As one of the United States' oldest settlements, the New England city of Boston is thick with history. Downtown's mazelike map of one-way streets alludes to a time when travel meant horseback, and you can still wander the well-worn cobblestone pathways that ribbon through Beacon Hill — Acorn Street is an especially popular photo op. Harvard University in Cambridge has been around since 1636, and Boston Harbor still hosts reenactments of its infamous Boston Tea Party.

But history isn’t the only reason to visit the capital of Massachusetts. There are baseball games at Fenway Park, exhibits to explore at the Museum of Fine Art, and picnic opportunities at Boston Common. Next to the Common, the Public Garden features leisurely rides on the paddle-operated Swan Boats, operating on the pond since 1877.

Cocktail bars and creative cafes serve up drinks on both sides of the Charles River. For freshly shucked oysters and Boston clam chowder, downtown is hard to beat.

Logan International Airport (BOS) sits in East Boston, just minutes from Boston Harbor. Downtown is across the water to the west and is easily reachable by car, taxi, ferry, or the T, Boston’s subway system. Free Massport shuttles run from the airport to public ferry and bus terminals. From there, you can find a route to holiday rentals in Boston in pretty much any neighbourhood.

While Logan International does have cars for hire, it can be tricky to drive in Boston — there are many winding and one-way roads, and downtown parking is sparse. The T is a better option if you plan to stay within the greater metro area. Walking and biking are also great ways to explore downtown.

Boston enjoys a temperate East Coast summer, with warm — but not too hot — weather that’s perfectly suited for outdoor activities. It’s an excellent time to go sailing on the harbour, grab lunch in the sunshine, or wander through Downtown Boston. Boston Harborfest — one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the States — takes over around the Fourth of July, with fireworks, live music, and an assortment of historical family-friendly events.

Autumn starts in September, cloaking the city in red and orange leaves and kicking off the annual Boston Film Festival. Boston’s winters live up to their frosty reputation, but you can thaw out with a skate at the Boston Common Frog Pond or grab a winter warmer at a cosy pub near the many cottages in Boston. Spring remains chilly, but it’s worth layering up to watch one of the most competitive marathons in the country in April.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This museum houses more than 7,500 paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and other works of art, plus thousands of rare books and archival objects — all curated by its original owner, Victorian collector Isabella Stewart Gardner. Upon her death, she dedicated the building and its exhibitions “for education and enjoyment of the public forever.”

Boston Public Market

Quincy Market may get more press, but the Boston Public Market is arguably more intimate, with tens of shops instead of hundreds. As an indoor market, it’s also open year-round, with independent sellers hawking chocolates, doughnuts, fish, and honey — all grown, caught, or made locally in Massachusetts.

Blue Hills Hiking

Just 15 minutes from downtown, the Blue Hills Reservation offers 200 kilometres of trails through Massachusetts hills and meadows. Hikes run the gamut from gentle walks like Houghton’s Pond Loop — an especially gorgeous route in autumn — to mountain climbs up to Buck Hill and Skyline. You’ll also find cross-country ski routes available in winter.