Those that are living in Boston often do not think of visiting some of the historically famous places that are rich in history and tradition. These places can hold a myriad of treasures, from artwork to artifacts, textiles, flora and fauna or even monuments. Often, these famous places in Boston are visited by tourists rather than the local residents, who really do not know what they are missing.
Famous Places in Boston that Tourists and Residents Like to Visit:
Boston Athenaeum
This is home to the largest and oldest private libraries in the state. In December of 1965, the Boston Athenaeum was declared a historical site.
It was designed by Edward Cabot who also designed the Gibson House. Cabot was well known in architectural circles, having built several homes within the city.
Access to Boston Athenaeum
The Boston Athenaeum only allows limited access to the public. You are free to tour the first floor and the current exhibitions. You can apply for a membership for $290 annually.
The Boston Athenaeum is open: Mon-Wed from 9AM – 8PM, Thur – Fri 9AM – 5:30 PM and Sat 9AM – 4PM.
It is located at: 10½ Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108.
Frederick Ayer Mansion
The Frederick Ayer Mansion is located on Commonwealth Ave. and was home to the owner of the American Woolen Company.
It is a beautifully designed structure that is one of the three remaining structures designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
It not only displays Tiffany’s architectural brilliance on the inside but on the outside as well. The Frederick Ayer Mansion features exterior mosaic designed by Tiffany, which is the only surviving outside mosaic in all of the state.
Tours of the Ayer Mansion
Public tours are offered on the second or third Saturday of each month. Check their website for exact dates. They request a donation of $10. It is located at: 395 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
African Meeting House
The African Meeting House is located on Beacon Hill and has been standing since 1806. It is also known as the First African Baptist Church and is the oldest black church that is still in operation.
The African Meeting House was built by mostly free black artisans. However, the funding for the church came from both the black and white communities. The design was adapted from a published townhouse pictorial designed by architect, Asher Benjamin.
Aside from religious ceremonies, The African Meeting House was also used for anti-slavery meetings. It has recently been restored and has become a crown jewel of Boston.
Guided Tours of the African Meeting House
Guided tours with a National Park Service Ranger are available daily from 11AM – 3PM, Monday – Saturday. Entrance fee is $5 for adults, $3 for youths and seniors and free for children under 13. It’s located at 46 Joy Street in Boston.
Boston Common
Boston Common is home to the oldest public park in all of the USA. This park has been in existence since 1634 and is located in Downtown Boston. It is one of the most famous places in Boston.
The park consists of 50 acres and has had many uses over the years. Originally a field for grazing cattle, the Common has also been used as: a burial ground where several artists, composers, and poets are buried, a place for public hangings, a camp site for the British army and as a site for an ice skating rink (Frog Pond).
There is also a visitor center located on the Common for further information.
Access to Boston Common
Boston Common is open to the public around the clock. You are free to explore as you’d like. If you would like a guided tour, then The Freedom Trail Foundation can give it to you. Adult tickets run $11.
Boston Light
The Boston Light stands solemnly on Little Brewster Island in the Boston Harbor. This lighthouse was built in the same spot where another lighthouse once stood. The Boston Light was built to replace the first one in 1783, and is looked after by the United States Coast Guard.
The Boston Light is still in operation, although it is fully automated now. The Boston Light has the distinction of being the first lighthouse built in the United States and in the present day, volunteer keepers play the role of tour guides.
Visiting Boston Light
You can pay to take part of a guided tour of Boston Light. Boston Harbor Islands offers a 3 hour tour that takes you onto Boston Harbor and out to not only Boston Light but also 2 other historic lighthouses on the harbor. It’s $39 for an adult ticket and tours run from June – September.
Visit and Enjoy These Famous Places in Boston
These are just five famous places in Boston that you can visit. Many more historical sites are open for you and your family to enjoy. Plan to spend some time visiting these amazing structures to see all they have to offer you for your viewing pleasure and entertainment.
Which famous places in Boston are you planning on visiting?
Def a cool post! As someone from ma I can honestly say I haven’t heard of any of these except the common and Fredrick Ayer mansion. The mansion is really something everyone should check out with period fixtures and grand marble staircases. Ill have to check out the rest.
Thanks Matt! The Boston Light is really cool, it’s worth the visit
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I love Boston Common, although I wouldn’t want to be there right now… too cold. It is a great place to be in the spring and summer. I especially liked the Boston Marathon, there were people everywhere.
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It’s actually been 50 degrees the past few days, go figure, crazy New England winters. But yes, I don’t usually go near Boston Common in the winter. The sea breeze that whips through the city chills you to the bone!
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Wow, I didn’t know Boston Common was the oldest public park in the country! I’m from Philly, and us Philadelphians always battle with Boston for history, but I think Boston is just a bit older!
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Yea, we Bostonians are so proud of our “firsts” and “oldests” for some reason, but we have much respect for Philly
This is a very good article, in particular for the european travelers.
We like historic buildings because it has something of nostalgia.
If I watch so the pictures than I would recommend to visit the Athenaeum and Frederick Ayer Mansion they have a beautiful architecture.
Love your post. It is a brief one but is straightforward informative. A real guide for Boston travelers.
I really love libraries and the books it contains. That may be the first place I’ll be visiting if I’ll be in Boston.
Boston has so many great places, you won’t be disappointed
Oh, Boston looks awesome! I hope that someday I would have the chance to see it..
Boston is awesome! If you get the opportunity, please visit, you’ll love it!
I have been in Boston a few weeks agoo… shit I should read this before that looks amazing.
Yea Boston has a lot of really interesting things to do, hope you get the chance to visit again
Lighthouse seems pretty cool
Wow, the Athenaeum looks impressive. I’ve been to Boston once briefly, but had no idea about the Athenaeum.
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The Athanaeum is beautiful, you should definitely check it out the next time you are in Boston