Boston Holidays

Name: Copley Square
Address: Boston
Price range: From €1115pp

Capital of Massachusetts, Boston is a well loved US city and has the honour of being the unofficial capital of New England.

A place of contradictions, Boston can be at once modern and historic, stylish and old world, but always warm and friendly. Late in the 18th century, the American Revolution gave us the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, so the city has certainly secured a place in the annals of history, and it is almost a given that you should start your journey walking the Freedom Trail to get a true sense of it's origins.

As far back as the late 1700's Irish emigrants flocked to the city and made it their own. The "Boston Irish" is almost a byword these days and the city still lures huge numbers of Irish visitors. Today, the main attractions of Boston lie in the wonderful shopping opportunities, the marvellous food culture and the historical buildings and architecture. Clam chowder could well have been invented here and, at Union Oyster House (Boston's oldest restaurant), you can experience a culinary treat (and watch the chefs shucking oysters!) in what is virtually a Boston institution.

Shopping in the city is fabulous with local farmers' markets, the Haymarket, famous Filene's Basement in the Back Bay, out of town Outlets and and Downtown Crossing district with stores such as Macy's.

Art and culture is also a big draw in the city and, with Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Art Museum, Boston Symphony, various theatre companies, lots of concert halls and performance centres, you will be spoiled for choice. With such a superb location too, Boston can be a fine day trip from Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, so, if you fancy a bit of star spotting... Whatever reason you choose to visit the city, Boston will win you over.

Holidays in Boston

Important American historical sites

The Freedom Trail: Boston played an important role in the American Revolution, and the Freedom Trail marks 16 locations of historical importance from this time. The 2.5 mile tour through the city gives you a taste of Boston's influence at the time.

The Paul Revere House: Built in 1680, the former residence of American patriot and war hero Paul Revere is an important place to visit in Boston. It is a National Historic Landmark in the U.S. and has been converted into a fascinating museum.

Old State House: The Old State House, built in 1713, is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. It served as the Massachussetts General Court until 1798, and is now both a National Historic Landmark and history museum.

Stunning public spaces

Boston Common: A beautiful public park in downtown Boston, the Boston Common consists of 50 acres of land. It is the oldest park in the United States, dating back to 1634.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

This marketplace and meeting house near the waterfront has stood since 1743. It was once a popular site for speeches encouraging American independence from Britain, and now is a lively food hall and shopping centre.

The Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park: A stunning natural recreational area spanning the islands of Boston Harbor, this park is a great stop on your tour of the city. A nice break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boston, the park is the perfect place for a walk, picnic, or wildlife-spotting!

Unique museums

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: This floating museum offers the chance to step into the shoes of colonists protesting the unfair Tea Act by dumping over 40 tons of tea into the Harbor in 1773. There are live reenactments of the famous event aboard the ships.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: This expansive art museum features impressive collections of European, Asian, and American art. It was also the site of the largest art theft of any kind in the world, with over $500 million worth of art never recovered.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History: Located on Harvard's campus, the Museum of Natural History houses extensive exhibits spanning various scientific disciplines, including biology, astronomy, and zoology. Here you can see free public lectures from Harvard professors and learn more about the world at large.

The Boston Children's Museum: A great spot for families with younger kids, the Boston Children's museum is dedication to providing fun and educactional spaces for kids. The museum features an art studio, a building centre, theatre, and more!