Boston, MA

Travel Guide
Longfellow Bridge which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek
One of the nation’s most historically interesting cities has numerous museums, exciting sports, great seafood and plenty of free activities.

Boston, a thriving modern city, has nearly 400 years of history. Walk along the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) red brick Freedom Trail to see 16 important historic sites.

Boston Common, a park established in 1634, is a good place to start touring. Ride a swan boat in the adjacent Boston Public Garden and look for famous statues of a mother duck and eight ducklings.

Head north for shopping and fresh seafood at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The hall, topped with an iconic grasshopper weathervane, held early town meetings where dissent against the British led to revolution. See the Paul Revere House, home of the patriot who famously rode to Lexington in 1775, warning that the British were coming.

Near the north end of the trail is the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the first American Revolution battle. Just east near the Charlestown Navy Yard, climb aboard the USS Constitution, or Old Ironsides, which survived a famous War of 1812 battle.

Boston’s cultural sites are historic as well. In the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, opened in 1876, examine works from ancient Egypt to contemporary eras. Once a vaudeville house, the Boston Opera House now hosts operas, ballets, touring musicals and lectures.

Harvard University in Cambridge just west of Boston is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Wander through Harvard Yard, visit several museums and watch rowers train on the Charles River.

Join the crowd at Fenway Park and see baseball home runs foiled by the massive Green Monster wall along left field. For over 100 years, loyal Red Sox fans have cheered on their team, win or lose.

In the midst of Boston’s historic environment are modern sites. Blue skies reflect in the glass plates of the John Hancock Tower near Copley Square. Gaze over the city from the observation deck of the Prudential Building. See the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge beautifully illuminated at night and ride an amphibious duck boat to see the city by land and water.

Boston Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Boston

The Revolution Hotel
The Revolution Hotel
3.5 out of 5
40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The price is $199 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$199
per night
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the bathrooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,228 reviews)
"Area under construction"

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

The Revolution Hotel
Boston Park Plaza
Boston Park Plaza
4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $224 per night from Oct 30 to Oct 31
$224
per night
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Boston. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,993 reviews)
"Whole package"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Boston Park Plaza
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
4.5 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
The price is $288 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$288
per night
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,361 reviews)
"The staff and service were great everywhere I went within the hotel. The cleanliness of the room upon check in was not perfect. I also wish there were more in-room dining options."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
89 Marion
89 Marion
2 out of 5
89 Marion St, Brookline, MA
Stay at this aparthotel in Brookline. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Fenway Park and TD Garden are located nearby. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (53 reviews)
"Nice and clean room"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

89 Marion
HYATT house Boston/Burlington
HYATT house Boston/Burlington
3 out of 5
2 Van De Graaff Dr, Burlington, MA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Burlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,108 reviews)
"Great staff. Shuttle service."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

HYATT house Boston/Burlington
245 Newbury St
245 Newbury St
2 out of 5
245 Newbury St, Boston, MA
Stay at this aparthotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Fenway Park and TD Garden are located nearby. ...
7.6/10 Good! (31 reviews)
"Really loved this spot. Room was excellent. Had everything we could’ve needed and was super cozy and comfortable. Right in the heart of Boston. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

245 Newbury St
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Boston

Boston prides itself on being “America’s walking city,” with all the key areas being easy to explore on foot. However, there is also a great public transportation system, known as the “T.” Travel by bus, subway, boat and trolley car. Consider renting a car if you are planning lots of daytrips outside Boston. Inside the city, however, walking and the T should get you everywhere you need to go. Visit the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website. Browse Boston rental cars.

Best time to visit

Temperatures are at their highest in Boston from July through August, and these months are among the most popular times to visit. Come in fall, however, and you will be in for a real treat. This is when the city looks more beautiful than ever, as its famous fall foliage transforms the streets and green spaces into a riot of reds, oranges and yellows. Bring a jacket and a warm sweater or two.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Boston

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5894
" "5 - Excellent 64.81909160892995%
4 - Good
2721
" "4 - Good 29.924117452985815%
3 - Okay
408
" "3 - Okay 4.486967997360607%
2 - Disappointing
37
" "2 - Disappointing 0.4069064115253492%
1 - Terrible
33
" "1 - Terrible 0.3629165291982844%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 18, 2020

I visited Boston during the COVID19 lockdown and needed to go to Providence, RI. The Embassy Suite was a convenient location to hit the freeway. Boston is a wonderful city and I encourage folks to visit at least once during their lifetime.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 5, 2020

The airport crew were very kind

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 14, 2020

Boston is a beautiful city. I love it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 6, 2020

Close to Back Bay, Copley Sq.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 29, 2020

Beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 28, 2020

Due to the outbreak there were many closings and few people about. That was good to walk around to see the city but could not experience the nightlife. There did appear to be a significant amount of homeless in the area until the quarantine began.

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Boston

Cities near Boston