Boston’s oldest neighbourhood, Charlestown is steeped in history. It’s peppered with cultural attractions, with the impressive Bunker Hill Monument anchoring the city. For those who appreciate a good view, climbing the 294 steps to the top is a rite of passage.
Affectionately referred to by locals as “The Town”, the neighbourhood has a colourful past. It was once an infamous mobster HQ, and bank robbery capital of America. It’s since cleaned up its act, but its legacy lives on in the form of nostalgic bars, historic restaurants and a unique atmosphere.
Charlestown sits to the north of central Boston, on a peninsula that juts out into the Charles River. It’s a scenic 30-minute walk from the CBD or a short ten-minute taxi ride. The public transport system whisks travellers to Logan International Airport in just ten minutes, with the car trip taking 15 minutes. Public transit links are fantastic, with major attractions like Boston Common and Harvard Square just 15 minutes away.
While Charlestown plays an important role in U.S. history, it isn’t exclusively American. During the 1860s it experienced an influx of Irish immigrants, which made it a stronghold of Gaelic culture. As a result, Charlestown is dotted with Irish taverns, serving up creamy pints of Guinness and traditional pub fare.