What is the best neighborhood in Boston for first-time visitors?
Back Bay/Copley or Downtown
are the best and most convenient neighborhoods for first-time visitors to stay in.
What is the best part of Boston to stay in?
- Downtown. Downtown is Boston's business district, but it's also tourist central, thanks to the many attractions along the Freedom Trail and fronting the Boston Harbor. …
- North End and Waterfront. …
- Beacon Hill. …
- Seaport District. …
- Back Bay. …
- South End. …
- West End. …
- Cambridge.
Where should you not stay in Boston?
Boston is a very safe city for the most part, but like any other city, there are some neighborhoods worth avoiding. I recommend new visitors to Boston avoid
Mattapan, Roxbury, Hyde Park, and some parts of Dorchester like Savin Hill as well as most of East Somerville and the northwest part of Charlestown
.
Where should I stay in Boston to walk everywhere?
Back Bay
is the best area to stay in if you're visiting Boston for the first time. Here, you'll find a bit of everything the city has to offer: marvelous landmarks, world-renowned restaurants, heaps of museums, and great nightlife.
Does Boston have good nightlife?
The city, however, comes truly alive at night. With a variety of trendy bars and nightclubs and a diverse crowd,
Boston has a vibrant nightlife scene
. From breweries that sell crafted beer to movie screenings or a night at the museum, there is something for everyone in Boston.
Is it better to stay in Back Bay or Downtown Boston?
Back Bay
isn't that far from downtown. I've often walked it, but you can also take the T and get there very quickly. I prefer Back Bay because it's away from the crowds at the historic sites/North End, and close to the Charles River, which has a gorgeous esplanade to walk/run if you're interested in that kind of thing.
What is the best month to visit Boston?
The best time to visit Boston is from
June to October
. Mild autumn weather makes touring around on foot a joy. And even though summer brings in swarms of tourists and expensive hotel rates, the sidewalk cafes, baseball games and outdoor concerts make it worth a trip.
How many days in Boston is enough?
While I'd recommend staying in the city as long as you can,
3 days
in Boston is definitely enough to see the main highlights and some of the favorite local spots, too! In this post, I've combined some of Boston's most iconic attractions with a few local favorites into a nice, neat little 3 day Boston itinerary.
Is Boston a walkable city?
Boston earned a walkability score of 82 and was ranked as the third most walkable large city in the country
. The city is up one point since the last ranking in 2017, according to the report. Dubbed “The Walking City,” Walk Score identified Boston as “a pedestrian's perfect city.”
Do I need a car in Boston?
You do not need a car to live in Boston
.
Given that your chosen neighborhood will likely come complete with bus routes, bike lanes, and maybe even a T stop—the T is Boston's trolley and subway system—never mind plenty of sidewalk, you really won't need a car here.
Is Boston expensive to visit?
You might be surprised to learn that
Boston is one of the more expensive cities in the U.S. to visit
. That said, it's definitely worth it if you're looking for a quick break.
How do tourists get around Boston?
The best way to get around in Boston is
by walking
. And when your itinerary takes you out of the city center, the second-best mode is the efficient “T” subway system, which includes subways, trains and trolleys along five separate lines.
How do I not look like a tourist in Boston?
A buttoned-up wool coat and luxe scarf are Boston staples
. For a night out, err on the side of sophistication and skip the running shoes and T-shirt. Typically any outfit you would wear to your day job will work for dinner. Feel free to fulfill your Harvard fantasy and go all in with elbow patches and a bow tie.
How old is Beacon Hill?
The organization is considered to be one of the first land development operations in the country. Charles Bulfinch completed the State House in 1797, and major residential development began in 1800.
Beacon Hill became the first designated historic district in 1955
.
Is there a ferry from Boston to Martha's Vineyard?
Both regular and high-speed passenger ferries can take you from Boston to Provincetown (seasonally) and to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard year-round
. Ferries depart from Falmouth Harbor, Woods Hole and Hyannis Harbor to Martha's Vineyard, and ferries to Nantucket depart from Hyannis Harbor.
Is Boston a party place?
Massachusetts's capital knows how to party, with
nightclubs dotted all over the city
. Boston's Theater District plays host to many of the city's top dance spots, with a number of these housed in striking historical buildings.
Where can I find a party in Boston?
- The Grand. Nightlife. …
- Club Café Bars. …
- Mémoire at Encore Boston Harbor. Things to do. …
- Alibi Bar and Lounge. …
- Royale. …
- Middlesex Lounge. …
- Big Night Live. …
- Mariel.
How late do the bars stay open in Boston?
Massachusetts law states that licensed restaurants are entitled to serve alcohol
between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
, although local authorities can choose whether to extend that time to 2 a.m., according to the Alcoholic Beverages Commission. But selling alcohol between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. is forbidden.
How Safe Is Boston Massachusetts?
Boston sees 655 violent crimes per 100,000, making the city
less safe than 83 percent of US cities
. The violent crime rate in Boston is nearly double the national violent crime rate. People in Boston have a 1 out of 153 chance of becoming a victim of crime, compared to a 1 in 296 in the state of Massachusetts.
What food is Boston known for?
A true foodie town, Boston is best known for its
baked beans
. But the coastal city is loved for its seafood – from lobster rolls and New England clam chowder to steamed clams and fish and chips. The city is also known for its Boston Cream Pie and the famous Fenway Frank.
Does Boston have a subway system?
The subway is the largest part of Boston's public transit system
, with more than 700,000 trips each weekday. It is often referred to simply as the T (the “T” from MBTA—the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).
What is the coldest month in Boston?
The coldest month of the year in Boston is January, with an average low of 24°F and high of 37°F.
How hot is Boston in August?
80 °F August average high 27 °C | 65 °F August average low 18 °C |
---|
Is Boston Nice in December?
These attractions range from great dates to family fun and many are great for both. Take in the lights.
Boston is beautiful during the holiday season
, which kicks off with tree lightings and ends with a First Night celebration like no other.
How can I tour Boston in 2 days?
If you're lucky enough to have more than 2 days in Boston, consider visiting Revere Beach (it's the oldest public beach in the USA!), touring the Samuel Adams Brewery, attending a Boston Red Sox game (or just touring Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in the USA), taking a walk along the Charles River Esplanade, …
Is it easy to drive in Boston?
However, most people agree that
it isn't easy to drive in Boston
. There is no grid to follow across the city like in New York City, and because most people walk around, there are typically many pedestrians to watch out for in every direction at intersections.
How can I go to Boston on a budget?
- Get the Boston CityPASS. …
- Try the Go Boston pass. …
- Do not rent a car. …
- Don't take an Uber from the airport. …
- Opt for a VRBO instead of a hotel. …
- Stay at a hostel. …
- Visit off-season. …
- Book the right tours.