Would love some inside local info on sites to see and restaurants to visit whilst in town - Locals please assist with your opinion of what should not be missed whilst in town.

Not sure what you like, but I would walk Newbury and Boylston streets for shopping and some great dining. The lower end of Boylston St. has some nice clubs. The North End for some great Italian food. Great Beef at Grill 23, I can go on and on, just not sure what you are seeking.

1. Have lunch @ the Top of the Hub for the view more then for food but food is ok too.  

2. Take a walk around the Deer Island Treatment Plant. I know I know it sounds crazy but it's one of the most unique and interesting sites in the city. Don't be put off by the name. That's the place you'd be talking about the most back in Australia. There is a park on the island where people jog, roller blade, and even picnic. Just make a circle, starting on the side opposite to the one with Boston view. It takes about an hour to make a circle. It's no Sydney Opera House but it's the closest that we have to it here in Boston (which I know doesn't say much). Btw, despite being called an island - you can just drive there. Also amazing at night. It's safe but bring a male company. You'd probably feel a bit insecure on your own. On the way back stop by for seafood at Belle Island Seafood diner. Nothing to look at (it looks like a diner and feels like a diner) but seafood is always fresh, and right off the nearby boats. I love the clam chowder there.  

3. Take a ferry to Fort Warren on Georges Island. Google Melanie Lanier. While on the island grab a guide and make them show you the entrance into the Corridor of Dungeons (you'll never find it on your own).  

4. Among usual tourist places are Christian Science Church and its pool. When walking along the pool look over at those walking on another side and you'd get an optical illusion of people walking on water. Also walk down nearby Newbury St, stop by Trident Book Store Cafe and order Lemon Cheese Ricotta Blueberry Toast. It's there specialty which never fails to impress.  
Also walk around North End with it's restaurants. I'll let others make the recommendations there but it seemed to me that through last couple of years the North End restaurant which was mentioned the most was Mamma Maria. While there don't miss the Thin (Vengeance) House. Find it's story on Wikipedia.  

5. Cambridge: Harvard Sq. & Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

6. My favorite restaurant is The Tavern in Quincy on the grounds of the golf course. Again, the food is good but I usually favor atmosphere and the view over food. And the view is out-of-this-worldly, day or night. If you come during the day - sit outside with a fountain.  

7. Food. My favorite restaurant food-wise is probably Craigie's on Main in Cambridge, primarily known for its imaginative chef and what probably is (his secret mix) the best burger in town.  

8. If you have time, desire and money take a trip to Cape Cod or even better to Martha's Vineyard. Chances are you'd be able to work a bit there as well.  

 

 

 
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but, maybe it is.

In  any case, when you must see the Boston Common and the Public Gardens which are adjacent top each other just west of the theater and downtown areas.  While at the Public Garden, do take a ride on the Swan Boats.  It sound hokey, but it is a sublime experience.

When in Copley Square, just up from the Gardens, be sure to visit the Trinity Church.  The interior is just stunning.  The Boston Public Library right across from it is not too shabby either

Deer Island struck me as an odd one too for a young lady traveling from overseas.

I'm not sure if you guys ever walked a circle around the Deer Island (about an hour/hour-n-half's worth) but if you haven't you sure should. Having handled many tourists in Boston area, I can assure you that whether it would be on a nice sunny day or during the hot humid night, it's one of the most memorable experiences that a tourist usually takes out of Boston. Out of the beaten path it sure is though.  

Anyway, if she stays downtown (which she probably will) I doubt she'd have time to swing over to Deer Island anyway

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Not high on peoples lists after they found the body of a poor child there recently.

Not fare. A body stashed in a trash bag could've come from anywhere. In mid 90s sometime in winter I witnessed a shootout on Harvard Sq. Some jokers decided to hit Cambridge Savings Bank in the middle of lunch hour. So say, you think after that Harvard Sq. became a place to avoid? Of course not.  

Go and take a walk around Deer Island. Don't be afraid. It's as safe there as during the day in Brookline. Pretty soon you'll be singing the same tune as I do.

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