Rose Kennedy Greenway

What a delightful find! My husband and I had just picked up a pastry and were heading to the subway when we came across this lovely place. One can choose to sit at a table or in one of the swings. (I think a swing would fit at least 3 adult.)

What a gem! To find some wild and manicured areas right in the heart of a major city is always something worth checking out. There are a lot of informational signs throughout the green space, and plenty of seating. Each block has a different feel, my personal favorite being the one with the wildflowers. When I’m back in the city again, this will be an absolute MUST to see again!

I've visited several times in the last couple of years and I have always enjoyed the walk, especially at night 🌃 with the lights. Well kept gardens, the huge water fountain that kids play in, the carousel 🎠 that I so want my kids to ride, the spacious lawns and what I enjoy most, other than parking 🅿️, it's free 🆓!! Well, yes, taxes pay for it, of course. I don't see 🙈$ going to waste for such a beautiful place. If you can, stop by and check it out. If it's a hot 🥵 summer's day and you have kids, bring their swimsuits and play ▶️ in the fountain. If you can visit at night, I highly recommend it. Thanks 🙏 to the Boston/Massachusetts tax payers for this park!

Enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the Rose Kennedy Greenway during a short visit to Boston in early May 2023. There was light rain and an overcast during my visit to this well maintained urban green space. It has walking paths and seating areas.

Nice assortment of flowers and art installations

This place is like a little Oasis in Boston! You can still hear the cats go by but the grass is so green and the people and families are so nice and happy. It seems like a totally separate place from the fast paced and usually a bit in-your-face, city of Boston. It's a nice place to sit down and relax if you are visiting

Wonderful place to sit and enjoy a bit of nature in the city. My kids enjoyed running through the water fountains

The place is an oasis in the city. Many segments were decorated with interesting art. Some segments have beautiful flowers. Some segments also have chairs for people to sit down to relax. A very nice space in the middle of a busy city.

"Rose darling come to me Rose darling my friend" (Steely Dan) Remember that eyesore of an ugly dilapidated elevated highway that cut through the heart of Boston? That section of Interstate 93 was known as the Central Artery before it was mercifully relocated underground as the "Big Dig" tore up the streets between 1991 and 2008. But rising from the ashes of the Big Dig came something beautiful and green - a modern public park that runs for one and a half miles, covers 17 acres, and meanders through the Chinatown, Financial District, Waterfront, and North End neighborhoods of Boston. We saw kids scampering under the water sprinkler fountains, office workers having lunch on the lawns, or relaxing in the bench swings. You'll see public art, landscaped gardens greenery, plants, and flowers, promenades, plazas, fountains, food trucks, even a carousel. The beautiful greenway park was named for Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, mother of a US President and two Senators.

Can you all believe that this used to be a highway?! I remember being on a tour of the North End, with the tour guide pointing out buildings that look like they were cut in half. He let us know because of the highway, that was the reality. This is not the format for me to do a deep-dive on the politics and social impacts of the highway, though it wouldn't be totally out of line for a "Mark" review. Same thing for the Big Dig. All I can focus on now is the wonderful green space that is the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. It is not isolated from city life, but is part of city life. There is open space to just relax, a carousel, a splash fountain for kids, and spaces with various plants, trees, and shrubs. Public art, too! Finally, what makes the Greenway even better is the events hosted here. There are food-type festivals, arts festivals, markets, fitness events, and others! Looking at the calendar, there seems to be at least one event per day (often more). Thus, while one could argue it would've been better if Boston wasn't cut in half by a highway to begin with, now we have the Greenway. Whether or not it can redress the wrongs of the past can be debated. Still, we are now left with a wonderful space in the city for some rest, art, and events!

I was admiring the Carolyn Lynch gardens in the North End and sat on the porch swings to admire the greenway. I was a rainy day but I didn't care, I could have swung all day with an umbrella just enjoying all the beauty! I look forward enjoying this place in the near future!!!

