Visitors flock to Boston in part because of its historical importance to the United States. But it's not all history in this US city...
Home of the Boston Tea Party, the city gave birth to the Sons of Liberty, who lit the fuse for American independence from Britain in the late eighteenth century.
Boston's rich history is evident throughout the city, but tourists will also find superb places to eat, shop and sleep. There are some spectacular parks, including Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, Boston University Beach and Christopher Columbus Park.
The shopping centres and hotels of Back Bay attract millions of shoppers and tourists every year, while the 37,000-person-capacity Fenway Park is home to the legendary Boston Red Sox, one the United States' most famous baseball teams. Neighbouring Beacon Hill is also worth a visit, as is North End, the home of the remarkable Skinny House.
Situated in Greater Boston, the city of Cambridge boasts two of the most famous and important universities in the world: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. In Boston car hire is useful if visitors want to explore these world-famous educational institutions before returning to the city.
In South Boston, which is lovingly referred to as "Southie" by those who live there, visitors can explore Fort Independence on Castle Island. Other attractions worth visiting in Boston include the Museum of Fine Arts, North End, Boston Public Garden and Faneuil Hall Market Place, which is one of the top tourist destinations in the US.
In Boston car hire is important to enable tourists to visit the city's famous landmarks, which include the instantly recognisable bar from Cheers, Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, Freedom Trail and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Most of Boston, which is the capital city of Massachusetts, can be explored by car but public transport might be preferred in the busy city centre.
Most foreign visitors to Boston arrive at General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS), which provides a service for around 28 million passengers every year. Interstate 90 (I-90) and Interstate 93 (I-93) cut through Boston, providing an arterial link to other major cities in Massachusetts. Operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), rail, subway, bus and ferry services are available for foot passengers.
Car hire should be pre-booked for when you arrive at the airport in order to ensure you get the best rates.