Boston Travel Guide (Updated 2024) (2024)

Boston is a historic city, home to old centuries-old colonial buildings and a strong link to the country’s founding (the Boston Tea Party happened here in 1773 and the first battles of the Revolutionary War were fought near here shortly thereafter). Bostonians are very proud of their city and show their pride any chance they can.

I grew up in this city and, even with all my world travels, it has remained one of my favorites.

And not just because I grew up here. It’s a wonderful place in its own right. There’s just a lot of history and beauty here. Boston has more of a large town feel to it than that of a metropolis. You’ll can find friendly locals, die-hard sports fans, great bars, good restaurants, and a ton of American history.

This travel guide to Boston can help you plan a wonderful trip here without breaking the bank.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Boston

1. Walk Boston’s Freedom Trail

Spend a day outdoors walking this 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) route that winds through historical sites important to the history of both the city and the country. Developed in the 1950s, the trail takes you to 16 of the must-see historical landmarks throughout the city, including the Boston Common, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, the State House, and Bunker Hill. Simply follow the brick markers along the pavement to the different sites, most of which offer free entry (with some notable exceptions, including the Paul Revere House). If you’d prefer a guided tour, Get Your Guide runs daily tours for $28 USD that last 2.5 hours.

2. Enjoy a picnic at Boston Common

Created in 1634, the Boston Common is the nation’s oldest city park. Originally, it was used as shared pasture land by Puritan settlers when they arrived and was later used as a campground for British troops prior to the American Revolution. Today, Boston Common is part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace of parks created by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The park spans nearly 50 acres and is a great place to go people-watching, picnic with a book, wander the paths, and snap pictures of the city. Cool off in the Frog Pond in the summer or ice-skate there in the winter. There are also a lot of free festivals and events that happen in the park throughout the year, from Shakespeare on the Common to an outdoor opera series.

3. Visit Harvard University

Harvard University is the oldest university in the country (established in 1636, it pre-dates the founding of the United States). It is one of the most prestigious institutes of higher learning in the world. To learn more about its history, the campus offers student-led, one-hour tours through the grounds (mainly Harvard Yard, the most central and oldest part of the campus). Tours are free, but you need to register online. Afterward, grab a coffee and people-watch in the alternative and artsy Harvard Square. If you prefer to explore on your own, check out one of the many Harvard Libraries. They have regularly changing exhibits and many are open to the public. The opening hours vary by library, so look them up before you go.

4. Take in a game at Fenway Park

Open since 1912, this is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country and is often referred to as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.” It has hosted the World Series 11 times and is home to the famous Boston Red Sox. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, the games are fun as Bostonians are die hard sports fans! Tickets start around $10 USD for standing room or bleachers and $15 USD for the grandstand. Guided tours of the stadium are offered year-round as well. Tours last one hour and cost $25 USD per person.

5. See the Boston Public Garden

Opened in 1837, this area located right next to Boston Common, was actually a mudflat before it became a garden. The land was almost used for a cemetery as well, but the city decided to create the first public botanical garden instead. The gardens keep up the Victorian tradition of creating unique and artistic patterns using a wide range of colorful plants throughout the space. The greenhouses grow more than 80 species of plants that will be used for future planting projects. Ride a swan boat on the huge (4-acre) pond in the middle of the gardens or simply stroll around and see the pretty flowers and monumental statues. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Boston

1. Stargaze at the Coit Observatory

Spend some time gazing at your favorite constellations at Boston University’s Coit Observatory. They offer free stargazing on Wednesdays throughout the year (pending clear skies, of course), starting at 7:30pm in the fall and winter, and 8:30pm in the spring and summer. Space is limited so book your free tickets in advance (and since the telescope is outside, if you’re going in the cooler months, dress warmly).

2. Climb the Bunker Hill Monument

The Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War. While the British eventually took the field, Americans wore the British forces down much more than anticipated. After the battle, the British were much more cautious in their advance, which gave the Americans more time to prepare for the coming war. The monument stands at 221 feet (67 meters), and you can climb the 294 stairs to the top free of charge. there is also a nearby museum Ih is also free. TIis is the best view of the Boston skyline, so don’t miss it. It’s at the end of the Freedom Trail.

3. See the Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1870, this museum is one of the best art museums in the country, as well as one of the largest art museums in the world. MFA Boston boasts over 450,000 pieces of fine art covering everything from the pre-Columbian era to Italian Impressionists. There is also a sizable collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and the largest collection of Japanese artwork outside of Japan. The museum also runs all types of classes and workshops throughout the year, from single-day to multi-week offerings. Admission is $27 USD.

4. Hang out at Faneuil

Faneuil Hall is one of the most visited sites in the entire country. The hall itself has been a meeting place in the city since the 1740s, and many speeches were given here about American independence before the Revolutionary War. The Faneuil Marketplace (which is comprised of 4 historic buildings, including Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market) is a popular place for locals to hang out, shop, and eat. There are many events held here throughout the year that are open to the public. There are more than eighty businesses in the marketplace so there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great place for people-watching.

5. Check out Beacon Hill

This is one of Boston’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods, once home to the likes of John Adams (Founding Father and second US President) and John Hanco*ck (President of the Second Continental Congress and first governor of Massachusetts). Its steep, winding streets are lined with Victorian brick row houses and old-fashioned lanterns, making for a charming afternoon stroll. The Massachusetts Statehouse is also here, which was completed in 1798 and is a National Historic Landmark. There are a few interesting museums in the neighborhood as well. The Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest libraries in the country where you’ll find more than half a million books along with other events, concerts, and lectures. The Museum of African American History is also in this part of the city. This museum showcases the stories of notable African Americans from the 18th and 19th centuries.

6. Visit Castle Island

Castle Island is located in South Boston. It’s famous for Fort Independence, a British fort built in 1634 that became a US prison (which was in use until 1805). The island extends into the harbor and has excellent beaches as well as running trails that are popular with locals. There is a picnic area here too and you can explore the old fort for free (there are free tours in the summer). It was connected to the mainland in 1928, meaning that it’s now technically a peninsula, and you can walk or drive here. During the summer months, the place is filled with locals enjoying the beaches and eating at Sullivan’s (great seafood spot).

8. Hang out in Copley Square

Named after the painter John Singleton Copley, Copley Square is a cool little park where you can buy discount theater tickets, listen to musicians, and admire Hanco*ck Tower (New England’s tallest building). You can also pop into Boston’s Trinity Church, which is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. It was built in the 1870s after the original building burned down in the Great Fire of 1872. The style is known as Richardsonian Romanesque, which embraces the use of clay roofing, rough stones, and a massive tower. The Boston Public Library, built in 1895, is also here. It was the country’s first public library. In the McKim Building, which is a National Historic Landmark, you can see murals, sculptures, and paintings from famous artists. The library offers free tours through the space as well.

9. Visit the Museum of Science

Though many of the interactive exhibits are intended for kids, this is still one of the best museums in the country. Their permanent exhibits showcase dinosaurs, energy conservation, cartography, wind and weather, nanotechnology, and, of course, space. Special areas of interest include a butterfly greenhouse that you can walk through and a planetarium. Admission is $29 USD which also gives you discounted rates to shows at the Planetarium, Omni, or 4D theater. The famous Boston Duck Tours depart from here as well. These are historical tours of the city in which you ride in replica World War II amphibious vehicles (tours cost $53 USD).

10. Walk around Back Bay

Boston’s Back Bay is like a version of New York’s SoHo and West Village. This is where Boston’s elite and wealthy live, and nearby Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with lots of expensive shopping and high-end eateries. It’s a beautiful area to stroll around, with pretty brownstones and tree-lined streets. You can still see plenty of old Victorian homes in this neighborhood that date back to the 19th century.

11. Drink at Sam Adams Brewery

Sam Adams, named after the Founding Father, is a major brewer in Boston, and locals drink it widely and frequently. Tours and tastings take place Monday-Saturday, with dates and times varying by the day. The signature tour costs $10 USD. There are also several in-depth specialty tours ranging between $25-50 USD, which include some generous beer tastings. In the summer, you can even take a yoga class in the beer garden!

12. Explore the North End

The historic North End is the heart of Boston’s Italian community. You hear just as much Italian here as you do the Boston accent. In the mornings, little Italian grandmas can be seen shopping at the markets while the grandpas sit and have their morning espresso. It’s almost like being in Italy. The best gelato outside of Italy can be found here too.

13. Visit the Arnold Arboretum

These 281 acres of free public space are open from sunrise to sunset. Located south of the city, it’s the oldest public arboretum in the country (it was founded in 1872). The arboretum puts a particular focus on plants from the eastern parts of both North America and Asia. There are running trails, gardens, lawns, and tons of flowers from all over the world. Relax among the plants and take a step back from the fast pace of the city. This place is much quieter than the Public Gardens and offers a wider variety of plant life. They also have a great bonsai tree collection too.

14. Take a walking tour

Boston has a plethora of awesome walking tours that will help you know the city better. Bites of Boston offers four different food tours around town, each in a distinct neighborhood, starting from $95 USD per person while history buffs can check out Cambridge Historical Tours for in-depth history tours ($20 USD). If you’re on a tight budget, Free Tours by Foot offers free walking tours around town. They’re a great way to get oriented and see the major sights without breaking the bank. Just be sure to tip your guide!

15. Visit Forest Hills Cemetery

This serene Victorian-era cemetery sits on almost 300 acres of land. It’s the resting place of a few noteworthy individuals, such as the playwright Eugene O’Neill and the poet E.E Cummings. In 2006, as part of an exhibition, sculptures, including miniature buildings, were added to the cemetery. The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places.

16. Take a day trip to Salem

Salem, Massachusetts, is the perfect destination for a day trip out of Boston. The town is most famous for the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s and there are plenty of museums around town dedicated to sharing this history, like the Salem Witch Museum. You can reach the town in about an hour via train or, during the warmer months, a scenic ferry ride along the coast. There are also a number of walking tours available, covering everything from colonial history to witches to food. If witchcraft isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities as well. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is free to visit and situated on the waterfront. It’s spread across nine acres and highlights the maritime history of the area. For something more modern, check out the Punto Urban Art Museum, an open-air museum with seventy-five murals in a three-block area. The murals are free to visit, though donations are appreciated.

17. Visit Paul Revere’s house

The midnight ride of Paul Revere comes to life in this historic building where he lived on that night in 1775. It’s also one of the last 17th-century homes still standing in the city. Though you’ll pass by it on the Freedom Trail, it’s worth stopping for a visit. The building has been restored to look like it did during that time. The visit is self-guided though there is information posted as you move through the rooms. You’ll see four of the original rooms as you learn more about Paul Revere’s family and colonial life in Boston. The museum hosts events throughout the year so check their website to see what’s happening. Admission is $6.

18. Take an Art Walk

Boston has an incredible public art program with multiple art walks around the city. Starting in 2015, the city worked with artists to create colorful murals that show the diversity and stories of those who call Boston home. More than 100 murals are spread throughout the area, so you can find them no matter what part of the city you’re in. The Art Walk Project website has downloadable maps to help you find them all.

For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:

Boston Travel Costs

Hostel prices – During peak season (summer), a bed in any size dorm room starts around $50-60 USD. During the off-season, dorm beds cost around $35-45 USD. Free Wi-Fi is standard but only some hostels have self-catering facilities. A basic private room for two with an ensuite bathroom costs around $225-250 USD per night during peak season and around $105-150 USD in the off-season.

Budget hotel prices – Standard budget two-star hotels start at $250 USD in peak season and $120 USD in the low season. There’s not a lot of budget hotels in the city. Your cheapest options are in the Brighton/Allston area, Cambridge, and Somerville.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Boston. A private room starts at $65 USD per night while entire homes/apartments start at $119 USD per night. Expect to pay double if you don’t book early.

Food – While seafood has traditionally played a large role in the cuisine here, as a large city you can pretty much find any type of food you want. There are great places to sample cuisines from around the world like Japanese, Indian, Caribbean, and Vietnamese. You can find food options to fit any budget, from fine dining to street food. And, since Boston is a big college town, there are plenty of cheap restaurants and to-go places throughout the city. Make sure to try a lobster roll or clam chowder while you’re here — they’re local favorites!

A lobster roll is around $25-29 USD while a bowl of clam chowder is $6-10 USD. A meal at a casual sit-down restaurant costs closer to $25 USD. A burger or pizza costs $14-18 USD, while seafood dishes start at $25 USD and go up from there. Expect to pay at least $50 for a meal with an appetizer and a drink.

A fast food (think McDonald’s) combo meal or a filling sandwich for lunch both cost around $12 USD. Large takeaway pizzas cost around $10-15 USD while Chinese food can be found for as little as $12 USD for a filling main dish.

Beer is $8-10 USD, a glass of wine is $11-13 USD, and a co*cktail is $12-15 USD. A latte/cappuccino is $5.50 USD and bottled water is $2.50 USD.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Zaftigs (the best brunch), FuGaKyu (the best sushi), Back Bay Social Club, Row 34, Trillium Brewing Company, Legal Sea Food, Summer Shack, and Kelly’s Roast Beef.

If you plan on cooking your own food, expect to pay $70 USD per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. Market Basket will have the cheapest groceries.

Backpacking Boston Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Boston, expect to spend about $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using the public bike-sharing program/bus/subway, cooking your own meals, and doing some free activities (like a free walking tour and relaxing on the Common). If you plan on drinking, add at least $20 USD more per day.

A mid-range budget of $225 USD per day covers staying in a budget hotel, eating out for most meals, enjoying a couple drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities like museum visits or catching a baseball game.

On a upscale budget of about $395 USD or more per day, you can stay in a midrange hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Accommodation

Food

Transportation

Attractions

Average Daily Cost

Backpacker

$40

Boston Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Boston is super expensive. You can blow through your budget really quickly if you aren’t careful. Prices have only gone up since COVID too, making Boston one of the most expensive cities in the US. But Boston is also very much of a university town and where there are lots of college kids, there are also lots of cheap things to do and places to eat. Here are some ways to save money in Boston:

Eat at Quincy Market – The Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall offers a wide range of food stalls at low prices. It’s a hugely popular place to eat, especially during lunch.
Take a free walking tour – Free tours are the best way to see the main sights and get a feel for a new city. Free Tours by Foot offers a number of different free walking tours around the city to help you get oriented. Just be sure to tip your guide!
Drink outside downtown – Experience Boston nightlife in Brighton or Allston for cheaper drinks and a more relaxed (and younger) environment.
Enjoy the free parks – You can experience nature for free at the Arnold Arboretum. There are over 260 acres of free public space here, open from sunrise to sunset. There are running trails, gardens, open lawns, and lots of flowers from all over the world. It’s super relaxing!
Enjoy free concerts – During the summer, there are a lot of free concerts on the Charles River. Check with Visit Boston to see what’s happening during your visit.
Get the Boston City Pass – The Boston CityPASS provides up to 50% off at four of the biggest attractions in the city. It’s $79 USD per person and gets you access to four attractions: the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium, and then you can choose 2 options from Boston Harbor Cruises, Franklin Park Zoo, View Boston Observation Deck or the Harvard Museum of Natural History. If you want to visit more, then the All-Inclusive GoCity Pass can save you even more. Passes range from one to seven days (prices from $79 to $194) and include entry to more than forty attractions around the city.
Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts in the city who can show you around their town and let you stay for free. It’s the best way to meet locals and lower your costs.
Get an MBTA Pass – If you’re going to be in the city for more than two days, then 7-day transit pass can save you a bundle. A one-day pass is $11, but a 7-day pass is only $22.50 and gives you unlimited access the subway, local bus, and Silver Line. You can also use the pass on certain parts of the commuter rail and ferry networks.
Visit free museums – There are a number of museums around the city that are always free to explore. Art lovers can visit the Harvard Art Museums, McMullen Museum of Art, the MIT List Visual Arts Center, and the Boston University Art Galleries all for free. For a different take, check out the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA), which is dedicated to art that would never be displayed in a traditional gallery. You can also visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) for free every Thursday evening from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Boston

Boston is a small city, so fortunately you’re never too far from the main attractions (no matter in what neighborhood you stay). Some of my recommended places to stay in Boston:

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of all my favorite hostels in Boston.

