Location: Boston
Top Things to do in Boston
Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Boston, Massachusetts (MA)
Walk the Freedom Trail the first time you visit Boston and you'll quickly get a sense of this coastal city's revolutionary spirit and history. But make sure you also explore some of Boston's fine museums (try the Isabella Stewart Gardner, featuring masterpieces displayed in their collector's mansion) and old neighborhoods (like the North End, Boston's Little Italy). You can't claim to have experienced real Boston culture, though, until you've watched a Red Sox game from the bleachers.
Restaurants in Boston
1. Trinity Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
This National Historic Landmark, one of America's great buildings, was built in 1877 by architect H.H. Richardson.
Reviewed By vincentdE9094KZ - Dún Laoghaire, Ireland
this is first of all a church and secondly a tourist attraction. there is a charge to go in. If you are interested in arts and crafts - this is heaven - it was built in 1877 by Henry Hobson Richardson. Woodwork in the pews is beautiful with each roundel at the end of the pews being slightly different. every style of leaded glass is represented including some designed by the British artist Edward Burne Jones and executed by his friend William Morris who was the leader of the arts and crafts movement in England. Everywhere you look there is beautiful stonework, glasswork, painted murals or timber carving.
2. Massachusetts State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Designed in 1798 by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch, the historic building is dominated by a magnificent gold dome.
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Presiding above Boston Common on Beacon Hill sits the "New" State House, designed by prominent architect Charles Bulfinch. The seat of Massachusetts government since 1798, Oliver Wendall Holmes proclaimed: "The Boston State House is the hub of the solar system". Designated a National Historic Landmark, it is considered a masterpiece of Federal Style architecture. Paul Revere covered its original wooden dome with copper, which was replaced with shimmering 23 karat gold leaf in 1997. Atop sits a pine cone, reflecting the logging history of Massachusetts. Art work, statuary, stained glass, mosaics, murals, marble floors and columns, sweeping staircases,coffered ceilings, exquisite details; this is a must see! Stately, stunning and impressive!
3. Marriott's Custom House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By RecognizeExcellence - Boston, United States
I can't think of many very special - - truly special - - buildings in Boston, that offer overnight accommodations; Marriott's Custom House is one of them. By way of history, Marriott acquired the former, vacant Custom House from the City of Boston, and converted it into a Marriott timeshare resort, comprised of 84, one-bedroom villas (separate living room (with mini-kitchen), bedroom, and bathroom) of a variety of shapes and sizes, about 800 square feet (more than twice the size of a typical hotel room in Boston). I think Marriott opened Marriott’s Custom House in 1999. Marriott's Custom House is ideally located in Boston, it is within a block or two of the Greenway, waterfront, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and the aquarium. The North End, Seaport/Innovation District, Chinatown, Boston Common, and the Public Garden, are a few blocks away. The Aquarium "T (subway)" Station is practically outside the door of the Custom House. The Custom House is approximately 170 years old, and it exudes history. The rotunda is magnificent, guests have access to an indoor/outdoor observation deck, there is a fitness center (behind the four faces of the huge, signature clock), and there is a lounge and bar, in which continental breakfast and beverages are served. There are an abundance of restaurants nearby. Marriott does an excellent job maintaining the Custom House, the rooms are spotless, and refurbished. The common areas are clean, although, some (common) areas show excessive wear, and you can clearly tell what furnishings, pictures, ornamentation came with Marriott's opening of the Custom House, based on their high quality, and the often cheesy, cheap-looking, asynchronous accesories that have been added, over the years (pictures, signage, etc). There are many redeeming qualities of Marriott's Custom House, many have already been stated above; in addition to which, is a staff of concierge, housekeepers, front desk staff, valet who are spectacular at their job, and who exude warmth, professionalism, expertise, and efficiency (in particular, Karen C., a Concierge, Christine C., a front desk agent, the many housekeepers who have been at the Custom House since the day Marriott opened it, and Andrea, the manager of housekeeping). Valet parking is available, on-site, at a typical Boston hotel parking rate (less than many Boston hotels), although, if you are flying into Boston, it is quite likely that you do not need a car, and that you can rent an Enterprise Rent a Car for the day or two that you need a car. Do not give any thought to parking on the street, as parking is scarce during the day, and overnight parking throughout the downtown area is prohibited from 2 AM to 7 AM (for street cleaning (park on the street, downtown, overnight, and your car will be towed)). If you are looking for a lower cost alternative to on-site, valet parking, you could consider parking your car at the Wellington Station T Stop (be sure to verify that overnight parking is allowed in the garage), and take a short ride on the Orange Line, to State Street (a <5 minute walk from the Custom House). For a unique, Boston experience, I'd vigorously suggest that you consider a stay at the Custom House, with the comfort of knowing that it's a Marriott (actually, a relative of Marriott International).
4. Ayer Mansion
5. First Church Boston
6. John Hancock Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
This striking I.M. Pei edifice, famous for its beauty and infamous for falling glass panes, is Boston's tallest building. After terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the popular 60th-floor observatory was permanently closed due to security concerns.
7. Prudential Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,617 reviews
Reviewed By clevertravelers - Newtown, United States
Shopping and plenty of restaurants. Eataly, a huge open area of restaurants and specialty shops, is a good stop if you are visiting Boston. The Prudential Center has a city-view observation area at the The Top of the Hub (a nice brunch spot).
8. William Hickling Prescott House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Hours: Saturdays April- October 12-4, Wednesdays June- August 12-4. Check our website or MA Dame on Facebook for schedule modifications. The WH Prescott House, at 55 Beacon Street, and the adjoining home at 54 Beacon are across from the Boston Common. They were built in 1808 for the Boston merchant, James Smith Colburn. These brick town houses were designed by the esteemed American architect Asher Benjamin and are highlighted by two bow-fronts and were voted in the top 8 examples of Federal architecture by Boston Curbed. The American historian, William H. Prescott, lived at number 55 Beacon Street from 1845-1859. Prescott was one of the first English-speaking historians to write about the Spanish Empire. He built a rear addition, which included his extensive library on the second floor, and a third floor study. In 1944 the house was purchased by the NSCDA- MA. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Voted by Boston Magazine "one of 7 house museums not to miss."
