Boston

Steeped in history as the birthplace of the USA, Boston retains much of its colonial elegance in its stunning architecture and extravagant parks, serpentine streets and charming brownstones. Compact in layout, its beauty can be easily observed by foot, public transport, or - for those wishing to admire the gorgeous skyline from the vantage of the Boston Harbor or the Charles River - by boat.

In the tradition of its Brahmins, Boston's luxury is understated, its riches supporting the arts and education, instead of the flash and glitz that defines other cities. After all, Boston is home to more than 50 colleges, and it thrums with the vibrant energy of students from all over the world. No mere college town but a cosmopolis of free thinkers and doers, Boston’s music and arts scene is one of the most globally dynamic in the country. Music venues both large and small cater to the biggest names, emerging talent, and underground brilliance - in every genre imaginable. For classicists and jazz aficionados, the city's beloved symphony orchestra and legendary jazz scene are reasons enough to move here. In the visual arts, Boston both reveres tradition in its numerous world-renowned museums and also cultivates new talent in a thriving contemporary arts scene.

With a transfigured waterfront and a downtown completely made over, the city itself continues to honor its past while embracing the necessity of revolution and reinvention, inviting visitors to take part as well.

Boston's restaurant scene may be smaller than those of other major cities in the US, but it still boasts several award-winning establishments and celebrity chefs. The abundance of renowned gourmet restaurants--such as Rialto and No. 9 Park--will satisfy any serious foodie, and seafood lovers will enjoy the freshest the Atlantic has to offer. Those with adventurous palates have much to enjoy as Boston's diverse population fosters an exciting array of international cuisine, especially along 'Restaurant Row' in the South End. For those with more modest budgets, the many colleges in the city guarantee plenty of affordable eateries with long-standing traditions, such as Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Harvard Square.

Boston's concentrated shopping area of Copley Place, Prudential Center, and the long stretch of Newbury Street provides plentiful options and convenience for the savvy shopper. Newbury, especially, offers the elegance of browsing among brownstone boutiques and strolling down leaf-canopied streets. However, the stores throughout Boston are mostly international chains. Some Newbury boutiques offer pieces that are rarer and more distinctive, but most of the American designers touted are based in New York or Los Angeles. Still, unique shops are scattered throughout the city, with many in the South End and Cambridge, as well as a bevy of antique shops and art galleries in Beacon Hill.

Though Boston's drinking scene may seem dominated by rowdy college bars and kitschy Irish pubs to the casual outside observer, sophisticated swillers in the know will rejoice in the city's wealth of sleek lounges and elegant hotel bars that have been refurbished and revived as watering holes for stylish locals. The city's best restaurants all boast enviable wine and cocktail programs, but the connoisseur should visit Drink, which specializes in personalized concoctions by expert mixologists, or stop by Cuchi Cuchi to sample their naughty vintage libations.

For those seeking live music, the massive student population guarantees the biggest names as well as indie favorites in all music genres. The Middle East is one of the best indie rock venues, and The Beehive, likely to feature more jazz and blues, presents shows with no cover.

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