Destination information
Boston Holidays:
A holiday in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) is an exciting holiday destination that has a unique flavour all of its own. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States it has an interesting history. It was the scene of the infamous “Tea Party” and the birthplace of America’s Declaration of Independence. This very interesting city somehow manages to meld history and the modern-day in one delightful location. From sports (hockey is almost a religion here) to the natural landscape beauty of its attractive harbour, history to exciting adventures, there’s so much to do on your Boston holiday that you’ll have to make a return trip at some time to discover everything.
Plymouth (or Plimoth)
The city of Boston isn’t far from Plymouth, where the Mayflower first landed in 1620 with the Pilgrim Fathers. The rest, as they say, is history. Many descendants of the original settlers migrated to New England, the area of the United States in which Boston is located, and today there are reminders of that history everywhere. In the centre of the city is the house once occupied by Paul Revere, and the Old North Church, famous for warning the settlers that the British were coming, is nearby.
North, South and Back Bay
Boston is a great city for walking, but a good map is a must. Streets, seemingly with no logic to it, just begin and end. The “north end” of the city isn’t actually due north - it’s more north-east, but here you’ll find the famous “Little Italy” and some of the best restaurants and bakeries are in this area. The South End is actually to the west of downtown, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of homes and businesses. Just to the north of that is Back Bay, housing Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, both of which are a must-see while in Boston. If you look across Beacon Street from Boston Commons or the Public Gardens, you may be able to spot some windows with a purple or lavender hue. These are extremely old windows that had an imperfection in their manufacture, causing them to turn purple over time, but they are now highly prized by their owners as being something of a status symbol.
By Land and By Sea
When you’ve tired of walking, hop aboard one of the Duck Tours and see more on your city break. These vehicles can travel on both land and water, so you’ll be able to see everything from the Charles River to the Bunker Hill monument. Because of its association with the Declaration of Independence, Boston throws a huge party on Independence Day each year, July 4th. The 18th century ship USS Constitution makes its annual sailing into Boston Harbour; the Declaration of Independence is read aloud from the balcony of the Old South Church just as it was in 1776, and the Boston Pops orchestra plays patriotic music in the evening while fireworks light up the sky.
Out and About
The climate in Boston is pleasant all the year round without extremes. It does get cold and snowy in the winter, but the nearby ski resorts allow you to take advantage of those conditions. The breezes blowing in off the water make the rest of the year quite comfortable, and while some late summer days can be a bit humid, the city is extremely pleasant most of the time. Fresh seafood is a must, of course, and most restaurants offer locally-caught delicacies. You can wander at leisure through Faneuil Hall, once a farmer’s market and a soapbox for revolutionary speakers, it still is a bustling marketplace where all kinds of goods and foods are available. Boston is a unique city, and is one that you’ll fall in love with the very first time you visit.
Eats & drinks
Boston has an eclectic range of international cuisine, gourmet restaurants and value eateries. Areas to visit include Chinatown and the great Italian restaurants of the North End and Back Bay. Newbury Street has a fantastic offering of atmospheric restaurants.
Getting around
Most sights are easily accessible by foot, plus there's an efficient public transport system including the T - a comprehensive metro system, as well as a linking bus service.
Getting there
Virgin Atlantic flies once a day to Boston.
Our Top 5 hotels
Attached to over 200 shops and restaurants in the upscale Prudential and Copley Mall complex, this hotel is located in the heart of historic Back Bay. Cool off in the 18m pool with retractable roof.
This friendly budget hotel offers large, comfortable rooms and an enviable location. Copley Square, with its mall and the chic shops of Newbury Street, is a short walk, and the Museum of Fine Arts is just down the road. The T stop connecting you to the city's excellent and cheap underground system is a short walk away.
Converted from the old Boston Police Headquarters, an earnest and grand looking 1920s landmark, the clever use of illuminated glass for the lobby stairs transforms the interior of this incredible hotel in to a modern, breath of fresh air that couldn't be further from it's former intention.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza has been a symbol of Boston's rich history and elegance since its gala opening in 1912. Situated in the heart of Boston's historic Back Bay district, the hotel has welcomed presidents and discerning clientele alike.
A first-class hotel perfectly situated on the banks of the Charles River, very close to the range of attractions that Boston and Cambridge have to offer.