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Now the centerpiece of the downtown waterfront development, the aquarium’s construction in the 1960s paved the way for the revitalization of Boston Harbor. Seals cavort in a tank in front of the sleek modern structure (see New England Aquarium).

Dozens of local orchestral and choral ensembles call the NEC’s Jordan Hall home. Built at the turn of the 20th century and renowned for its intimacy and beautiful acoustics, the space was recently added to the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. The students and faculty participate in more than 100 recitals each year, which are free and open to the public. Tickets are available two hours before the performance.

For one week in March, more than 150,000 visitors descend on this indoor exhibition to forget their winter blues and enjoy the bright blooms and fragrant aromas.

In the lobby of the New England Financial building, a series of eight murals depicts scenes from Boston’s most formative moments. Mounted in 1942 by a Beaux Arts star pupil, Charles Hoffbauer, the series commemorates events such as the pilgrims’ welcome by the Samoset Indians in 1621 and the 1797 launching of the USS Constitution (see USS Constitution).

Many Boston chefs flock to New Shanghai to taste chef C. K. Sau’s clever use of New England ingredients in Shanghai cuisine. Dim sum served on Sundays (but no cart service).

Generally undercutting the chain stores on compact discs, Newbury Comics delivers value along with a stellar selection of rare import CDs, concert videos, and the latest comics.

Several Back Bay residences have been linked inside to create this homey 32-room guest house. Rooms vary in size, but tend to be cozy with eclectic furnishings. Good value for the location.

Over the years, Back Bay’s most famous street has proven to be amazingly adaptable. How else could fashion boutiques as au courant as Diesel and DKNY blend so seamlessly into their 140-year-old brownstone environs? This uncanny adaptability provides for the liveliest, most eclectic street scene in Boston: a babble of languages, skater punks walking alongside catwalk models, and delivery trucks and Ferraris jockeying for the same parking space – it’s all here (see Around Newbury Street).

Try as it might, Back Bay’s most famous street cannot escape comparisons to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. True, both offer stupendous people-watching, sophisticated shopping, chic dining, and prestigious galleries. Yet with its 19th-century charm and convenient subway stops, Newbury Street outclasses its built-yesterday Left Coast counterpart by far. (see Back Bay).

In the 19th century, Newburyport was a prosperous seaport. The grand three-story mansions along the High Street present a virtual case study in Federal architecture, while boutiques and antiques shops line downtown Merrimac, Water, and State streets. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on the adjacent Plum Island is one of the US’s top bird-watching sanctuaries.