A Picturesque City

by Kate Thrane

photography courtesy of Minh Ahn Nguyen

A lot goes into taking the perfect photo for Instagram. You must consider the lighting, the location, a caption, a filter, the brightness—the list could go on and on. In order to make it a little bit easier for you to capture that perfect “Fall in Boston” shot, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods, secret gems and narrow streets in the city to liven up your feed.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is filled with narrow, brick-paved streets, alleyways and historical landmarks. The whole neighborhood is picturesque. The houses are Victorian and Federal style, which makes them perfect for your Instagram feed. Beacon Hill is also home to Acorn Street, one of the most famous Instagram spots in Boston. The Massachusetts State House, topped with a golden dome, is also located in Beacon Hill. Other notable Instagram-worthy spots in this neighborhood include The Chester Harding House at 16 Beacon Street or the Club of Odd Volumes at 77 Mount Vernon Street.

Boston Public Library

There are lots of great photo opportunities at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. Built in 1895 and designated a National Historical Monument in 1986, the library is a magnificent structure at the corner of Dartmouth and Boylston Streets. Beginning outside the majestic building, capture a great picture at the entrance with the three arches and American Flags as a backdrop. Once inside, the Reading Room, with its Hogwarts-like atmosphere, makes a dynamite photo opportunity. It is filled with dozens of green lampshades on top of long tables, offering a colorful tableau. In the outside courtyard, you can grab a bite to eat and snap pictures with the famous Bacchante and infant Faun sculpture located in the library's fountain.

Harvard Square

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard Square offers many different photo opportunities on a nice fall day. There are numerous bakeries and coffee shops where you can take cute coffee-sipping photographs. Standout places include Crema Cafe, with an industrial two-story loft design, and Union Square Donuts for pictures with fresh and unique donuts. Head into Harvard’s campus where you will find beautiful brick arches, courtyards filled with crunchy leaves and classic architecture. Pro tip: the arch at the entrance to the Lowell House on Mill Street is a prime spot for an Instagram picture.

Fenway

The Fenway neighborhood is home to Fenway Park, a huge Target store and a really nice Whole Foods. However, there is more to this neighborhood than one would think. There is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is a huge museum with lots of photo opportunities. Right now, there is an exhibit on Winnie the Pooh called “Winnie the Pooh: Exploring a Classic,” that showcases drawings, photographs and other whimsical details that are ideal for an equally whimsical Instagram picture. On Boylston Street, visit the restaurant Sweet Cheeks for a picture with a colorful and rustic background or Tiger Mamma if you want to take an ethereal picture in front of a wall full of greenery.