A business traveller’s guide to Boston

Besides being known as the home to some of the world’s top universities, research hospitals and biotech companies, Boston is a city that’s beautiful to visit in all seasons. In the summer, sailboats dot the Charles River, which cuts a path between the city outskirts and Cambridge, home to Harvard University and MIT, whose campuses are enlivened by students come autumn. In wintertime, visitors skate on the Frog Pond in the city centre or curl up with a book at the Boston Public Library  – the oldest in the US. Every spring, Boston marks the first shots fired in the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) with Patriots’ Day, and thousands flock to the city for the Boston Marathon and other celebrations.

Where to start

The wharf-dotted North End neighbourhood was once Boston’s maritime hub. Here, you’ll find countless Italian restaurants and cafés, while the bustling Faneuil Hall  and Quincy Market  are a short stroll away. Also nearby is Beacon Hill, home to the gold-domed Massachusetts State House , Boston’s toniest row houses and photogenic cobblestone streets.

Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, is at the edge of Beacon Hill. The park is the starting point of the Freedom Trail , a 4km red brick path that takes visitors past the city’s historic landmarks. Fenway Park , home to the beloved Boston Red Sox, the high-end boutiques of Back Bay, and South End’s galleries and outdoor markets are all walkable from here.

Next to the Financial District and Downtown Crossing, you’ll find the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a 2.4km linear park that stretches through downtown Boston. Similarly, the 69km Harborwalk is a public walkway built along the shoreline of Boston Harbor. It meanders through several waterfront neighbourhoods, including the Seaport district, a bustling dining and nightlife hotspot.

Where to take clients

Boston has a booming dining scene, and food is a strong part of the city’s identity. One of the hottest places to eat now is Amar , a refined Portuguese restaurant at the new Raffles Boston helmed by chef George Mendes. Contessa , high atop The Newbury Boston hotel in Back Bay, is a chic spot for Italian cuisine run by the New York-based Major Food Group. For classic French bistro fare and lush sceneries, head to Bistro du Midi  by the Public Garden – the country’s first botanical garden. A seafood-centric meal is a must in Boston, and Mooncusser  in the heart of downtown is a local favourite. Wa Shin , a 12-seat omakase restaurant, is the ideal place to impress clients and indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine. Meanwhile, local chef and James Beard Award winner Jamie Bissonnette’s Somaek Korean  restaurant and the adjacent Japanese-inspired listening bar, Temple Records , are perfect for gatherings with colleagues.

Where to stay

Many of Boston’s luxury hotels are in the downtown area and Beacon Hill. A case in point is Raffles Boston , the city’s most exclusive hotel, which offers personal butler service and panoramic views of the prestigious Back Bay area. Once the Charles Street Jail, The Liberty in Beacon Hill has now transformed into a swanky, design-forward boutique hotel that’s popular with business travellers and creative types. Slightly edgier is The Verb near Fenway Park, a retro, music-themed property that nods to the city’s rock ’n’ roll history. Just a short drive from Logan International Airport, the luxurious Encore Boston Harbor by Wynn Resorts comprises a casino, lounges and restaurants specialising in everything from seafood to steak.

What to say

Bostonians celebrate their local heroes with a passion. Small talk about the city’s sports teams – Bruins (hockey), Celtics (basketball) or Red Sox (baseball) – is a foolproof ice breaker. Boston is located near many mountains and beaches, so asking colleagues and friends about their favourite weekend getaway spot is another excellent conversation starter.

What to know

Boston tends to go to bed early, a point of contention for many nocturnal denizens. (The city even recently appointed a new director of nightlife economy to rectify the situation.) However, you’ll find a higher concentration of nightlife-oriented venues at the Seaport district. Tipping 20 per cent or more for drinks and meals is customary.

Downtime done right

Have a few hours between meetings? Visit SoWa Open Market to browse indie vendors and artisans while sampling some of the city’s finest food trucks, and rub shoulders with locals stocking up on everything from flowers and art to local honey. For a scholarly excursion, tour the Boston Public Library, the nation’s first library and one of the grandest. Meanwhile, foodies should head to the North End for decades-old dining institutions such as Bova, a hidden-gem bakery that serves delicious cannoli and other Italian sweet treats. Or, queue for a perfectly cheesy, rectangular slice of Sicilian pizza at Galleria Umberto.

Take something home

Duck into the charming Beacon Hill Books & Cafe for Boston-themed literary trinkets and totes. Partiers will appreciate merchandise from Sam Adams, one of the city’s most famous brewpubs. For kids, local sensation Joy Street has cosy, pint-sized apparel that pays homage to Boston landmarks.

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