Debbie Davies explores the historic heart of Boston, the oldest city in the United States. Boston travel guide for essential information on Boston, USA.

Travel to Boston

Forget about the carefully planned street lay-outs of New York or LA, Boston, the oldest city in America, and arguably one of the most beautiful, is a higgledy-piggledy mish-mash of historic streets that any European will instantly be familiar with. And ‘Fall’ is the perfect time to experience this beautiful tree-lined city at its finest.

Birthplace of the modern American nation and scene to an infamous ‘tea party,’ Boston is a great city for history fans and unlike many American cities is delightfully compact. As a result, many of the city’s most popular attractions are guided walks, the most famous of which is the Freedom Trail, highlighting the city’s revolutionary past. The Black Heritage Trail, dedicated to Boston’s part in the abolition of slavery with the US, is also becoming increasingly popular.

Boston Travel Guide & Information: The Hertiage of Boston

But of course, one of the major attractions of Boston is its unique Irish heritage. The Irish Heritage Trail is a self-guided, three mile walking tour that covers 300 years of history as it takes you through Boston’s downtown, North End, Beacon Hill and Back Bay. Learn about famous politicians, artists, matriarchs and war heroes, part of a rich tradition of rebellion, leadership and triumph that personifies the Boston Irish.

Other popular attractions in Boston include world renowned Harvard University, which, technically lies in the city of Cambridge across the Charles River as well as Massachusetts State House, Chinatown and the Theatre District.

Boston Travel Guide & Information: Nightlife in Boston

One of the other great things about having such a strong Irish heritage is that Boston has a vibrant pub-culture and there is no shortage of pubs to visit in the city.

Adjacent to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the waterfront, The Black Rose is one of the most famous watering holes in the US. The menu includes mouth-watering corned beef and cabbage, aged Angus steak, shepherd’s pie, as well as New England seafood and a pint or two of Guinness. A traditional Irish breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday. The Black Rose is a landmark for Boston’s Irish and a destination for many visitors (it even features a children’s menu). There is live Irish entertainment nightly and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

In Fanueil Hall Marketplace, Ned Devine’s hand painted murals, imported Irish woodwork, original brickwork and ambient lighting create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

On nearby Broad Street, Tiernan’s is a Boston favourite. This traditional Irish restaurant combines both Irish and American favourites. The majority of the dishes are family recipes from the Tiernan family.

In the Back Bay, M. J. O’Conner’s offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced with eye-catching stained glass, to create a spectacular drop by visit.

Boston Travel Guide & Information: Boston Hotels

The Bulfinch Hotel is a conveniently located Boston hotel that is also conveniently priced. Housed in a ‘mini’ Flatiron Building architecture fans will be impressed by the hotel’s design and although the rooms may be a little on the small side, the clean and quiet nature of the accommodation, combined with the easy walking distance to the city’s main sights more than makes up for it. Double rooms from £100. www.bulfinchhotel.com

The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau offers hotel packages on their website www.BostonUSA.com so it’s easy to make this a great getaway.