Boston, MA

Travel Guide

Quincy Market showing a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Longfellow Bridge which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek
Seaport District featuring heritage elements, a bay or harbor and night scenes
Boston Public Garden showing a bridge, boating and a river or creek
Longfellow Bridge which includes boating, a river or creek and a city

Boston beckons with its perfect mash-up of revolutionary roots and modern flair. Walk through its past and present, with historic sites, exciting culture and exceptional dining around every corner.

Trace the steps of American revolutionaries along the Freedom Trail, or enjoy a sunset harbor sail to admire Boston’s architecture on a sultry summer evening. Stroll beneath ancient oak trees on a storied university campus, or tour historic Fenway Park and join the Boston Red Sox enthusiast’s pre-game along boisterous Jersey Street. Dine on acclaimed cuisine on Newbury Street, or head to an intimate Italian restaurant in the North End. This is a city of American firsts, from the first large municipal public library to the first public park, so let the locals here be the first to welcome you with their independent, hard-working New England charm.

The best areas for accommodation in Boston

The downtown core, where historic churches and graveyards mingle with modern high-rises and popular attractions, is the best place for first-timers to stay in Boston. This area offers easy access to landmarks like bustling Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market in Old Boston, and the Boston Common, where tours of the Freedom Trail start. It’s an easy walk or short subway ride to varied dining options and the Theater District.

Back Bay tops the list as one of the best places to stay in Boston for couples seeking an enchanting getaway. With its tree-lined streets, Victorian brownstones and high-end shopping along Newbury Street, Back Bay is sophisticated and serene enough to feel like your own neighborhood. It’s also a short walk to the Charles River Esplanade, ideal for a sunset stroll or early-morning jog. The South End is another favorite for its great dining, nightlife, cute shops and beautiful architecture.

Whether or not you have sports fans among you, one of the best family-friendly places to stay in Boston is the neighborhood of Fenway-Kenmore. It’s home to iconic Fenway Park, a must-see on your Boston vacation even if it’s not game day, and the Back Bay Fens, with free community gardens and walking paths. The North End is also ideal for proximity to the waterfront, where there’s always something exciting to do.

Boston Travel Guide Video

Best time to visit Boston

  • Spring (April to May): Ideal for quieter sightseeing, with smaller crowds than summer, plus milder temperatures and blooming gardens in Boston’s parks.
  • Summer (June to August): Festival season, harbor cruises, baseball games, a famous fireworks display and the Boston Pops concert on the Fourth of July.
  • Fall (September to November): The best time to visit Boston for crisp air, warm clam chowder, hot apple cider and day trips to orchards.
  • Winter (December to March): A time to embrace the chill with ice skating in Boston Common or warm up with hot cocoa and holiday lights at Snowport.

How many days to spend in Boston

Visit Boston for three to four days to experience the city’s highlights and hidden gems, take a harbor cruise and see a theater show. If you’d like to explore historic suburbs such as Lexington and Concord, or the charming fishing village of Gloucester to the north, extend your trip to five to six days.

The vibe of Boston

Boston natives are known for their sense of pride, work ethic and welcoming attitude, especially if you root for the Red Sox (MLB), the Celtics (NBA) or the Bruins (NHL). In this fiercely loyal city, important game days feel like public holidays and family ties run deep. Leaning into Boston’s independent spirit, locals continue to innovate today at cutting-edge research institutions, contemporary museums and art galleries, and in haute cuisine restaurants and microbreweries. Built for four-season enjoyment, cool, cosmopolitan Boston welcomes newcomers to its serene parks, bustling markets, upscale shopping, boutique hotels and vibrant neighborhoods for a classic New England urban experience.

What is Boston famous for?

