Travel to Boston

Travel to Boston

Boston is one of the oldest settlements in the US and is the largest city in New England. Its history is steeped in culture, yet with more than 50 colleges and universities here, there is a youthful dimension added to the citys historic charm. The citys blend of history and modern style is seen in its mix of exceptional architecture, colonial churches, parks, gardens, museums and galleries. Boston is home to the countrys first public library, first public school and the first subway system. It was also the site of the Boston Tea Party, a significant event leading up to the American Revolution. Boston calls itself the Walking City and is remarkably compact, centred on the oldest public park in the US, Boston Common. The Information Center marks the beginning of the citys main attraction, which is in fact a walking tour: the Freedom Trail guides visitors through the citys revolutionary past and the birth of the nation.

The city of Cambridge is situated directly opposite Boston, with the Charles River dividing the two. Its noted for being the largest college town in the world, and home to world-renowned Harvard University, founded in 1638. In both cities, ivy-covered brick buildings, mazes of twisting streets and historical attractions in the old-world neighbourhoods lend themselves to exploration on foot.

Transportation to Boston

The UK and Ireland are well-connected to Boston by a number of airlines offering direct flights from London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin. American Airlines, British Airways, Continental and Virgin Atlantic provide service from London; American Airlines and British Airways also offer direct flights from Manchester; and Aer Lingus operates direct service from Dublin. Flights from London to Boston take just over seven hours.

Bostons Logan Airport is also served by several domestic airlines, and the city is the northernmost point on Amtraks north-eastern rail corridor. Inter-state bus services and an excellent highway system also makes it convenient to reach Boston by road.

What to see

In addition to its historical attractions, Bostons harbour-front development provides plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. The Freedom Trail focuses on the city's revolutionary past. Boston's oldest sector is its North End, now the Italian quarter, and Boston Common is as old as the city itself having provided a huge central green space where the citys cattle and sheep grazed. North and north-east of the Common is Beacon Hill, the citys historical centre of wealth and power. South of the Common are Chinatown and the Theatre District.

Although the Charles River separates Boston and Cambridge, for the visitor they are really one city. Harvard Square on the Cambridge side - boasts historic buildings clad in ivy, as well as an array of cafs, eateries, shops and bookstores. Charlestown has an Irish-American community and is where shipbuilding was once the major industry. The USS Constitution - better known as 'Old Ironsides' is docked here and is open for tours. For views of the city, the Prudential Skywalk observation deck provides the best panorama.

Day trips

Concord, which is just 22 miles northwest of Boston, is a stereotypical New England town combining sites of historical interest with small town charm. A visit to Concord can include a stop in Lexington for a full day's excursion. The first American victory in the American War of Independence was here, at North Bridge - with the 'shot heard round the world. Cape Cod is a popular area for visitors as well, a 65-mile long peninsula dotted with numerous villages and hundreds of miles of varied and beautiful sandy coastline. Many of the villages are quintessential New England with a rural feel, cosy pubs and great, fresh seafood.

Activities and leisure

Boston is surrounded by water and some of the many favourite activities include a sail on the Charles River or a tour around Boston harbour. The harbour is home to dozens of islands that are easily reached from the citys waterfront. Youll find splendid ocean views, rocky beaches, nature walks and hiking trails in this national park, formed by thirty-four islands in the outer harbour. Tel.: +1 617 223 8666; website: www.bostonislands.com.

Harbor Express provides service to Georges Island from both Long Wharf and Fan Pier on the citys waterfront, with the trip taking about 30 minutes. Cruises depart on the hour from 10:00 to 17:00 in the summer, daily but less frequently during the spring and fall. Tel.: +1 617 222 6999; website: www.harborexpress.com.

For other outdoor activities involving public parks and recreation sites, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation has a helpful website describing places and activities to make your trip even more enjoyable: www.state.ma.us/dcr.

Safety issues

Travel within the US is reasonably trouble-free; however travellers should be aware that the US and many other countries remain under the threat of terrorist incidents. Heightened airport security is the norm. Boston is quite safe to visit, although visitors should take normal precautions against pick-pocketing and other petty crime particularly around areas frequented by tourists and public transportation centres.