Beacon Hill
One of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, Beacon Hill is known for its charming, narrow cobblestone streets, federal-style rowhouses and gaslit streetlamps. After spending the 17th and 18th centuries as one of the less desirable neighborhoods, in part due to the British soldiers’ regular use of the nearby Common, it started transforming in the late 1700s when the new State Capitol was constructed at the peak of the hill.
The early 1800s saw an explosion of housing growth, and by the end of the century, wealthy residents from the West End started to move to the area in earnest. Today, it’s considered to be one of Boston’s most desirable and expensive residential areas, and Acorn Street (pictured here) is often titled “the most photographed street in the country.” Charles Street, the main road in the area, has a few bars and restaurants tucked away between the shops.
Sightseeing
We offer tours that include this neighborhood! See all tours
Best of Boston
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All Day Boston Experience
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Freedom Trail & Little Italy
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Boston & Cambridge
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Boston & Salem
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Student Insider
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Where to Eat
Breakfast
The Paramount
sit down place with excellent classic breakfast and brunch options, also offers lunch and dinner
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
good coffee and sandwiches, but order ahead as the lines are quite long (and slow)
Lunch & Dinner
The Paramount
sit down place with great healthy lunch and dinner
Toscano
an old world European setting with Tuscan cuisine
Grotto
subterranean nook with delicious Italian fare and smooth wine for a romantic date night
Peregrine
restaurant is located in a chic hotel lobby and features a seasonal Mediterranean cuisine. This is a tip-free restaurant!
Zen Sushi
great fresh sushi with a long sake list
Drinks
Cheers
the bar which inspired the long-running sitcom by the same name
The Sevens Ale House
local neighborhood watering hole
Bathrooms
Boston Common Visitor Center
free restroom inside the visitor center on Boston Common, located on Tremont Street
Boston Public Library - West End
public library located on Cambridge Street
Hatch Memorial Shell
public bathroom behind the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade
Starbucks
Starbucks Coffee on Charles Street and Beacon Street, do buy a beverage if using the restroom