Boston's Ultimate Travel Guide

What's Free and What has a Fee

How to Get Here

By Car Boston is accessible via I-90 (Mass Pike), I-93, and I-95. Driving times: New York City: ~4 hours Providence: ~1 hour Hartford: ~1.5 hours Parking downtown can be expensive, so consider garages or staying outside the city center. By Plane Logan International Airport (BOS) is just 3 miles from downtown. Direct routes connect to major U.S. cities and international hubs in Europe and Canada. The MBTA Silver Line provides quick public transit access. By Bus Greyhound, Megabus, and regional carriers operate to South Station from major East Coast cities. Amtrak trains also connect Boston to NYC and Washington, D.C.

Where to Stay

Staying in walkable neighborhoods enhances your trip.

Downtown / Historic Stays

The Omni Parker House – Historic charm near the Freedom Trail.
XV Beacon – Boutique luxury in Beacon Hill.
Boston Harbor Hotel – Waterfront elegance.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hyatt Regency Boston – Central location.
The Godfrey Hotel – Stylish and walkable.
Courtyard Boston Downtown – Reliable comfort.

Budget-Friendly Options

HI Boston Hostel – Clean and central.
The Revolution Hotel – Modern and affordable.
Found Hotel Boston – Compact and convenient.

Boutique / Airbnb

Beacon Hill and the South End offer charming brownstone rentals ideal for couples or families.

When to Visit

Spring Mild temperatures (50–65°F). Fewer crowds and blooming parks. Summer Warm (70–85°F), lively, and busiest season. Harbor cruises and outdoor dining thrive. Fall Cool (50–70°F), crisp air, and stunning foliage. Ideal for walking tours. Winter Cold (30–45°F) but festive. Museums and cozy pubs shine. Best Overall: Late May through October offers the most pleasant weather, though fall is especially picturesque.

How Much Time You'll Need

1 Day Focus on downtown highlights: Freedom Trail, North End, Faneuil Hall. Perfect if you’re deciding what to do in Boston for a day. 2–3 Days Add Fenway Park, Beacon Hill, Seaport, and museum visits. Ideal for what to do in Boston for a weekend. 4+ Days Explore Cambridge, harbor islands, and day trips to Salem or Cape Cod.

Top Things to See

If you’re building your Boston travel guide, these landmarks answer the question of what is there to do in Boston.

📍 1. Boston Common America’s oldest public park, dating to 1634. It has witnessed protests, military encampments, and celebrations.

📍 2. Massachusetts State House Its golden dome crowns Beacon Hill. The building symbolizes Massachusetts’ political legacy.

📍 3. Granary Burying Ground Resting place of Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock.

📍 4. Old South Meeting House Where colonists organized the Boston Tea Party.

📍 5. Faneuil Hall Known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” it hosted revolutionary speeches.

📍 6. Paul Revere House The oldest surviving home in downtown Boston.

📍 7. Old North Church Famous for the “One if by land, two if by sea” lantern signal.

📍 8. Bunker Hill Monument Commemorates the first major battle of the Revolution.

📍 9. Fenway Park Home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912.

📍 10. Beacon Hill Quintessential brick row houses and charming streets.

And the good news is nearly all of these sites are on our Classic Freedom Trail Tour! Click here to get the tour for $9.99