Boston is a city of intriguing diversity, offering history and technology, academe and ethnic neighborhoods. It's a very walkable city (even locals have difficulty in driving around the confusing one-way systems), and the rapid-transit system, the "T", c onnects all the major downtown points of interest as well as areas beyond the central district.

Boston offers something for every member of the family. For a glimpse into America's history, walk the Freedom Trail, which tours many of the historic sites, including "Old Ironsides", the U.S.S. Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. The Boston Aquarium is the largest in New England. Boston has its own ballet, and the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. There are cruises on the Charles River and around Boston Harbor. Sport fans will find plenty to interest them at Fenway Park a nd elsewhere: the Patriots, the Bruins, the Red Sox, and the Celtics. Those who love to shop will discover that the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Newbury Street offer unlimited opportunities. The Science Museum houses an Omnimax Theater; the Museum of Fine Arts has a permanent collection as well as frequent exhibitions; and Boston boasts the world's first Computer Museum.

Eating out in Boston is an adventure in itself. You can dine in turn-of-the-century elegance at Hampshire House, (617) 227-9600, a grand mansion on Beacon Street, where the menu offers such choices as Nantucket Fish House stew, semi-boneless stuffed bre ast of chicken with hazelnut-orange sauce, or grilled filet mignon with bearnaise sauce. Sunday, enjoy a New Orleans jazz brunch with some Cajun specialties. Downstairs is the lively Bull & Finch Pub, inspiration for the setting of the TV series Cheers, where you'll find some excellent pub fare--burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, etc.--and a real pub ambience.

Boston's location on the river and the ocean means that the seafood here is exemplary. Drop into any of the various branches of Legal Sea Foods, (617) 266-7775, to sample a variety of marine offerings. These places are not luxurious by any means, but th e freshness of the ingredients, and the good, straightforward preparation of the various dishes, have made them favorites with locals and visitors alike. Here you can try an authentic clam chowder--the white variety: Massachusetts once passed a law forbi dding the mixing of tomatoes and clams in the same recipe--silky-smooth and full of plump clams. And they'll prepare any fish on the menu in a variety of ways, broiled, poached, etc.

After a hectic day of shopping or sightseeing, relax at The Capital Grille, (617) 262-8900, where you can tuck into tender, dry-aged steaks, veal and lamb chops, prime rib, grilled swordfish and salmon, and two- to five-pound lobsters--in short, good ste akhouse fare. It is reminiscent of a gentlemen's club, with its wood-paneled walls and tin ceilings from which hang pineapples, the symbol of hospitality. You can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen, and admire the glass-walled meat locker where t he beef is kept to age properly. The wine list is impressive, and the dessert menu includes white chocolate mousse and creme brulee.

In the historic Beacon Hill area, sample Northern Italian cuisine at Ristorante Toscano (617) 723-4090. There's a small but select roster of antipasti, zuppa, and salads. The pasta are homemade, served with a variety of delicious sauces such as wild mush room with cream. Veal, steak, seafood, and chicken offerings are generous and full of flavor, and you'll be tempted to linger over desserts and coffee.

Right on Copley Square is the Back Bay Bistro, (617) 536-4477, where you can dine outside if the often changeable weather permits. The menu is nouvelle American, offering some intriguing combinations to tickle your palate, such as the chilled poached sal mon with asparagus and wild rice salad, or sauteed breast of Moulard duck with cous-cous.

Boston, a city where the best of the old meets the best of the new.