Boston's the home of Harvard and MIT, and we spent a day there during our East Coast trip just to take a look at Quincy Market, and the two universities.
Like Cambridge in the United Kingdom, Boston's a university city and there's quite a bit of young vibes all around... I would say, out of all the cities that we've visited in United States, Boston has a more European feel.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Especially the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which is the site of four places - Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, North Market and South Market. The Architecture feels European and being in that area makes me feel like I've just been in Convent Garden in London! Outside Quincy Market, you'll also find several boutiques just like that of Convent Garden.
It is no wonder that it feels just so British as upon researching more on its history, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the historical site where Firebrand Samuel Adams made a speech to rally the citizens of Boston to the cause of independence from Great Britain in the hallowed Hall. The once bustling Faneuil Hall throughout 1800s were depilated by the mid-1900s and were due to be demolished. A committed group of Bostonians then fought to preserve it in the early 1970s and they managed to do so in the then-popular Greek Revival Style.
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is part of Boston's Freedom Trail and is a must-visit when you're in Boston.
Enter into Quincy Market and you'll find many stores selling food and souvenirs. There's also a huge Uniqlo store in the market itself!
Boston Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a good way to see the 16 historical sites in the city. It is 2.5 miles long and is demarcated by red lines on the ground. We took the trail and stopped at the King's Chapel Burying Ground as it was too dark to venture further in. It would have been good for those travelling in the day. We were only in Boston for a night and didn't have sufficient time to cover all of them!
For a more guided experience, this Boston Harbour Walk may be a good idea too.
New England Aquarium
Check out the New England Aquarium located within a 10-minute walk from the Faneuil Hall Marketplace! It is situated close to the harbour and would be a great day out for families with children! We went there wanting to visit the aquarium but they were closed for the day! :(
Harvard University
The area where Harvard University is located is an interesting town. Easily accessible by their metro, you'll be welcomed with bright red buildings all over the place with interesting stores. Since the school term was already over when we were there, we didn't quite see that many students. It was a quiet and feels relatively safe...
Venture into the Coop to look at the many books and souvenirs that you can purchase home. That includes Harvard University's T-shirts, Pullovers, Jackets, and Stationary... I got one of the T-shirt as a souvenir too!
There weren't that many visitors there during that time so we look almost out of place there... The Harvard Yard was one that you should visit and try to see if you could venture into the museums or library (although many aren't quite open to the public).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Located not too far off from Harvard was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here, there aren't that many colourful buildings but it does feel nice having to go to school that is close to the Charles River.
Many open spaces are also available in the school yard which will be a great place for students to hang out during breaks (except it was far too cold when we were there!).
The campus is also a lot more modern than that of Harvard as we saw interesting architecture such as this glass link bridge. We also managed to catch a busy student walking as she eats her Chinese take-out!
Shopping in Boston
We also did some window shopping when we were in Boston where one can find Primark, and TJmaxx! I loved these stores where you can find affordable clothes, bags, and shoes! :) Especially for US brands like Kate Spade and Coach, you can find good bargains in TJmaxx!
Where to stay in Boston?
We stayed for a night at Found Hotel Boston Common which is a clean and business-like hotel. Prices weren't too expensive and we paid US94 for a night!
Day Trips from Boston?
For those who have additional days and have already covered most of Boston may want to consider heading out of the city for day trips. Here are 16 day trips from Boston ideas for you!
After Boston, we headed off to the reason why we were in the East Coast! Orlando! :)
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