Whenever I have visitors from out of town and the weather is nice, I always take them on a Duck Tour of Boston. It takes about 90 minutes and covers most of the city. It’s also fun and a little silly! For the less adventurous, you can go to View Boston at the top of the Prudential Center, get an amazing 360-degree view of the city, and grab lunch or dinner while you are at it.

While you are in the neighborhood of the Prudential Center, check out the old, original part of the Boston Public Library – the oldest free public library in the US. The building is impressive from the outside (enter on Dartmouth Street), and the interior is equally impressive, with magnificent stonework and a huge reading room featured in several films. Be sure not to miss the third floor because that is where the Sohn Singer Sargent murals are! There are several places inside the library where you can find a quick lunch, and there is also a lovely tea in the BPL Tea Room (reservations required)

The Freedom Trail is great for history buffs. It is a walking tour you can do on your own and covers such places as Paul Revere’s house, the USS Constitution, and the Old North Church of “one if by land, two if by sea” fame. For the less history-minded, a walk through the North End, the Italian section of Boston, will take you to fabulous restaurants (Mamma Maria’s is great for groups) or you can weigh in on the best place to find cannolis – Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry or Bova’s Bakery – there is a real rivalry!

For sports fans, go see the “green monster” at Fenway Park, which has been the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Tours are available!

I must mention strolls through the MIT campus, which has incredible architecture, and Harvard Yard, which is both beautiful and historic. You can continue the Harvard tour by walking through Harvard Square, followed by lunch or dinner at either Harvest Restaurant or Henrietta’s Table.