What are the colours of Boston? For some it is silver, the gleaming and shiny towers of glass and steel, topped out by the tallest of all, that sit to the south of the river as it does. its final twist and turn before emptying into the bay. These are fringed by a solid collection of lower buildings, not quite as pretentious or tall, where the drip drip of commercial life continues on its tradition of nearly 400 years creating wealth beyond the dreams of most.
But it is red that is the treasure of the city, kept hidden inside the other colours like a rich cake under the icing of the skyscrapers and yellow belt of commerce, the red of permanent and continuity, red as a heart.
The streets and quads of red brick buildings are not all ancient, although those around Boston common for claim to be as old as most in Europe. They bequeath to Boston its most enticing qualities endurance, tradition, longevity and wisdom, the qualities that make it stand out alone against the other large American cities, making it belong and not belong at the same time,
Boston reminds itself every day that it is different. It has the lowest car ownership of a big city, those still high by international standards, the oldest Metro, and city parks that are filled with water features and equine statues of stern looking men in tricorns or Quaker top hats.
To embrace it, wWalk through the streets of in even cobblestones that suggest the clatter of horse schools was not too long ago, and become precariously menacing at times of ice and rain, for Boston has a plenty for supply of both.
This is the Boston that has proven such an alluring destination for immigrants and wWeekend visitor alike.
For it IS a weekend destination, 6 1/2 hours flying East and sometimes 5 1/2 Flying back, ease of access finally securing its status as a county west of Kerry, like Oisín got here and liked what he saw, having started the beer pouring in 1,000 pubs with shamrocks on their windows and Irish flags draped from a pole outside.
It is not just the irish. The opening of the Discover New England tourism event took place in Chinatown, in the China Pearl restaurant.
Boston: What’s new in 2025
Boston is abuzz. The South Station Tower is nearing completion above South Station. This 51-story, 1.02-million-square-foot development will feature 166 luxury condos and over 500 parking spaces, promising to reshape the city’s skyline and transit hub by the end of 2025. Culturally, museum expansions and new exhibits are in the works, with places like the Boston Children’s Museum hosting fresh attractions like the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood exhibit.
Foodies have plenty to savour too. New restaurants are popping up, such as Don’t Tell Aunty, an Indian gastropub near Fenway with creative twists on pub fare, and the return of Little Sage in the North End. The culinary scene is also getting a taste of Lao-inspired cuisine through pop-ups by chef Veo Robert, with more events planned this spring.
Boston is also seeing mixed-use developments sprout across neighborhoods, alongside initiatives like the City’s Digital expansion and the Boston Energy Saver program to tackle rising energy costs. With 5,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline over the next few years, the city’s gearing up for even more visitors. It’s shaping up to be a dynamic year in Beantown!
A major Van GHogh exhibition is under way at the Boston Fine Arts Museum.
Things to do, Outdoor & Historical Activities
- Freedom Trail: Walk this 2.5-mile path through 16 historic sites, from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. Spring weather makes it perfect for a stroll, and you might catch Patriots’ Day reenactments later this month (April 21) in nearby Lexington and Concord.
- Boston Common & Public Garden: Enjoy the nation’s oldest public park with a picnic or a swan boat ride—the boats are back in season now that it’s spring.
- Fenway Park: Catch a Red Sox game—the season just started yesterday, April 4, against the Cardinals. Even if tickets are steep, the vibe around the park is electric.
Things to do, Cultural & Museums
- Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): Check out rotating exhibits—there’s always something new, like contemporary art or special collections. Admission’s free for kids under 6, and it’s a solid rainy-day pick.
- Boston Children’s Museum: The Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood exhibit is a hit with families right now, blending interactive play with early learning.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Famous for its courtyard and infamous art heist, it’s a quirky, beautiful spot for art lovers.
Things to do, Food & Drink
- New Eats: Try Don’t Tell Aunty near Fenway for Indian-inspired pub food with a twist, or Little Sage in the North End for its fresh take on Italian. Look out for Lao pop-ups by chef Veo Robert if you’re into bold flavors.
