Fawwad Toor

Airport services manager, Boston

The newcomer

As a newcomer to Boston, I have one recommendation: pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

My favourite part of the city is the Esplanade, a 4.5 kilometre path along the Charles River between Boston University Bridge and the Museum of Science (also a great place to visit). Although the Esplanade is well known for 4 July fireworks, there’s lots to do there during the summer, from running to renting sail boats and concerts to my personal favourite: taking my family to the Free Friday Flicks outdoor movie screenings. The shows begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab a good spot.

For shopping, I recommend Newbury Street in Back Bay. The strip stretches between Massachusetts Avenue and Arlington Street. As you move east you’ll notice the progression towards higher-end stores, with great cafés along the way.

Stephanie Cedrone

Account manager, Boston

The explorer

This city holds a special place in American history: learn more by following the four-kilometre-long Freedom Trail that visits important sites connected to the American Revolution. Or walk through the beautiful Public Garden – the first of its kind in the US – and around Beacon Hill and Newbury Street.

The best way to experience Boston’s passion for sports is to attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball park (and to join in when the crowd starts singing Sweet Caroline).

Boston is in the heart of New England, which has big mountain views, white-pine forests and old mill towns – and Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast. Visits to Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are family favourites: find beaches with rolling dunes, great seafood and homemade ice cream.

Eric Odone

Vice president, sales and marketing, Americas, San Francisco

The foodie

Boston has a lot of charm but what I love most when I visit is the food.

You have to have a lobster roll from Legal Sea Foods – or splash out on its baked lobster stuffed with seafood. Make sure to try a bowl of its creamy clam chowder, too. The Liberty Wharf branch has great views over the bay.

For fresh oysters, my favourite place is the popular Neptune Oyster, in the North End, the Italian district of Boston. Just be ready to queue.

There are plenty of other places in the North End, where the aromas of roasting coffee, baked bread and garlic linger in the air. It’s pretty hard to get a bad meal there, but I keep going back to Vinoteca di Monica, a trattoria and wine bar.

And leave some room for dessert at Mike’s Pastry, on Hanover Street; for a creamy cannoli, biscotti or macaroons.