A Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts

Home to crazed sports fans, Irish culture, European style architecture, some of the best universities in the world, and much more, Boston is a unique place. After traveling around the United States I can confidently say that Boston is my favorite city in the country. I am so lucky to have grown up in Boston. Read on to discover local's guide to Boston, Massachusetts.

This post is all about a local's guide to Boston, Massachusetts!

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Where To Stay In Boston

There are so many different areas in Boston to stay in! I would recommend staying in Cambridge, Beacon Hill, The Seaport, Back Bay, and Downtown. These are my favorite hotels in Boston.

Luxury Boston Hotels

The Newbury - If you want to see the historical side of Boston I would recommend staying at the Newbury. The Newbury is located on Newbury Street (close to the Boston Common). You will find beautiful European style architecture on Newbury Street alongside amazing restaurants, shops, and cafes.

The Whitney Hotel Boston - The Whitney is a five star hotel in the fabulous Beacon Hill. This glamorous hotel has everything you need from an in house restaurant to free bikes to use. Make sure to stop by the most photographed street in the USA (Acorn Street) while at the Whitney in Beacon Hill.

Middle Range Boston Hotels

The Colonnade Hotel - The Colonnade Hotel is a lovely option if you are looking for a fairly priced hotel that feels like a luxury hotel in Boston. Located near the the oldest ballpark in MLB, Fenway Park, you will not regret staying at the Colonnade Hotel.

Seaport Hotel - Located in the Seaport, my favorite part of the city. The Seaport hotel offers comfortable accommodation with views of the Boston Harbor. There are amazing coffee shops and restaurants in the Seaport - be sure to try Tatte and Lola 42.

Omni Boston Seaport - Located just steps from The Seaport Hotel is another great middle range option in Boston. The Omni is perfect for a long layover in Boston as the shuttle from Logan airport will take you right to its doors for free. This hotel has a lovely spa, rooftop pool, charming rooms, an amazing coffee shop, and is incredibly artsy. It is also within walking distance of the seaports very best shops, cafes, and restaurants!

Budget Boston Hotels

Battery Wharf Hotel - The Battery Wharf Hotel is an amazing option if you are looking to stay within a budget on your trip to Boston. Located in the North End by the Boston Harbor, the Battery Wharf Hotel is a few steps away from some of the best food in the city. The North End serves up the best Italian food outside of Italy.

Club Quarter Hotel - The Club Quarter Hotel offers comfortable accommodation for a far price. Located near Boston's famous Faneuil Hall you will find everything you need at the Club Quarter Hotel.

Hotel 1868 - Located in Cambridge Hotel 1868 is a lovely boutique hotel a shorts walk away from the exciting Harvard Square and Harvard University. The adorable hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms for a fair price!

What To Do In Boston

Walk The Freedom Trail

If you want to see all of the best sites in Boston from just one walk than get on your sneakers and hop on the Freedom Trail. The 2.5 mile Freedom Trail connects 16 historic sites all to one path. Not to mention the trail itself is beautiful. Be sure to bundle up in the winter months because Boston gets super cold!

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall is a must visit for anyone's first time in Boston. You will find all sorts of cuisine at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Be sure to grab a lobster roll or some clam chowder. You can find booths selling souvenirs, street performers, and adorable cobblestone streets just outside Faneuil Hall.

Shop On Newbury Street

Shop your heart out on one of Boston's most charming streets. Newbury Street was my go to spot growing up. It has some of the cities best coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping. You can find boutiques that are nowhere else, luxury brands, and popular shops all on Newbury Street.

Wander Through The Boston Common

Just across from Newbury Street is the Boston Common. You will find the Boston Common is a splendid place to take a walk, read, enjoy a warm drink, or admire the ducks in the pond. The Boston Common was my favorite study spot while living in the city. Be sure to find the Good Will Hunting Bench in The Boston Common.

Eat In The North End

The North End is one of my favorite spots in the city. You can easily walk to the North End from Faneuil Hall. My favorite memories from the North End come from getting delectable Italian food from The Daily Catch or Il Panino before going to a Bruins game. You will step into Italy while in the North End; you cannot miss it while in Boston.

See The Bruins at The TD Garden

Hockey is probably the biggest sport in Boston, and while we love all of our sports teams, there is nothing like a Bruins game at the Garden. Hockey is so exciting to watch especially at the NHL or college level, so if you get the chance to see a Bruins game while in Boston do it.

Once I started traveling more I realized how unique it was that I grew up playing ice hockey. Everytime I mentioned it to someone who wasn't from the northeast or midwest, they were shocked and had a plethora of questions for me. Growing up in Boston it was super common.

See a Game at Fenway Park

Fenway is the oldest ballpark in the United States, and it is a must visit in Boston. Opening in 1912 Fenway is easily one of the best attractions in Boston. If you can't make it to a Red Sox game you can book a tour of the park.

⚾Tour Of Fenway Park

Photograph Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the world. Home to the country's most beautiful street, Acorn Street. Get lost in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, and remember a camera! Be sure to stop by my favorite bakery, Tatte!

Visit Cambridge

Cambridge is the intellectuals playground with Harvard, Tufts, MIT, and plenty of bookstores all within walking distance, you will find some of the world's smartest people in Cambridge. While I have always felt significantly dumber than everyone else in Cambridge, I do still love visiting this part of the Boston area. Be sure to stop by Harvard Square for some shopping and food. Don't miss L.A. Burdick's chocolate shop, all the Thai food (there is a strange amount of amazing thai places in Cambridge), and more in Harvard Square.

