Discover East Boston, Boston’s gateway to the rest of the world. The neighbourhood was established in 1836, when five islands in Boston Harbour were connected using landfill. Through the centuries, it has expanded from seaport to airport. Discover the neighbourhood’s rich patchwork of cultures and fascinating history.
Spend the afternoon outdoors at Piers Park. Walk along the 600-foot (180-metre) promenade and enjoy the great views of downtown Boston across the harbour. Rent a boat to explore the Inner Harbour and Harbour Islands or take a sailing lesson at Piers Park Sailing Centre.
East Boston is home to one of the city’s most popular beaches. Have fun in the sun at Constitution Beach. Build a sandcastle, prepare a picnic or play a tennis match.
Learn about the neighbourhood’s history at East Boston Branch Library. Established in 1869, it has the distinction of being one of the nation’s first branch libraries. Check out The History of Shipping, paintings that explore East Boston’s rich shipbuilding history.
Visit the iconic Madonna Shrine, located atop a hill in the neighbourhood’s historic Orient Heights area. Take a photo of the 35-foot (10-metre) copper and bronze statue of the Madonna. Enjoy panoramic views of the waterfront and Boston skyline.
Meet the many cultures that mix together in East Boston. The neighbourhood has always been an immigrant hub. It has a well-established Italian and Irish population, with a growing community of people from Central and South America and Southeast Asia. This diversity is reflected in its rich array of ethnic restaurants and shops. Come to the neighbourhood with a hearty appetite.
East Boston is a gateway to the rest of the world because of Logan Airport. The international airport offers hundreds of daily flights around the world. To explore closer to home, visit downtown Boston just across the Boston Harbour. Drive through the Sumner Tunnel or Ted Williams Tunnel or take the Blue Line subway to get there.