Boston

Residents may pay steep prices for real estate in Boston, but visitors will have their pick of accomodation - from no-frills hostels to swanky hotels and cosy guesthouses - to suit any budget. 

40 Berkeley (40 Berkeley St), located in Boston's trendy South End in a restored historic building, is a good choice for those looking for accomodation on a budget, while the Chandler Inn Hotel (26 Chandler St) offers all the amenities (including iPod docks) at an affordable price.

For a break in the luxury price bracket, the Millenium Bostonian (26 North St) is located in Blackstone Block, the city’s oldest block, and offers luxury rooms with balcony's overlooking Haymarket, while the five star Four Seasons Boston (200 Boylston Street) has its own pool and spa, and provides a free transfer service to attractions within 2 miles of the hotel.

Shopping in Boston offers those looking for some retail therapy plenty to choose from. You'll find luxury boutiques on Charles Street, Copley Place and Newbury Street, while those looking for a bargain will enjoy Garment District (200 Broadway) where Dollar-a-Pound offers piles of clothes that are priced by the pound. Upstairs, vintage clothes are organised by decade.

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating in Boston. Head to the Seaport district to sample the city’s famous seafood, where diners enjoy the local speciality of ‘sacred cod’ whilst overlooking stunning harbour views.

Mexican restaurant Lolita Cocina (271 Dartmouth St) offers up plenty of surprises which have to be seen to believed, as well as no fewer than eight different margaritas on the menu. Brewer's Fork is where you'll find the hipsters hanging out, but its little wonder with their mouth watering menu of wood-fired pizzas and cheese and charcuterie boards. Meanwhile, vegans and vegetarians alike will enjoy the healthy but delicious offerings of Life Alive (765 Massachusetts Ave).

April

Boston Marathon

Join 30,000 other runners for the famous 26.2 mile course, which takes part on the third Monday of April - St Patriot's Day.

June

Boston Pride Festival

In the first full week of June, thousands of participants flock to the festival in colourful costume to party together - the celebration is kicked off with the raising of a rainbow flag on City Hall Plaza.

July

Harborfest

Harborfest is an Independence Day festival starting on the last weekend in June and lasting all week. There's face painting and entertainment for the little ones on Children's Day, and you can sample fish and clam chowders at Chowderfest.

September

Boston Film Festival

Join the locals to watch screenings of 50 different films at venues around the city.

December

Boston Tea Party Reenactment

Actors in costumers toss crates of tea into the harbour after marching from Old South Meeting House to the waterfront. The event takes place at Griffin's Wharf, where the Tea Party ships are docked.