Actually, it is somewhat the opposite, but not completely world class on the scale of many European cities. The last 15-20 years Boston has actually begun to express the world class vibe on a bigger scale. As negative a feel it seemed to have at the time, the aftermath of the big dig project, while not really an answer to the traffic problem, has brought about many showcase buildings and upgrades to, as well as new features to the above ground landscape. There is a history to Boston that is truly American, but also rich in European roots. The city has come a long way since the despair of the late 1960's and 1970's. Believe it or not one gauge of "world class" is extended nightlife, a feature that Boston does not have. Sh*t shuts down at 1 or 2. Many people from other countries enjoy being out until 3 or 4 in the morning, knowing that there is lively activity...Boston does not allow for that. But, as far as the pre-nightlife activities, there is much to explore and learn from Boston through museums, universities and other tours in and around the city. There is always the fear of the homogenized, corporate b.s. that we see taking over neighborhoods with chain after chain, but (at the time being) Boston has enough going on to offset this.