User Lists in Boston, MA Metro

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.

There's a wealth of art galleries and museums in Boston--from ethnic to eccentric with many points in between. Whether you seek outdoor works (see the bold Henry Moore sculptures on display in Harvard Yard), art events (which include SoWa Open Studios First Fridays) or unexpected exhibitions (like pop-up installations at the Beehive restaurant), the city is full of head-turning visual art. Take a good look around: We promise inspiration is a given.

(Photo: ICA Boston by Christine Liu)

Though it's hard to truly be a 24/7 city when the T shuts down at midnight, there are still a few places in Boston that cater to the insomniacs and night owls. Below, restaurants and attractions in Boston where you can hang out till the sun comes up.

(Photo: Courtesy of South Street Diner)

Boston is a great place to be for the 4th of July. There are no shortage of events, attractions, and things to do in our historic, independence-minded town, and we've rounded up the best 4th of July Boston activities. So whether you like music, historical reenactments, or fireworks, you'll find something that's sure to make your 4th of July in Boston memorable.

(Photo: Elizabeth Ginsburg)

Hark, what's that sound? Oh, just the glorious lap-lap-lap of water while you lap-lap-lap up a leisurely meal. Waterfront dining is a Bostonian's well-deserved everyday luxury--we've got plenty of H20 hugging our shores, and we'll be damned if we're not going to exploit that detail as long as the weather allows us. These restaurants, distinguished by swell food that actually lives up to the scenery, do a body of water good.

(Photo: Courtesy of ICA Boston)

Live long and prosper? Yeah, right ... Deep-fry me up, Scotty! Over-fattening foods are a surefire formula to win (and stop) our hearts. Take something of questionable health and push it over the frialator's edge. Such is the logic behind these belly-busting Boston "snacks," for better lack of a term, which stridently gild the junk food lily. Batter up.

(Photo: Lower Depths by Pam Aghababian)

What's better than dining in Boston? How about outdoor dining at some of Boston's best patios, rooftops and gardens. Find everything from secluded nooks to see-and-be-seen stakeouts in out list of the best outdoor dining in Boston. (Photo: Oleana, courtesy of Elizabeth Ginsburg)

"Happy hour" proper may not legally exist in Massachusetts, but such is the joy of the loophole: Ridiculously cheap food. Time things right (after-work specials plus, well, the recession) and one can feasibly stuff the belly for less than a sawbuck. With the help of the swell-palated masses at Citysearch's cheap-eats lookbook 3BuckBites, we've highlighted some of the tastiest, can't-miss, steal-o-rama deals on record. Have a favorite el-cheapo food? Wax poetic on its awesomeness!

Summer goes as such: sweat, sip, savor, repeat. Douse yourself with some of the city's best summer drinks, from brilliant tequila cocktails that make Mexico lime-green with envy, to effervescent refreshers that make any day a holiday. Sunshine on the rocks? Yes, please.

(Photo: Rocca by Christine Liu)

Essential ingredients for a grand, summery meal? Snacks, unadulterated sun and a long, lazy afternoon. Take the chow on the road with a much-deserved picnic, whether it be a lavish, bring-the-silverware affair or a simple sandwich-fest enjoyed on a blanket. Read on for the best picnicking spots, where to procure eats and all the proper accoutrements. With Boston as your backdrop, a meal that's your own will be--ants and all--absolutely picnic-perfect.