By Chloe Mulliner, on November 22, 2019

What Boston is Known For

What is Boston known for?

Well, clam chowder and the marathon aside, Boston is famous for its history. Founded in 1630, Boston was part of the original 13 colonies, and played a huge role in both the American Revolution and the American Revolutionary War.

It’s not all about the past, though. Modern Boston has cool experiences, too. Book your Boston flights and get ready to learn the city’s story.

Freedom Trail

A metal emblem on the ground that says "The Boston Freedom Trail," a historic place Boston is known for.
Via aphotostory/Shutterstock.com

The Freedom Trail is arguably one of the most famous Boston points of interest. It’s your one-stop shop for all things historical. The 2.5-mile trek brings you to 16 sites between Boston Common and the Bunker Hill Monument. Venture over to the Old State House, which is one of the oldest public buildings in the country; just outside, you can view the site of the Boston Massacre. Visit the Massachusetts State House, dating back to 1789; the Old Corner Bookstore from 1712; and The Paul Revere House, which was home to the famous patriot during the American Revolution.

Harvard University

A building and green lawn on the campus of Harvard, a historic place that Boston is known for.
Via Marco Rubino/Shutterstock.com

Harvard University is another historical must-do in Boston, so book one of the many Boston hotels and then head to school! This Ivy League research university is the country’s oldest institution of higher education—it was established in 1636. The university once had nine students and only one master. Today the campus enrolls more than 20,000 students each year. Tour the historical buildings and take a peek at the largest academic library in the nation.

 Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

A view of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums, which is a famous historic place that Boston is known for.
Via ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

 “No taxation without representation!” According to all those history lessons you sat through as a kid, the Boston Tea Party was one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution. At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums, climb aboard an 18th-century merchant vessel and take part in a reenactment of throwing the tea overboard. Set your sights on the Tea Chest, the only known chest to survive the 1773 event, and then have a cup for yourself at Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace. In winter, there’s another reenactment that takes place on December 16, the exact date of the original Boston Tea Party.

Fenway Park

View of the field at Fenway Park, one of the things Boston is known for.
Via Nils Backe/Shutterstock.com

In more recent years, the baseball stadium has become quite the historic attraction. Back in the day, the Boston Red Sox were one of the best baseball teams, winning the first ever World Series. When the Red Sox sold one of their star players, “The Great Bambino” Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919, they began what locals called The Curse of the Bambino. According to the legend, the superstition kept the team from winning the World Series for 86 years straight. It wasn’t until 2004 when the Boston team finally reserved the curse and won the World Series. Today, seeing a ballgame at Fenway is easily one of the best of Boston activities.

Come discover what Boston is known for. When you spend a weekend in Boston, you can take a step back in time and get to know this city’s past. From historical attractions to museum exhibits, this city sure does celebrate and embrace its history.