Your first excursion during a city break in Boston should be the Boston Freedom Trail; a two mile long designated route (marked with a red painted line from start to finish) which encompasses sixteen of its most treasured landmarks. Starting at the visitor information centre at Boston Common (where maps of the trail are available), the route notably takes in three must-see sites during any visit to the city; Faneuil Hall, The U.S.S Constitution and the world-famous Bunker Hill Monument.

Once the scene of Samuel Adams' battle cry to fellow colonists to fight against British oppression in the 16th Century, Faneuil Hall is now a peaceful, yet bustling hotbed of activity and excitement in the heart of Boston. It is to Boston, what Covent Garden is to London; with its street performers and musicians, wide range of eateries, and incredible marketplace offering foods from all over the world. Should you be feeling peckish; Quincy Market Colonnade within the hall offers no less than forty bars and restaurants, including a perfect replica of the bar from the hit U.S series Cheers, which originally took inspiration from the Bull & Finch pub on Beacon Street next to the State House.

The State House - which serves as the seat of government for the state, is part of the Beacon Hill neighbourhood of Boston - a fascinating 19th Century district. Punctuated by well preserved, original Georgian and Victorian houses on cobbled streets; Beacon Hill is also perfect for a romantic night-time stroll, as by evening; the streets are dimly lit by traditional gas lights.

A little further down the red line towards the Charlestown Navy Yard; stands the inimitable U.S.S Constitution. After being commissioned by George Washington, “Old Ironsides” (nicknamed due to the amount of cannonballs pounded at her side through the years), remains the world’s oldest warship still afloat, after being launched in 1797 - some 211 years ago! With forty-two battles fought and won, and never taken by the enemy, the Constitution remains one of the proudest military symbols of America’s spirit and endeavour during wartime.

The New England Holocaust Memorial also on the trail, is conversely, a poignant and touching reminder of the brutal events of World War, with its six, fifty-four foot glass towers - each representing the six main Nazi death camps; it pays a moving tribute to the six million Jews who needlessly perished under the brutal regime during World War II. 

The sightseeing adventure culminates with the dominating, world-famous landmark that is the Bunker Hill Monument. Some 221 feet in height, the granite obelisk marks the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution fought on June 17 1775 between the invading British, and colonial forces. Although won by the British, the monument is testament to the unity and bravery of the colonial forces, who despite poor training and preparation, managed to stave off the British on two occasions from this important strategic spot (as it sits on high ground next to the harbour). The monument was the tallest in the U.S until the Washington Monument was erected in 1885.

Another route popular with visitors to Boston is the Harbour Walk, which links the recently restored downtown Boston Harbour, that now links the downtown waterfront and old maritime industrial areas, giving tourists the opportunity to marvel at the goings on of a fully operational port. 

Another rejuvenated area of Boston’s industrial past is the Boston Harbour Islands National Park - a cluster of thirty-four islands, with eleven open to tourists. Spectacle Island is the most notable of these - once a landfill site, covering 3.5 million yards of clay, it now boasts a visitor centre, beach, picnic area, camping facilities and hiking trails and is served by boats departing from Long Wharf in downtown Boston.

Sports fans are also well served in Boston, as the city is the proud home to some of America’s greatest sides. Boston Red Sox baseball team, Boston Celtics basketball team, and Superbowl XXXVI winners the New England Patriots all play locally, attracting thousands of fans both locally and internationally. (Advanced ticket bookings are always needed to attend games, see accompanying websites for details).