Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most widely known American cities. Founded in 1630, Boston is a modern city that is steeped in American history; the town and its residents have played in an integral role in the shaping of our nation.It was the home of the first public school in America and the location for more than one monumental American Revolution event, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Boston Tea Party. Boston's reach continues to grow today. It has an expanding population of more than 609,000 within the city limits and a populous of more than 4.5 million people in the Greater Boston area. Boston's reach goes far beyond is sizable population. It is a thriving metropolis with a seeming endless business directory that is visited by an estimated 16.3 million tourists every year. And they don't just come to Boston for its historical appeal, "Beantown" as it's affectionately nicknamed by some, has something for everyone. From championship sports teams such as the Boston Red Sox to cultural icons like the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the city is replete with options for shopping, dining, entertainment and education. Places of higher learning are especially plentiful; it is the site of the esteemed Ivy League institution Harvard University as well as an excess of 100 other universities and colleges in the Boston area. The best way to enjoy Boston may be to find information in the Massachusetts yellowpages and get lost in all the city has to offer. Enjoy some fresh seafood at the nation's oldest operating restaurant, the Union Oyster House, or some authentic Italian cuisine in the city's North End Neighborhood. Or just stroll through Quincy Market in downtown for a wide variety of eateries and shops.