There are a number of attractions that entice the 5 million tourists per year to the capital of Massachusetts. The Boston Tea Party, Harvard University and even the 'Cheers' bar are just a few of the delights that Boston has to offer.

Even though Boston itself is fairly small, Greater Boston includes many surrounding village-like communities and is inhabited by over 3 million people.

Its focal point is that it is so rich in history and has a wide range of statues and memorials. Many of these can be seen in Commonwealth Avenue Mall. This is a garden that boasts monuments such as George Washington on his horse at one end and Leif Ericsson glaring at Columbus as he looks east at the other end.

If you are going to Boston to admire the historical sites, then the Boston Freedom Trail is sure to satisfy your needs. Starting at the Visitors Information Point on Tremont Street, follow the red line along the pavement all the way to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown to admire the 16 colonial sights. The good thing about the trail is that you can start wherever you want along the route and never get lost due to the red line. Therefore, if you are stuck for time, you can pick and choose how many sights you want to see.

A nearby attraction is the prestigious Harvard University, which is actually situated in the neighbouring town of Cambridge across the river. Renowned for its academia, passion for classical music and drama, Harvard is one of the top universities in the world. Cambridge is also home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), another highly respected learning establishment. Harvard square has an abundance of museums as well as a variety of bookshops, historical buildings and entertainment. Due to the presence of the university, both Boston and Cambridge are fun places to people-watch, due to the abundance of eccentric professors and students alike.

Another spot that is rich in entertainment is Quincy Market www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com Originally built in 1742 as a wholesale market, it later went through a regeneration process in the 1960's and has become the most visited attraction in Boston. It is full of shops, eateries and even a comedy nightclub. The fascinating architecture comprises of a centrepiece, which is a spectacular Greek Revival structure, with North and South buildings.

A more bustling and bartering market takes place just around the corner from Quincy Market. Known as Haymarket, this bargain-filled adventure only happens on Thursdays and Fridays. Therefore, if you are around on those days, it is worth a trip just to hear the sounds of the booming market traders selling their wares. It is especially renowned for fruit, vegetables and fresh fish caught from the nearby waters. You are guaranteed to get value for money like no other establishment in Boston.

If you want to see Boston by land and water, look no further than the Boston Duck Tours www.ducktours.com Board a World War 2 vehicle, which will take you through the city pointing out landmarks and other historical facts. After that, the vehicle heads into the Charles River so that the Boston skyline can be admired. This is a great excursion for children, as riding on land and water is rather a novelty.

If you are a sports fanatic, then Boston is definitely the place to be. Being known as the best sporting city in North America with its various major league teams, it is not surprising that every bar in the area has their television on when a team is playing. A favourite is the Boston Red Sox baseball team, who play in Fenway Park stadium, the oldest in the country. The season runs through spring and summer. And for a cooler change, the Boston Bruins will have you screaming in your seat, as they are one of the most successful teams in ice hockey.

One thing you must do in Boston is visit the Beaver 2. This is a vessel that resembles one of the ships involved in the Boston Tea Party protest in 1773. You are able to board the ship and throw mock bales of tea overboard to recreate the act that caused the closure of Boston Harbour. If you are interested in finding out more, there is a museum displaying various relics and exhibits on a nearby pier.

Boston is undoubtedly a historian's dream, as it is where the War of Independence began. Complete with the number of impressive monuments, the history of the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, there are many sights to see. And even if you are not a huge historical fan, there are enough shops, restaurants, street entertainment and sport to keep you amused for the length of your stay.

For further information on Massachusetts and all its regions, visit www.mass-vacation.com