Boston is all about revolutionary sights and big-city island hopping under blue skies – and summer is the best time to go, says James Litston.
Go now
Boston bursts into life in summer, when urban explorations can be paired with whale-watching and island excursions – all basking under brilliant blue skies. Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com), British Airways (ba.com) and Norwegian (norwegian.com) all offer non-stop flights, as does Primera Air (primeraair.co.uk), which launched low-cost services from Stansted last month.
Stay here
Addresses don’t come grander than Fairmont Copley Plaza (telegraph.co.uk/tt-copleyplaza), whose historic façade fills the southern side of the square (doubles from $434/£326, room only). A little further out is Hotel Commonwealth telegraph.co.uk/tt-hotelcommonwealth; doubles from $399, room-only), whose décor playfully reflects its proximity to Fenway Field, the home of Boston’s famous Red Sox baseball team.
Walk here
The Freedom Trail (thefreedomtrail.org) is a two-and-a-half mile (4km) self-guided walk linking 16 sites from Boston’s revolutionary past. Pick up a map from the Boston Common information centre and follow it via the gold-domed State House and elegant churches and buildings, including the Old State House – scene of the 1770 Boston Massacre.
See this
Stroll around Beacon Hill, Boston’s most picturesque neighbourhood, to admire its red-brick, bow-fronted terraces and charming, leafy squares. Midweek visits are best to avoid the crowds Instagramming themselves on cobblestoned Acorn Street, the city’s most photographed strip.
Try this
Beacon Hill aside, central Boston is largely flat, so sightseeing by bicycle is a breeze. A three-hour tour with Urban AdvenTours (urbanadventours.com) takes in all the key highlights for $55.
Shop here
Newbury Street and parallel Boylston Street offer high-end fashion and quality, high-street brands. Try Beacon Hill’s Charles Street for boutiques, or hit the South End’s SoWa Open Market on Sundays for gourmet food and artisanal designs.
Drink here
Fold-back windows allow Bistro du Midi’s bar to spill on to the street (bistrodumidi.com). Order a Midi Crush, a summery blend of prosecco, Aperol and orange ($13).
Eat here
Boston Chops (bostonchops.com), opens a new branch this month at 52 Temple Place. Housed in a former bank, it’s a funky and fashionable take on American steak and seafood. Expect to pay around $90 with wine.
Off the map
Swap city streets for adventures afloat with Boston Harbor Cruises (bostonharborcruises.com). Ferries ($20 return) connect Long Wharf with three of the Boston Harbor Islands – green oases within 40 minutes of the city. Or set sail for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to see the whales that spend the summer here ($55).