Chicago was actually my first great love, but then I came to Boston ten years and three moves later. I wish I had come sooner! What a great city and neighbourhood. Here I'll show you why.

HYATT REGENCY BOSTON HARBOUR
A heads up: Boston and the American east coast have never been cheap. So you should try to book your accommodation as early as possible. If you don't necessarily want to stay in the city centre and are also an aviation geek, the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor is a great place to stay. On the one hand, it has a marvellous view of the city skyline, and on the other, a magnificent view of the airport. The hotel is also well connected to downtown by water taxi or ferry.
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor, 101 Harborside Drive, Boston

DOWNEAST CIDER HOUSE
We also recommend the Harbor Walk along the airport to East Boston, where you can quench your thirst in a cool atmosphere at the Downeast Cider House brewery.
Downeast Cider House, 256 Marginal Street, East Boston

WAHLBURGERS
Speaking of ferries... Forget the typical tourist boats: too crowded, too expensive and too boring. If a short trip on the Atlantic is enough for you and you don't necessarily want to go whale watching, you can take the Hingham/Hull Passenger Ferry to the somewhat sleepy town of Hingham in Massachusetts in just under an hour and eat typical American burgers there at Wahlburgers. Wahlburgers? Mark Wahlberg? Marky Mark? Yes! The Wahlberg brothers Paul, Donnie and Mark founded the hip burger chain over ten years ago, right here in Hingham. Good burgers, cold beer - what more could you want? This trip is always fun. A few hours later, we take the ferry back, with a stopover at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the airport depending on the timetable.
Wahlburgers, 19 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, Massachusetts

ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY
Let's stay with food for a moment. If you're still hungry, you can walk the Rose Kennedy Greenway (Big Dig) from bottom to top after returning to the city and you're sure to find what you're looking for. Like all Bostonians, you can count yourself lucky that 20 years ago the completely overloaded motorway bridge was lowered one level, creating this unique green oasis in the middle of the city.
Rose Kennedy Greenway, Atlantic Avenue, Boston

LIMONCELLO
Back to the food: At the top end of the Greenway is the North End, the city's Italian neighbourhood. Yes, perhaps a little touristy on the one hand, but always worth a visit on the other. Especially if you know which of the countless restaurants and cafés are not tourist traps. I myself always like to go to Limoncello, where things are still really Italian. You can't have a romantic candlelit dinner here, but you can laugh, drink and eat in a good mood. Maybe the waiter Sabino is still there, he was always the most fun to work with.
Limoncello, 190 North Street, Boston

HALITBUT POINT STATE PARK
If you have time and enjoy travelling through the area by car, the Scenic Route heading north is a good option. You always drive along the coast, Salem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester (once again Mark Wahlberg... The Perfect Storm) to the beautiful town of Rockport, Massachusetts, where you are sure to find something to eat for every taste and, at least in the high season in summer, you can find a gift or two in the many small shops and boutiques. The whole thing is rounded off with a detour to Halibut Point State Park, which is less than 15 minutes away. There you can take a short walk to the Atlantic Ocean, where you can soak up the sun and wind. You won't find a sandy beach here, but you will feel the proximity to the water in another impressive way.
Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966

NICKERSON STATE PARK
If you really want to lie on the beach all day, you can of course do so in Cape Cod. But it's no longer a day trip. So, pack your bags and off you go to the Cape! Ideally, of course, in summer and even better during the week, when the traffic is limited. Avoid arriving and departing on Friday or Sunday. There are plenty of bed & breakfasts, boutique hotels, holiday flats etc. to choose from. But here, too, you have to book early and be prepared for a holiday that is not cheap. I've always been more of a camper - my favourite place is Nickerson State Park. It's also great for hiking and cycling. Either way, a stop at Cobie's around the corner is almost a must! Whether it's a burger, fresh lobster roll or fish & chips, there's something for everyone here. Oh yes, and you can finish off with an ice cream at Brewster Scoop, right next to the rustic Brewster store. It doesn't get much more American than this!
Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main Street, Brewster
Cobie's, 3260 Main Street, Brewster
Brewster Store & Scoop, 1929 MA-6A, Brewster

MARCONI BEACH
Everyone is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a beach, and in more than six years I've never seen them all. But Marconi Beach always stood out. I can't really describe why. You have to have been there yourself to understand. The vastness of the Atlantic on the east side of the cape is always impressive. I almost prefer to come in winter, when the car park and the beach are empty and the icy wind blows in your face.
Marconi Beach, Wellfleet

There is so much more to tell. In conclusion: I don't know anyone who has regretted a visit to Boston, on the contrary. They come back again and again and love it. SWISS flies to Boston twice a day in the summer.