First Look

The places, sights and experiences of Boston captured in stunning images.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Graced with a new Renzo Piano-designed wing in 2012, and originally built in the style of a 15th-century Venetian palace, the Gardner was created by its eponymous collector and philanthropist in 1903. Home to more than 2,500 art objects by masters such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, Raphael and Matisse, the museum is a trove of important works. 25 Evans Way, 617.566.1401

Institute of Contemporary Art

Opened in 2006, the spectacular ICA building—designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro “from the sky down” and “from the ground up”— dominates the Seaport District skyline with a cantilevered upper section that seems to float in the air right up to the water’s edge. The overall effect is to create a perfect place to enjoy contemporary art in all media: There are permanent collections of 21st-century sculpture, painting, video, photography and drawing. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, 617.478.3100

Newbury Street

Boston’s Back Bay is a destination for high fashion heavyweights, with its cluster of couture houses—such as Hermès and Bottega Veneta at The Heritage on the Garden—and others, including Louis Vuitton, Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo at Copley Place. Newbury Street fills in the gaps with Chanel, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier on its first block alone; also find here art galleries (Galerie d’Orsay pictured), clothiers, booksellers, gourmet food purveyors, jewelers, antiques shops and gift boutiques. Back Bay

Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is not only the nation’s oldest higher learning institution but is also a notable hub for the arts. The elite school’s fascinating and eclectic network of galleries includes Harvard Art Museums and the popular Harvard Museum of Natural History. Not to mention the accomplished American Repertory Theater and zany Hasty Pudding Theatricals, which keep theatergoers coming back for more. Harvard Square, Cambridge

Boston Harborwalk

More than 40 miles long, connecting East Boston and Dorchester in an almost unbroken stretch, Boston Harborwalk is a wonderful public walking path that traces the coastline around piers, wharves, buildings, beaches and shore, uniting Boston’s neighborhoods with its harbor. Charlestown, North End, Waterfront, Seaport and South Boston districts

Boston Public Market

Opened in early 2015, this is one of the only locally sourced markets of its kind in the country. Everything sold at this year-round market by its 35-plus vendors is produced in New England. Local farmers and fishermen offer a huge range of delights, including organic produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; cheese and dairy; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and plenty of specialty foods. 100 Hanover St., 617.973.4909

New England Aquarium

By far one of Boston’s most popular attractions, New England Aquarium offers a sub-aquatic look at marine creatures from across the world. Its four-story, 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank recreates a tropical Atlantic coral reef, while the wonderfully handson Shark and Ray Touch Tank has cownose rays and epaulette sharks swimming circles through a saltwater mangrove habitat. 1 Central Wharf, 617.973.5200

Public Garden

Created two centuries after Boston Common (America’s first park) in 1837, the Public Garden is the country’s oldest public botanical garden and remains a delightful place to enjoy quiet times among monuments, fountains and a quaint bridge. Its beloved Swan Boats have glided around the serpentine lagoon for over a century. Twentyfour acres showcase classic Victorian garden technique. Charles Street South to Arlington Street, between Beacon and Boylston