As one of the oldest settlements in the USA and the largest city in New England, Boston has plenty of historic culture. Yet with over 50 colleges and universities situated in the greater Boston area there is a youthful vibrancy that adds a different dimension to the historic charm of the city.

Cambridge lies across the Charles River and is the largest college town in the world, synonymous with Harvard University founded in 1638. The neat ivy-covered brick buildings of the university grounds, as well as the labyrinth of twisting streets in Boston centre and the historical buildings in the old-world neighbourhoods are best explored on foot. Boston refers to itself as the 'Walking City' and is a remarkably compact city that is centred on the country's oldest public park, Boston Common. The Information Centre in Boston Common is the starting point for two of the city's main attractions, which are in fact walking tours. The Freedom Trail explores the city's revolutionary past and the birth of the modern American Republic, while the Black Heritage Trail highlights Boston's place in black American history and its role in anti-slavery.

Boston is an easy blend of historic charm and modern conveniences with a busy street life and beautiful architecture, green parks and gardens, skyscrapers and modern freeways, museums, galleries and colonial churches. Boston is home to the first public library, the first public school and the first subway system; it is the site of the Boston Tea Party that started the Revolutionary War, and is the location of the Cheers bar, made famous by the popular TV sitcom . Boston is also the city from whence both planes that crashed into the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001 originated, and many of those who died were local residents, a tragedy that thus hit the city particularly hard.

Freedom Trail

Address: The trail starts from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common Boston

Admission: Most sites are free except for the Old South Meeting House, Old State House and Paul Revere House that charge a $3 or $5 entrance fee Most sites along the trail are open daily from 9am to 5pm (10am to 4pm in winter)

Telephone: (617) 357 8300

The 2.5-mile (4km) Freedom Trail follows a line of red bricks or a painted red line on the pavement linking 16 historic sights associated with the early struggle for freedom from British control and the events leading up to the revolution. Markers identify the stops and provide information from downtown to the North End to Charlestown and Bunker Hill Monument. Sights along the way include the Paul Revere House, Boston's oldest surviving house that was home to the famous revolutionary, and the nearby Old North Church where two lanterns were hung in the belfry to warn the revolutionaries of the British movements while Revere went on his famous horse ride to warn of imminent British attack. The elegant Old State House was the seat of British colonial government and where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776. There is a museum of Boston history inside. At the Old South Meeting House Samuel Adams addressed the revolutionaries in the significant meeting prior to the Boston Tea Party and a circle of cobblestones marks the site of the Boston Massacre. In Charlestown the USS Constitution, known as 'Old Ironsides' is the oldest warship still afloat and was named after the sinking of the British frigate, HMS Guerriere during the war of 1812. Bunker Hill Monument is the site of the first formal battle of the America Revolution that was fought in 1775. Also along the trail is the beautiful white steeple of Park Street Church, the site of several important anti-slavery speeches, the Old Granary Burying Ground where a number of revolutionaries are buried, and the Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall that once was the meeting place for revolutionaries as well as a bustling marketplace. Although a complete self-guided trail, the National Park Service also conducts free tours with guides in historic costumes that cover some of the trail's highlights.

Black Heritage Trail

Address: The trail starts from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common or at the Museum of Afro-American History at 46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill Boston

Admission: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm; guided tours by appointment year round and 10am, 12pm, and 2pm (July and August)

Telephone: (617) 725 0022 (Museum of Afro-American History), or (617) 742 5415 (guided tours)

Today Beacon Hill brings to mind images of affluence and luxurious living, yet until the end of the 19th century it contained a community of free blacks and escaped slaves from the southern states who owned businesses, built houses and schools, and worshipped together in the churches. Although the black community has since shifted to other parts of Boston, the Black Heritage Trail covers 14 sites that are part of the local black history. Massachusetts was the first state to abolish slavery in 1783 due in part to the black participation in the Revolution. Beginning at the Boston Common there is a memorial to slave abolitionist Robert Shaw who led the first black regiment recruited during the Civil War. Various sites on Beacon Hill include homes of famous citizens, the city's first racially integrated public school with exhibits portraying the struggle for equal school rights, and a house that was part of the famous 'Underground Railroad', sheltering runaway slaves from their pursuers. The African Meeting House, part of the Museum of Afro-American History, is one of the most interesting sights and was the first black church in the United States, known as 'Black Faneuil Hall' during the anti-slavery campaign. It was here that famous abolitionist speeches were made and black people were called to take up arms in the Civil War. There is an informative audiovisual presentation in the gallery. Although this is a complete self-guided trail with brochures and maps provided by the Museum of Afro-American History, park rangers also give free daily two-hour tours, which start at the National Park Service Visitor Center.

