Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston (must see)

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, situated in a pedestrian zone east of Government Center, is a vibrant public gathering spot that appeals to both tourists and, to a lesser extent, locals. It's an excellent place to enjoy a meal, soak in a bit of history, and take advantage of free Wi-Fi access. Originally constructed during colonial times as a marketplace to accommodate the city's burgeoning mercantile industry, it saw a decline in the 19th century and, like the surrounding area, remained relatively inactive until the 1960s. At that point, it was successfully revitalized as a restaurant and shopping complex.

The much-talked-about Faneuil Hall itself might not appear particularly imposing from the outside. It's a modest four-story brick building crowned with a golden grasshopper weathervane—certainly not the grand auditorium that one might envision as the birthplace of Revolutionary War meetings, earning it the moniker "Cradle of Liberty". In its earlier days, the first floor housed an open-air market, while the second floor served as a space for political gatherings. This is where fiery revolutionaries like Samuel Adams and James Otis rallied popular support for independence by protesting British tax policies.

Today, the first floor houses an array of tourist-centric shops and an info-desk, but the second is more impressive, with the auditorium preserved to reflect the alterations made by Charles Bulfinch in 1805. Its centerpiece is a flamboyant (albeit somewhat exaggerated) canvas depicting "The Great Debate", during which Daniel Webster argued for the concept of the United States as one nation against South Carolina Senator Robert Hayne. While the debate indeed took place, the painting includes several 19th-century figures like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Alexis de Tocqueville, who were not actually present—the artist added them to boost the painting's appeal.

A more grounded story relates to how Boston sailors secured free passage back home from Britain during the War of 1812: captive Boston sailors who escaped to the American consulate were asked what adorned Faneuil Hall as a weathervane. Those who correctly identified it as a grasshopper were considered true Bostonians and given a free journey back, while those who couldn't were eyed with suspicion.

On the top floor, the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Co of Massachusetts, established in 1638, curates a peculiar collection of antique firearms, political memorabilia, and curious artifacts.