As an important colonial harbor, Boston saw several of the pivotal events leading up to the American Revolutionary War. A Freedom Trail tour, narrated by a jovial, costumed guide, takes you along a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) route to many of these key historical sites, including The Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Boston is also renowned for its prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, which contribute to the city’s intellectual vibrancy. It’s hard to walk around Harvard Square in Cambridge and not be inspired to buy some notebooks and pens. Sports enthusiasts love the Boston Red Sox team’s Fenway Park, while foodies savor a diverse culinary scene, from clam chowder on the waterfront to cannoli in the North End.

Events in Boston

Always looking for something to celebrate, locals keep the Boston event calendar packed year-round, making any season the best time to visit. On Patriots’ Day each spring, otherwise known as Marathon Monday, the Boston Marathon attracts runners and spectators from around the globe. Summer heats up with Harborfest, a celebration of Boston’s maritime heritage, and the lively Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth of July. Fall brings the Head of the Charles Regatta, a prestigious rowing event, and the Boston Film Festival, showcasing indie films. Wintertime lights up with the Boston Seaport Holiday Market (Snowport) and enchanting First Night celebrations.

Top attractions in Boston

One of the best things to do in Boston for first-timers is get the lay of the land along the Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) historic route starts at bucolic Boston Common and weaves past 16 of the city’s most historic sites. At the end of the tour, stock up on local eats and souvenirs at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market.

Boston at night makes for a refined, romantic date. Couples seeking things to do in Boston can enjoy an upscale meal in Beacon Hill or the Back Bay, peruse the impressive collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for its Italian art or attend a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Families looking for things to do in Boston will love the long-standing Boston Children’s Museum, which offers many interactive exhibits, including a play construction zone and 100-year-old authentic Japanese house. Alternatively, the little ones can engage with astronomy, earth sciences and anatomy in a fun way at the Museum of Science.

One of the nation’s most historically interesting cities has numerous museums, exciting sports, great seafood and plenty of free activities. 

Where to stay in Boston

Downtown Boston which includes night scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Downtown Boston

4.5/5(2,415 area reviews)

Densely packed with highrise buildings, this area boasts landmarks like Custom House Tower and is close to Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the Old State House. Find headquarters of major banks, hotels, and investment firms here.

Downtown Boston
Back Bay featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Back Bay

4.5/5(3,595 area reviews)

Victorian brownstone homes and cultural institutions like the Boston Public Library define this area. Shop at Newbury Street, Prudential Center, and Copley Place, or explore sights like Trinity Church and the John Hancock Tower.

Back Bay
Seaport District which includes a city, a river or creek and a high rise building

Seaport District

4.5/5(1,075 area reviews)

Experience a transformed industrial area with office towers, innovation labs, and 78 restaurants. Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art and easily access Downtown Boston via the Evelyn Moakley Bridge.

Seaport District
Beacon Hill which includes landscape views

Beacon Hill

5/5(43 area reviews)

Historic Federal-style rowhouses, gaslit streets, and brick sidewalks create a charming atmosphere. Explore the Boston African American National Historic Site, shop on Charles Street, and easily access MBTA stations.

Beacon Hill
Boston Harbor which includes performance art, music and a bay or harbor

North End

4.5/5(330 area reviews)

Indulge in Italian cuisine at numerous restaurants and bakeries, explore historic sites like Old North Church and Paul Revere House, and enjoy performances at NEMPAC and Improv Asylum Theater. Easily accessible via MBTA lines, buses, and ferries.

North End
Kenmore Square showing street scenes

Fenway–Kenmore

4.5/5(826 area reviews)

Home to Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, this vibrant area boasts numerous educational institutions, cultural attractions, and independent shops. Easily accessible via MBTA subway and bus lines, explore Kenmore Square and admire the iconic Citgo sign.

