Your guide to Boston
Boston highlights
A walk through history
Calling history buffs. Your city break in Boston demands a march along the Freedom Trail where tales of revolution, tea parties and trailblazers like Paul Revere await. Another portal into the past is the Black Heritage Trail, featuring sites significant to Boston’s Black history. Movie buffs can explore Boston’s cinematic past by touring film locations from ‘Good Will Hunting,’ ‘Mystic River’ and many more.
Succulent seafood
With creamy clam chowder, fresh lobster rolls and crispy fish 'n' chips, Boston is famous for its seafood. For a mashup of seafood and history, book a table at one of the oldest restaurants in America, Union Oyster House. Or, for seafood fresher than the Atlantic breezes, head to the Seaport District.
Take me out to the ballgame
Bostonians sure love their sports. Join locals cheering on the Red Sox at a baseball game. If a home run doesn’t get you out of your seat, a slam dunk by the Boston Celtics or a touchdown by the New England Patriots might do the trick. Can’t catch a game in person? Watching from a rowdy sports bar with locals is a rite of passage for any trip to Boston.
Boston: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Boston
Weather in Boston
March – May: Early spring weather is unpredictable in Boston –– some years, snow can be seen well into April. But spring flowers and balmy weather later in the season make for glorious sightseeing.
June – August: Summer brings warm nights and bright blue skies,with occasionalthunderstorms. Expect some heatwaves and humidity, especially in late July and August.
September – November: Autumn is the golden season in New England. Cooler nights and lower humidity make for epic foliage.
December – February: Winters can be snowy, with wind chill and below-freezing temperatures. Pack your layers and enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating on Boston Common’s Frog Pond.
Events in Boston
South Boston St Patrick’s Day Parade (March): Marching bands, dance troupes and more celebrate Ireland’s patron saint in this parade through the historically Irish neighbourhood of South Boston.
Boston Marathon (April): Spectators line up from Hopkinton to Downtown Boston to cheer on thousands ofrunners — first-timers and world-class athletes alike.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July): Pack a picnic and head to the Charles River Esplanade for an open-air concert from the Boston Pops with a choreographed Fourth of July fireworks display.
First Night (December): Local artists, musicians and dancers ring in the new year at this free, family-friendly celebration. Exhibits and performances on New Year’s Eve end with midnight fireworks.
The best neighbourhoods in Boston
The North End
In the North End (Boston’s Little Italy), you'll experience the city's heart, soul and stomach. It's like staying at Nonna's – think pasta, cannoli, espresso and a cosy old-world charm. If your holiday to Boston falls in August, take your taste buds to the North End on a weekend when the neighbourhood’s famous feasts will be in full swing.
Good for: Cannoli, trattorias, espresso
Back Bay
In this swanky part of town, Victorian-era charm meets upscale chic. Stroll down Newbury Street for designer shops and local boutiques or take in the historic grandeur of Copley Square. Known for its iconic brownstones, excellent shopping and some of the city’s tastiest coffee, Back Bay is one of the best areas to stay in Boston.
Good for: Brownstone homes, shopping, cafes
Beacon Hill
One of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Boston is Beacon Hill, a cobblestone wonder where gas street lamps light up historic brownstone townhouses. Wander down Charles Street, known for quaint boutiques and antique treasures, or spend hours exploring the Boston Common, the country’s oldest public park. Remember, Beacon Hill is aptly named, so don't forget comfortable shoes when strolling its steep streets.
Good for: Boston Common, historic architecture, cobbled streets
Downtown
Boston’s buzzing core has centuries-old markets, a picturesque harbour and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Stroll along the Freedom Trail to explore sites that shaped the nation, such as the Old State House and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then wander to the historic harbour, stopping for New England clam chowder at the city’s oldest restaurant.
Good for: Historic sites, markets, seafood
South End
With tall Victorian townhouses lining wide, leafy streets, South End is one of Boston’s prettiest neighbourhoods. It’s home to the SoWa Art + Design District, a mix of galleries, cafes and boutiques in industrial warehouses. It’s also an LGBTQ+ hotspot, hosting events like Boston Pride and Chandler Street Block Party. Don’t miss Tremont Street, nicknamed ‘Restaurant Row’ for its wealth of eateries.
Good for: Victorian mansions, art galleries, restaurants
West End
The hallowed home of the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the Boston Bruins (hockey), West End is a magnet for sports fans. Come for the buzzing game-day atmosphere, or find tranquillity along the Charles River Esplanade. You’re spoilt for museums here, whether you discover local history at the West End Museum or travel through space at the Charles Hayden Planetarium.
Good for: Sporting action, museums, river views
Things to do in Boston
Family friendly things to do
Travelling with the whole crew? There's a parade of things to do with family in Boston. Watch your little ones marvel at undersea wonders in the New England Aquarium and let them run wild in the Boston Common. For interactive and educational play, head to the Boston Children's Museum and wrap up the day with a scoop from the legendary Toscanini's Ice Cream.
Shopping
The shopping in Boston is so good, you’ll be leaving with a heavier suitcase and a lighter wallet. Indulge in luxury at Copley Place or Newbury Street. Check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace for unique finds and street entertainment. And if your idea of retail therapy involves treasure hunting in quaint antique shops, spend a day wandering around Beacon Hill.
Take in the culture
No city break in Boston is complete without walking the iconic Freedom Trail. Starting at Boston Common, explore kilometres of revolutionary drama, ending at the USS Constitution Museum. While the direct walk takes 90 minutes, to soak up the city’s 400-year story and hit the best museums in Boston, we recommend making a day of it.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Boston makes it just as charming after dark. Head to the Theater District for dazzling performances and thumping nightclubs. Downtown Boston is a playground for casual bar hoppers and craft beer connoisseurs. And, for a good belly laugh, check out the jam-packed comedy calendar at Laugh Boston.
Places to eat
Legal Sea Foods is iconic for ocean-fresh flavours, but the city’s culinary scene is so much more than seafood platters and lobster rolls. For more of the best restaurants in Boston, follow your nose to the Italian delights of the North End, sample sushi, Mongolian hot pot and tapas in the Theater District or take your pick from Beacon Hill's many cafes and bistros.
Free things to do
Boston's crown jewel, the Public Garden is a year-round delight and won't cost you a penny. For more free things to do in Boston, dive into Central Square's funky street art, feel scholarly at the Boston Public Library and, if you're a summer guest, hit the Charles River Esplanade and check out the free events at the Hatch Shell.
Get ready for Boston
Budget
Make the most of your budget trip to Boston with self-guided tours and free nights at museums like the Institute of Contemporary Art. Save even more money by using public transport. A short taxi ride in the city is about nine US dollars ($). You’ll find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for about $25. Grab a beer for around $8 or a cappuccino for around $6.
Day trips from Boston
Drive or take the commuter rail an hour north to Newburyport and explore historic homes, museums and galleries. The beaches and marshes of nearby Plum Island are perfect for hiking and birdwatching, even in the off-season. Or head to Concord, just 30 minutes west, to see Revolutionary War sites, Walden Pond and the home of author Louisa May Alcott.
Getting around Boston
Boston’s compact city centre is best explored by foot, bike or the efficient ‘T’ subway system. Fares are a set rate of a few dollars, no matter the distance. Opt for CharlieTickets from station kiosks for seamless rides and savings on your visit to Boston. Unless you plan for a road trip, avoid car hire. Parking can be costly, and the traffic jams are in a league of their own.