#HatchlingsWinterLights 'why did the Hatchlings cross the Greenway?' Seems they're on a 'LIGHT-hearted' adventure! No 'yolk,' these solar and grid-powered lights are a beacon of sustainability. @meyers.reagle and I walked with Exeter alumni to enjoy the Winter lights on the Greenway by @hhh_designstudio Hatchlings (November 2023-February 26, 2024) Imagine if the iconic Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade gave birth to a cluster of baby "Shells" that wandered off down The Greenway like adventurous ducklings. This whimsical idea was proposed by Studio HHH during the development of their concept for Hatchlings, a winter lights installation. Hatchlings is a creative activation that offers Bostonians an enticing winter lights experience during the year's coldest and darkest months. Each of the Hatchlings illuminates The Greenway and the Esplanade every evening at dusk. This winter light activation on The Rose Kennedy Greenway and The Charles River Esplanade is constructed with a steel frame, solar panels, and programmed LED lights. It promotes a brighter, more environmentally sustainable future through the creative use of both solar and grid power. The Hatchlings pavilions are situated at seven sites on The Greenway. Their sizes vary, with some large enough to host both scheduled and spontaneous performances, and others small enough to add a touch of wonder and joy. The Greenway is a modern public park in downtown Boston that annually welcomes millions of visitors to gather, play, relax, and explore. The Greenway Conservancy, a non-profit organization, is responsible for the park's management and upkeep. For more information about the artist, visit [rosekennedygreenway.org/art-exhibit/hatchlings] and [studiohhh.com] @rosekennedygreenway @esplanadeinboston #HatchlingsOnTheGreenway #bostongreenwayart #HatchlingsOnTheEsplanade #sustainabilitymatters #bostonmassachusetts #exeteralumnievent

Very happy they turned a dark, dank, elevated expressway into a sunny, welcoming, pedestrian way. Monuments, grassy swards, gardens, art, places to sit. All in the middle of the city. This project is a wonderful addition to the City of Boston. A greenway between Faneuil Hall and the North End and accessible near So. Station. A city space of respite that brings nature to your neighborhood.

This lovely area of greenery, running right through the middle of the city, is one of my favorite areas to hang out with my pup!! The Greenway starts at South Station (downtown) and runs until a park in the North End. On the greenway you'll find plenty of grass/flowers, sidewalks, a large fountain, a carousel, benches, tables, and Adirondack chairs. Throughout the seasons you'll find different food festivals, art exhibits, and farmers' markets that pop up during the week; as well as an outdoor beer garden. Beautifully manicured space, well-lit up, lots of pedestrians, cyclists, and dogs; definitely worth a stroll.

This Greenway almost spans the length of the city and is a great place to take a break. We did a lot of walking during our trip in Boston and we found ourselves sitting in the Greenway many times. We ate lunch there one day at one of the benches and actually have swinging benches. There were always plenty of people running, biking, or walking their dogs through the park. The flowers are gorgeous and well maintained. We were here in April and it was too cold for the fountains, but they were testing them one day.

Always great to walk around. Tables and chairs, swings and bench seating. Lots of people bring their dogs. Lit up at night and very safe.

I absolutely love the green space Boston made after the Big Dig (moving I-90 underground). Each area has some sort of dedication, chairs, art exhibits, and just green space to lounge around on it bring the dog. Beautiful space to enjoy nature when you're in the busy city!

I applaud Boston's ability to create a sense of community by incorporating so many public green spaces in their downtown. I loved this little Greenway area and I enjoyed picnicking here today. While picnicking, I was able to watch doggies play and kids run through the spray fountains. It is very family and dog friendly. It is also conveniently located by all the Italian stuff in North End as well as the Boston Public Market. You have options all around you for some fun eats for your picnic. There are also super cool swinging benches under the arbor that lights up. I love when metropolitan cities can incorporate green spaces where folks can escape and enjoy a grassy lawn while gazing at skyscrapers.

I was in Boston for college in the late 80's and I remember the old elevated roadway. It was fugly and awful and unattractive. Now that it's gone and the city is truly a mass of tunnels, they've done an amazing thing here. The Greenway is a beautiful pedestrian space with benches, shade trees, water fountains and even a carousel. It's absolutely stunning. While it's tempting to just walk along the waterway, come over here for the way back. You'll be very pleased!

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE WALKING TOUR & LOTS OF FUN FREE STUFF TO DO!l! Many years ago Boston had roads & highways that were UGLY & encompassed this space. The Big Dig put the roads underneath the city & gave Boston lots of walkable mixed use green space. The combination of nature & arts & crafts, the grass, the shade trees, the flowers, the water fountains & The Carousel make it an eclectic way for people to walk, exercise & chill & picnic while taking in the Views. It is a mile & 1/2 of contemporary parks in the heart of Boston. The Greenway is a modern roof top garden that sits atop a highway tunnel, that connects people & Boston in a beautiful fun way. What do you do with old vintage neon signs that were businesses long gone but still have a special place in people's hearts. 1) Have someone buy them for their own personal private collection so no one sees them. 2) Put them in a museum a 100 miles away so hardly anyone sees them. 3) Give them some new space & be reborn again. Well they chose #3 & call it GLOW. These vintage neon signs are reborn again so everyone can enjoy them. They are lighting up the city of Boston once again like they did in their heyday both day & night. Lots of happy citizens glad to see these treasures resurrected again. Next to the signs you will read a description of the institution & the city where it once was located & the dates from 1920s-1970s. Check the schedule but on Saturdays & every other Sunday in good weather there are lots of arts & crafts to buy one of a kind Hand made items, paintings, as well as Food Trucks too. At the end of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is the Carousel for $3.00 with a sea themed motif. This is directly across from Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market & Boston Public Market & a short walk to The North End Boston's Little Italy. Check the schedule because they have many activities here including FREE CONCERTS, FREE MOVIES & FREE FITNESS CLASSES & lots of other FREE FUN STUFF! It used to be, you had to have mega bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

