Famous for its association with the first Puritan colonisers, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Boston Tea Party, and the Siege of Boston, the city has always been an important hub for shipping. Nowadays, it's a major center for innovation, higher education, and medicine. Its rich history attracts many millions of visitors every year, and its Emerald Necklace string of parks, lakes, and ponds are the lungs of the city. The famed Beacon Hill district, once the haunt of the Boston Brahmin elite, boasts gas lanterns in its streets, and upscale Back Bay lies along the Charles River.
Key attractions
Boston's massive collection of museums and art galleries covers the American centuries and displays artefacts from across the world. If you've time for only one, the Museum of Fine Arts is your best choice for its Impressionist paintings, stunning Japanese art collection, and Greek and Roman artifacts. The Museum of Science and the Children's Museum are great for family visits. Boston Common and Public Garden with its lake and swan boats are a summer and fall delight, and the Freedom Trail takes in Boston's Old State House, Paul Revere's House, Boston Harbour, and a dozen more heritage sites.
Having fun
Cultural entertainment here ranges from opera, ballet, and classical concerts to the preview shows in the Theater District, which is well-known as a tryout base for a Broadway run. Boston is famous for its Sam Adams and Harper breweries, both of which offer tasting tours, and the Hotel 140 hosts the Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show, giving a fun evening including a four-course gourmet meal. Sports are huge here, with the Red Sox baseball team, the Celtics basketball team, and the New England Patriots American football team all based in the city. Atlantic seafood and ice-cream are Bostonians' favorite culinary delights, and the city's Chinatown and the Italian enclave in North End district are crammed with excellent ethnic eateries.
Shopping
Back Bay and Downtown Crossing are ideals destinations for shopaholics, with malls including the Cambridgeshire Galleria and Copley Place holding everything from department stores to individual boutiques. Newbury Street in Back Bay is nicknamed Rodeo Drive by the locals for its upscale stores and restaurants set in historic brownstones. Charles Street, set off Boston Common, is quaint and informal, and great for window-shopping as well as maxing out your credit card.
Nearby
Boston is the perfect base for touring picturesque New England and its charming port towns. Hyannis Port on Cape Cod is just 1 hour, 30 minutes away with its glorious summer beaches and links with the Kennedy family. Providence and Rhode Island's unique culture and choice of Italian cuisine make them well worth the trip, and Martha's Vineyard is quaint, peaceful, and set on its own island. In the opposite direction from Cape Cod are the North Hampshire Seacoast and southern Maine, again about 1 hour, 30 minutes by car from Boston.
Our recommendations in Boston
Revere Hotel Boston Common
Located in Boston, Revere Hotel Boston Common is in the city center and near a metro station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, while New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at TD Garden or Fenway Park. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Boston Omni Parker House Hotel
Located in Boston, Boston Omni Parker House Hotel is in the city center and near the airport. The Freedom Trail and Copley Square are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Boston Harbor and Long Wharf. New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Government Center Station is 3 minutes by foot and State St. Station is 4 minutes.
The Lenox Hotel Boston
In the city center, The Lenox Hotel Boston is in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, a walkable area with great shopping. Boston Opera House and Boston Museum of Fine Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Fenway Park or TD Garden.
Hyatt Regency Boston
In the city center and near a metro station, Hyatt Regency Boston is in an area with good shopping. Boston Harbor and Long Wharf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at TD Garden or Fenway Park. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Chinatown Station is 3 minutes by foot and Downtown Crossing Station is 4 minutes.
Seaport Hotel Boston
Located in Boston's Seaport District neighborhood, Seaport Hotel Boston is near the airport and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, while Boston Children's Museum and Boston Opera House are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at TD Garden, and consider making time for New England Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront
Located on the waterfront, Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront is in Boston's North End neighborhood, a walkable area with good airport proximity. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, while New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at TD Garden or Fenway Park. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing.
Boston Park Plaza
In the city center, Boston Park Plaza is in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Newbury Street and Faneuil Hall Marketplace are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Arlington Station is just steps away and Boylston Station is 8 minutes by foot.
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Connected to the convention center, Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel is in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Boston Harbor and Boston Marathon Finish Line are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Fenway Park or TD Garden. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
The Liberty, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston
Located in Boston's West End neighborhood, The Liberty, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston is in the historical district and near the airport. Museum of Science and Boston Opera House are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Newbury Street and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are not to be missed.
Embassy Suites Boston Logan Airport
Located in Boston's East Boston neighborhood, Embassy Suites Boston Logan Airport is near the airport and near a metro station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, while New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at TD Garden or Fenway Park. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Airport Station is 11 minutes by foot and Maverick Station is 13 minutes.
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel is in the city center and near a metro station. Boston Opera House and Boston Museum of Fine Arts are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Copley Place and Newbury Street. New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo are not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Copley Station is just steps away and Prudential Station is 6 minutes by foot.
Hilton Boston Back Bay
Located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Hilton Boston Back Bay is in a shopping district and near the airport. Newbury Street and The Shops at Prudential Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Fenway Park or TD Garden. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing.