It’s not just the coffee that will get you going in Boston – it has it all

BOSTON had always been on my bucket list, but never quite made it to the top.  

Thanks to the excitement of New York City and the beaches on the coast, Boston hadn’t had a look in. Now having finally been, I’m kicking myself I didn’t head there first.

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It’s a city that has it all — a buzzing downtown and Theatre District, a picturesque port lined with bars and restaurants, and plenty of green space.

While it might be known as America’s Walking Town, I’d recommend cycling through it. 

Urban AdvenTours offers a great ten to 12-mile cycle across the six boroughs. 

That sounds like a lot, but every ten to 15 minutes, your tour guides will stop and gather the group for a rundown of what you’ve seen. 

On ours, we caught a glimpse of all the major sights — the Charles River, Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the Boston Tea Party ships. 

Plus we heard from a lifelong Bostonian — our tour guide Bob said the people are great but the “cawfee” is even better. With prices starting at £50 ($60), the cycle tour is a perfect family activity, and the opportunity to rent e-bikes makes it suitable for any age. 

By the end of the two-and-a-half-hours, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite, so I’d recommend heading to The Union Oyster House. 

Not only will you have the opportunity to try some of the best seafood the East Coast has to offer — even our non-fish fan enjoyed the famous clam  chowder and their lobster mac and cheese.

But with it being the oldest restaurant in Boston, you’ll be treated to a quick tour through history, too. Make sure you ask your server to show you the Wall of Fame and JFK’s favourite booth. 

Although, I might have to disagree with the former  president and say it wasn’t our best meal while in town. 

RUKA Restobar offers a unique take on tapas, with Indo-Peruvian-style dishes served on elaborate smoking boats. 

The  sushi rolls are incredible — the secret ingredient being panko fried eggplant — as is the charred octopus. 

Ordering the fried calamari is also a must, if only for the “dancing onions” on top. 

Step back in time

And it would have been rude to not wash all that down with their best cocktail — a sweet yet tart Pisco Sour. 

It was hard to believe this was our hotel’s restaurant.  

But Ruka set the tone for the rest of The Godfrey Hotel. Everything about it had been perfectly thought through.

That included the coffee machine in my room. Not only did it grind fresh beans, but I could also reach it from my queen-sized bed. 

In the centre of downtown Boston, the hotel is within walking distance of the Theatre District, the Freedom Trail and the nightlife. 

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While a little further away is Fenway Park, the oldest major league baseball stadium in the US. It is like taking a step  back in time, with the original 1960s fixtures kept in perfect condition. 

Plus, you’ll get the best views of the Boston skyline from here. 

Even in the off-season, there’s a chance for fans to take in the home of the Red Sox — either on a tour or during a game of TopGolf, set up so fans can aim for on-field targets. 

With prices starting at just $70 (£57) for a bay for six people, it is a great budget activity for  families. 

Also make time for a trip to Quincy Market — a “festival” market hall, where visitors can try all the Boston classics — a lobster roll, Boston cream pie and Bostonian baked beans. 

It’s entirely possible to experience all the city has to offer in three days, as we did, but I’d definitely recommend spending longer if you can.

But our flight back across the pond made up for the brief visit. We were travelling on the new Jet Blue service from Boston to Heathrow.

This gamechanger of a low-cost airline has recently launched transatlantic flights that offer great value with some real bonuses including free wifi.

Snack pantry

Even in the  Core economy cabin, you’re treated like a VIP with the most legroom available on the route. The hosts knew the names of every passenger. 

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Although that was made easier with the small size of the plane. With just 58 passengers per flight, there’s no queuing for the exit — or the complimentary snack pantry. 

With this sort of service, you would expect a hefty price tag — but you will be pleasantly surprised, as travellers can get a mix of economy and business from just £1,069.

And their Mint business-class seats are a real treat. 

Each private booth comes with a spacious lie-flat bed, wide-screen TV, noise-cancelling headphones and a thoughtful toiletries package as well as complimentary slippers and a blanket.

And with food inspired by iconic New York restaurants, there is no  cardboard sandwich in sight.  

In both classes, you can build your own dinner.

I chose sundried tomato pasta, chargrilled chicken salad and vanilla bean ice cream served with poached pears.

As I woke to the host handing me a fresh coffee and telling me to check out the London skyline, I was a little disappointed our trip was ending.

Boston bowled me over and it will be  top of my travel list next year too.