Advice on Boston

although obviously Boston has a lot more going on than Oxbridge.

:0 That's fighting talk...

I'd add that Boston solo might not be that lively fr 4 nights unless you are 22 or hire a car and explore. It's a huge university city with all that implies. It's an easy run up the coast to Gloucester and Ipswich, down to the Cape (go all the way to Ptown and spend a night?) or out to ski country in NH or Maine. Depends what season of course but winters are harsh in New England and when Boston gets snowed in, it's tough going (although it's been an easy winter thus far). Many great restaurants, music and museums tho...depends what you are looking for. The Liberty Hotel is a happening place, lively nightlife and good rooms, well placed for walks (or jogs) by the river.

A lovely day out is to take the Downeaster Train up to Portland Maine. (it even goes further now to Brunswick)

We went in the summer and it was lovely sitting at the harbour eating lobster (I had a burger) then visiting some of the local pubs.

A totally chilled out day.

I had a great time in Boston for four nights back in October. We stayed at the Back Bay Hotel which is the converted old police station - the rooms were really comfortable and we got a great rate through hotels.com

The hotel concierge, as well as the VA crew on the way out were a real source of information so as well as doing the big tourist traps we also got to see some of the other sides of Boston where the locals go and that was great.

The city is walkable, and whilst the T is efficient, if you just rely on that I felt you lost the real sense of the city. If you are there over the weekend, Sunday Brunch at the top of the Prudential was an amazing experience with (as long as its sunny) some stunning views over Boston. The Duck Tour was good fun and again you see different parts of Boston compared to other tours. Get a good guide book such as DK Top 10 Things to Do in Boston - which gives a good mix of more local as well as tourist things to do. There's a great mix of restaurants and ethnicity in Boston and unlike New York they are pretty close together. If you are a fan of Ted the movie, you can go eat in Charlies which is awesome for breakfast and a true local establishment.

Shopping is cheap... there is no tax on essential items which includes clothing, and for other items tax is lower than say New York or Washington so good for getting gadgets as well (as long as the exchange rate is ok)

I'd agree with others on her about maybe flying into BOS and then getting the day flight from either EWR or JFK home. We took the Acela Express (train) to New York which was a great experience and really straight forward.

I really enjoyed my first Boston experience, didn't find it expensive vs New York (which was astronomical for hotels) and will certainly return for three or four days again.

Top tip, ask the crew for ideas, really helped me, and if you can get to see a Redsox match its worth it.

I think Boston is a great city and I had no problem filling in 6 nights on my last trip.

I stayed at the Lennox next to the Public Library.

This to do include

=JFK Presidential Library
=Museum of Contemporary Art
=Fenway Park Baseball ground tour
=Issabella Gardener Museum
=Museum of Fine Arts - particularly the Art of the Americas wing
=Salem - 30 mins by train. The Peabody-Essex museum is excellent and there is more to Salem that the witch trial industry.
=Freedom Trail - you can walk it in about 2 hours but if you actually visit the places it will fill in a whole day. The climb up the Bunker Hill Monument gives great views.
=Massachusetts State House - free tour and see the 'sacred cod'
=There are also numerous other walking tours to do as well.

The shopping is great too!

I myself prefer London or New York to Boston, I give "things to do" priority over aesthetics, by and large; I even like SoCal

That said, I think Boston is a "prettier" city than either one of them, and offers some fantastic walking, aside from anything else (although Tonty's list is good and will more than fill four days).

When I was there in July (in town, for once, rather than north for work) we spent an afternoon in the once rough southside neighborhood with a friend who has lived and worked there for years, and I was stunned at the quality and condition of the victorian architecture. Just walked around a bunch, then had dinner in a great restaurant (as often happens, up and coming areas are anchored by new and fun bars and restaurants).

Cambridge offers also some wonderful walking opportunities, better than the Boston side along the river in my view, and walking from MIT to Harvard along the river, then dropping in to Harvard Square, will make for at least another half day.

Mount Auburn cemetery is also impressive, if a little harder to get to without a car.

I'm also a big fan of new places: there is something comforting about spending a weekend in a place I know well, when I want to rest, chill and do things if I feel like it, but nothing beats the excitement of going somewhere new, our most memorable trips have unquestionably been those we have taken to different places, even if I might not ever really need to go back there.

I like Boston and pass through most years. I actually agree with Slinky that it doesn't have the wow factor of NY etc but travelling on your own there are decent bars to visit and chat with people. It's a big city for sport and your trip should include a trip to whatever is on when you're there. A game at Fenway is a fantastic experience if you are there in the season.
The Nine-zero on Tremont street is nicely located and comfortable. I've stayed there twice and would again. Being a Kimpton Hotel there is the bonus of the complementary wine hour each evening. It's also very close to Quincy Market which is an easy option for eating if a sole traveller. Similar setup to Grand Central Terminal food hall.
Go for it.