HALF-DAY EXCURSIONS

Have a few hours to spare? Want to make the most of your visit? Take a half-day to explore a neighborhood and get the feel of our city. You'll be glad you did!

1. Walk through Beacon Hill; Shop at Filene's Basement; Dine at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Beacon Hill, with its gas lanterns and cobblestones, is a "must see." If you ignore the cars, you can easily imagine yourself walking these charming streets back in the 18th century. Notice the iron boot-scrapers that still exist on the front steps of the ivy-covered brick townhouses. Begin your walk on Charles Street (take the Red Line to the Charles Street/MGH ttstop) then turn left onto Mt. Vernon Street going up the hill. Take a right onto Joy Street, a left onto Beacon Street and turn right onto Park Street in front of the gold-domed State House. Continue straight along Winter Street to the original Filene's Basement and get yourself a "bah-gin" (translation: bargain). From there, take Washington Street to Faneuil Hall Market-place and grab a bite at the food court or sit down at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try the Union Oyster House, one of America's oldest dining establishments, for a combination of great seafood and atmosphere.

2. Walk the historic Freedom Trail; Explore the North End, Boston's oldest neighborhood; Dine on authentic Italian cuisine.

A great way to experience the charm and history of the city is to walk the Freedom Trail, which will lead you to 16 of Boston's historic hotspots, including Old North Church, Paul Revere's House and the site of the Boston Massacre. The Freedom Trail begins at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center which can be reached by the T. (Take the Green or Red Line to the "Park Street" stop.) Pick up a map and you're on your way. Simply follow the red line on the sidewalk, which leads you along the winding 2.5 mile path. If you get tired, you can hop on one of the trolleys that follow the same route-pay a flat fee for a guided tour that lasts all day. Cut the tour short and finish at the Old North Church in Boston's North End, a colorful Italian neighborhood filled with bakeries, cafes and famous restaurants. Enjoy an authentic Italian meal and then top off the day with a fresh cannolli from the Modern Pastry Shop on Hanover Street.

3. Return to the time of Camelot; Visit the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, the only presidential library in New England.

Housed in a striking building designed by architect I.M.Pei, this national memorial to President Kennedy offers pan-oramic views of the Boston skyline and Harbor islands. Discover more about JFK-his life, career and the times in which he lived. Through 25 dramatic exhibits drawing on rare film and television footage, gain a greater appreciation for America's political and cultural heritage, and discover how people around the world were charmed by the elegance of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. There's a museum cafe that serves light lunches and snacks, and a Museum Store to pick up souvenirs. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Take the (Red Line) to JFK/UMass station. Free shuttle bus leaves for Library every 20 minutes. Or take a 10 minute cab ride from downtown Boston. For information, call toll-free 877-616-4599.

4. Shop on Newbury Street; enjoy coffee in an outdoor cafe; relax on the Esplanade.

Lower Newbury Street is known for its high-end boutiques and art galleries, but the upper end has recently defined itself as the "place to be" for the young and hip. The area has interesting shops featuring both new and vintage clothing, coffee houses and ice cream shops-not to mention a steady stream of interesting pedestrians. (Take the Green Line to the Hynes Convention Center T stop.) Amble down Newbury Street and enjoy the sights. If the weather is nice, stop and dine on Spanish tapas or order dessert at one of the outdoor cafes or, if it's chilly, head inside for a frothy cappuccino. Once you're recharged, make a left on Dartmouth St., cross Commonwealth Ave. and turn right onto Beacon St. Go straight three blocks and cross the Fiedler Footbridge onto the Charles River's Esplanade. Straight ahead is the famous Hatch Shell, which hosts free world-class performances, festivals and concerts. With sailboats, windsurfers, joggers, skaters and bikers drifting by, the beauty and bustle of the Esplanade is always mesmerizing.

5. If contemporary art and architecture is your thing, a trip through Boston’s trendy South End is the place for you.

A short walk from the Copley Square stop on the green line (or the Back Bay stop on the Orange Line), start at the Boston Center for the Arts, a 4-acre complex including several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. One building, originally an organ factory, now houses over 50 artist studios, a gallery, rehearsal spaces and the wonderful Hamersley’s Bistro. Want a great breakfast or lunch place? Try Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe on Columbus Ave, home of the best pancakes this side of the Charles River. Continue down streets lined with elegant Victorian brick row houses, and you’ll come to Lucy Parsons Center, a new and used book store for the activist in everyone. Wednesday evenings are “Radical Movie Night.”