Fenway–Kenmore
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
$246 nightly
The price is $287 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$287 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,669 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful. Our room was in the Patron tower and was exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM Boston Back Bay

4 out of 5
408 Newbury street, Boston, MA
$174 nightly
The price is $203 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$203 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Fenway Park and Copley Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,451 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

citizenM Boston Back Bay
citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
$169 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$197 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,542 reviews)
"Amazing hotel and such helpful welcoming staff that gave the best recommendations! Will come again!"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

citizenM Boston North Station
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.
Temple Place Suites

Temple Place Suites

2.5 out of 5
29 Temple Place, Boston, MA
Stay at this apartment in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Boston Common and Faneuil Hall Marketplace ...
6.8/10 (245 reviews)
"Location is very ideal for walking and finding transportation. The actual place was nothing special but go the job done"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Temple Place Suites
Premier Suites - Bay Village

Premier Suites - Bay Village

2 out of 5
1-3-5 Cortes Street, Boston, MA
Stay at this aparthotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Copley Square and Boston Common are located nearby.
6/10 (183 reviews)
"Stay was better than I expected for the reviews that are currently on Expedia. My daughter and I stayed here for 2 nights and had an overall very positive experience. Check in and check out were both very easy and hosts were communicative, even allowing us to check out late since no one was arriving ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Premier Suites - Bay Village
Global Luxury Suites Downtown Boston

Global Luxury Suites Downtown Boston

4 out of 5
8 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (564 reviews)
"Only thing missing was a gym"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Global Luxury Suites Downtown Boston
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Food in Boston

Start your Boston culinary adventure with a bowl of creamy New England clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods on Long Wharf. For a side of history with your seafood, eat at Boston’s historic Union Oyster House, one of the oldest operating restaurants in the country. Follow your sweet tooth to the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, for cannoli from the iconic Mike’s Pastry. Explore the Seaport District, where trendy eateries serve up everything from fresh oysters to creative fusion dishes. Beyond the fruits of the sea, foodies can feast on steamy udon and banh mi, tapas and funky wines, and juicy burgers and craft beer.

Nightlife in Boston

Boston’s nightlife caters just as well to couples on date night as it does to university students taking a study break. Choose from a mix of cozy pubs, chic lounges and energetic music venues, sipping craft cocktails and soaking up the buzzy vibe. For live music, check out the House of Blues near Fenway Park or, for a laid-back ambience, head to The Bell in Hand Tavern, America’s oldest tavern, for a pint and some live folk music. Culture seekers can explore the Boston Theatre District, with the Citizens Bank Opera House, Emerson Colonial Theatre, Emerson Paramount Center, and other historic playhouses.

Shopping in Boston

Stroll down Newbury Street in Back Bay for high-end fashion shops, quaint bookstores and gourmet cafes tucked alongside notable Boston architecture. For a more eclectic mix, head to Harvard Square in Cambridge, where you’ll find independent artisan shops and vintage clothing boutiques. The Prudential Center, Copley Place and Downtown Crossing, all in the heart of the city, as well as CambridgeSide across the Charles River, provide a modern mall experience with a variety of national retailers. If you’re seeking an open-air vendor market, shop more than 100 stores and carts at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Getting around Boston

A compact size and efficient public transportation make Boston travel easy. The MBTA, locally known as the “T,” offers subway, bus and commuter rail services, providing convenient access to major attractions. Consider purchasing a CharlieCard for seamless travel. Walking and biking are also popular ways to experience the city, especially in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Beacon Hill. Rideshare services and taxis are easily accessible.

Boston currency and budget

The tipping etiquette in Boston is around 15%-20% for dining. Budgeting approximately $200-$300 USD per day for accommodation, food, transportation and attractions will keep you comfortable. Enjoy free attractions like Boston Common and the historic Boston Public Library to save money. You can expect to pay the following on everyday expenses:

  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $24.00 USD
  • A pint of domestic beer = $8.00 USD
  • A medium cappuccino = $5.75 USD
  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $110.00 USD

*Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

Reviews of Boston

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5894
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
2721
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
408
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
37
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
33
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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

The airport crew were very kind

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Boston is a beautiful city. I love it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Close to Back Bay, Copley Sq.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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.

Cities near Boston

Other places like Boston