A weekend in Boston

By Karyl Charna Lynn

WHAT’S THERE

Boston, founded in 1630, is one of the oldest and most walkable cities in the USA. Nicknamed Beantown, the city’s rich history is best explored on foot following the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red line that takes in signifi cant sites such as Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Boston Commons (take a swan boat ride), and the USS Constitution whose historic battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 gave it the name ‘Old Ironsides’. Boston is also an international centre for education, home to almost three dozen colleges and universities.

Giving the city its unique character are its diverse neighbourhoods, from unique shops and trendy restaurants in Back Bay to East Boston’s revitalised waterfront, from the old colonial architecture of Beacon Hill to downtown’s gleaming new highrises and restored Theater District where several venues used by the city’s currently homeless opera companies are located.

ARRIVAL

Boston Logan Airport is one of the easiest major city airports from which to reach downtown. It’s free on the Silver Line bus that stops in front of each terminal and goes directly to South Station, Boston’s main train station, which is within walking distance of the theatres and hotels. You can also catch the shuttle bus to the T station Blue Line train which runs to downtown, or splurge on the Water Shuttle to its Airport Dock in the fi nancial district.