Boston is a more diverse city then you may realize, over 140 languages are spoken here and more than 80 different countries are represented. Our Neighborhoods are full of life with a flavorful and cultural vibe.

Our Chinatown neighborhood is the third largest in the country, with amazing restaurants and stores; it’s definitely worth the trip! Chinatown is also home to their very own part of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, it has modern gardens and a river stream fountain that’s great to play in.

Roxbury is the home to Boston’s thriving African American community. The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, dedicated to the celebration, exhibition, collection and criticism of black visual arts heritage worldwide, is located here as is the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall which sponsors the Roxbury Film Festival and Roxbury Open Studios. 

Boston is America’s Walking City so take time for some of these cultural tours: the Black Heritage Trail is a walking tour that explores the history of Boston’s 19th-century African American community. While you’re on the Trail be sure to visit the shop at the Museum of African American History . The Chinese Heritage Trail, is a self guided walking tour about Chinatown, its past, the neighborhoods, the community, and its future.

One of a kind tours include MYTOWN which offers special youth led tours of the historic South End neighborhood, and Discover Roxbury which provides special trolley tours of Boston’s historic Black community. The Irish Heritage Trail, is a guide to landmarks of Irish-American artists and heroes from the 1700s to the present here in Massachusetts. The Trail is divided into three sections: 20 sites in downtown Boston and Back Bay, covering over three miles: and over 50 other landmarks in Boston neighborhoods, cities and towns throughout the state. The Cambridge African American Heritage Trail has 20 historic plaques across Cambridge honoring notable African Americans who were abolitionists, authors, educators and political/governmental office holders in Cambridge from 1840 to 1940.

Summertime brings the Chinatown and August Moon Festivals and the Native American POW WOW events. The Dragon Boat Festival in June turns the Charles River into a colorful regatta. Franklin Park in Dorchester hosts the Puerto Rican Festival in July and the Caribbean Carnival and Dominican Festivals in August. July brings the African and Cape Verdean Festivals to City Hall Plaza. Global diversity is the theme of the Cambridge River Festival and the mile-long street party, the Cambridge Carnival; features elaborate costumes, live music, dancing and Caribbean food in a Mardi Gras-style celebration.

 In September, the Beantown Jazz Festival brings Boston’s historic South End to life with jazz music from local, national and international artists. Ethnic film festivals can be enjoyed throughout the year.

 Visit our Calendar of Events for more information on Festivals.