Boston holidays

The capital of Massachusetts state, holidays in Boston have much to offer visitors: historic sights; delicious food; a lively party scene; sporting pursuits; water-based fun; great shopping; and enough quaint streets and parks among the skyscrapers to keep lovers of both old and new happy.

Begin your New England odyssey with a break in the beautiful harbour city of Boston...

It's home to a world-famous university, the Freedom Trail, one of America's most iconic baseball teams, and the place where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came - yes, the Cheers bar of the much-loved 1980s' sitcom.

Boston holidays start with flights that arrive into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). From there it's just a hop, skip and a jump into the city to get your Boston break underway.

Holidays in Boston often kick off a tour of wider New England, where the beaches, mountains and forests of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island await. This north-eastern corner of the United States of America is one of the most stunning parts of the country, and as close to feeling British - or Irish - as you'll find anywhere in the US.

Boston is one of America's oldest cities and was where the Sons of Liberty - a band of American patriots - lit the fuse of American Independence. They were behind the notorious Boston Tea Party, during which the sons destroyed chests of tea belonging to the then almighty-powerful Brits. Take to the streets and follow the red bricks of the Freedom Trail to weave your way past 16 significant sites.

Stay on your feet, as Boston is an incredibly easy and pleasant city to walk around. Meander through characterful old neighbourhoods such as North End and Back Bay, which sits on the Charles River and is famous for its Victorian brownstone houses. Neighbouring Beacon Hill features narrow, gas-lit streets and is a short distance from the greenery of Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. Irish Charlestown and working-class South Boston, affectionately known as 'Southie', have eclectic populations and are exciting neighbourhoods to explore.

You'll find the Cheers bar in Beacon Hill, though TV bosses used only the exterior for the popular show. Head to Faneuil Hall - an important and historic marketplace and meeting hall - to sup a pint in a recreation of the well-known television bar.

Savour the electric atmosphere at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and discover why America loves baseball.

If your feet are getting tired, you can always hop on one of the MBTA's public transport options. There's the 'T', America's first subway system and a safe, fast and good-value method of getting from A to B in Boston. There are also buses, railways, and boats. Make your way over to the Cambridge area of Boston to drink in the student vibe at Harvard.