A single day affords the opportunity to sample some experiences unique to Boston. You won't have time for full immersion, but you can touch on several singular attractions and destinations. Your focus will be the downtown area, home to the city's oldest and most historic neighborhoods.

Start: Boston Common (Red or Green Line to Park St.), 15 State St. (Orange or Blue Line to State), or Faneuil Hall (Green or Blue Line to Government Center).

1. The Freedom Trail
Boston's signature attraction is a 2.5-mile line of red paint and brick laid out at the suggestion of a local journalist in 1958. Following the whole Freedom Trail can consume the better part of a day, but several options that concentrate on the downtown part of the walk take 2 hours or so. Your goal is to cover—at whatever pace suits you and as carefully or as casually as you like—the first two-thirds of the trail, from Boston Common through Faneuil Hall. Start at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center with a pamphlet describing the self-guided tour or with the audio tour available from the Freedom Trail Foundation. If you prefer a guided tour, check the schedule of tours from Boston By Foot and the Freedom Trail Foundation.

2. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace offers a host of shopping options, many of which are outlets of national chains. You can give your wallet a workout before, after, or even during your sightseeing.

3. Quincy Market
The main level of Faneuil Hall Marketplace's central building is a gigantic food court. If you grab something to eat, cross Atlantic Avenue to enjoy your lunch with a glorious view. Stake out a seat overlooking the marina next to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. If you'd rather eat indoors, head across the street to Union Oyster House.

4. Paul Revere House
Our favorite Freedom Trail stop is a little 17th-century home overlooking a picturesque cobblestone square.

5. The North End
The Freedom Trail continues here with another famous Paul Revere hangout, the fascinating Old North Church. But there's more to the neighborhood than history. The city's "Little Italy" (locals don't call it that) is a great place for wandering around.

6. Hanover Street
Coffee outlets in this area reliably serve good espresso and cappuccino. Pair your caffeine with a fresh-baked pastry, settle in at a cafe, and take in the scene on the North End's main drag. Top choices: Caffè Vittoria, Mike's Pastry, and Caffè dello Sport.

7. The Waterfront
In almost any direction, the gorgeous harbor is a short stroll from the North End. As the day winds down, you can take a sightseeing cruise from Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf — though a ferry ride from Long Wharf to Charlestown and back may be better for your schedule and budget. If cruises aren't for you or are out of season, explore the New England Aquarium or the Boston Children's Museum. Otherwise, head for the nearby Seaport District (also known as the South Boston Waterfront) and visit the Institute of Contemporary Art. It's a 20- to 30-minute walk or 10-minute cab ride.

Or abandon the sightseeing after the Paul Revere House and go shopping in the Back Bay, starting with a stroll along Newbury Street.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.