Tourist Traps That Are Truly Awesome
Updated: June 29, 2009
Don’t be too quick to say bah to thronged Boston attractions that are victims of their own popularity. Sure, some tourist traps are exactly that, but many are packed because they’re a good thrill, pure and simple. Take the cameras, maps and wide-eyed en masse wonderment in stride, and you just might learn a thing or two--and fall blushingly in love with Boston once again.
Strength in Numbers
-
Boston Duck Tours
Read Reviews100 Huntington Ave (Prudential Center), Boston, MA 02199 (map)
Agreed, they’re pretty obnoxious, these enormous World War II-era tanks careening down narrow Boston streets, packed tightly with wind-swept passengers rapt with tales of the city’s lurid history exuding the sounds of lungs exhaling into a cacophony of duck-quacks noisemakers. But once you make the plunge (pun totally intended) on these amphibious vehicles, you’ll understand the enthusiasm. The tourguides assume their own campy persona while offering a bracingly useful recap of Boston lore, and the Duck Boats are a seriously rugged joy as you rumble on land and churn in the Charles River. (March-November, 7 days a week, rain or shine. $29.95/adult, $20/child, $26/student/senior/military)
-
Mike's Pastry
Read Reviews300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 (map)
There’s no possible cessation of the collective obsession for this renowned Italian bakery on the North End’s main drag. Here’s an insider's hint: There’s plenty here besides the famed cannoli (which arguably aren’t Boston’s best). The hulking lobster tails, luscious slabs of cheesecake and freshly baked sweet breads are worthy gems to seek out, with the ever-so-recognizable white box tied dramatically with string. You’d think there were saints performing miracles here, the way people queue fervently for miles to get their pastry fix. At the end of the day, it’s just dessert. Priorities, folks, priorities.
-
New England Aquarium
Read ReviewsCentral Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 (map)
The design of this oceanic haven is nothing short of breathtaking, and we’re not even talking about the free access to the harbor seal tank, open 24/7 for onlookers to gape face-to-face with comical whiskered beasts. A party of penguins hanging out in variegated clumps will greet you, but that’s just the beginning. All ilk of sea creatures appear as you gradually escalate, spiral-style, around the massive central tank. Tortoises, sharks, scary anglers, jellyfish, starfish, dolphins … it’s wicked trippy. ($19.95/adult, $11.95/child, $17.95/senior/student)
-
Public Garden
Read ReviewsCharles St, Boston, MA 02138 (map)
It’s not really much more than sitting in a boat painted like an enormous bird, while a teenager pedals you lazily around the Public Garden’s pond. But do you really need more than that in such lovely environs? Not in the slightest. For very fair admission, you can participate in one of the most picturesque (and vaguely surreal) traditions in the city. It’s sweet with kids, or for a chaste, Victorian-era kind of rendezvous. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot the pond’s real-life swan “lovers,” Romeo and Juliet. Yes, very awwwwww. (April-September, 7 days a week, weather permitting. $2.75/adult, $1.50/child, $2/senior)
-
Sam Adams Brewery
Read Reviews30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130 (map)
The rhythm of the hour-long tour is downright foolproof: Guests shuffle into the storied brewery with ready-to-learn politesse, and later leave in a rosy-cheeked, garrulous conviviality. Expect a thorough hands-on tour of the beermaking process, from sniffing through various jars of hops to, the piece de resistance, sampling signature brews (some unreleased) in the tasting room. There’s something for every beer and history geek (Samuel Adams, fierce patriot and brewmaster!), and a fascinating look at one of the oldest and most successful breweries in the country. (free, suggested $2 donation for local charity)
Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter