Where Should I Stay In Boston To Walk Everywhere?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Downtown

is an easy walk to the four surrounding , but also has plenty of convenient T stops for travelers who want to venture to other parts of the city. Downtown also has a huge variety of restaurants and myriad accommodation options, making it the most popular neighborhood for staying in Boston.

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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.

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

.

What part of Boston is good for tourists?


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. If you're traveling on a budget, check out Downtown.

What is the safest area to stay in Boston?

  1. 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. …
  2. North End and Waterfront. …
  3. Beacon Hill. …
  4. Seaport District. …
  5. Back Bay. …
  6. South End. …
  7. West End. …
  8. Cambridge.

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.

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.”

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.

Do you need a car in Boston?


Exploring Boston without a car is pretty much possible

. The choice is yours: Do you want to take a tour in a car or not? If you chose not to bring your own car, you can always rent a car or use public transportation to save money along the way. There's always the choice to get around the city on foot, scooter, or bike.

Is South Boston safe for tourists?

Is South Boston safe?

South Boston is safe during the day

so strolling and bike riding are encouraged. Safety is not guaranteed during late hours at night, especially females traveling solo. The area around Andrew Square is still known as rougher than others.

Is Beacon Hill Boston a safe neighborhood?

While

Beacon Hill has a well-earned reputation for safety

, residents and visitors are still advised to remain alert to their surroundings, particularly after dark, and to report serious incidents to the Boston Police. Living on Beacon Hill is perhaps the most European-like residential experience in the United States.

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.

What is considered downtown Boston?

Downtown is

bound by the Back Bay, North End, Beacon Hill, and the South End areas

. It includes Government Center and the Financial District. The area that is now Downtown Boston constituted much of the town/city proper prior to the city's dramatic expansion in the 1860s and 1870s.

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.

Is Boston safe at night?

The city can become more dangerous after dark, so

it is best to avoid parks at night

because this is often where criminal activities and drug use take place after dark. Tourists are highly advised to stick to landmarks and tourist areas.

Is the waterfront area of Boston Safe?

Felt completely safe walking around here at night. had a few run in with some potheads and eccentrics but nothing scary. Fun to walk along especially on your way to the Aquarium!

Is downtown Boston area safe?

Is Downtown Boston safe?

Downtown Boston is a generally safe area to visit

and the general consensus among residents is that downtown is safe. Residents of Boston advised going to the Park St/Downtown Crossing area at night, as there are a lot of unsavory people wandering around there.

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 to visit in December?

Although, if you love the winter season, then

you should definitely visit Boston in December for the perfect winter vacation

. It can be very cold in December but Boston is very beautiful and heavenly at this time of the year.

What is the famous street in Boston?


Newbury Street

(westbound) at Arlington Street, near Boston Public Garden
Location Boston, Massachusetts West end Brookline Avenue

Is Boston easy to walk around?


Downtown Boston is easy to navigate

. It's compact, walkable, has an abundance of taxis, and has an accessible public transportation system. Driving downtown can be a challenge with its dated road layout and limited parking options but, it's the most convenient option for travel outside of Boston Proper.

Why is Boston so walkable?

Perhaps that's because Walk Score, an offshoot of Redfin, just ranked Boston the third most walkable city in the U.S. The list was based on factors like

available walking routes; pedestrian friendliness; number of nearby amenities and distance to those resources; city population; and neighborhood boundaries

.

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.

How do you spend an afternoon in Boston?
  1. Discover the classic beauty of Beacon Hill.
  2. Wander through the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.
  3. Walk along the historic Freedom Trail.
  4. Visit the Granary Burying Ground.
  5. Experience the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
  6. Step back in time at the Old State House Museum.

How do people spend a week in Boston?

  1. Walk Through Downtown Boston. …
  2. Walk the Freedom Trail. …
  3. See the Old State House. …
  4. Walk the Rose Kennedy Greenway. …
  5. Shop at Newbury Street. …
  6. Visit Harvard Square. …
  7. Visit Bunker Hill Monument. …
  8. Go to the USS Constitution Museum.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.