Destination guide

Boston

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Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and a lot of its history is within walking distance. Narrow brick streets, harbour views, famous universities and lively pubs make it a compact and walkable city break.

It is a good base for Cape Cod, Salem and the New England coast.

How many days: 3

Three days is a good amount of time for the main sights, a museum and a trip to Cambridge. Two works if you are short of time.

Plan your days by area, as most of the sights are close together.

What to do in Boston

Walk the Freedom Trail
A red line on the pavement links sixteen historic sites, from the old State House to the harbour. A simple way to see the city's story.
Explore Beacon Hill
Gas lamps, brick houses and quiet lanes make this one of the prettiest areas of the city.
Walk through the Public Garden and the Common
Two connected parks with a lake, swan boats in summer and a famous duckling statue.
Visit Harvard and Cambridge
A short subway ride across the river leads to a historic campus, bookshops and cafes.
See a baseball game at Fenway Park
One of the oldest ballparks in the country, in the middle of the city.
Visit a museum of fine arts or science
The city has excellent museums, and the harbour has a museum on the story of the Tea Party.
Walk along the harbour
A waterfront path links parks, ferry piers and old wharves. Ferries run to islands in summer.
Take a day trip to Salem or Cape Cod
Salem is known for its witch trial history, and Cape Cod has beaches and small towns.
Walk the Charles River Esplanade
A riverside path with views across to Cambridge, popular with runners and boaters.
Visit the Boston Athenaeum or a library
The public library has beautiful reading rooms and free art. A calm break.
Visit the Italian bakeries of the North End
Small bakeries sell cannoli and pastries. Choose one with a queue.
Visit the Old North Church area
A short walk from the waterfront, with a famous steeple and quiet streets. Part of the Freedom Trail.

What to eat and drink

Clam chowder
A creamy soup with clams and potatoes, the local classic.
Lobster roll
Fresh lobster in a toasted bun, served hot with butter or cold with mayonnaise.
Fresh oysters
The harbour has several oyster bars with fresh local shellfish.
Boston cream pie
A cake filled with custard and topped with chocolate. The state dessert.
Italian food in the North End
A historic neighbourhood full of bakeries and family restaurants.
Craft beer
New England has a strong craft beer scene, with many local breweries.
New England baked beans and brown bread
A traditional dish that goes with the city's old nickname.
Fried clams
A crisp, salty seafood snack, often eaten at harbour shacks.

Getting around

The subway, known as the T, and buses cover the city. A contactless card or phone works on most.

Walking is the best way to link the historic sights.

Taxis and ride-hailing are available, but traffic is heavy.

Good to know

  • Winters are cold and snowy, and summers are warm and humid. Spring and autumn are the nicest times.
  • Autumn brings bright foliage and large crowds, so book ahead.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars.
  • Drivers can be aggressive, so take care when crossing the road.
  • Visitors from many countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official site.
  • The streets follow old cow paths and can be confusing. Use your phone for directions.
  • Many sights are free or have discounted entry for local residents. Check the official sites.
  • Weekends fill up in summer, so book popular tours ahead.

Where to stay in Boston

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Back Bay

Copley Square, Newbury Street, Boston Public Library and elegant Commonwealth Avenue make Back Bay one of Boston's most polished central bases. It suits first-time, shopping and business stays; hotels are expensive and the busiest streets offer limited tranquillity.

Beacon Hill

Gas lamps, brick pavements, Federal-era townhouses and the Massachusetts State House give Beacon Hill exceptional historic character beside Boston Common. It suits couples and quieter sightseeing stays; hotels are scarce, expensive and nightlife is limited.

North End

Paul Revere House, Old North Church and dense Italian restaurants fill Boston's oldest residential neighbourhood near the harbour. It suits food, history and romantic city breaks; narrow streets get crowded and accommodation choice is limited and often expensive.

Seaport

Harbour promenades, the Institute of Contemporary Art, convention centre and modern restaurants define Boston's newest major district. It suits business and waterfront stays with excellent airport access; prices are high and the new-build environment has less historic character.

South End

Victorian brownstones, pocket parks, galleries and some of Boston's strongest independent restaurants give the South End a refined residential character. It suits food and longer stays; landmark sightseeing is less concentrated and late transport is less effortless than Downtown.

Fenway & Kenmore

Fenway Park, major museums, Back Bay Fens and a large student population create an energetic academic and cultural district. It suits sports, nightlife and younger travellers; game days get crowded and the neighbourhood is less convenient for harbour and Freedom Trail sights.

What it costs

A typical day in Boston, per person, in pounds.

£88

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£220

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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