Boston

Boston sits on the Atlantic coast in the northeast of the USA, and for a major American city it's compact enough to cover a lot of it on foot. Much of what draws first-time visitors is tied to early American history, and the city makes this easy to follow: a marked walking route links a run of colonial and Revolutionary sites through the older neighborhoods and out toward the waterfront. Around that historic core you'll find distinct areas worth wandering, from the brick townhouses and gas lamps of Beacon Hill to the Italian bakeries and narrow streets of the North End. The harbor front has been reworked over the years into a walkable stretch of piers, parks, and museums, and this is where you'll find the New England Aquarium among other attractions.

Getting around is straightforward. The subway and bus system, run by the local transit authority and known to everyone as the T, reaches most places a visitor wants to go, and a rechargeable fare card covers both. Central neighborhoods are close together, so you may find you're walking more than riding. From the harbor there are seasonal boats out to the islands in Boston Harbor and, in the warmer months, whale-watching trips into the waters offshore. Boston is also a common base for day trips, with places like Cambridge just across the river and the coastal towns of the wider New England region within reach.

Weather is the main thing to plan around. Summers are warm and busy, autumn brings cool days and the fall colors the region is known for, and winters can be genuinely cold with snow, so pack for the season you're visiting. Spring and fall tend to be the most comfortable for walking. Many of the museums and indoor attractions charge admission and can get crowded on weekends and school holidays, so it's worth booking ahead or arriving early where you can. Individual landmark pages below cover opening times, tickets, and what to expect at each place in more detail.