Look for the tell-tale signs of gentrification-the too-freshly painted fire escapes and Volvos parked along the street as you leave the North End. Then cross the Charles River to the predominantly Irish Charlestown and the Bunker Hill Monument, a 220-floor obelisk that commemorates one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War.

Can't get enough of trail tours? The Black Heritage Trail begins at the Shaw-54th Regiment Memorial in Boston Common. This monument honors the first regiment of Black volunteers from the north to fight in the Civil War, as well as their colonel, Harvard College graduate Robert Gould Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick in Hollywood's version of the tale, Glory.)

The Harborwalk is a blue painted line that will take you from the Old State House to museums and landmarks along the Boston waterfront including the Children's Museum, the New England Aquarium (T:Aquarium, on the blue line) and the Boston Tea Party Ship.

If you're not into walking, don't despair; the trusty T can take you to most spots on the various trails.

Or you can float around for a relaxing ride on Boston's famous Swan Boats which inhabit the landscaped ponds of the Public Garden next to the Common.

Shopping

Shopping enthusiasts and window shoppers alike will find paradise on Newbury Street (T:Bolyston, green line) and Copley (T:Copley, green line).

Walk along Newbury street and watch the Beautiful People cruise past dress shops and gourmet restaurants in their BMW convertibles. And remember to check out the funky dresses and shirts at Betsey Johnson's.

At Copley, you'll first the grand department stores-Saks, Lord and Taylor and Neiman Marcus.

While you're at Copley Square, take a minute to visit the tall buildings. The John Hancock Tower reflects the older buildings around it. The tallest building in Boston, the Hancock Tower, has a sightseeing deck and museum on its top floor.

If you're more into bargain basements and blue light specials, take the Red Line to Downtown Crossing and visit Filene's Basement, the mother of all bargain basements. There, you will make your way through mile-long racks of designer clothes, all priced to please.

Art

For the artistically inclined, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) at the Museum T stop houses a comprehensive assortment of international art. The museum boast an impressive collection of impressionist paintings, including 35 works by Claude Monet. To save money, be sure to stop by Wednesdays from 4 to 9:45 p.m., when admission is free.

On your way to the MFA, take an interesting detour at the world headquarters of the First Church of Christ Scientist (T:Symphony, green line). The 19th century Mother Church is the Christian Scientists what St. Peter's in Rome is to Catholics.

And though not as massive as St. Peter's this church seats a huge congregation, boasts a thunderous organ and requires an elevator to reach its chapel.

Walk beside the church and catch a breathtaking glimpse of an immense reflecting pool. Also try to visit the "Mapparium," a huge glass globe you can walk inside.