⭐Read Next - Cambridge, Massachusetts Travel Guide

Explore The Seaport

The Seaport is kind of like the renovated part of Boston: new buildings, new businesses, ect. While it doesn't necessarily have the charm the rest of Boston has, it is a lovely place to walk along the water or get a seafood dish at one of the incredible restaurants.

In the summer months you can find Cisco Brewers on Northern Ave with food trucks and live music. In the winter months you can find the Snowport (Bostons take on a European Christmas market).

Boston Tea Party Museum

I know, it's probably the most touristy thing to do in Boston, but you are a tourist. I remember going on field trips to the Boston Tea Party Museum in school and adoring it. You feel like you have stepped back in time. This place is a must - especially if you are with kids! Book in advance here - they tend to book up, especially in the summer months.

⚓Boston Tea Party Tour

Mini Trip To Nantucket

Nantucket is more like a trip to take from Boston. The Island is a short flight or ferry ride away. The quaint island is a must visit. You can read all about how to get to Nantucket, what to do, where to stay, and more on my guide to Nantucket.

Where To Dine In Boston

Best Coffee & Breakfast In Boston

Tatte - Tatte is one of the best cafes in Boston! You can find incredible coffees, pasieries, egg sandwiches, lunch food, and more at Tatte. Tatte is also a lovely place to get any work done!

The Thinking Cup - Another one of my go to coffee spots is the Thinking Cup. With locations in Cambridge and on Newbury Street, The Thinking Cup serves epic brews and everything brunch!

Blue Bottle - I know, Blue Bottle isn't specific to Boston, but that doesn't change the fact that they make a seriously good latte. With locations on Newbury Street and in the Seaport, Blue Bottle never disappoints.

Best Restaurants In Boston

The Daily Catch - The Daily Catch makes some seriously good Italian food (specifically Sicilian). Make sure you try the black ink pasta. The Daily Catch is a small restaurant that does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait outside.

Il Panino - Also located in the North End Il Panino serves up incredibly good italian food! Be sure to try the lobster ravioli.

The Nautilus - Located in the Seaport, The Nautilus is a tapas style restaurant that serves some of the best seafood in the city. Offering views of the water and aesthetically pleasing interior design, Nautilus will not disappoint!

Best Bars In Boston

Hecate Bar - Hecate is one of the fanciest bars in the city. You will find unique drinks and appetizers. Just look at the website and you will understand how fancy the place is.

The Burren - You can't go to Boston without visiting an Irish Pub. The Burren is as good as it gets when it comes to Boston's Irish Pubs. With live music seven days a week and true Irish essence, you will feel like you have been put in Ireland.

Getting To & Around Boston

The easiest way to get to Boston is by flying into Boston Logan International Airport. You can find flights from pretty much anywhere on most airlines that go right into Boston.

✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Boston here

Boston Logan is located right in the city, you will just have to drive through a tunnel and you will be in downtown.

Boston is quite walkable, but if you are going from one side of the city to another the easiest way to get around is the T. You can purchase a Charlie Ticket at one of the kiosks at the T and be on your way.

When To Visit Boston

The summer and fall is the best time to be in Boston. Winters are quite brutal in the northeast and it takes awhile for spring to be spring. I would avoid January - April in Boston. You will be fine visiting May - December (December can be cold, but Christmas in the city is fun.) My favorite month in Boston is October because of the fall foliage.

Best Tours To Take In Boston

Duck Boat - Duck boats can drive on the street and glide on the water. These boats were created in World War 11 to carry supplies on land and in the water. If you have never been on a duck boat you should definitely check out this tour.

Hop On Hop Off Trolly - If you don't have a lot of time in Boston this Hop On Hop Off Trolly is a perfect way to see the city in a short period of time. This trolly has 14 stops all over the city with stops in every place a tourist would want to visit. The stops include The North End, Faneuil Hall, USS Constitution Museum, TD Garden, Historic District, Beacon Hill, Prudential Center, Tea Party Ships, Newbury Street, and more.

Boston Tea Party Ships - You have to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum while in Boston. The Boston Tea Party is something every American should learn about because it was one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution.

Freedom Trail - This small group tour is great if you don't have a lot of time in Boston. You will be able to see the sights of Boston while learning about American Revolution. If you love exercise and the outdoors like me you will enjoy the walking aspect of this tour. This Freedom Trail tour got five stars.

Harvard University. - Boston is known for having some of the best universities in the world, the most famous being Harvard University. Weather you are dreaming of attending Harvard or just want to explore this gorgeous campus this tour of Harvard is for you.

🚗Read Next - Best Tours To Take In Boston

Guide to Boston FAQs:

How many days in Boston is enough?

To see all of the highlights in Boston - give yourself 2 or 3 days. Boston is a rather small city, but if you want to explore some nearby towns give yourself at least 5 days.

What do I need to know before going to Boston?

The roads are narrow and winding so if you are just staying in the city - don't rent a car. Pack layers - weather in Boston is totally unpredictable. Checkout our Autumn in New England Packing Guide for specifics.

What is the number one thing to see in Boston?

My favorite place to explore in Boston is probably Beacon Hill or the North End. But, the most popular place among tourists is probably Fenway Park.

A Local's Guide To Boston Wrap Up

Boston is, in my opinion, one of the best cities in the United States. The culture, sports, food, and more will make you love Boston. I hope that this guide to Boston, Massachusetts helps you plan the best city break ever! If you like this post I think you will love my posts all about the best coffee shops in Boston, the best tours to take in Boston, 5 of the best towns to visit on Cape Cod, a guide to Nantucket, 15 places to visit in Massachusetts, and my Boston Weekend Itinerary.

Happy Travels,

Daisy

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A Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts