Boston, a cultural cradle of America

To get to know the city, let's start by following the Freedom Trail, this red thread painted on the sidewalks (4 km) which passes at the foot of the main buildings of the colonial era and the American Revolution (churches, the house of Paul Revere, cemeteries where the first inhabitants of Boston were buried...). Before you start walking, go to Boston Common, where you will see the Frog Pond ("frog pond"). This is a little like the Central Park of Boston. Discover the different districts of the centre following the Freedom Trail. Take the time to stop where you want and finish it the next day if you didn't get till the end on the first day. In the evening, dine at the legendary Union Oyster House (opposite the new Holocaust Memorial).

Profit from this day to discover the two most beautiful museums of the city. In the morning, start with the Museum of Fine Arts (a big piece), where you can take a lunch break (at the cafeteria). In the afternoon, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a Venetian palace that the collector from New York built in the late 19th century. In addition to the impressive collection, its beautiful interior garden is a wonderful haven of peace. At the end of the afternoon, if you still have strength, take a tour at Copley Square. The architectural periods reflect each other, such as Trinity Church, which is reflected in the Hancock Tower. Finally, stroll along the charming Newbury Street, where it's nice to stop for dinner.

To understand the layout of the city's district, there's nothing better than contemplating a panoramic view. To do this, climb up at the Prudential Center (Skywalk). You can profit from doing a few shopping in the mall. Lunch "Au Bon Pain" in Boylston Street. Filene's Basement clothing store (for bargain enthusiasts) is next door. In the afternoon, take Huntington Avenue towards South End, pass in front of the Dubai Avenue metro and Wally's Cafe then turn left to South End. Enjoy the South End residential streets and dine at a local restaurant (Tremont 647 for example). Finally, spend the evening in the legendary Wally's jazz box.

Walk from South Station underground Station to the new Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), an imposing glass building which overlooks the port. This museum exhibits an interesting permanent collection with works of artists such as Nan Goldin, Paul Chan, Marlene Dumas and Cornelia Parker. For lunch, go to No Name Restaurant, a popular fish restaurant on the harbour. It serves delicious dishes with different freshly-caught fish. In the afternoon, visit the New England Aquarium or Museum of Science in the North End.

From Boston, go to Cambridge by metro. Spending a day in Cambridge enables you to have a more global vision of the region. Start by visiting Harvard University, a crowd of students and tourists who take photos in front of John Harvard's statue. Then leave Harvard and go to JFK Street with its many shops (clothing, jewellery, bookstores...). Lunch at Algiers Coffee House, the den of students and teachers. In the afternoon, visit the new Harvard Art Museum. In the evening, dine at a good restaurant and spend the evening at Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub (to have a drink and/or attend a concert).

This is the Italian and historic district of Boston (Paul Revere house, Old State Church, Copp's Hill cemetery...). Stroll through Hanover and Salem Streets where pasta restaurants abound. Lunch at the famous pizzeria Regina. In the afternoon, do a shopping at Assembly Row, a huge centre of factory shops in the north of the city. If you have children, they'll love the Legoland's visit.

The most charming area as the highlight of your stay. The streets are lined with Victorian mansions, some of which are covered with ivy. Stroll through the beautiful Joy Street, Mount Vernon Street, Acorn Street and Cedar Ln Way. Take a tour at the chic Louisburg Square with its Gothic Revival-style houses built in the 1830s. Lunch at Beacon Hill Bistro. In the afternoon, go to Beacon Street to see and/or visit State House and the Congretional House's facade (located at 14 Beacon Street). This facade, which appears in Ally McBeal's episodes, made it believe to all the TV serie's fans that it was filmed entirely inside the building, while it was in Los Angeles studios. Finish the afternoon with a drink at the Cheers Pub (84 Beacon Street), which became famous in the 1960s thanks to TV series of the same name.