An outward-looking city and a magnet for young people, Boston's compactness also make it easy to visit. Boston bills itself as "America's Walking City," and walking is by far the easiest way to get around. Legend has it that the street pattern originated as a network of cow paths, but the layout owes more to 17th-century London and to Boston's original shoreline.

Winter, though, is a reminder of the harsh conditions the Pilgrims faced, as icy cold and snowy conditions give way but slowly to the coming of spring. That doesn't keep Bostonians from enjoying themselves, though. With the Celtics and Bruins schedules in full swing, the city's legendary sports fans have plenty to chew over, while the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Handel and Hayden Society and the many theatres and cinemas assure a full cultural schedule