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Attractions
Whether you want to immerse yourself in the colonial era or cruise around the harbor, Boston offers something for everyone, and plenty of it. Throw out your preconceptions of the city as some sort of open-air history museum -- although that's certainly one of the forms it can assume -- and allow your interests to dictate where you go.
It's possible but not advisable to take in most of the major attractions in 2 or 3 days if you don't linger anywhere too long. For a more enjoyable, less rushed visit, plan fewer activities and spend more time on them.
Budget cuts have slashed state contributions to many cultural organizations. Admissions fees and hours in this section are current at press time, but establishments that rely heavily on state aid may cost a bit more or be keeping shorter hours by the time you visit. If you're on a tight budget or schedule, call ahead.
Increased security has led some attractions to require that adult patrons show ID before entering. Double-check that you have your license or passport before you leave the hotel.
The Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum (tel. 617/338-1773; www.bostonteapartyship.com) closed after a fire in 2001; at press time, it tentatively planned to reopen in spring or summer of 2005. If you hope to visit, call ahead to see whether it's open.
The last stop on the Freedom Trail, the Bunker Hill Monument, Monument Square, Charlestown, will be renovated in late 2004 and early 2005. Call ahead to make sure the 221-foot obelisk and the accompanying displays are open.
The attractions in this section are easily accessible by public transportation, and given the difficulty and expense of parking, it's preferable to take the T everywhere. Even the Kennedy Library, which has a large free parking lot, operates a free shuttle bus that runs to and from a stop on the Red Line. To maximize your enjoyment, try to visit these attractions during relatively slow times. If possible, especially in the summer, sightsee on weekdays; if you're traveling without children, aim for times when school is in session. And if you're in town on a July or August weekend, relax and try to convince yourself that you love crowds.
Eyes in the Skies--For a smashing view of the airport, the harbor, and the South Boston waterfront, stroll along the harbor or Atlantic Avenue to Northern Avenue. On either side of this intersection are buildings with free observation areas. Be ready to show an ID to gain entrance. The first, on the 14th floor of Independence Wharf, 470 Atlantic Ave., is open daily from 11am to 5pm. The other, Foster's Rotunda, is on the ninth floor of 30 Rowes Wharf, in the Boston Harbor Hotel complex. It's open Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm.
On Top of the World--The Prudential Center Skywalk, 800 Boylston St. (tel. 617/859-0648), offers a 360-degree view of Boston and far beyond. From the enclosed observation deck on the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower, you can see for miles, even (when it's clear) as far as the mountains of southern New Hampshire to the north and the beaches of Cape Cod to the south. Away from the windows, interactive audiovisual exhibits chronicle the city's history. Call before visiting, because the space sometimes closes for private events. Hours are 10am to 10pm daily. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and children 4 to 10; adults must show a photo ID to enter the Prudential Tower. T: Green Line E to Prudential, or B, C, or D to Hynes/ICA.
A Note on Online Ticketing--Many museums and other attractions sell tickets online, subject to a service charge, through their websites or by linking to an agency. This can be handy, but it can also cost you some flexibility and perhaps some money. If there's even a small chance that your plans will change, make sure you understand the refund policy before you enter your credit card info -- you may not be able to return or exchange prepaid tickets.
Let's Make a Deal
As you plan your sightseeing, consider these money-saving offers:
If you concentrate on the attractions that CityPass covers, this booklet of tickets offers great savings. With CityPass, you can go straight to the entrance and get in for free at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Kennedy Library, the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the Prudential Center Skywalk. If you visit all five, the price gives adults a 50% savings. It feels like an even better deal on a steamy day when the line at the Aquarium stretches into infinity. At press time, the price is $34 for adults, $20 for youths 3 to 17; the cost is subject to change as admission prices rise. The passes, good for 9 days from the date of purchase, are on sale at participating attractions, at the Boston Common and Prudential Center visitor information centers, through the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/SEE-BOSTON; www.bostonusa.com), through some hotel concierge desks and travel agents, and from www.citypass.com.
The Go Boston Card (tel. 617/848-5900; www.gobostoncard.com) includes admission to more than 30 Boston-area museums and attractions, plus dining and shopping discounts, a guidebook, and a 2-day Beantown Trolley ticket. You'll want to do some careful planning before you invest in this card -- it costs $39 for 1 day, $69 for 2 days, $89 for 3 days, and $109 for 5 days, with discounts for children 3 to 12 and for winter travelers -- but if you strategize wisely, it's a great value. The Go Boston Card is available through the website; at the Transportation Building, 16 Charles St. S.; at many concierge desks; and as part of some hotel packages.
The MBTA's Boston Visitor Pass (tel. 877/927-7277 or 617/222-5218; www.mbta.com) can be a good deal -- but only if you plan to use public transit often.
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