Thrift and Consignment Shops====
This is only a partial listing of discount, used, vintage, thrift, and consignment shops around Boston. Be sure to search [http://www.yelp.com Yelp] for more stores and locations.

*'''Goodwill''' - [http://www.yelp.com/biz/goodwill-stores-cambridge Cambridge], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/goodwill-store-boston Allston], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/goodwill-roxbury Roxbury], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/goodwill-store-somerville Somerville]
*'''Salvation Army''' - [http://www.yelp.com/biz/salvation-army-cambridge Cambridge], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/salvation-army-somerville Somerville]
*'''Cambridge''' - [http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-garment-district-cambridge Garment District], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/christ-church-thrift-shop-cambridge Christ Church Thrift Shop], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/boomerangs-cambridge Boomerangs Central], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/oonas-cambridge Oona's]
*'''Somerville''' - [http://www.yelp.com/biz/artifaktori-somerville Artifaktori], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/grand-somerville Grand], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/poor-little-rich-girl-somerville Poor Little Rich Girl]
*'''Jamaica Plain''' - [http://www.yelp.com/biz/boomerangs-jamaica-plain Boomerangs JP], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/dame-jamaica-plain Dame], [http://www.yelp.com/biz/40-south-street-jamaica-plain 40 South Street]
*'''South End / Back Bay''' - [http://www.yelp.com/biz/bobby-from-boston-boston Bobby From Boston]