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Boston travel tips

  1. Although it’s fun discovering Boston by foot, the T can also save you time and energy when you’re looking to get around town. The user-friendly lines connect the city’s sights for a low per-ride price. While both are rechargeable and available at stations, buying the CharlieCard ($2.25) is more cost-effective than the CharlieTicket ($2.75). The CharlieCard also includes free transfers on local bus services.
  2. Remember a poem, and you'll know the weather forecast. The flashing beacon atop the Old John Hancock Building (now known as the Berkeley Building) lights up based on the weather: “steady blue, clear view; flashing blue, clouds due; steady red, rain ahead; flashing red, snow instead” (except in summer, when flashing red means the Red Sox game has been cancelled due to weather).
  3. Fashionistas should let loose and splurge during their next trip to Boston: in Massachusetts, there’s no sales tax on clothing priced below $175. Foodies tempted by treats at Boston supermarkets also shouldn’t hesitate to spend, as food in grocery stores is tax-free, too.
  4. There’s a reason why New York, and not Boston, is ‘The City that Never Sleeps.’ The majority of Boston’s bars and clubs close by 2am, and some as early as 1am. If you plan on hitting the town, do so early (though if you’re battling jetlag, that won’t be too tricky a proposition).
  5. When the weather’s beautiful, you can also explore Beantown on two wheels, thanks to the city’s bike sharing programme, The Hubway. With four rental options (annual membership goes for $85, monthly membership is $20, a 72-hour pass is $12, and a 24-hour pass is just $6), it caters to both locals and out-of-towners. Best of all: once you’ve made that down payment, a 30-minute ride is free; after that you’re charged per half hour.