And, to find out exactly which neighborhoods in the city will best suit you, here’s a post that breaks down the best neighborhoods in Boston.

How to Get Around Boston

Public Transportation – Boston’s public transportation system is known as the MBTA, and it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around. The subway gets you everywhere you need to go. And, if it doesn’t, there’s always the bus! You can buy tickets for single or multiple rides at vending machines located in most stations.

A single fare is $2.40 USD, or you can get a daily pass for unlimited travel for $11 USD or a weekly pass for $22.50 USD, which covers the subway, bus, and water shuttle networks. The bus is $1.70 USD per ride.

If you get a Charlie Card (the cards are free), you can load them with money for cash-free transportation.

Water Shuttle – You’re probably not going to use the water shuttle service unless you’re visiting Boston Harbor Island and Charlestown or specific stops along the waterfront but fares range from $3.70-9.75 USD each way.

Bicycle – Boston has a bike-sharing program known as Blue Bikes, with stations all around Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and Somerville. It costs $2.95 USD for the first 30 minutes and $4 USD for each additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get a day pass for an unlimited number of bike rides for $10 USD.

Taxis – Taxis are not cheap here, but they’re plentiful. Base fares start at $2.60 USD and go up by around $2.80 USD per mile. Skip them if you can!

Ridesharing – Uber, and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around if you don’t want to take a subway or pay for a taxi. This is also the best option to get around after the subway closes.

Car rental – Car rentals start at $65 USD per day for a multi-day rental. Unless you’re heading out of the city though you won’t need one. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars.

When to Go to Boston

June to August is the most popular time to visit Boston, with good reason. Prices are at their highest, but you get all the good stuff like outdoor dining, baseball games, and free outdoor concerts so it’s worth the extra cost. If you want to visit during this time, booking well in advance can help your budget. In the summer, temperatures reach 81°F (27°C).

Visiting outside the busy season will help you save money and there’s plenty to do any time of the year. Personally, I think the shoulder season is the best time to visit. April-May and September-October offer nice weather without the crowds. Accommodation is cheaper too.

Spring is a great time to visit Boston. You can expect high temperatures between 50 and 66°F (10-19°C) so you’ll want to pack warmer layers as well. This is the time of year when the trees and flowers start to bloom. The city has more than 300 parks so there are plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors.

During fall, the leaves are changing colors and there’s a great energy in the air. Expect temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Just pack a sweater for those cool mornings and evenings. If you can visit in October or early November, I strongly encourage it. It’s a great time to get outside for a picnic or a walk in one of the city’s many greenspaces.

Winter can be cold and snowy, but it’s the best time to visit if you want to see Beantown on an ultra-tight budget. Just dress warmly as it can get super cold if you’re walking around exploring. You can expect high temperatures between 36-42°F (2-6°C). The city does put on quite a display for the holidays, which something to look forward to. There are plenty of indoor activities in the city to keep you out of the cold.

How to Stay Safe in Boston

Boston is a pretty safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo. Violent crime is rare, but practice caution wherever you go just in case.

As a general rule, don’t walk alone at night, especially in unlit places. Keep your valuables secure at all times (especially on crowded public transportation) and make sure to keep an eye on your wallet while in large crowds in the downtown areas that are popular with tourists. Don’t wear flashy jewelry, wave around cash, and keep any purses or bags hidden when you are eating outside.

If you rent a car, make sure it’s locked at all times and don’t leave any valuables in it overnight or in visible places. While break-ins are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Chinatown and parts of Downtown Crossing can be a little seedy at night, so avoid them if possible.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are many solo female travel blogs out there that you can Google to find specific safety tips.

Scams here are rare but, if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Boston Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Boston Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit
The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago
The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco
How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local
The 7 Best Hotels in New York City
The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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