- North End: Grab a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry—locals debate which is better, so pick your side.
- Boston Wine Expo: Happening today and tomorrow (April 5-6) at Hilton Boston Park Plaza—sample from over 100 vendors if you’re into wine.
Things to do, Events & Entertainment
- Boston Marathon: Mark your calendar for April 21. Even if you’re not running, the energy along the route (especially near Heartbreak Hill) is unreal.
- Concerts: Catch Mary J. Blige at TD Garden (April 14) or Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at Agganis Arena (April 15) for a music fix.
Things to do, Unique Experiences
- Harborwalk: Stroll along the waterfront for killer views of the skyline and maybe a seafood stop at Legal Sea Foods.
- South Station Tower: It’s not fully open yet, but the area’s buzzing as this massive project wraps up—peek at the construction if you’re near the transit hub.
- Whale Watching: Tours are ramping up with warmer weather—head out from the harbor for a chance to spot humpbacks.
Off-the-beaten-path
As well as you think you know Boston, there are lots of places for dodging the tourist crowds and uncovering some hidden gems:
- Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library: Tucked in the Christian Science complex near Back Bay, this three-story stained-glass globe from 1935 lets you walk through a snapshot of the world pre-WWII. The acoustics are wild—whisper on one side, hear it clear across the bridge. It’s open daily, and the “World of Ideas” light show adds a cool twist. Not your typical museum stop.
- James P. Kelleher Rose Garden: Hidden in the Fenway area near the ballpark, this quiet spot boasts over 1,500 rose bushes in a vintage English-style layout—fountains, trellises, and all. It’s blooming best from late June, but even now in spring, it’s a peaceful escape. Locals barely mention it, so you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled on a secret.
- All Saints Way: A quirky alley in the North End off Battery Street, this is one man’s shrine to Catholic saints. Peter Baldassari’s been collecting saintly trinkets since he was a kid, and now it’s a brick-walled tribute with statues and seasonal decor. It’s private property, but he sometimes offers tours if you’re lucky—or brave enough—to knock.
- Bodega: Not your average convenience store. Behind a grimy facade at 6 Clearway Street near Back Bay, a Snapple machine slides open to reveal a sleek streetwear shop. Think high-end sneakers and gear celebs like Kevin Durant have scoped out. It’s a locals’ flex—tourists rarely know it’s there.
- Ether Dome: Inside Massachusetts General Hospital, this old-school operating theater with a glass dome ceiling hosted the first public surgery using ether in 1846. It’s still a teaching space, and there’s an Egyptian mummy chilling in the corner for reasons no one fully explains. Free to visit, but you’ll need to navigate the hospital vibe.
- The Skinny House: In the North End at 44 Hull Street, this spite-built oddity is just 10 feet wide—supposedly a Civil War soldier’s jab at his brother who hogged their inherited land. You can’t go inside, but snapping a pic of this narrow freakshow across from Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is worth the detour.
- Harvard Bridge Smoots: Cross the Charles River from Boston to Cambridge on the Mass Ave Bridge, and you’ll spot “smoots”—a bizarre unit of measure from a 1958 MIT prank where Oliver Smoot’s body (5’7”) was used to mark the bridge’s length: 364.4 smoots plus an ear. The painted markers are still maintained, and it’s a nerdy, locals-only laugh.
- Franklin Park Bear Dens: In Franklin Park, these abandoned stone enclosures from the zoo’s 1912 opening are a creepy, cool relic. No bears anymore—just echoes of the past amid overgrown paths. It’s a short hike from the main park trails, perfect for an eerie vibe without leaving the city.
- Brattle Book Shop: A dusty treasure trove near Downtown Crossing, this used bookstore’s been around since 1825. Three floors of rare finds, plus an outdoor lot with $1 books. Bibliophiles lose hours here, and it’s way less hyped than the big-name libraries.
- Spectacle Island: A 40-minute ferry from Long Wharf gets you to this 105-acre Boston Harbor spot. Once a dump, now it’s got hiking trails, a sandy beach, and killer skyline views. Spring’s quiet—fewer crowds than summer—so you can fish or chill in peace.
