The local slang says it all, Boston is wicked!
If I could live anywhere on earth it would be Boston or one of its beautiful suburbs.
There’s no coincediecne it made it to my list of cities that have it all. It’s the perfect combination of big city living, luscious green open spaces and proximity to my one true love, the ocean.
I’ve visited 8 times and I will never tire of the gorgeous architecture, friendly people and, of course, a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner!
While I love to give a balanced opinion of anywhere I go, I just can’t fault this East Coast beauty. So here are 8 reasons why Boston is my favourite city in the world
(Disclaimer: I haven’t visited every city in the world, so I challenge anyone to find me a worthy competitor).
1. The University Campuses
I have a thing for visiting university campuses.
I love the feeling of wandering through ancient buildings in the footsteps of past legends and present day scholars.
Education brings people from all corners of the world together with a common interest and I find that beautiful.
With 35 colleges and universities, Boston often feels like one massive campus.
When exploring, don’t miss a trip to Harvard. The gorgeous red brick, grey stone and modern white buildings blend together in the district of Cambridge; full of parks, iconic monuments and a sense of timeless grandeur. You feel your IQ rising from just walking around here.
2. The Seasons
I’ve almost always visited Boston in the summer and once in the winter. But Boston offers the chance to experience all four postcard perfect seasons.
Along with blissfully warm summers, the city turns fiery red in Fall (Autumn), becomes a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall, before the parks and rivers come alive again as it blossoms in spring.
Boston is wicked 12 months a year.
(Warning- when visiting in winter, bring many jackets!)
3. History
Even for non-history buffs like myself, you can’t help but be captivated by America’s history when visiting Boston.
The city is packed full of museums, galleries and exhibitions and if you prefer to spend your time outside, the city itself is like a giant open air museum.
The Freedom Trail is a red brick line build into the sidewalks (pavements) to guide you between the key monuments, buildings and landmarks.
Money Saver: Download a ‘Freedom Trail’ walking guide or podcast before you go and take the tour at your own pace for free!
4. Public Transport
Boston is wicked easy to navigate. Even if you are a beginner to travelling on foreign public transport.
You can get almost anywhere on the ‘MBTA’ (the subway system). Tickets are affordable and the whole city is well connected.
In the centre, I recommend travelling above ground on foot to get the full benefit of the quirky streets and awesome architecture.
Money Saver: On arrival, you can catch the Silver Line (SL1) from Logan Airport to South Station in the city centre… for free!
5. Open spaces
Despite being a bustling city, Boston retains a sense of space and greenery.
The Boston Common is a massive park area in the centre of the city that provides a green oasis amongst the skyscrapers.
Many of the main streets are lined with trees and smaller grassy squares can be found throughout the city. Not to mention, the entire city is built right at the water, so harbour walks and sea views are never too far away.
6. The People
Boston is wicked friendly, there’s no two ways about it.
In all my visits as a solo female traveller, I have never felt unsafe or unwelcome. On my first visit, I had 3 offers to help with my case before I’d left the station and I knew immediately that Bostonians (?) were a special kind of people.
Of course, as with anywhere, keep your street-smart head on, but overall the city is very welcoming and accessible. You’ll always be greeted with a smile and the charming accent can’t help but make you feel happy.
7. The Sport
Boston is home to the famous Red Sox baseball team who play at Fenway Park where you can also see the Green Monster. And someone more acquainted with baseball could probably give a more technical explanation than ‘big green wall’!
Even if baseball isn’t your thing, its still a cool stadium to admire from outside or take a tour of on the right days. (I didn’t do my research and failed to get a tour because I went on a game day.)
Boston is also home to the Celtics (Basketball) and the Bruins (Ice Hockey). The New England Patriots (American Football) play nearby in Foxborough.
8. LGBTQ+ Friendly
I try to not to speak much about the LGBTQ+ safety of a city because it’s so unique to personal experience.
But Boston was my first ever Pride and so it will always have a special place in my heart.
Massachusetts the first State to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004 and their Pride is inclusive, family friendly and an all-round must-attend. As a solo-traveller, I tend not to visit many bars but the South End /Back Bay area is where you should head for some specifically queer spaces.
And there you have it! 8 of the many reasons Boston is wicked great!
This city will always be special to me, and I hope that when you visit you have the same experiences.