Once upon a time the City of Boston had two green monsters in both sides of the city. In the west there still is the Green Monster of Fenway Park and to the east there was the Green Monster of The Central Artery. The Fenway Park Green Monster is a symbol of accomplishments where Major League baseball players hit home runs out of the park. On the other hand, the The Central Artery Green Monster was a symbol of deterioration. Since the elevated Central Artery was built in the 1950s, it became a wall that separated the North End and Boston Harbor from the city at the same time it kept out the sun. At the same time Highway traffic reached alarming levels by the 1990s creating a serious and continuous traffic jam in the heart of the city. Something had to be done. The result was the Big Dig. One of the greatest achievements of the Big Dig was relocating tge 1.5 miles of the Central Artery underground and creating a 1.5 miles roof top linear Park and Garden. On October 4, 2008, the Green Monster of the East was put to rest and replaced by a Green Thumb. This review talks about the Green Thumb which is the 1.5 miles and 15 acres of connected parklands in place of the elevated Central Artery. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a linear pathway of optimism. I can tell the difference between a downtown that was sliced in half by an outdated elevated structure that looked like something on the "Jetsons" to today where the parklands and plazas are the fabric connecting the historic and vibrant neighborhoods of Boston. Even though the hiker in me would of loved to have done a continuous walk on it from Chinatown Park at the southwest to the North End parks at the northeast, I appreciated spending time in the different parts and walking through it to get from downtown to the harbor front. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a conglomeration of parks that include Chinatown Park, Dewey Square, Five Points Channel Parks, Wharf District Parks, American Heritage Park, and North End Parks. The greenbelt of parks are bordered by a set of one way roads. The individual parks making up the Greenway have there own unique characteristics and points of interest. Chinatown Park affords prime views of the Chinatown Gate where the North End Parks affords prime views of the Boston skyline. The Wharf District Parks feature a Merry go round of animals that live in Massachusetts. Dewey Square is known for the food trucks. What all the parks have in common is that they are nicely landscaped and the Greenway Conservatory maintains them organically. This is one of the few parks in America that is organically maintained. Getting back to my experience, I spent the most time in the northern portion which was between State Street and the northern end. I need to pass on that it greatly improved the quality of life in downtown Boston. I'd walk from the shady canyon of high rises on State Street into the sunny parkland of the Greenway before reaching the Waterfront. Twenty years ago I'd be passing under a green monster. Today I was looking at linear parkland that graced the skyline of downtown and the North End. In that space I'd see the negative energy of traffic jams that once crawled above with the positive energy of children on a carousel, adults reading on an Adirondack chair, people jogging and bicycling, and people like me taking pictures. I'd do more than take pictures. I enjoyed every minute of my time here. My favorite place to hang out on the Greenway was where it connects the North End to Boston Public Market. From across the street at the Salem Street Peet's Coffee, we brought our drink into the park where we sat on a bench by the splash pads. Nearby we saw children playing in the splash pad and in the distance we saw the Boston skyline. Near the bench, I'd watch people walking along Bostons Freedom Trail. The Greenway serves as a green bridge that connects Bostons Freedom Trail between the North End and Boston's Public Market. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is an American urban planning success story. What was once an unsightly elevated expressway that separated the city from the North End and Waterfront is today both an efficient underground expressway and an aboveground scenic linear rooftop park that has reunited the city with the North End and Waterfront.

