Visit Boston

If any city can be said to be a mirror of American history, it would be Boston. From Paul Revere’s famous ride to Boston’s preeminence as an abolitionist center during the Civil War, to its dizzying rise as high tech center today, Boston is an iconic destination.

Visitors love its historical treasures, heady nightlife, parks and universities plus art and music – not to mention its gorgeous gardens and those signature swan boats. Boston – enthralling visitors since colonial times.

Flights to Boston

Flying to Boston – It’s easy to find cheap flights to Boston, since the city is served by a variety of legacy and low cost carriers; and Boston is the perfect destination for any trip to New England.

Logan International Airport (BOS): Boston’s airport is a focus city for American Airlines and low cost carriers AirTran and JetBlue. It also has numerous international flights on U.S. and airlines like Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and more. The airport also offers a variety of mass transit options to get you to your Boston location.

Attractions in Boston

It would be impossible to list all there is to see and do in Boston, so we’ll just highlight some of the most popular attractions. Be sure to check the tourism websites listed below for more on the best of Boston.

Freedom Trail – Get to know the city on this two-and-a-half mile walk that starts at Boston Common and meanders past Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House then across the Charles River where you’ll see the USS. Constitution and the Battle of Bunker Hill Monument. Take the day to relive some history.

Boston Public Garden – Established in 1837, this was the first public botanical garden in the country and it remains a delightful excursion. Look for those swan boats here, made famous in the children’s classic, “Make Way for Ducklings”.

Fenway Park – America’s “Most Beloved Ballpark” (unless you’re a Yankees fan) turns 100 years old in 2012, and is the oldest ballpark still in use. Take a tour of the shrine to see where Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jackie Robinson played.

Boston HarborWalk - This lovely promenade is actually a series of walkways through the harbor areas of Charlestown, the North End and even down to Dorchester; there are splendid views, great picnicking spots, or try one of the many colorful cafes you’ll run into as you meander.

Shopping and Restaurants in Boston

Dining: Boston is famous for its fresh seafood (and do try the chowder), but this is an international city and its restaurants reflect this, featuring Persian, Argentinian, Indian, Japanese and other cuisines of the world. Of course, it’s also a great place to find classic Irish pub fare or try one of the many beloved neighborhood Italian joints.

Shopping: Check out the boutiques of Newbury Street, the great bookstores and trendy shops in Cambridge and the marketplace at Faneuil Hall; travel just a little further for high-end outlet shops. Tip: there is no sales tax in Massachusetts on clothing valued at less than $175. Let the spree begin.

Boston Smart Tip

Travel beyond Boston to the dunes and beaches of Cape Cod. Or head north to Salem, a charming town with an infamous past (and see the solemn memorial to the victims of the witch trials).

More Information on Boston

Boston is such a diverse city that it may be a little daunting for first-time visitors and newcomers, but these sites will set you straight: each provides great information on the city’s many attractions plus practical advice for getting around.

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau: This official guide is notable for the best things to see and do in Boston depending on the season; it also offers deals on hotels, dining and more, plus lists of all the city’s popular attractions.

City of Boston: Packed with useful information, this site tells you how to get around Boston with several mass transit options (use them – driving in the city remains an adventure); look for cycling tours here, plus deals of all kinds.

Boston.com – This special section of the Boston Globe website has a local flavor and includes some excellent off-the-beaten-path gems plus a guide to neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and more; a recent feature on the site lists “25 Things to Do in Boston for Under $25″.

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism – Includes Boston attractions and things to see and do statewide.

Photo of the swan boats courtesy the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau