Boston holidays

Planning a holiday to Boston? New England’s jewel will charm your socks off (especially if they’re red!). It’s home to the hallowed halls of America’s best universities, a spirited sports culture and A-listers such as Matt Damon, Mark Wahlburg and Julianne Moore. Colonial history meets cutting-edge innovation, and wicked good eats like clam chowder are always on the menu. Boston is best explored on foot, so pack your comfiest kicks.

Boston holiday highlights

Bunker Hill

A walk through history

Calling history buffs. Your city break in Boston demands a march along the Freedom Trail where tales of revolution, tea parties and trailblazers like Paul Revere await. Another portal into the past is the Black Heritage Trail, featuring sites significant to Boston’s Black history. Movie buffs can explore Boston’s cinematic past by touring film locations from ‘Good Will Hunting,’ ‘Mystic River’ and many more. 

Succulent seafood

With creamy clam chowder, fresh lobster rolls and crispy fish 'n' chips, Boston is famous for its seafood. For a mashup of seafood and history, book a table at one of the oldest restaurants in America, Union Oyster House. Or, for seafood fresher than the Atlantic breezes, head to the Seaport District.

Take me out to the ballgame

Bostonians sure love their sports. Join locals cheering on the Red Sox at a baseball game. If a home run doesn’t get you out of your seat, a slam dunk by the Boston Celtics or a touchdown by the New England Patriots might do the trick. Can’t catch a game in person? Watching from a rowdy sports bar with locals is a rite of passage for any holiday to Boston.

Join the global celebration

Foxborough’s stadium rises from the woodlands midway between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island. This summer, football fanatics of a different stripe will flock there to witness the biggest sports tournament on the planet. Most fans take I-95 south to Route 1, where traffic thickens. Arrive early for the full pre-match experience, with smoking grills, music and a sea of jerseys from across the globe.

Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport (48 kilometres)

Public transport: MBTA runs special event trains to Foxboro Station.

Boston: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Boston

Weather in Boston

March – May: Early spring weather is unpredictable in Boston –– some years, snow can be seen well into April. But spring flowers and balmy weather later in the season make for glorious sightseeing.

June – August: Summer brings warm nights and bright blue skies,with occasionalthunderstorms. Expect some heatwaves and humidity, especially in late July and August.

September – November: Autumn is the golden season in New England. Cooler nights and lower humidity make for epic foliage.

December – February: Winters can be snowy, with wind chill and below-freezing temperatures. Pack your layers and enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating on Boston Common’s Frog Pond.

Events in Boston

South Boston St Patrick’s Day Parade (March): Marching bands, dance troupes and more celebrate Ireland’s patron saint in this parade through the historically Irish neighbourhood of South Boston.

Boston Marathon (April): Spectators line up from Hopkinton to Downtown Boston to cheer on thousands ofrunners — first-timers and world-class athletes alike.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July): Pack a picnic and head to the Charles River Esplanade for an open-air concert from the Boston Pops with a choreographed Fourth of July fireworks display.

First Night (December): Local artists, musicians and dancers ring in the new year at this free, family-friendly celebration. Exhibits and performances on New Year’s Eve end with midnight fireworks.

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The best neighbourhoods in Boston

North End

The North End

In the North End (Boston’s Little Italy), you'll experience the city's heart, soul and stomach. It's like staying at Nonna's – think pasta, cannoli, espresso and a cosy old-world charm. If your holiday to Boston falls in August, take your taste buds to the North End on a weekend when the neighbourhood’s famous feasts will be in full swing.

Good for: Cannoli, trattorias, espresso

Back Bay

Back Bay

In this swanky part of town, Victorian-era charm meets upscale chic. Stroll down Newbury Street for designer shops and local boutiques or take in the historic grandeur of Copley Square. Known for its iconic brownstones, excellent shopping and some of the city’s tastiest coffee, Back Bay is one of the best areas to stay in Boston.

Good for: Brownstone homes, shopping, cafes

Boston Common

Beacon Hill

One of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Boston is Beacon Hill, a cobblestone wonder where gas street lamps light up historic brownstone townhouses. Wander down Charles Street, known for quaint boutiques and antique treasures, or spend hours exploring the Boston Common, the country’s oldest public park. Remember, Beacon Hill is aptly named, so don't forget comfortable shoes when strolling its steep streets.

Good for: Boston Common, historic architecture, cobbled streets

Custom House Tower

Downtown

Boston’s buzzing core has centuries-old markets, a picturesque harbour and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Stroll along the Freedom Trail to explore sites that shaped the nation, such as the Old State House and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then wander to the historic harbour, stopping for New England clam chowder at the city’s oldest restaurant.

Good for: Historic sites, markets, seafood

Christian Science Plaza

South End

With tall Victorian townhouses lining wide, leafy streets, South End is one of Boston’s prettiest neighbourhoods. It’s home to the SoWa Art + Design District, a mix of galleries, cafes and boutiques in industrial warehouses. It’s also an LGBTQ+ hotspot, hosting events like Boston Pride and Chandler Street Block Party. Don’t miss Tremont Street, nicknamed ‘Restaurant Row’ for its wealth of eateries.

Good for: Victorian mansions, art galleries, restaurants

West End

West End

The hallowed home of the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the Boston Bruins (hockey), West End is a magnet for sports fans. Come for the buzzing game-day atmosphere, or find tranquillity along the Charles River Esplanade. You’re spoilt for museums here, whether you discover local history at the West End Museum or travel through space at the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Good for: Sporting action, museums, river views

Things to do in Boston

The Shops at Prudential Center

Family friendly things to do

Travelling with the whole crew? There's a parade of things to do with family in Boston. Watch your little ones marvel at undersea wonders in the New England Aquarium and let them run wild in the Boston Common. For interactive and educational play, head to the Boston Children's Museum and wrap up the day with a scoop from the legendary Toscanini's Ice Cream.

Shopping

The shopping in Boston is so good, you’ll be leaving with a heavier suitcase and a lighter wallet. Indulge in luxury at Copley Place or Newbury Street. Check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace for unique finds and street entertainment.  And if your idea of retail therapy involves treasure hunting in quaint antique shops, spend a day wandering around Beacon Hill.

Take in the culture

No city break in Boston is complete without walking the iconic Freedom Trail. Starting at Boston Common, explore kilometers of revolutionary drama, ending at the USS Constitution Museum. While the direct walk takes 90 minutes, to soak up the city’s 400-year story and hit the best museums in Boston, we recommend making a day of it.

Nightlife

​​The nightlife in Boston makes it just as charming after dark. Head to the Theater District for dazzling performances and thumping nightclubs. Downtown Boston is a playground for casual bar hoppers and craft beer connoisseurs. And, for a good belly laugh, check out the jam-packed comedy calendar at Laugh Boston.

Places to eat

Legal Sea Foods is iconic for ocean-fresh flavours, but the city’s culinary scene is so much more than seafood platters and lobster rolls. For more of the best restaurants in Boston, follow your nose to the Italian delights of the North End, sample sushi, Mongolian hot pot and tapas in the Theater District or take your pick from Beacon Hill's many cafes and bistros.

Free things to do

Boston's crown jewel, the Public Garden is a year-round delight and won't cost you a penny. For more free things to do in Boston, dive into Central Square's funky street art, feel scholarly at the Boston Public Library and, if you're a summer guest, hit the Charles River Esplanade and check out the free events at the Hatch Shell.

Plan your holiday to Boston

Budget

Make the most of your cheap holiday to Boston with self-guided tours and free nights at museums like the Institute of Contemporary Art. Save even more money by using public transport. A short taxi ride in the city is about nine US dollars ($). You’ll find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for about $25. Grab a beer for around $8 or a cappuccino for around $6.

Day trips from Boston

Drive or take the commuter rail an hour north to Newburyport and explore historic homes, museums and galleries. The beaches and marshes of nearby Plum Island are perfect for hiking and birdwatching, even in the off-season. Or head to Concord, just 30 minutes west, to see Revolutionary War sites, Walden Pond and the home of author Louisa May Alcott.

Getting around Boston

Boston’s compact city centre is best explored by foot, bike or the efficient ‘T’ subway system. Fares are a set rate of a few dollars, no matter the distance. Opt for CharlieTickets from station kiosks for seamless rides and savings on your holiday to Boston. Unless you plan for a road trip, avoid car hire. Parking can be costly, and the traffic jams are in a league of their own.

FAQs about Boston holidays

For gorgeous weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Boston. Summer brings baseball games, outdoor concerts and festivals, but the city gets busy. Late winter is chilly, but visitors benefit from a cheap holiday to Boston during this time of year.
January brings the coolest weather for a Boston holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -8ºC (18ºF).
If you’re wondering how many days you need in Boston, it depends on your holiday preference. Unravelling the city’s charms deserves a solid three days, but if you want to delve deep into this city’s story, extend your holiday to Boston to a week.
It is safe to travel to Boston. If you stay close to tourist areas and use common sense, you shouldn’t have any problems.
English is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Familiarise yourself with some local words and phrases during your city break in Boston and you'll blend right in.
Whether it's your first trip or you're back again, no trip to this city is ever the same. If taking in top sights is on your list of things to do in Boston, make sure you include Freedom Trail and Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
The official currency in Boston is the United States dollar (USD). It's always useful to have some cash with you during your trip to Boston, but cards and digital payments are typically accepted in most places.
July is the warmest month in Boston, with temperatures hitting highs of 29ºC (84ºF).
Your city break in Boston can differ in price based on anything from where you stay to your travel dates. To score a great deal on Boston flights and hotels, avoid locking yourself into fixed dates and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
With an average rainfall of 13 cm, October is the rainiest month to go on a Boston holiday. When the skies turn grey, venture indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.

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