Wow, six years have gone by and at this point, the Greenway has really increased its green. There were lots of complaints about the lack of shade here when the greenway first opened, but give those trees some time to grow and extend the park (it's still happening, folks), and you have yourself an amazing stretch of park to keep people, cool, calm, and entertained! I love Boston. I've seen it change from sprawling nasty raised rusting highway to ridiculous traffic changes, new ramps, confusion, to gorgeous, sunny, and open green. Come on people, what's not to love?! Beyond this point is a review for the families out there. In the summer, we're always looking for a place to cool off. Right now I am with a sprouting toddler (13 months). She's walking and LOVES to cool off, but not every spray attraction is appropriate for someone who doesn't have the coordination to run away at just the right moment. So... for all families out there... here's a guide to the Greenway's Fountains! Chinatown Stream/Waterfall Access from South Station Good for all ages, but requires a lot of oversight and isn't great for just running around. It's a stream. There's a waterfall with access on one side of the stream. More of a water feature than a playard, but your little one will no doubt want to dip in. Somewhat shaded depending on time of day. Harbor Fog Structures Access via State Street/Aquarium - Across from Rowe's Wharf Perfect for little ones. These structures spit out a cool mist. Watch out for large granite boulders and hard surfaces! Not quite as cooling as a pool or fountain fountain. Shade provided by bushes. Rings Fountain Access via State Street/Aquarium - Across from Aquarium-ish Big kids, brave parents, and young adults whose inhibitions have been worn! This fountain provides no shade and is too intense for new walkers. Area seating is equipped with umbrellas but is limited. It's like playing chicken with a water spout! Pretty fun. Labyrinth Fountain Access from Faneuil, close to Columbus Park at the edge of the North End Rings of grass and stone in a labyrinth pattern provide intrigue at this fountain but just one spout and no puddling pool makes this fountain just out of reach of awesome. Also close to Harbor Islands headquarters and the merry go round North & South Canal, North End Access from Haymarket Best for my drunken sailor toddle tot! Lots of space, slight pooling, lots of vertical spray of different heights, grass, shade... what more could you ask for! Provides the best zone for our kids that I can think of. Lots of tables with umbrellas and close to cafes and the Boston Public Market. LOVE this spot.

Bottom Line: A beautiful mile long park along a former stretch of the JFK highway. The famous/infamous, exponentially over budget and schedule Big Dig construction project replaced the I-90 JFK parkway with a subterranean version underneath the city. In addition to easing traffic congestion in Boston, the 3.5 mile tunnel project made the city more attractive, less noisy and brighter. Where a noisy, 1950s era concrete freeway once stood and cast shadows and pollution on Bean Town there is now the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. This mile-plus long park is really a collection of gardens, plazas and promenades that wind thorough several Boston neighborhoods. The Freedom Trail even crosses through one section of the greenway and I immensely enjoyed the beauty of the park and the stark contrast of the green, lush grass against the neighboring brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Although I didn't get to see it, I understand this lovely park is also home to a carousel and frequent art shows.

If you're walking through Boston, go by way of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway! It's so easy to miss because it's tempting to only walk along the water towards the Boston Harbor, but I'm so glad I discovered this mile-long stretch of park. Even though I had to stop and sit multiple times, there were comfortable places to do so. Plus, there's plenty of art sculptures and gardens to enjoy. The existence of this Greenway alone made me appreciate the slow pace of Boston. Well, especially since I was visiting during the holidays. Coming from California, I'm not accustomed to the cobblestone roads and stunning brick buildings. It's breathtaking! No wonder one of my closest friends wants to pack up everything and move here. I hope even locals get to stroll this mile every once in awhile and immerse themselves in the beauty of their backyard.

A lovely green space in the heart of the city. Especially delightful in summer. Check their website for events.

I'm so jealous of Bostonians because they get to enjoy this jewel of a park/greenway! We have seen bits and pieces of the Greenway as we made our way from one part of Boston to the other, always with kids in tow. This greenway is a slice of paradise for us and our little ones as they are free to roam around and enjoy a little bit of what it has to offer (ring fountain, swinging benches, trees for shade, soft grass to walk on, etc). I wish we had children that could enjoy leisurely walking around looking at art installations or horticulture. Alas, our time in Boston is too short for much leisure. But I will definitely return for this greenway along with the so many things that Boston has to offer!

If you remember the green monster of stacked highways that went through Boston in the 80's $ 90', then you haven't been to Rose Kennedy Greenway. When the highway went underground in the Big Dig, it was replaced with a beautiful 1.5 mile green space that takes about 30 minutes to walk. From the carousel to the public art exhibits, be prepared for a walk among beautiful flowers in the center of the city. Check the calendar for concerts, food trucks, and other daily events. You should make a walk through the greenway part of your visit to Boston!

