Cruise Guide
Boston
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Boston Cruise Guide

Overview

Boston, nicknamed the ‘Cradle of Modern America', has big bragging rights when it comes to its colonial and literary past. Prestigious universities like Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and its famous harbour are equally renowned.

Such notables as Benjamin Franklin, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow, John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) and the rock group, Aerosmith, have trod the paths of this famous ‘walking city.' Strolling famous sites like the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, Beacon Hill and the Boston Common is reason enough to spend a few days before leaving its port.

Sightseeing

As one of the oldest settlements in the USA, Boston has plenty of history to experience. Yet, with a large, young student population plus a coastal and countryside location, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy. Take time to visit some of the city's famous neighbourhoods. The very touristy, imported English pub (which later became the model for TV's hugely successful Cheers) is in Beacon Hill. And don't miss Boston's wealth of museums.

Highlights:
Black Heritage Trail
Boston Harbor Islands
Harvard University & Harvard Square
Freedom Trail
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
North End

Tourist Information

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA, USA
Tel: +1 (617) 536 4100 or 1 888 733 2678.
Website: www.bostonusa.com

Shopping

Built in 1826, Faneuil Hall Quincy Marketplace still bustles with over 100 shops, as well as cafes, restaurants and the Hard Rock cafe which has a room devoted to Aerosmith memorabilia (they are native Bostonians). Newbury Street, which runs from Boston Common to Massachusetts Avenue, is lined with upscale shops, art galleries, book and antique shops and cafes. Find interesting bookstores, funky shops and those specialising in Harvard memorabilia in Cambridge.

Eating Out

Seafood including lobster, scallops, scrod, white clam chowder and Boston cream pie are specialities. For Italian food, it's the North End.

When To Go

The best time to visit is spring and autumn. Summers are often hot and filled with tourists and winters cold and sometimes very snowy.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Boston.

Transfer Distance

1km (0.6 miles).

Transfer Time

5 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

United States of America

Time Zone

GMT - 5.

Currency

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

Language

English.

Location

Northeastern United States, North America.

Population

589,000 (city).

Government

Federal Republic since 1789.

Religion

Protestant, with Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

Social Conventions

At first meeting, there is nothing wrong in being formal and then relaxing once the attitudes of the host have been established. Business cards are commonly exchanged at meetings. Smoking is banned in most public areas.

Tipping
Tipping is a customary practice in the US. Waiting staff get anywhere from 10 to 20% depending on the service and how upscale the restaurant is. For parties of six or more, restaurants often add a gratuity of 15-20%. Taxi drivers get 10-15%. In a hotel, expect to tip the bellman about US$1 per bag and the maid US$2 per night.
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