City Profiles: Boston

Despite being the capital and largest city of Massachusetts and the 23rd largest in the US, Boston is often undervalued and not internationally appreciated as much as more popular cities like New York or Los Angeles.

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Founded in 1630, the city was the stage for some of the most relevant events during the American Revolution, which makes Boston one of the most important historic sites in the country. Home to an estimate of 4.8 million people, the greater Boston area is the 11th largest metropolitan area in the United States. But let’s dive deeper into what this amazing city has to offer.

GOOD EATS🍽: Sweet Cheeks, Giulia

Located in the Fenway neighborhood, Sweet Cheeks Q is a celebration of Sunday BBQs, with mason jar glasses, paper napkins, overwhelming chunks of meat, drinks and the most delicious side dishes. The best way to enjoy a Sunday lunch at Sweet Cheeks Q is without a doubt to order one of their trays and have a taste of chef Tiffani Faison’s magic.

As an Italian living abroad, I can guarantee that finding authentic Italian restaurants can be very hard, especially on the East Coast, where most of the Italian traditional dishes have been watered down over the decades to better satisfy the American taste buds. Don’t even get me started on Fettuccine Alfredo🙄. Breaking news: never heard of this dish before moving to the US. If there’s a restaurant that definitely didn’t let me down, that was Giulia.

Located in Cambridge, Giulia will take you straight to Italy with the perfect atmosphere, the typical Italian hospitality, and the most delicious dishes.

BLOW A BAG🤑🛒: Park Street, Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall

No matter what your shopping needs are, Boston probably has exactly what you’re looking for. Park Street, located right in the city center, is the perfect area to go shopping on a random Saturday afternoon. From Primark to Macy’s, you’ll certainly find whatever outfit you need for any occassion.

If you’re looking for something more unique, Newbury Street is probably what you need. Located in the Back Bay Area, between the Boston Public Garden and Brookline Avenue, Newbury Street has everything from the most famous and expensive boutiques to the more typical little independent art studios.

Faneuil Hall has your back when it comes to souvenirs and gifts to take back home. From your Harvard or MIT hoodie to the New England Patriots or Boston Red Sox hat, to the lobster shaped magnet.. you’ll find it all!

VIBE CHECK💃🕺: JJ Foley’s, Machine

Given the unbelievable amount of incredibly fun and unique Irish Pubs in the Boston area, I would honestly recommend to check out as many as possible, maybe based on your favorite kind of beer. However, if I had to pick one, it would be JJ Foley’s in the South End. Family owned and operated since 1909, they offer the most amazing selection of burgers, salads, appetizers, desserts and more, alongside a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.

The atmosphere at JJ Foley’s is just unmatched, especially on St Patrick’s Day...HIGHLY recommend!

Fun Fact: The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. I moved to Boston when I was 20, which for me meant going back two years and suddenly being underage again. Well, I hated that until I discovered the Machine Night Club. Located on Boylston Street, Machine is one of the few 18+ LGBTQ-friendly night clubs that really makes everyone feel welcome and accepted. 18+, 21+, gay, straight, trans, queer, white, black, latino.. everybody can enjoy a fun night out.

(warning, if you are under 21.. this will happen🙅‍♂️)

MUNCHIES🤤: Mike's Pastry

Located on the North End of Boston, there's no better spot to get your cannoli fix than Mike's Pastry. Founded in 1946, this spot is a Bostonian favorite, with lines wrapped around the corner as people eagerly wait for the one-of-a-kind cannolis and lobster tails on any given day. These delicious desserts are so tasty that Mike even sells a homemade kit online for anyone daring to replicate his masterpiece.

TAKING A WALK😎🌲: Boston Common

Bounded by Park Street, Boylston Street, Beacon Street, Charles Street, and Tremont Street and founded in 1634, Boston Common is the oldest city park in the United States. The park is not only a lovely green space in the middle of the metropolis, but it’s also home to some of the most characteristic events in the city, including the Lighting of the Christmas tree, the fireworks display on the evening of December 31st, the Frog Pond skating rink, Shakespeare on the Common, the Memorial Day Flag Garden and more.

THE ARTS: Boch Center

The Boch Center is a non-profit organization that manages two of the most important venues of the city, the Wang and the Shubert theaters, located on Tremont Street in the Boston Theatre District.

As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts institutions, the Boch Center offers a variety of Broadway musicals, theatre, opera, dance shows, comedy and so much more.

If you end up in the city, you should definitely check out their programming!