I live in the North End and I am constantly here. None of us living downtown have yards and I feel like everyone in my neighborhood shares this as one. In the summer there are a ton of kids (and sometimes adults) playing in the fountains. I guess some people were expecting something really grand, but for chrissakes people, it doesn't expand to the size of Central Park. It's a bunch of tiny patches. What more do you want out of a bunch of tiny patches? Are they supposed to dig you a little lake and give you a baby swan to ride down to the aquarium? The only thing I'd like to see more of is floral gardening. There's a ton of tiger lilies in one spot but other than that everything is green.

"Yay! I'm a fan." That pretty much sums it up. This is not an epic wonder on the scale of Millennium or Central Park, but it's a very lovely and welcome addition to the Boston parks system. The Greenway curves from the North End to Chinatown, cutting a swath through the Financial District. Since its inception, I find myself here far more than the Common because the grass is actually green and there aren't sketchy people eyeing me when I eat my Chacarero. It's saved my sanity more than a few times when I desperately needed an escape from corporate robots. During the summer, they had weekly events where they provided the supplies to play lawn games like bocce ball and cornhole and it tickled me to see finance doods in their Pink ensembs taking part alongside tourists and families. I dig the recent addition of public art and it's adorable to see kids playing in the modern fountains when the weather is warm enough. The flowers in the parts towards South Station smell wonderful and are really nicely kept up. I've seen teenagers doing gardening here with what looks like some kind of youth program, very cool to see that. The only negative I can see about the Greenway is that it is pretty annoying to cross so many busy downtown streets if you want to walk the length of it. That definitely should not keep you away, it's still one of the best things to happen to Boston since that group of guys hit balls with a stick and won that thing that was a big deal and everyone got drunk.

Awesome. So it's finally come together. And they did a good job too! This was the perfect complement to a stroll through the north end and the seating allowed us to eat our pastries and drink our coffee without sitting in wetness. The fountains are nice and help distract some from the noisy traffic around. It's also a great spot to people watch as the kiddies are awfully cute. What a great spot to sit and watch the sun set. How romantical.

This little section of park, nestled between Government Center and the North End, is the perfect place to come for a mid-week siesta. My recipe for a perfect afternoon: grab takeout from Il Panino Express, Regina Pizzeria, or some other nearby institution and bring it to the Rose Kennedy Greenway where you can kick off yr shoes, nosh and read yr favorite guilty pleasure. After eating, stretch out on a little patch of grass and enjoy the sunshine on yr face. The fountain does a terrific job of shutting out the traffic sounds. And follow Ligaya's advice: enjoy some gelato.

Just walked the full length of the Greenway today. I think it is stunning and a wonderful addition to Boston. Ignore the naysayers who want it to be a conventional park that abuts buildings or is all one giant park. It is a lot of fun walking though little parklets from Chinatown to the North End. Each little park has a different flavor. It's very cool. Clearly the kids who visit the parks are enjoying them too. The stone waterfall in Chinatown. The sidewalk water fountains that kids can run through in a couple other parklets. The cool mist generators (or whatever they're called). And, of course, the carousel. Besides that, there are just the beautiful gardens, the terrific views that were once hidden by the highway, and the stabile sculpture in one of the parks. It's all fantastic! We started our afternoon at Meyers and Changs for lunch, walked over to Chinatown and bought a few things from the Great Taste Bakery (not recommended, by the way) and then made our way up the greenway to the North End. There, we stopped at one of the cafes and had a cappuccino. It was a lot of fun.

There have been a number of naysayers whose opinions I've seen published in the press speaking out against the "sterility" of the RFK Greenway. I don't get it. I walk through a portion of this oasis every day en route to work and back again, and I find it a beautiful and calming delight. Walking through, I have loved seeing the loads of kids playing in the gushing water fountains, the carousel, the group doing yoga on the grass in the morning, the dogs being walked, the dad and son playing catch, the man practicing his golf shots, the guitarist playing and singing his heart out, the sculptures, the absolute greeness and cleaness of it all, and the cute couples hanging out on the benches. I even love the skateboarders who I have found totally cool and respectful of pedestrians while enjoying their sport. There may not be throngs of people hanging out on the Greenway which has been one of the complaints I've read, but seriously, who really wants that?

Recipe for a perfect day: Take the T to Haymarket. Bask in the sunlight and patches of square laid grass. Admire the bare trellises. Lift your head to the sky. Laugh while the kiddies place their flip flops in the fountains and watch them swirl around. There's one tree. It's little. Shade? Not so much, but a cupcake from Lulu's and a dollop of gelato makes life better. Then the sulfur smell grabs you and won't leave, eeech. Regardless, you sit on the grass and decide you might want to play hooky every afternoon, amazed that something this good eventually came out of the Big Dig.

