New England is just bostin'

Travel

With its rich history, mouth-watering food, and the best of shopping, Boston has it all for visitors to the US. Richard Gilbert takes a look.

It's not for nothing that Boston has a reputation as the most accessible city in the USA.

Its compact layout makes it the most walkable city in the country and the heart of Boston, unlike most American cities that stick to a stark and efficient grid system, has plenty of narrow, winding streets that ooze character.

Boston is a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination and it really does feel like home from home, with its elegant town houses and generous public gardens reminiscent of many British cities.

Of course, amateur historians will already know that Boston was an important British city until 1779, until rebellion took hold and spawned the movement for American independence. And then there is the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre . . . It is a veritable smorgasbord for historians.

First-timers to the city would do well to discover Boston's rich story by following the Freedom Trail. Following the line of red brick on the pavements – which takes about two hours – takes you to 16 key historic sites that show you how the movement for American independence was born more than 200 years ago.

You can take a guided tour on the trail with costumed characters, who tell the story of the people and places of the revolution.

But I chose a more original way of seeing the Freedom Trail: I met Saba Alhadi who runs PhotoWalks. Her walking tours have a unique style and she mixes her excellent commentary with valuable tips for taking pictures of Boston's historic sites. It's perfect for visitors of all skills and ages.

My two hour walk was a delight and I enjoyed the lively history along with picking up some photo tips.

If you are not tramping the streets of this historic city, then it is likely you will be walking around one of Boston's outstanding museums, which are second only to New York.

If I had to choose a favourite it would be the Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Avenue) which has everything from Old Masters to Picasso. Nearby is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway) in a 15-century Venetian-style palace which is a must-see for the romantic atmosphere and the unique private collection.

But visitors with children should not miss the wonderful Children's Museum at 300 Congress St in the Seaport District. A huge milk bottle outside the former warehouse makes it easy to find. The Museum of Science on Science Park on the Charles River has hundreds of interactive exhibits and it is always a hit with children.

You do build up a healthy appetite and luckily visitors are spoilt for restaurants and plenty of them are deservedly popular.

Union Oyster House (41 Union Street) is the oldest American restaurant in continuous service and the marvellous building dates back to 1742. The generous portions of seafood and lobsters are legendary and the marble bar has freshly shucked oysters.

This was a favourite of President Kennedy and if you are lucky you can reserve his regular booth at No. 18.

Diners with a head for heights should go to the 750ft high Prudential Tower at 800 Boylston Street. It has 75 stores and the Top of the Hub restaurant on the 52nd floor has the best views of the city and beyond.

On a clear day you can see Cape Cod 50 miles away and the bird's eye views of the Boston skyline are spectacular.

Fans of Cheers should not miss the restaurant and bar of the same name at 84 Beacon Street. Originally called the