© Meghan Lamb
The ghosts of America’s colonial roots—Paul Revere’s ride, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the infamous Tea Party—still linger among the cobblestone streets of Boston. But this is no Ye Olde Colonial Theme Park; alongside the art museums, heirloom buildings, and cultural landmarks you’ll find slick hotels, stylish shops, and cutting-edge restaurants rivaling those in New York and Chicago. Unlike those more sprawling cities, though, Boston is small enough to navigate with a pair of comfy shoes and a subway Charlie Card. See the slideshow.