20 years ago a plot was hatched to spend $15 Billion removing annoying roads from a strip of land between the waterfront and the city. Replace roads with grass! Let the people have the land back! A greenway for our green-beer drinking millions! So, when in all of these decades of planning did someone decide to keep 6 lanes of road and put down a whole bunch of concrete everywhere you look? Boston - You Fail At Park This could've been so much more, but the 27 acres are too slim on nature, too hemmed-in by cars and too windswept to justify missing out on billions of dollars that our state could have recouped selling this Big Dig real estate. I'm all for more parks but this doesn't seem a park to me - just a car park with fountains and pot plants. Rose Kennedy Greenway - YES Rose Kennedy Grayway - NO

If it's unseasonably beautiful outside the day after Thanksgiving and you need to walk off the eight sticks of butter that your cousin "accidentally" mixed into the stuffing, the Greenway is an excellent choice.

Greenway, not Freeway - - - I love it. A fantastic little manicured oasis amidst the layers and layers of built-up Boston history. This patch'o'green extends over much of the Big Dig and is much (much) prettier to look at. Lovely concrete walkways around and through will bring you from the bustle on both ends (Haymarket vendors vs. Hanover St traffic and personality). The lawn is picture-perfect and the bordering shrubs are act as a lovely noise/view barricade. In the summer it can get a bit crowded (sun bathers and children enjoying the water fountains), but it's so worth scoping out a picnic spot. I can confirm: friends + box-o-pastries + lovely summer day + Greenway rest spot = AMAZING. It wasn't part of our plan on this day of Boston adventuring, but it was a beautiful and memorable moment we now share.

Greenway Park is for the young, the old, groups of friends, the worker on break, families, dog owners and food lovers as well. This place is perfect. Starting from North End and ending right before Seaport, the park has some of the yummiest food trucks and food stands (Silk Road BBQ, Grilled Cheese- brie, gouda, etc, cupcakes). Each section has a different atmosphere as well. For example, there is a water fountain for kids, big open fields of grass for dogs to run around, sunny areas to lay in and tan, and shaded areas to sit and relax in a cool spot. It's a wonderful place to go to if you want to stroll around while taking in the beautiful views of Boston. I'm really surprised as to why the review ratings are so low for this place. Post Office Square Park has a perfect 5 stars- yet it's also the place where a group of middle aged guys asked my friends to smoke a fat J, outside, while they were eating lunch in broad daylight. Are you kidding me? No. Go to Greenway. Unless you're into getting high like a kite during your lunch break because you're going through a mid-life crisis. Start your way from North End, grab lunch from one of the food carts and take a seat. Enjoy it. I bet you your brie grilled cheese sandwich tastes better at Greenway than it does at Post Office. Use their free wi-fi, soak in the sun while you eat, let that food sit for a bit, then grab an overpriced cupcake like you owe yourself one. Lastly, indulge. Cupcake, Greenway. Indulge.

I love the Greenway. Everyday on my lunch break I ride my bike through it, from South Station to the North End. It's so peaceful and relaxing. It's also a great place to people watch, tourist to business workers on their lunch breaks to kids playing in the fountains. I really like that the City of Boston has allowed the Food Trucks to begin parking on, or near the Greenway... giving people a choice of something new to eat. And the Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Thursdays across from South Station. Another great thing is there's free public wi-fi, however I couldn't get it to work on my iPhone (probably mine own fault) so you can bring your laptop or tablet and just enjoy the space while working! One thing I wish is that some of the paths were just a little bigger. Like I said, I ride my bike and sometimes if your stuck behind two people causally walking shoulder to shoulder there's no way to get by them.

Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful outdoor space, right in the heart of Boston. I regret not having spent more time here in the past. I will certainly make up for it now! The Greenway runs along the waterfront in Boston, right along Atlantic Ave. As you walk along the paths adorned with plants, trees, and flowers, you can easily forget that you're in the middle of a city. Sure, you can still hear the cars honking and traffic whizzing by, but it becomes distant as you gaze at all the scenery around you. There are plenty of chairs and benches throughout the Greenway, and even some hammocks if you're really feeling lazy. There's nothing better than curling up with a book and whiling away the hours here. Pro tip - I definitely recommend visiting here on Fridays. There are food trucks everywhere! Some are parked near South Station, and there's a bunch more near Rowe's Wharf. Leave that picnic lunch at home, you won't need it!

This is one of the best parks here in Boston. Here you will see people from different ages, starting with 4-5 year old kids playing with water to 60-70 year old people sitting on the benches. The environment is always clean and the grass is always green. For parking wouldn't be a problem because you can park in the street or park in the garage which is 100 feet away. Garage is not expensive, if you validate your ticket in any stores/coffee places/restaurants you just have to pay $1 per hour.

