The Massachusetts State House sits at the top of Beacon Hill on land that was once John Hancock’s cow pasture. Tours are offered weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Read more.
The Boston Common is the oldest public park in the country. It began as 50 acres of grazing land for cattle. Read more.
The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, marked with a wide red line, begins at the Common and leads visitors to 16 historic sites, among them the King’s Chapel, Faneuil Hall, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Read more.
The athenaeum is a members-only library, so visitors are allowed only on the first floor, but you can take a guided art and architecture tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. Read more.
This pub, located in the shadow of the State House, was originally built in 1899 as a luxury hotel. It's rumored to have been a favorite haunt of JFK, who allegedly wrote speeches by the fireplace. Read more.
An affordable eatery known mainly for its breakfasts: a line forms almost immediately on weekend mornings. Grab a tray and wait in line for the restaurant’s Spanish omelet or famous pancakes. Read more.
Everything you need to look fabulous if you’re having tea with royalty. The shop’s sparkling tiaras, necklaces, rings, and brooches make a great addition to any costume jewelry collection. Read more.
Known for its weekend brunch. Try the French toast made with homemade apple cinnamon raisin bread, or one of their frittatas, open-faced omelets with sautéed vegetables and mozzarella. Read more.
One of the earliest structures on Beacon Hill. It was designed by Massachusetts State House architect Charles Bulfinch, who also designed many Beacon Hill mansions. Admission is $7. Read more.
Try the morgh pollo, saffron-seared chicken in a tomato broth served with basmati rice and flavored with cumin, cinnamon, rose petals, and barberries (a sour yellow berry). Read more.
A small private park surrounded by the most elegant townhouses in Boston. Look for 19 Louisburg, home to Senator John Kerry, and 10 Louisburg, where Louisa May Alcott resided until her death. Read more.
You won’t find any novelty items or brand names here, but you may find beautiful hand-woven silk scarfs, handmade brass earrings, or vintage cuff links and pottery. Read more.
Everything in the store has a purpose, albeit not always readily apparent (needle threader, anyone?). Make sure to budget time for this place, as it’s impossible to see everything at first glance. Read more.
The Museum of African American History commemorates the men and women who fought for the abolition of slavery, while establishing schools, churches, and businesses on the hill. Read more.
The original 1897 store was a butcher shop and still retains all of the original interior elements, including a meat refrigerator that now serves as a cooler for flowers. Read more.
Try the classic herbed clam chowder or the Nantucket Seafood Stew, which includes gulf shrimp, scallops, hand-cut salmon, halibut, sea bass, vegetables, and potatoes. Read more.
This warm, inviting restaurant is popular with State House pols & Beacon Hill residents. Their focus is on American comfort food & weekend brunch features a "Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar." Read more.
Billing itself as Boston’s 4th oldest restaurant, Marliave has been serving Beacon Hill residents since 1885. Diners can order half-price oysters/clams from the raw bar daily from 4-6 pm & 9-10 p.m. Read more.
This restaurant offers a variety of tips, ranging from turkey to lamb to wild game such as ostrich and kangaroo, and 36 drafts on tap as well. Read more.
This sunny gift shop is a great place to buy a present for that difficult-to-shop-for someone. The store offers an array of housewarming gifts, collectibles, and knickknacks, many with a Boston theme. Read more.
The restaurant boasts a wine list featuring more than 100 wines from Tuscany alone. Their handmade pastas, local and imported cheeses, and homemade sausages draw diners back again and again. Read more.
Wish carries local jewelry and handbag designers as well as popular contemporary apparel brands, including Joie, Calypso, AG Jeans, Alice + Olivia, and Trina Turk. Read more.
Owner Paula Barth imports the best artisan chocolates from all over New England and around the world, meaning that each truffle is a handcrafted, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Read more.
