This was published 1 year ago
Boston, USA, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights
The historic brownstones of Downtown Boston, Massachusetts, USA.Credit: iStock
THE ONE HOTEL
Once you're inside Omni Boston Hotel At The Seaport, you need never leave. Completed last year, it's spread across two hotel towers with seven distinct dining experiences and a roof-top pool with views right out over Massachusetts Bay. Built in the centre of the bustling Seaport District, it's close to everything, should you wish to go beyond its French-style boulangerie, its Basque restaurant and its heaving sports bar. See omnihotels.com/hotels/boston-seaport/
THE ONE RESTAURANT
Don't visit Boston without taking a 45 minute ferry ride to Salem, one of the US's oldest settlements.Credit: Jared Charney
Book in early because this is Boston's hottest dining spot – it only opened last year and is already rated one of the top Italian restaurants in the US. The food is stunning, but the ambience and the views are even better. Located on the top floor in a 400-square-metre glass terrace overlooking Boston's public gardens and river, the people watching is as good as the legendary rib-eye tagliota. See contessatrattoria.com
THE ONE MUSEUM
If you're an art lover, go no further than Boston's Museum Of Fine Art – one of the best (and most comprehensive) art museums in the world. It'll take you a whole day – and then some – to see all the works, which range from the largest collection of Japanese artwork outside Japan to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. See mfa.org
Choose between day, night or sunset tours with Cycle Boat Boston.Credit: Cycle Boat Boston
THE ONE STADIUM
Boston is a sports-mad city and its fans are famously fevered. The best place to see them screaming their lungs out is at the iconic Fenway Park baseball stadium. Built in 1912, it's one of American baseball's smallest stadiums, so you're always close to the action. Home of the beloved Red Sox, this is one of American sports' true shrines. See thefenway.com/locations/fenway-park
THE ONE TOUR
If you can't choose between a boat and cycle tour – do it in one, pedalling your way around Boston Harbour as you sit on a bike seat on the boat's deck and pass the city's unique historic locations. Choose between day, night or sunset tours and if you're feeling lazy, chill out in the boat's lounge and let the engine do the work. See cycleboatboston.com
THE ONE DAY TRIP
Don't visit Boston without taking a 45 minute ferry ride to Salem, one of the US's oldest settlements (1626). Most famous for the Witch Trials of 1692 where 20 of its residents were executed on suspicion of being witches, visit museums which detail this morbid moment in history. Salem also has some charming restaurants and cafes set alongside a stunning harbour. See salem.org
THE ONE IRISH PUB
There's no more famous city for Irish pubs outside Ireland, with one on almost every corner. The best of them is JJ Foleys, the oldest family-run Irish pub in the city, where you're as likely to find local construction workers as Bono, when he's visiting the city on tour. The bangers and mash are legendary, but the craic is what this place is all about. See jjfoleyscafe.com
THE ONE THEATRE
With its downtown Theatre District, Boston ranks as one of the top cities in the US to see a play, ballet or a musical. The most impressive venue is Citizens Opera House, soon to celebrate its 100th birthday. Dress up and rub shoulders with the city's cultural creatures in an auditorium with New England's best acoustics. See citizensbankoperahouse.com
THE ONE CAFE
Australians tend to complain (justifiably) about the US coffee, but not in Boston. Gracenote Coffee makes some of the best brews you'll taste east of the Pacific Ocean, using their own locally roasted beans. Served in a 20 square metre standing bar in Boston's hip Leather District, this is the place to come for a caffeine fix with the city's coolest people. See gracenotecoffee.com
ONE MORE THING
You won't find a city in America (or the world, for that matter) with more clam chowder options than Boston. Whether it's a cheap dive bar, or the best seafood restaurants in the city, you'll be overwhelmed by Boston's most famous dish. Even if it's just for an appetizer, try clam chowder with every meal.
The writer was a guest of Brand USA and Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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