Boston takes 10 years too long to do something obviously half-assed. I pass this greenway on foot, in cab, in car and it inspires not one ounce in me to enjoy any bit of it. This city has such potential with things like this, the harborwalk, Kenmore Square - and it just squanders it. OK, it's tons better than the damn elevated highway - but at least that had character. this is generic, corporate, soulless and downright boring - and it really didn't need to be

This park is a wonderful oasis in Boston. If you find yourself with kids in Boston on a hot summer day, then grab a lunch or dinner to go from the Italian district in the North End and take the kids to a picnic on the Greenway. The view is amazing and the kids will love the sprinklers/fountains to cool down. Boston at its best!

Beautiful. That's all you need to say about it really. They have art and food events going on all the time during summer (and a bit in spring and fall) so keep a look out!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those people that suffered through all the construction to make The Greenway possible. I timed my moving to the North End perfectly, in that I did not have to deal with the noise, rerouting, and ugliness that was the Big Dig. The Greenway is now a beautiful conglomeration of intertwining parks stretching from North Station (go Celts!) to Chinatown. As long as you are not walking along the parks during rush hour, you forget the fact that you are surrounded by city streets. Make sure to check out my two favorite features: the mini-rivery/waterfall that looks like a serpent's back in the Chinatown park and the mini-Bellagio-esque Ring Fountain across from The Aquarium.

When I came to Boston there used to be this big green steel monster that dominated the sky between the harbor & the Fanueil Hall. Thank goodness those days are gone & in its place a green space that the city can be proud of. I love going down on a warm day & watch people enjoying the gifts of nature unencumbered by green rusty steel. Its a great compliment to the common and the more green space the better.

I couldn't imagine coming to Boston exclusively for the Greenway, unless I'm already in Faneuil or on my way to the Aquarium. There's a long, narrow strip of green space for kids to run around on, but just not enough shade for above 75 degree weather. A fountain and sprinkler are located a few blocks from one another on the same strip. In addition, one of the many farmer's markets is present every Saturday during the summer too. From what I saw, it's more artisans than farmers. Honestly, it's not the best, but at least it adds something to the space. However, I don't know how to feel about the Greenway after my last carousel ride... The old sour puss taking the tickets and operating the carousel was a beast. Why does the City employee miserable people to work in the hot sun around children? That's a recipe for a lawsuit. Anyway, I purchased two tickets for my son and nephew. As we walked toward the gate (which by the way, isn't that far from the ticket booth), the mess of a wretch told us to hurry up. And it wasn't the nice, encouraging "Hurry up before the ride starts children" either. She ordered me to stand in between my son and nephew while on the ride after rudely asking how old I was (OMG, sorry for being a MILF). Not that it takes a lot of supervision for a five and nine year old to sit down on a ride that's supposed to be fun and go around in circles ten times. As she moved the switch to start the carousel, there was a deadness in her eyes. I had to avert my gaze from her scowl every time I carousel went around. Too much effort for a day at the park. As we were leaving a family was taking pictures together. You know, a natural thing we do to preserve memories after paying $3 to get on a carousel. The nasty lady told them "people were waiting" in the most aggravated voice. This clearly embarassed them and they hurried off. Luckily, kids get over things quicker than adults. In the end, we took the boys to the sprinkler, which is very well maintained, and they had a blast. It's one of the best sprinklers in boston as it does a cool mist thingy before it shoots up water ten feet in the air. The woman from the carousel still haunts me though...

I'll add that extra star because I'm so glad the City of Boston preserved this as greenspace instead of allowing building on top of it, but truthfully, I sort of think the Greenway is just "A-OK" as a park. (And now that I think about it, was building on top of the Big Dig even an option? Perhaps the tunnel structurally wouldn't support that.) For some reason, this park just doesn't feel very inviting. Maybe it's that it's such a big park, so the people are diffused through the whole thing. But I keep thinking about Central Park and how busy that is on weekend days, compared to the Greenway. Every time I have been there, it just feels eerily empty. There's a spot with weird arch-like structures and lots of benches where people might sit and read a book (except the benches are never full). It's hard to know what this space is for. These things could be trellises, but there are no plants. They could be sources of shade, but they are open on top. They look like something that would be in the background of someone's wedding photo. Perhaps the city is still "growing into" the Greenway. It is cool that it connects different neighborhoods in the city, from the North End and City Hall down to the Seaport and the Financial District. I like that it is a constant reminder of the city's history--the fact that you are standing on top of the most expensive public-works project in U.S. history, and a reminder of how things used to be so different. But on the whole, I still find this park perplexing.