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum

Address: Congress Street Bridge Boston

Admission: The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is temporarily closed. The museum is currently undergoing full renovation with plans for reopening summer 2010.

Telephone: (617) 269 7150

Moored to the bridge is the Beaver II, known as the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, and one of the three ships stormed by patriots in 1773 as an act of rebellion against British rule and in particular against the new tax laws imposed on tea. A group of revolutionaries disguised as Mohawk Indians burst from the South Meeting House and boarded the ships that were loaded with tea. They emptied the crate contents into the harbour, an event that became known as the Boston Tea Party. The Beaver II is an exact replica of the original Beaver I and visitors can learn about the event on board the ship. *Note: The Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum is currently closed for renovations and plans to open again in 2010.*

Cambridge

Address: Boston

Just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is actually a city in its own right although the two cities are so closely associated that many people believe them to be one and the same. Cambridge is home to two of the most prestigious centres for education in the country, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has a young and vibrant atmosphere due to the 30,000 university students from around the world that reside and study here. The city is centred on Harvard Square and is a gathering spot that reflects the international culture of its learning community as well as the influence of its students, residents and business owners. Surrounding the square and lining the streets that spread out from Harvard Square are dozens of bookstores and music shops, cafes and coffee houses and restaurants. Harvard Square is a lively mixture of students and professors, buskers, the homeless, evangelists and political campaigners, and is a great place to have a cup of coffee, watch the activity and soak up the atmosphere. Harvard University occupies one side of the square.

Harvard University

Address: Harvard University Events and Information Center, Holyoke Center, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue Boston

Admission: There are free student-led campus tours available. Museum tickets vary, see website for details. The Information Center is open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Art museums: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Museum of Natural History: daily 9am to 5pm

Telephone: (617) 495 1000

Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest in the country and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the USA. It is famous for its brilliant faculties that have produced economists, biologists, prize-winning poets, and famous graduates like former president JF Kennedy. It is also as well known for its famous dropouts such as actor Matt Damon who left in second year to write the Oscar-winning film 'Good Will Hunting', and businessman Bill Gates who left to start up a small software business, also dropping out in his second year. The focal point of the university is Harvard Yard, a courtyard surrounded by ivy-covered colonial buildings from the 18th century until the present that was named for John Harvard, a graduate of Cambridge University in Britain, who died leaving the college half his estate and his entire library. The shoe of his statue is rubbed for good luck. Harvard also has four outstanding museums that include the Harvard Art Museums and the Museum of Natural History. The Fogg Art Museum is the most famous art museum with a huge collection covering works from the European Renaissance period to the modern day, including works by Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and Klee. The Bush-Reisinger and Arthur Sackler Museums are included in the same ticket. The Natural History Museum is renowned for its display of hand-blown glass flowers.

Boston Public Garden

Address: Charles Street Boston

Telephone: (617) 723 8144

The first botanical garden in the United States, the Boston Public Garden provides a tranquil escape from the fast pace of the city centre. Maintained by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Public Garden, the botanical garden is a must-see on any exploration of Boston. With over 600 varieties of trees and colourful displays of well-ordered decorative flowers, visitors can go for a relaxing swan boat ride on the three acre lagoon, enjoy the attractive vista of the city's sardined skyscrapers through the trees or take pleasure in the numerous public works of art that border the meandering paths.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Address: 4 South Market Building Boston

Admission: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm, Sunday from 12pm to 6pm

Telephone: (617) 523 1300

A great Boston daytrip and shopping destination, Faneuil Hill Marketplace offers superb shopping with all your familiar designer stores as well as great restaurants and sidewalk cafés. Four places in one, Faneuil Hall Market place encompasses Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market. Set around a cobblestone promenade, the market is a haven for the performing arts with jugglers, mimes, musicians and magicians entertaining passers-by. Centrally located and operating for over 250 years, the Faneuil Hill Marketplace is the hub of Boston city life. Drawing large crowds excited by the electric energy, visitors can shop, stroll, eat and wonder.

Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 465 Huntington Avenue Boston

Admission: $17 (adults), $6.50 (children). Concessions available Daily from 10am to 4.45 pm. Open till 9.45pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Telephone: (617) 267 9300

An artwork in itself the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston houses some of the most famous European paintings, including Gauguin's Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA also houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections, with 22,000 artworks including masterpieces by some of the finest artists in history. With a striking collection of Impressionist paintings, including the works of Monet, Egyptian sculpture and a moving exhibition of Japanese and other Asian artworks, visitors should make sure they have ample time to explore the exhibition rooms of the MFA. Have a break and enjoy a coffee or lunch at one the three gallery restaurants or browse the outstanding museum bookstore and shop.

Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory

Address: Boston

Admission: $12 (adults); $8 (children). Concessions available Winter Hours: 10am – 8pm (1 November - 28 February). Summer Hours: 10am – 10pm (1 March – 31 October)

Telephone: (617) 859 0648

Located in the Prudential Tower, the Skywalk Observatory is a must for children of all ages. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views over the city and beyond. Visitors can also enjoy an exclusive state-of-the-art Antenna Audio Tour, which touches on points of interest in Boston.

Shear Madness

Address: Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St Boston

Admission: $42 Tuesday – Friday at 8pm; Saturday 6pm 9pm; Sunday 3pm and 7pm

Come to see one of the longest running non-musical plays in the United States. The plot revolves around the characters at a unisex hair salon where the landlady gets murdered and the audience gets involved in questioning the actors in an attempt to find out 'whodunnit'. Shear Madness is a great experience for families and children of all ages.

Puppet Showplace Theater

Address: 32 Station Street, Brookline Boston

Admission: $10 depending on the show Shows run from 10.30am to 3pm daily

Telephone: (617) 731 6400

Take the kids to one of the oldest continuously operating puppet theatres in the United States to watch one of their favourite stories, such as Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk or Little Red Riding Hood, told through the medium of puppetry. These award-winning shows captivate the audience and it's not long before even the adults forget they are watching puppets. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Codzilla

Address: Boston

Admission: $25 (adults); $21 (children 4 – 12 years). Concessions available Open daily from 10 – 4pm

Telephone: (617) 227 4321

Codzilla takes passengers on a high-speed cruise around Boston's harbour. People on board will scream in pure delight as the boat curves, spins and rips through the harbour for 40 minutes, with music such as Bobby Darin and ACDC blaring, you'll be travelling at around 40 miles (70km) per hour. Reservations are recommended.

New England Aquarium

Address: 1 Central Wharf Boston

Admission: $20.95 (adults); 12.95 (children); Concessions available Open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm, weekends 9am - 6pm (8 September to 30 June); Sunday to Thursday from 9am - 6pm, Friday and Saturday 9am – 7pm. (1 July to 7 September).

Telephone: (617) 522 1966

Home to Simons IMAX Theatre the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which runs from April through October, the New England Aquarium features a plethora of some of the world's most amazing marine species, such as the impressive giant Pacific octopus, Sand Tiger shark, green sea turtles and North Atlantic Right whales, and is an absolute must for children of all ages.

St Patrick's Day

Where: South Boston,Boston

When: 17 March, annually

Boston boasts a long-standing Irish culture with Irish pubs a-plenty, and St Patrick's Day is a significant event in the city, featuring one of the biggest parties in America. It was here that the first St Patrick's Day was celebrated in 1737, and today green-clad families gather to enjoy the high-spirited celebrations. This year's parade is the 106th and features marching bands and pipe bands, and plenty of traditional costumes. The event takes place the day after St. Patrick's Day.

Boston Harborfest

Where: Historic downtown and waterfront districts, and City Hall Plaza,Boston

When: 30 June to 5 July 2010

The six-day Boston Harborfest celebrates the nation's independence and the maritime and colonial heritage that is part of Boston's history. There are over 200 events, including re-enactments, concerts, historic walking tours, and parties, climaxing with the 4th of July orchestra and fireworks display over the Charles River. Main events include the Opening Ceremony, the Chowderfest and Children's Day. The festival is thought to be the largest celebration of patriotism in the country.

Boston Marathon

Where: ,Boston

When: 19 April 2010

The oldest marathon in the world, and ranked as one of the most celebrated road racing events, the marathon sees 20,000 runners take to the streets of Boston every year. Entry is by qualification - would-be runners must complete a certified marathon in a qualifying time determined by age.

First Night Boston

Where: Various,Boston

When: 31 December annually

The oldest and largest New Year's Eve celebration in the country, First Night Boston features performances and entertainment at over 40 indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. Highlights include ice sculptures, glittering fireworks displays, a Family Festival and the First Night Grand Procession, as well as a variety of theatre, dance, music, film and storytelling.

Dragon Boat Festival

Where: Charles River,Boston

When: June 2010 TBA

Apart from an energetic and rhythmic display of dragon boat racing, the festival taking place along the banks of the Charles River features traditional Chinese arts and crafts, Dragon dancing, Asian food, martial arts demonstrations and drumming.

