Welcome to Beacon Hill, Boston Common, and the West End

Top Experiences

• Appreciate a Bulfinch classic: Head beneath Beacon Hill's iconic gold dome for a free tour of the State House.
• Discover the Black Heritage Trail: At sanctuaries, schools, and Underground Railroad sites, this self-guided historical walk visits early Boston's African American community.
• Start the Freedom Trail: From Boston Common, follow the red-painted and brick path to knock off four of its 16 stops.
• Window shop: Shop Charles Street for antiques, clothing, and contemporary gifts.
• Embrace your inner science nerd: Explore space, the human body, electricity and more at the Museum of Science.
• See picturesque history: One of Boston's most photographed locales, Acorn Street features elements from the Colonial era through the Victorian period.
• Gear up for game day: Visit the TD Garden to root for the Boston Celtics or Boston Bruins, or take a spin around The Sports Museum.

Getting Here

Beacon Hill is best experienced on foot. Bounded by Cambridge Street, Beacon Street, and Bowdoin Street, the neighborhood is an array of short, tight, winding roads, and street parking (free on Sunday) is at a minimum. To reach Beacon Hill via the T, take the Green Line to Park Street and walk through the Common toward Beacon Street; or take the Red Line to Charles/MGH for access to Charles Street. The Blue Line's Bowdoin stop offers access to both Beacon Hill and the West End.

Across Cambridge Street, the West End is home to Massachusetts General Hospital, the TD Garden, the Museum of Science, and residential high-rises. There's plenty of garage parking; street parking is limited. To access by T, take the Red Line to Charles/MGH for the hospital and Charlesbank Park; the Green Line to Science Park for the Museum of Science, or to North Station for the TD Garden.

Quick Bites

Anna's Taqueria. Locals love this Mexicali takeout. 242 Cambridge St., Beacon Hill www.annastaqueria.com Charles/MGH, Bowdoin.

The Paramount. There's usually a line at this cafeteria-style standout, but it moves quickly. 44 Charles St., Beacon Hill www.paramountboston.com Charles/MGH.

Sevens Ale House. Tasty pub grub and beer in a no-frills bar setting. 77 Charles St., Beacon Hill www.facebook.com/SevensAle Charles/MGH.

Planning Your Time

From top to bottom, historic Beacon Hill can easily be explored in half a day. Shoppers will want to visit Charles Street after noon, when shops are more likely to be open. Add an extra few hours if you wish to linger on Boston Common, visit the State House or other historical sites. The West End is larger in area, so you'll walk more between attractions. The Museum of Science is worth a full day; smaller museums about an hour each.