The perfect Boston weekend itinerary

By Gail Friedman

Friday

Start at the Boston Common and walk all or part of the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, a good introduction not just to the city's history but also to some of its most important neighborhoods. The Trail leads to Faneuil Hall, where you can take a shopping break and grab a bite at historic Quincy Market. Continue the Freedom Trail to the North End, where the narrow, winding streets make it feel more like a town in Italy than a section of bustling Boston . Divert at least momentarily from Paul Revere's house, the Old North Church and the rest of the Freedom Trail to explore one of Boston 's oldest neighborhoods. You'll have no trouble finding a tempting Italian dinner, or just a scoop of gelati, imported directly from the Old Country.

Saturday

You'll start in the same place, the Boston Common, but this time head for Frog Pond, where you can rent ice skates and practice your double axels. After your spin on the ice, walk the quaint streets of Beacon Hill and go antiquing along nearby Charles Street . If you've got energy left, walk a few blocks to Newbury Street , where you can browse designer boutiques, book a massage at a spa, or sit with a coffee and a good book at Trident Booksellers & Café. In the evening, reserve a table at one of Boston 's award-winning restaurants, then head to a play or dance to a top DJ at one of the city's chic nightclubs.

Sunday

Museum day: Choose the Museum of Fine Arts or, if you're limited on time, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum . You can relax over lunch at either of the museum's cafes. If art's a hard sell in your family, tour Fenway Park , visit The Sports Museum at the FleetCenter or soak up some hands-on education at Boston 's Museum of Science .