"Perfect place to be - fun for all ages!" A beautiful walk! Green grass, flowers, sculptures, fountains, spray pools, places to sit and relax, festivals, marketplace, food trucks right in the heart of Boston. What else could you want?! You could walk a labyrinth or go for a carousel ride! Walking distance to Faneuil Hall, North End. It's a beautiful place even at night!

Our time on the Greenway was well-spent. Our first night in Boston we got the kids a ride on the carousel and then strolled down the walkway. Enjoyed the fountains, the green space, the water misters and then arrived at the beer garden. Grab a seat near the sidewalk with a view of the water. Our second day in Boston we grabbed some cannolis and found some shade by the fountains on the grass. Even took our shoes off to cool off in the fountains. This is a wonderful green space for some respite while visiting Boston.

Ok, so the big dig is officially complete, but I'm not totally sure what the deal is with the greenway, are they going to be adding more, or is what's there now pretty much finished product? I first saw it last freezing winter at night (yeah, not going to give anyone a real good impression, I know). But then I saw it again last month and at least I think I noticed a lot more trees and all that. The best part of the greenway right now is the wharf district area with the pavement fountain thing that kids can run through. The rest of it is nice enough and I sure like it better than the highway, but it's not exactly Millenium Park. and I agree that the space had potential for a lot more. A lot of it looks like they just ran out of money halfway through or something - empty patches of grass and concrete - esp the north end park. I dunno maybe that's what actually happened, and these parks really are only half finished?

This is one of my most favorite places in Boston. Dry up about the lack of typical "parkiness" (i.e. grass and trees). This is downtown Boston! I don't live here because I want to strap on my Tevas and my North Face and contract lyme disease on some dirty cliff in New Hampshire. I want buildings, I want bustling, I want something that is less than 10 minutes on the T. I don't want mountains, I don't want boredom and isolation, and I def don't want to get caught in the crossfire of some dudes playing ultimate frisbee. I'm just a city gal.

Having driven by the sections of the Greenway many times, I was finally able to walk through most of it Monday evening and I was totally blown away! Art exhibits, beautiful plantings, an unusual carousel and two beer gardens are among the many programs and activities though out the year! This is a must do in Boston. And if you have a group, you can arrange for a fantastic tour to explain all that you will see.

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Attended a food festival this past weekend and the space was beautiful, especially the view of the water!

whoever first proposed the idea of the greenway must have received the same quizzical looks that walt disney received upon suggesting the idea of disneyland. "you want to do what with I93? put it underground and put a park on top? right... psychoooo." and despite there being some major setbacks and the big dig taking a lot longer than any one of us would have liked, i have to say that the park really is very beautiful. i love walking this route on my way home from work, from south station to north station. wonderful fountains and greenery. during the evenings, it's a joy to see the greenway lit up, and a nice way to show someone the city of boston from chinatown to the north end (particularly if they've come to boston and hiked the freedom trail a few too many times). so kudos to that nutcase that first proposed it. you done showed us, sir.

This must be the worst excuse for civic open space in the East. It just demonstrates emphatically that without leadership, without political will and without political coordination, the citizens get what they deserve. It appears uninspired and unexciting, and while it is a major improvement over the former highway structure, it fails to bring vibrant urbanity to open space. With all of the fiefdoms (City of Boston, Comm of Massachusetts, Mass Turnpike Authority, Mass DOT, etc.) failing to plan for what could have been a gem, we are relegated to continue to show off our second rate urban planning skills. While visitors are able to go to a Millenium Park in Chicago, created during the last decade, Boston remains committed only to continue to show off it's Puritan-era cowpaths and Freedom Trails.

Biggest waste of space in town. - Poorly designed, terribly placed, this forced-green-space park is a leftover from the travesty that is/was the Big Dig. - For those of you who don't know - the highway used to run through Boston. They spent a kajillion dollars to sink it underground. Now, the area where the highway was still has busy roads, but in-between these roads are various "parks" and "green spaces". These were mandated by some public outcry for green spaces - blah blah who cares. Valuable prime Boston real estate is now a vast, boring, and underutilized "park". Walk along and see for yourself: A majority of it is lawn that you can't walk on or can't really use - since it borders these very busy roads. There is one part which is kind of nice with these water fountains near the North End - but again - the busy streets and traffic make it tough to enjoy. - I don't think it's designed very well and I would have been 1,000 times happier if they just made the whole thing one giant 10 story parking lot for free parking for me!!!