Discover East Boston, Boston’s gateway to the rest of the world. The neighborhood was established in 1836, when five islands in Boston Harbor were connected using landfill. Through the centuries, it has expanded from seaport to airport. Discover the neighborhood’s rich patchwork of cultures and fascinating history.

Spend the afternoon outdoors at Piers Park. Walk along the 600-foot (180-meter) promenade and enjoy the great views of downtown Boston across the harbor. Rent a boat to explore the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands or take a sailing lesson at Piers Park Sailing Center.

East Boston is home to one of the city’s most popular beaches. Have fun in the sun at Constitution Beach. Build a sandcastle, prepare a picnic or play a tennis match.

Learn about the neighborhood’s history at East Boston Branch Library. Established in 1869, it has the distinction of being one of the nation’s first branch libraries. Check out The History of Shipping, paintings that explore East Boston’s rich shipbuilding history.

Visit the iconic Madonna Shrine, located atop a hill in the neighborhood’s historic Orient Heights area. Take a photo of the 35-foot (10-meter) copper and bronze statue of the Madonna. Enjoy panoramic views of the waterfront and Boston skyline.

Meet the many cultures that mix together in East Boston. The neighborhood has always been an immigrant hub. It has a well-established Italian and Irish population, with a growing community of people from Central and South America and Southeast Asia. This diversity is reflected in its rich array of ethnic restaurants and shops. Come to the neighborhood with a hearty appetite.

East Boston is a gateway to the rest of the world because of Logan Airport. The international airport offers hundreds of daily flights around the world. To explore closer to home, visit downtown Boston just across the Boston Harbor. Drive through the Sumner Tunnel or Ted Williams Tunnel or take the Blue Line subway to get there.