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When it comes to cities steeped in U.S. history and culture, Boston is simply unrivaled. From Boston Common to the Old State House, Faneuil Hall to Bunker Hill, the city is an iconography of colonial America. Providing a survey course in the highlights, the 3-mile Freedom Trail takes visitors to 16 sites archetypal of 17th century and 18th century America, including the sites of the nation's first public school and of the Boston Massacre.

But it's not strictly for history buffs. Check out the Museum of Fine Arts for a spectacular collection that includes many Impressionists, or head down to the Public Garden for a relaxing ride in the famous Swan Boats. Besides walking, an extensive and convenient subway system (the "T") is the easiest way to get around Boston, with most fares costing $1.25 for adults and 60 cents for kids.

Logan International Airport is in East Boston and provides free shuttle service to the airport stop on the T's Blue Line. Taxis charge a metered rate within a 12-mile radius of the airport and a flat rate beyond that, but a typical trip to downtown Boston will cost $20 to $30. Rapid bus service to South Station downtown (Silver Line) is also available for $1.25.

Spend an Afternoon at Fenway
Built in 1912, tiny Fenway Park features expensive, uncomfortable seats, and you may find yourself behind a pole with a totally obstructed view. Still, the home of the Red Sox is a major-league institution and an absolute must for baseball fans. You'll need a little luck (or a lot of cash) to nab a spot in the new section above the Green Monster, though, as chances to buy tickets are awarded sporadically via lottery throughout the season.

Cheer on the Runners at the Boston Marathon
The world's oldest annual marathon began with 15 runners in 1897 and now is among the most prestigious, drawing more than 20,000 athletes every Patriots' Day (the third Monday in April). Head down to Commonwealth Avenue early if you want a view of the racers heading down the final stretch toward Boylston Street and the finish line in front of the Boston Public Library.

Enjoy Fall Football at Gillette
For years on end, the New England Patriots were the laughingstock of the Boston sports scene and their home, Foxboro Stadium, was an utter dump. How times have changed. The Pats are one of the model franchises in sports, and they play at state-of-the-art Gillette Stadium. Sit in the upper deck in late October to take in the brilliant fall foliage of the surrounding area along with some football.

Get Rowdy at the Beanpot
College hockey is big in Boston, and for more than 50 years Boston University, Boston College, Harvard and Northeastern have squared off for local bragging rights in the Beanpot Tournament. If you can't make the tourney - held annually in early February - you can't go wrong catching a regular-season game, with each of these squads often nationally ranked.

Look Back on a Dynasty
They may no longer be a powerhouse, but with 16 championships, the Boston Celtics are the most decorated team in NBA history. Revisit their glory days at the Sports Museum of New England inside TD Banknorth Garden, or, if you have time and transportation, take a 90-mile road trip to Springfield, where all-time hoops greats are enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Go to the Head of the Charles
Each October, thousands of athletes from around the world compete in 24 different races in the two-day Head of the Charles Regatta. The largest event of its kind in the world attracts more than 300,000 spectators to see competitors young and old race the three miles upstream beginning at the Boston University Boathouse.

Hit the Ice at the Frog Pond
In the summer, it's a wading pool in the middle of Boston Common - America's oldest public park - but during the winter months the popular Frog Pond becomes an outdoor ice rink packed with skaters. If the bitter New England chill gets to be too much, concessions (think hot chocolate) and a warming area are also available.

Paul Revere House
19 North Square, Boston, MA 02113
617-523-2338
Revere set out from here April 18, 1775, on his famous midnight ride to Lexington, Mass., as described by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem. Revere purchased the house - the oldest in downtown Boston - in 1770. It's richly furnished with artifacts from the 17th and 18th centuries.
http://www.paulreverehouse.org/about/paulreverehouse.shtml

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Between North, Congress and State Sts. and I-93, Boston, MA
This five-building complex captures the special flavor that is Boston. Built in 1742 as a city marketplace of shops and taverns, it served also as a public meeting place where patriots gave fiery pro-revolution speeches. Known as "the cradle of liberty," it was where citizens first chanted "No taxation without representation," and where George Washington toasted the nation on its first anniversary.
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/tourism.html

John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125
617-514-1569
Visitors come here to pour through books, treatises, films, and exhibits about our 35th president. But what they're really seeking are hopes and dreams. This is the closest most of us will ever get to JFK. The tour begins with a 17-minute film about the president's early life, narrated by Kennedy himself. There are exhibits on the 1960 presidential campaign, including the Kennedy-Nixon debates. There is a replica of the Oval Office, and films and artifacts from the Cuban missile crisis, the civil rights movement and Kennedy's assassination.
http://www.jfklibrary.org/museum.htm

U.S.S. Constitution: "Old Ironsides"
Charlestown Navy Yard, 1 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA 02129
617-267-9300
"Old Ironsides" fought in 40 engagements and never lost. Completed in 1797, it battled pirates and turned back the British Navy, capturing 20 vessels in the War of 1812. Three years later, it was retired from combat. By then the ship was a symbol of U.S. military might. Since 9-11, security has been tight (the ship resides in a U.S. Navy facility).
http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/historyupdat.htm

Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115
617-267-9300
The MFA is one of the nation's finest arts museums. Its prize collection is its Impressionist paintings. It boasts more than 40 Monets - one of the largest collections outside of Paris. Other specialties include Asian and Egyptian art, medieval sculpture and tapestries. The museum also has one of the world's best collections of Paul Revere silver.
http://www.mfa.org/collections/index.asp

2008 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 2).
2007 Boston Red Sox (defeated Colorado Rockies, 4 games to 0).
2005 New England Patriots (defeated Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21).
2004 Boston Red Sox (defeated St. Louis Cardinals, 4 games to 0).
2004 New England Patriots (defeated Carolina Panthers, 32-29).
2002 New England Patriots (defeated St. Louis Rams, 20-17).
1986 Boston Celtics (defeated Houston Rockets, 4 games to 2).
1984 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 3).
1981 Boston Celtics (defeated Houston Rockets, 4 games to 2).
1976 Boston Celtics (defeated Phoenix Suns, 4 games to 2).
1974 Boston Celtics (defeated Milwaukee Bucks, 4 games to 3).
1972 Boston Bruins (defeated New York Rangers, 4 games to 2).
1970 Boston Bruins (defeated St. Louis Blues, 4 games to 0).
1969 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 3).
1968 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 2).
1966 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 3).
1965 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 1).
1964 Boston Celtics (defeated San Francisco Warriors, 4 games to 1).
1963 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 2).
1962 Boston Celtics (defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 3).
1961 Boston Celtics (defeated St. Louis Hawks, 4 games to 1).
1960 Boston Celtics (defeated St. Louis Hawks, 4 games to 3).
1959 Boston Celtics (defeated Minneapolis Lakers, 4 games to 0).
1957 Boston Celtics (defeated St. Louis Hawks, 4 games to 3).
1939 Boston Bruins (defeated Toronto Maple Leafs, 4 games to 1).
1929 Boston Bruins (defeated New York Rangers, 2 games to 0).
1918 Boston Red Sox (defeated Chicago Cubs, 4 games to 2).
1916 Boston Red Sox (defeated Brooklyn Robins, 4 games to 1).
1915 Boston Red Sox (defeated Philadelphia Philles, 4 games to 1).
1914 Boston Braves (defeated Philadelphia Athletics, 4 games to 0).
1912 Boston Red Sox (defeated New York Giants, 4 games to 3).
1903 Boston Americans (defeated Pittsburgh Pirates, 5 games to 3).