Part of Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace, downtown's Common and adjoining Public Gardens offer tourists charming walks, picnic places and views of Boston's gilt-topped State House. Children will love a ride on the Swan Boats and statues of the famous ducklings from Robert McCloskey's classic picture book "Make Way for Ducklings."
Renovated by world-famous architects Diller Scolfidio + Renfro, Boston's new ICA is a spectacular building located in the gentrifying South Boston waterfront neighborhood. The ICA offers contemporary art exhibits and a variety of film, video and performance exhibits for evening visitors.
Famous for being the site of a 1990 art heist of thirteen pieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum offers an intimate collection of textiles, silver, ceramics and paintings by artists including Titian, Whistler and John Singer Sargent. Anyone named Isabella receives free admission to this museum, located near the Fenway.
Located near Long Wharf, the New England Aquarium features a four-story Caribbean coral reef with sea turtles, sharks and brightly colored fish. Other favorites include the penguins, amazing jellies and harbor seal exhibits, but everything at this aquarium is first-rate.
At the heart of downtown's shopping district, Copley Square sits between the Boston Public Library, famed for its architecture and John Singer Sargent murals, and the Trinity Church and John Hancock building. Tour these three buildings for a vie of Boston's history and architectural highlights and grab some farm market goodies on Tuesdays and Fridays for a light lunch.
Cross the river to Harvard Square, home of the famous university, for a peek at one of Boston's largest college competitions, the famous Head of the Charles Regatta. In spring, Boston hosts the world's oldest marathon for another exciting community celebration.
