Boston, USA

Essential Boston Information

• Language: English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Timezone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5, UTC-4 during Daylight Saving Time)
• Tipping: 15-20% is customary in restaurants and for services

Where to Stay in Boston: Top Neighborhoods for Tourists

Back Bay

Central Shopping High end

An upscale area known for its Victorian brownstone homes, high-end shopping on Newbury Street, and iconic landmarks like the Boston Public Library. It’s centrally located and offers easy access to many of Boston’s top attractions.

Beacon Hill

Historic Quiet Sightseeing

One of Boston’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods, featuring gas-lit streets, brick sidewalks, and Federal-style rowhouses. It’s home to the Massachusetts State House and offers a peaceful, residential atmosphere in the heart of the city.

North End

Historic Local Trendy

Boston’s “Little Italy,” known for its outstanding Italian restaurants, cafes, and pastry shops. It’s also rich in Revolutionary War history, home to the Paul Revere House and Old North Church.

Seaport District

Trendy Nightlife High end

A rapidly developing waterfront area featuring modern hotels, innovative restaurants, and contemporary art spaces. It’s home to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and offers stunning harbor views.

Cambridge

Local Trendy Sightseeing

Technically a separate city, Cambridge is home to Harvard University and MIT. It offers a vibrant, intellectual atmosphere with plenty of bookstores, cafes, and cultural attractions. It’s easily accessible from Boston via the T (subway).

Must-See Sights in Boston

• Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile walking route that passes by 16 historically significant sites.
• Fenway Park: The iconic home of the Boston Red Sox, offering tours even on non-game days.
• Museum of Fine Arts: One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world.
• Boston Common and Public Garden: America’s oldest public park and the adjacent botanical garden.
• Harvard University: Take a stroll through the historic campus of one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
• New England Aquarium: Home to thousands of aquatic animals, including a giant ocean tank.

Discover Boston’s Hidden Gems

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: A Venetian-style palazzo with an impressive art collection and a mysterious art heist story.
• Boston Harbor Islands: A national and state park consisting of 34 islands and peninsulas.
• The Mapparium: A three-story tall, stained-glass globe that you can walk through.
• Mount Auburn Cemetery: A beautiful garden cemetery that’s also an important bird-watching site.
• The Skinny House: The narrowest house in Boston, built out of spite during a family feud.

Food Highlights: Must-Try Boston Dishes

• New England Clam Chowder: A creamy soup filled with clams, potatoes, and herbs.
• Lobster Roll: Cold lobster meat tossed with mayo on a toasted roll, or served warm with butter.
• Boston Cream Pie: The official dessert of Massachusetts, consisting of yellow cake, custard, and chocolate glaze.
• Cannoli: Italian pastry tubes filled with sweet cream, best found in the North End.
• Baked Beans: A traditional side dish that gave Boston its nickname “Beantown.”

7 Essential Tips for Visiting Boston

1. Get a CharlieCard: This reusable card makes using public transportation easier and cheaper.
2. Walk the Freedom Trail: This self-guided tour is the best way to see many historic sites in one go.
3. Visit During Shoulder Season: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
4. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days: Many museums offer free or discounted admission on certain days.
5. Explore Beyond Downtown: Neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain and Somerville offer unique local experiences.
6. Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Boston’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers.
7. Try the Local Seafood: New England is known for its fresh seafood, particularly lobster and clams.

How to Get to Boston

By Air: Boston is served by one main airport:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Located just 4 miles from downtown Boston, it handles both domestic and international flights. The airport is well-connected to the city via the MBTA’s Blue Line subway, Silver Line bus rapid transit, and water taxi services.

By Rail: Amtrak provides service to Boston from various cities:

• South Station: The main railway station in Boston, served by Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor trains including the high-speed Acela service.
• North Station: Serves Amtrak’s Downeaster route to Maine and is also a major commuter rail hub.

Both stations are well-connected to the city’s subway system (known locally as the “T”) for easy access to different parts of the city.