Pomodoro

Address: 319 Hanover Street Boston

Food Type: Italian

An tiny unpretentious Italian restaurant with hard working staff and authentic Italian cuisine, Pomodoro is one of those neighbourhood restaurants that is frequented by locals and foreigners who keep coming back for more. Situated in the Northend, Pomodoro serves a wide range of Italian cuisine from traditional linguine marinara with lots of garlic and fresh herbs to seafood wonders like tiger shrimp. The affordable prices and quality of food make up for the simple décor, with most patrons being mesmerised by the activity and aroma escaping from the open kitchen and the food on their plate. Reservation recommended. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

The Capital Grille

Address: 359 Newbury Street Boston

Food Type: American

The succulent and large proportioned steaks, served in style at The Capital Grille, send carnivores into raptures, particularly the enormous 24-ounce (680g) dry-aged porterhouse that is the restaurant's speciality. Steaks are hand cut and perfectly seasoned before being grilled and served along a choice of more than 350 bottle wine list. Seafood entrées are also on offer, and the desserts include a tempting homemade cheesecake. The décor is sophisticated and clubby. Open for dinner daily.

Max and Dylans

Address: 15 west street, Downtown Boston

Food Type: American

This new hip low lit and sharp angled venue is half bar and half restaurant perfect for casual dining or big gatherings of friends. The food is unpretentiously delicious with an array of meals that mom used to make, only better. Mac & cheese and meatloaf take centre stage alongside other deceptively simple dishes that will have even food snobs sneaking in bites.

Hamersley's Bistro

Address: 553 Tremont Street Boston

Food Type: International

One of Boston's great chefs presides over his own bar, café and dining room in a baseball cap, turning out his now famed signature dishes. The menu changes seasonally an this spring, for example, features spicy halibut and clam roast with bacon braised greens, white beans and black trumpet mushrooms. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the food is serious. Open for dinner daily. Reservations recommended.

Pho 'n Rice

Address: 289 Beacon Street, Somerville Boston

Food Type: Asian

The Boston area's eclectic heritage is best appreciated through its foods and nowhere better than at Pho 'n Rice. For the uninformed pho is deceptively simple traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of light but strong broth and noodles with pieces of meat and vegetable that continue to cook in the bowl. Pho 'n Rice has added great variations to the traditional meal along with some Thai style dishes that promise to be both light on the wallet and waistline.

China Pearl

Address: 9 Tyler Street, Chinatown Boston

Food Type: Chinese

The jewel of Boston's Chinatown district is the China Pearl, renowned with both locals and visitors. The extensive dinner menu is rather daunting, but each dish, from General Gau's Chicken to Lobster Chinese style, is equally delicious. The restaurant's Dim Sum menu (a variety of savoury snacks made of minced meat wrapped in dough, shium mai or thin wonton and cooked in various ways) is award winning and much sought after. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Durgin Park

Address: 340 Faneuil Hall Market Place Boston

Food Type: American

'Your father and grandfather probably dined with us' says the advertising slogan for this Faneuil Hall market restaurant, which has been feeding the hearty appetites of locals for well over a century. Today the restaurant is a tourist attraction simply because the cuisine it serves is still authentic old style New England. The food is unpretentious, honest and good, including favourites like clam chowder, fish chowder, fish cakes and beans, chicken pot pie, prime rib, roast turkey, cornbread, Indian pudding and apple pie. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon

Address: 54 Newmarket Sq. Roxebury Boston

Food Type: American

This completely local haunt would be a shame to turn nose at as one should never underestimate the pure pleasure of an American hot dog from a hot dog stand. This particular unassuming stand sets the bar for all others and is consistently listed as the best in the country. These behemoth dogs undergo an intricate cooking and marinating process only taste buds can understand.

Barking Crab

Address: Fort Point Landing, 88 Sleeper Street Boston

Food Type: Fish

It's just a shabby little shack with a deck overlooking Boston Harbour, but it is renowned for serving the best clam chowder in town, not to mention other seafood delights, and even roasted chestnuts in winter. It is a little raucous at the best of times out on the deck, and the indoor dining room is little quieter and extremely casual. Live bands entertain while customers crack and peel shrimp and crab claws and slurp pitchers of beer. Fried clams, shrimp, scallops, oysters, calamari, lobster, fish and of course crab are available in a variety of guises, from battered to steamed. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Silvertone Bar and Grill

Address: 69 Bromfield Street Boston

Food Type: American

The trendy subterranean lounge of the Silvertone has a retro vibe where the food is as comforting as the prices. The menu offers solid meals with a few fancy touches, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, tasty macaroni and cheese, spicy Caesar salad and marinated steak tips. Cool cocktails, like the signature raspberry-infused vodka martini, and a varied wine list complete the picture, offered with friendly service. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday, and lunch on weekdays.