Boston is such an excellent mix of old and new that it truly has appeal for travelers of all types. Boston is known as Beantown, and accommodations are often located near great restaurants serving baked beans, fine seafood and quintessential clam chowder. Booking a hotel near the Freedom Trail, with its many historic stops, is also convenient for watching the Red Sox play baseball at Fenway Park. To find the perfect place to stay, learn what some of Boston's neighborhoods are best known for.
Where to stay
in Boston
Great Areas to Stay for History
Boston's contribution to the founding of the United States is immense. Stay at the start of the Freedom Trail in Charlestown or book a hotel in the Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill or Downtown Crossing neighborhoods to be near high concentrations of Boston's historic sites. Find accommodations in Cambridge for a different, more collegiate history, where strolling across the nearly 400-year-old campus of Harvard reveals why the university is called an "ivy league." The claim that "George Washington slept here" is actually true in South Boston. Find a hotel in Dorchester, and wander to Dorchester Heights, where American rebels won a critical battle early in the Revolutionary War
Charlestown
Noted for its waterfront views and historic sites, there's plenty to explore in Charlestown. Top attractions like Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Community College Station or Sullivan Station to see more of the city.
Downtown Boston
Known for its must-see aquarium and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Boston. Check out top attractions like Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site, and jump on the metro at State St. Station or Downtown Crossing Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Boston
Beacon Hill
Historic sites, shopping, and restaurants highlight some notable features of Beacon Hill. Make a stop by Boston Common or Charles Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Charles-MGH Station or Park St. Station to get around town.
Downtown Crossing
Orpheum Theater and Old South Meeting House are top sights in Downtown Crossing, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Downtown Crossing Station or Park St. Station to see more sights in the area.
Cambridge
Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cambridge. Check out top attractions like Harvard Square and Harvard University Art Museums, and jump on the metro at Harvard Square Station or Central Square Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Cambridge
South Boston
The beaches and restaurants are just a few things visitors like about South Boston. Carson Beach and Flynn Cruiseport Boston are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Andrew Station or Broadway Station to get around the larger area.
Recommended hotels in South Boston
Dorchester
Consider a visit to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Dorchester. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Fields Corner Station or Four Corners/Geneva Ave Station.
Recommended hotels in Dorchester
Recommended hotels in The Freedom Trail
Best Neighborhoods for Dining
Book a hotel in the South Boston Waterfront neighborhood to enjoy Boston Harbor views while savoring excellent lobster, crab, oyster and clam dishes. New England seafood is just one of Boston's iconic food specialties, however. North End and Back Bay are the places to stay for comforting and delicious Italian food, starting with innovative antipasto and homemade pasta and ending with a luscious cannoli. Downtown Boston's hotel restaurants feature exciting international cuisine as well as hometown originals, such as Boston cream pie. From here it's a short walk to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market in the Financial District for endless varieties of lobster mac'n'cheese. For great ethnic food and a convenient location near Boston Logan Airport, reserve accommodations in East Bay.
Seaport District
A noteworthy feature of Seaport District is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Boston Harbor and Leader Bank Pavilion.
Recommended hotels in Seaport District
North End
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by New England Aquarium or Boston Harbor while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Aquarium to get around town.
Recommended hotels in North End
Back Bay
Travelers love Back Bay for its popular shops, and you can see more of Boston by jumping on the metro at Copley Station or Prudential Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Copley Square and Newbury Street.
Recommended hotels in Back Bay
Downtown Boston
Known for its must-see aquarium and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Boston. Check out top attractions like Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site, and jump on the metro at State St. Station or Downtown Crossing Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Boston
Boston Financial District
Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Boston Financial District. Travelers also love the fantastic nightlife, must-see aquarium, and captivating waterfront views.
Recommended hotels in Boston Financial District
Where to Stay for Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of choices for activities on land or water. Book a hotel in Cambridge or farther west in Allston or Brighton to enjoy canoeing, kayaking or rowing on the Charles River. Stay across town in the Waterfront area near North End to join a harbor tour or venture out to the ocean for whale watching. Several Downtown hotels overlook the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, perfect spots for quiet strolls, family picnics, playground fun, ice-skating and swan boat rides. To make it the best all-around day outdoors, use the convenient Bluebikes service to pedal between neighborhoods.
Cambridge
Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cambridge. Check out top attractions like Harvard Square and Harvard University Art Museums, and jump on the metro at Harvard Square Station or Central Square Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Cambridge
Allston
Travelers choose Allston for its beautiful river views. Hop aboard the metro at Harvard Av. Station or Packards Corner Station and check out top sights like Brighton Music Hall.
Brighton
Brighton is well-liked for its live music and art galleries. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Chestnut Hill Reservoir and Alumni Stadium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Chiswick Rd. Station or Sutherland Rd. Station to get around.
Recommended hotels in Brighton
Waterfront
The popular aquarium and captivating waterfront views are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by New England Aquarium or Boston Harbor while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Aquarium to get around town.
Recommended hotels in Waterfront
North End
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by New England Aquarium or Boston Harbor while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Aquarium to get around town.
Recommended hotels in North End
Downtown Boston
Known for its must-see aquarium and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Boston. Check out top attractions like Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site, and jump on the metro at State St. Station or Downtown Crossing Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Boston
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