This historic and desirable neighbourhood of Boston is really lovely. It’s just a short walk from the centre, yet feels like you’re a world away in another time. Its narrow streets are often cobbled, but it’s the red-brick houses that are the big feature here. They’re all so pretty! Our favourite street was Acorn Street, built in the 1820s which is cobbled and has perfect houses lining the road. There are plenty of other streets that are just as nice though. We’d recommend that you spend an hour or so just wandering around the streets. Think of some of the famous names who’ve lived here while you’re doing it – Edward Kennedy, Sylvia Plath, Uma Thurman, Dave Lee Roth, Carly Simon and John Kerry to name just a few. One of the busiest roads is Charles Street which is lined with attractive shops. You’ll find Beacon Hill near the new State House building sandwiched between Beacon Street (which runs along the edge of Boston Common) and Cambridge Street. This is an extract from our free Boston City Guide.
One of the beautiful shops on Charles Street, Beacon Hill
While you’re exploring Beacon Hill, if you have the time we’d recommend a visit to the new State House (pictured below) with it’s striking gold dome. Although it’s described by Bostonians as the “new” building, it was actually built in 1798 which makes it one of the citys older structures. The Massachusetts State House is open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm and admission is free. Volunteers show visitors round on free tours from the Doric Hall but large groups should arrange in advance - Tel: +1 617 727 3676.
Another attraction is the Rose Nichols House Museum at 55 Mt. Vernon Street. This is one of the few Beacon Hill houses open to the public. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 4 pm with tours every half hour priced at $5. Tel: +1 617 227 6993.
Guided Walking Tours of Beacon Hill are also available and consistently get good reviews from other tourists who’ve been on them.
The New State House at the top of Beacon Hill, Boston
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Beacon Hill covers an area of approximately one half mile square and is bordered by Beacon Street, Bowdoin Street, Cambridge Street and Storrow Drive. There are no T stops within the centre of Beacon Hill, only on the outskirts at Charles MGH and Bowdoin.
MORE ON BEACON HILL
Walking Tour: Beacon Hill – From our Tours & Activities pages
Hotels near Beacon Hill – Great rates from Hotels.com
More Boston Hotels – Expedia.co.uk
Wikipedia – Beacon Hill page
Massachusetts State House – Official Boston website
Beacon Hill Online – Neighbourhood website
Boston Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk
