Boston, home of the Red Sox, is an east coast US city that is certainly worth a day or two to visit. There is much history here, interesting architecture and a terrific food culture. These were the highlights of our three days spent in the city.

THE FREEDOM TRAIL – starting in Boston Common, a beautiful, almost European style park (well worth a visit on its own), the trail winds its way, over two and half miles, past the most important historical sites and finishing at the USS Constitution. Churches, graveyards and Paul Revere’s statue are just some of the things you will see along the way. Do some or do it all. More information at: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

WALKING IN THE NEIGHBOURHOODS – Boston has many distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own character. On a short visit you won’t get time to see them all, so just pick one or two to explore in detail. Highly recommended: Back Bay (upscale shops, restaurants, Copely Square, lovely houses); Downtown (shops, history, restaurants, Boston harbour, Faneuli Hall marketplace and the aquarium); Charlestown (trendy eateries, lovely houses, Bunker Hill memorial and the USS Constitution); Beacon Hill (old money, history). Of course, there are also the Harvard/MIT precincts and many other hidden gems.

FENWAY PARK – This city is mad about baseball; we weren’t even there during the regular season but the devotion to the Red Sox was evident everywhere. Tours of the stadium are available. http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp

DUCK TOUR – we thought it would be cheesy but taking an hour or so tour of the city in an army duck was a highlight of our trip. Each duck and on board guide (conDucktor) has its own personality – the Cowgirl, Paul from Revere, the Codfather or Old Quack Donald just to name a few . We were fortunate enough to have the irrepressible Plucky Ruffles, from a long line of cruise ship entertainers, the puns just kept coming – he had us quacking at other ducks as they passed and generally kept a smile on our faces the whole time. Mostly it’s a tour by road but for a short part of the trip you actually drive straight into the Charles River. Just great fun. Book well ahead. http://www.bostonducktours.com

We stayed at the Fairmont Copely Plaza as a treat – and it really is a treat; this hotel is expensive – good deals can often be found by bundling your accommodation with your airfare, otherwise just visit the Oak bar for a cocktail.