Shopping
One look at the city's boutiques, department
stores, malls and outlets and it's no secret why thousands flock to
Boston to stock up on clothes, jewellery and books. Take a walk
down to the Downtown Crossing near Boston Common; a browser's
paradise where shoppers can peruse Filene's Basement for stylish
bargains while just around the corner Boston's Chinatown offers
herbal remedies, silk slippers and other traditional goods. Faneuil
Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market, is a firm favourite
with over 100 of Boston's finest shops and carts touting a variety
of merchandise. It is also home to the Bull Market, a fleet of 43
unique pushcarts featuring New England's artisans and their
wonderful wares and features an amazing food court where tired
shoppers can stop and refuel. Big spenders can give their flexible
friends a good work out at one of the many designer boutiques on
the renowned eight-block stretch on Newbury Street, boasting names
such Cartier, Armani and Max Mara to name a few. History buffs will
fall in love with the cobblestone streets of Charles St on Beacon
Hill where they can browse through the cramped stores of this early
Boston neighbourhood for historic photos, furniture, antique china,
and intriguing architectural objects. Shops open from 10am to 7pm
from Monday to Saturday with most large stores open on Sundays but
with shorter opening hours. Sales tax varies by city and state and
while there is 0% tax on clothing in Boston, there is 5% tax on
other goods. Since federal government has no system for refunding
sales tax to non-US visitors, it is advisable to ask at the point
of purchase for tax exemption through direct
shipping.
