Getting to Know Boston

Boston bills itself as "America's Walking City," and walking is by far the easiest way to get around. Legend has it that the street pattern originated as a network of cow paths, but the layout owes more to 17th-century London and to Boston's original shoreline. To orient yourself, it helps to look at the big picture.

This section provides an overview of the city's layout and neighborhoods, and lists information and resources that you might need while you're away from home. As you familiarize yourself with Boston's geography, it might help to identify neighborhoods and landmarks.