Boston

The closest US city to the UK, Boston feels very European, with its cobbled lanes and centuries-old buildings. But the unofficial capital of New England is 100 per cent American; after all, it is the country’s oldest major city (founded in 1630) and the main events leading up to the American Revolution took place right here in the 1770s.

But there is much more. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Museum of Fine Arts are just two of the many cultural attractions. Sport is a big attraction with well-known ice hockey, basketball, American football and baseball teams. If you are visiting in-season, get a ticket to Fenway Park and watch the famous Boston Red Sox in action.

The gleaming skyscrapers overlook the sweeping harbour, parks and gardens; the nation’s oldest public park (1634), Boston Common, is home to softball games in summer and ice skating in winter. Overlooking it are the gold-domed Massachusetts State House and stately Beacon Hill, with elegant Georgian-style brick houses.

In the heart of the city, follow the 2.5-mile long Freedom Trail, depicted by the red line in the pavement to see 16 of the USA’s most iconic buildings and historic sites. Check out the shops, restaurants and stalls at the iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace; the 18th-century fruit and veg market was the inspiration for London’s Covent Garden redevelopment.

The city caters to families; kids will love the Boston Duck Tours for a fun and irreverent view of the city and its history that ends with a splash into the Charles River. The Harbourfront has great family-friendly attractions and areas to explore including the must-do New England Aquarium, home to sharks, sea turtles and more. The Children’s Museum is educational and fun for smaller children, with plenty of stimulating hands-on exhibits and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum explains the hows and whys of the 1773 anti-tax protest known as the Boston Tea Party and the costumed interpreters aboard the replica ships involve you in one of the most famous events in American history.

The city is also great for couples on a romantic break with a huge choice of , especially in the North End, Boston’s “Little Italy”, home to all things Italian, from delis to trattorias and sidewalk cafes while the South End is hip and happening, with good restaurants, bars and and funky shops.

Take to the water on a catamaran to whale watch, a gentle harbour cruise or even a pedal-powered swan boat ride.  Bostonians walk everywhere or take the “T”, the efficient, inexpensive public transport system.

Shopping is a dream here with fashion boutiques, famous-name brands, an outlet mall as well as speciality shops,  plusMassachusetts is tax free on clothes and shoes up to $175.