Business takes me to the States next week. I have the weekend to spend there when the meetings are over, with the use of a car. I have never been in your country before. Can you suggest how I could spend my time?

There is so much to do in the city of Boston...you are much better off if you leave your car at your hotel and use public transportation - there is so much construction adn rerouting of traffic - it would be much simpler. If you are a histroty buff, the Freedom trail is great. It is a walking tour which takes you by many historical sights - you can drop off and pick up again whnever you want. Also, the Duck Tour is great fun. It is an amphibious vehicle which takes you through the street of Boston (good way to get a tour of the highlights) and then takes you right into/onto the Charles River!!! The North end is also great for walking through and EATING - especially if you are game to try some finer Italian cooking/desserts. Don't forget to walk through Qunicy MArket/Faneuil Hall either. All these places are easily reachable via the "T". Good luck and have fun!!

Forget the car..the construction will make you cringe..Boston is an extremely walkable city...it will remind you very much of London. Was told by a young man in the UK that Boston is the only city in the world that still has the land in the middle of the city..he meant the Boston Common and Public Gardens and hasn't been encroached by office buildings or the like.. Walk the city..go through the Public Garden..take a Duck Tour...go on the Swan Boats.. there is alot of theatre in the evening right now.. Walk Newbury Street..art galleries, boutiques, very European with sidewalk cafes and people watching.. Of course go to Quncy Market....similiar to Covent Gardens..take a boat ride around the Harbor.. The Odessy has a cruise/brunch that is lovely or the Spirit of Boston.. we definetely prefer the Odessey.. Also, if you have time in that area take a whale watching boat tour from the Aquarium area..oh yes, visit the Aquarium.. One of the amazing things in Boston is to walk along the Charles and see people rollerbladding, sunning, walking their dogs and just enjoyng the city..Oh yes.. there is a Science Museum to see.. the Museum of Fine Art, the Gardner Museum... Just walk and enjoy.. the weather right now is gorgeous..and will be even better we hope next week..Tell us what else your interested in...

Spent my 5th anniversary in Boston last fall. I agree with the other posts, forget the car. Boston has great public transportation. The freedom trail is very interesting. The National Park Service has a guided tour from it's office right on the Freedom trail. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was free (you walk the trail though, which is a couple miles). Definitely try to see the USS Constitution. We loved it. We took the water taxi back from the Constitution to Long Wharf, which we thought was fun. Boston is a great city with a lot to do. I won't even bother telling you to have a great time, I'm sure you will!

Here's another recommendation to not bother with a car. Don't even pick up one at the airport. It would be more than inconvenient to get from your arrival gate to the car rental lot, then drive to your hotel and do the reverse upon your departure. As others advise, you do not want to drive in the city of Boston. Boston is a very walkable city, with a decent subway system. Taxis are plentiful and relatively reasonable. Duck Tours are great fun. Book this through the Concierge of your hotel. The website instructs you to go early to their ticket book at the Prudential Center. But, they are always sold out by the time you get there. Walking the Freedom Trail is wonderful because it takes you past more than just the historic sights. The hop on/hop off trolley tours are terrific, if you want to see all over and enjoy commentary. If you'll be in Boston on Thursday, prior to the weekend, pick up the Boston Globe (newspaper) and check the Calendar pull-out section. Lists everything going on, nightlife, etc. Abe & Louie's on Boylston Street, across from the Prudential Center, has a magnificent brunch (huge menu, reasonably priced, everything imaginable) on Saturdays and Sundays. Another fabulous spot for brunch is Stephanie's on the corner of Newbury & Exeter. Both have sidewalk tables which are delightful in the nice weather. For excellent "Yankee comfort food", the Omni Parker House is wonderful. Both cocktail lounges serve light meals, where you can order a la carte, at very reasonable prices. Note that many larger hotels have shuttle services, so be sure to ask.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I am loking forward to my trip.

Andrew, I would also reccomend going to the top of the John Hancock building for a 360 degree of the city and great summary of the cities history. On a clear day the view can't be beat! Enjoy.

Andrew:

I recommend not even renting a car. I live in Boston, and a car is not the way to go. There's plenty to see in the city.

My top choices would be:

1. Definitely walk the Freedom Trail - takes you by important historic sites to US - your conceirge can point the way. It winds you through the city.

2. Museum of Fine Arts - there's a lovely Folk Art exhibit there now. (if you really like art - go to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum too - very unique)

3. Public Gardens and Boston Common Parks - lovely this time of year.

4. USS Constitution, docked at end of Freedom Trail

5. If you like sports - take in a Red Sox game at Fenway (your hotel might be able to get you tickets)

6. Walk around Fanueil Hall and Quincey Market - shopping.

7. Take the 'T' (our version of the 'tube') to Cambridge and walk around Harvard, MIT, and Cambridge square - very quirky shops and dining.

8. Go to Newbury St and walk through the $$ shopping district.

9. Antiquing - Charles Street in Beacon Hill area.

As for dining:

Italian - go to the North End and any restaurant would do just fine.

Seafood - Legal Seafood (which is an institution, but I find it mediocre) or McCormick and Schmicks (better).

True American/old-clubby feel - Grill 23

French: Aquitaine Bistro (in the racey South End)

View: Drinks at 'Top of the Hub'!

Lunch: anywhere outside on Newbury street - wonderful people watching.

Have a wonderful visit to our country - I hope you find it welcoming!

i don't know where you live in the u.k. but you picked an american city that may have you thinking that you havent gone far from home. The churches go back to the 1600's instead of the 1200s etc. However, as everyone says, take the duck tour; take the red line subway to Harvard Square and visit Harvard; but by all means, even if you're not a sports fan, if the Red Sox are playing do your best to go to a Red Sox baseball game; you'll see the best ball park in America...and experience baseball the way it should be experienced.if you go to Fanuel hall for any reason other than historical, yo'll think your at Covent gardens, newbury street is another location that will make you feel you're at home; i would suggest going out to the harbor, go to the JFK museum. Go to the North end, mingle with the locals, get a flavor of this great Italian-American neighborhood and enjoy some great food. (Have a slice of the best pizza in America at the original Reginas in the north end!)