Boston, Massachusetts, or Beantown as it is affectionately known by East coasters, is the perfect place to spend a weekend for a little bit of everything. Rich with history, culture, food (baked beans!), music and all the makings of a modern urban oasis with historic charm, Boston should be experienced at least once by anyone interested in the founding of the United States. For a city steeped in history, there’s a lot to offer to contemporary travelers looking for something fun to do on the weekend.

The Freedom Trail

With so many things to do in Boston, figuring out where to begin is the toughest part! Most major sites in Boston have deep historic significance, and conveniently, they’re connected by a red trail actually painted into the sidewalks. The Freedom Trail is the best route to take a journey through Boston’s history. The 2.5-mile route with 16 sites can be daunting on an especially hot or cold day, but it’s relatively easy to skip around to the (free) highlights, including:

• The Paul Revere House: Built around 1680, this house is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. It was bought by Paul Revere in 1770, and he and his family lived in the house when Revere made his famous midnight ride to Lexington in 1775.

• Faneuil Hall: This is the home of America’s first Town Hall, and served as the site of many groundbreaking moments in the history of the Revolution. Today, it is part of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, containing more than 100 shops and restaurants, the perfect place to wander and snap photos.

• Boston Common: America’s oldest public park started as a cow pasture, then became a British camp, then a meeting ground for speeches and rallies, and today is a quiet place to have a picnic lunch.

The Harbor

Some of the best views of Boston are from the water, and it is highly recommended to get out there via boat to take it all in. Inner Harbor sightseeing tours quite frequently, and you’ll get a bit of a history lesson along with the stunning views.

The Food

You may not be in New York, but New York style pizza is still highly prevalent in Boston. Pizza, alongside clam chowder, burgers and oysters, are Boston fan favorites. Some of the best places to chow down on Boston classics are:

• Regina Pizzeria: Located in the North End of Boston, this classic joint has been open since 1926, and has a wall full of celebrity visitors. It’s now a chain with many locations across Massachusetts, but don’t let that deter you – the secret crust recipe here is unmatched by any other pizza joint.

• Neptune Oyster: This is where you go in search of seafood in Boston. It’s certainly high-end, and on the expensive side for such a tiny place, but the lobster rolls here are a classic.

• Legal Sea Foods: If it’s clam chowder you’re in search of, look no further than Legal’s. It’s been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981, with succulent littleneck clams, salted pork and cream.

• Cheers Boston: The original pub that inspired the T.V. show “Cheers” is located right in Beacon Hill in Boston. Previously called the Bull and Finch Pub, producers chose the bar as the inspiration for the show due to its charm as the “ideal American bar.”

• R.F. O’Sullivan and Son Pub: If you’re looking for a juicy burger fix, look no further than R.F. O’Sullivan and Son Pub. This restaurant is famous for their pub fare but especially for their half-pound, made to order burgers. The topping choices and combinations are endless.

Music, Baseball and Entertainment:

• Fenway Park: whether you’re a Boston Red Socks fan or not, Fenway Park is worth the trip both as a historical landmark and a landmark to an American pastime. Open since 1912, this arena has been home to some of the greatest moments in baseball.

• Brighton Music Hall: While there is a House of Blues in Boston where you can catch high-level live music acts, Brighton Music Hall brings all the entertainments with a bit of local flair as well.

• The Comedy Studio: Live comedy is a staple of Beantown. While this place is technically in Cambridge, it’s worth the trek for a night of laughs with local talent.

When it comes to the standards of big-city charm, Boston has it all and a few other fun activities to spare. Its historical significance is present in every major site in the city, all along the Freedom Trail and beyond. The food reflects the source, the seafood is incredible and the pub fare is not to be overlooked. And on every street, there’s music, culture and entertainment that truly reflects the Northeast. A weekend in Boston is a weekend well-spent.