It's not New York or Chicago, so quit comparing them and appreciate Boston for what it is. This city is charming and legitimately historic, from the cobblestoned streets of Beacon Hill to the authentic Italian restaurants and food purveyors of the North End. Its size and legacy bolster its appeal: The oldest ballpark in the MLB, Fenway Park is smack in the middle of the city, which even non-baseball fans can get excited about, and cozy Cambridge is as accessible to visitors as the sprawling waterfront. So many of its parts feel lost in time, plus there's a diverse food and drinks scene, a smart offering of places to stay, and more cultural activities than you might expect in a place this quaint. And that's why we love it.
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Boston Travel Guide
Plan Your Boston Trip
Featured
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Cambridge and Neighboring Somerville, Massachusetts
Camberville—the local portmanteau for neighboring Cambridge and Somerville—offers a playful alternative to Boston’s brusque beauty.
Where Locals Go Along Boston’s Freedom Trail
Exploring the Boston of yesteryear through today’s best restaurants, shops, and outdoor scenery.
What’s New on Nantucket
Despite the rising crowds, this island is still a haven—with plenty to do in what's set up to be a comeback summer.
15 Best Hotels in Boston
An eclectic mix of old and new, from skyscrapers to a restored motor inn.
Editor Recommendations
- The Colonnade Hotel$$ | United States, Boston, 120 Huntington Ave.Read full reviewThe Colonnade has set the standard for customer service in Boston for decades—all while delivering a sense of fun.
Readers Choice Awards - The Langham, Boston$$ | United States, Boston, 250 Franklin St.Read full reviewIn the heart of the Financial District, truly opulent yet thoughtful digs.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Encore Boston Harbor$$ | United States, Everett, 1 BroadwayRead full reviewWynn's maximalist luxury in a Red Sox hat.
- The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection$$ | United States, Boston, 70 Sleeper St.Read full reviewA new hotel defining the new Boston seaport.Readers Choice Awards
- Mandarin Oriental, Boston$$$ | Boston, 776 Boylston St.Read full reviewThere is an elegant minimalism here that has long made this Back Bay hotel a Boston favorite.Readers Choice Awards
- The Verb Hotel$ | Boston, 1271 Boylston St.Read full reviewThis hotel pays homage to Boston's unique musical history—and its proximity to Fenway doesn't hurt.
- The Whitney HotelUnited States, Boston, 170 Charles StRead full reviewAn entirely new look in a very old cityReaders Choice Awards
- The Newbury Boston$$ | United States, Boston, 1 Newbury StRead full reviewUltra-stylish boutique rooms and a sultry rooftop bar overlooking the historic Boston Public Garden.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Hotel Commonwealth$$ | United States, Boston, 500 Commonwealth AvenueRead full reviewThe combination of Colonial style and modern design feels distinctly Boston.Readers Choice Awards
- XV Beacon$$ | United States, Boston, 15 Beacon St.Read full reviewThe vibe is sexy, but the ethos is undeniably Boston.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel$$ | United States, Boston, 510 Atlantic Ave.Read full reviewA picturesque waterfront option for comfort and location alike on downtown Boston's Fort Point Channel.Readers Choice Awards
- The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston$$ | Boston, 215 Charles St.Read full reviewThe old Charles Street jail transformed.Readers Choice Awards
- The Dagny Boston$ | United States, Boston, 89 Broad StreetRead full reviewThis recent retrofit helps remind us that the financial district is, in fact, a desirable vantage point from which to experience Boston’s best.
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The Best Things to Do in Boston
- 12 Best Things to Do in BostonAspire to the Ivies, discover new neighborhoods, and feast like a local.
- 12 Best Museums in Boston You'll Want to VisitYou can nab a world-class education visiting these fine institutions.
- 4 Best Day Trips From BostonWhere to stay, eat, and drink—and what to do—in Provincetown, Newburyport, Salem, and Kennebunkport.
- The Best Weekend Getaways from BostonWhere to stay when you need a getaway—now.
Editor Recommendations
- MassArt Art MuseumUnited States, Boston, 621 Huntington AvenueRead full reviewBoston’s only free contemporary art museum
- Boston AthenaeumUnited States, Boston, 10 ½ Beacon St.Read full reviewStately repository of Boston history, this private library and event space holds more than books.
- MIT MuseumUnited States, Cambridge, 314 Main Street, Building E-28Read full reviewBuilt for tinkerers, techies, and curious-minded folks, MIT Museum waxes visual poetry about the research that underpins this famous institution.
- Otis HouseUnited States, Boston, 141 Cambridge StreetRead full reviewThe rare Federal-era building in the city to still have its original interiors almost entirely intact
- Harvard Art MuseumsCambridge, 32 Quincy St.Read full reviewThree museums in one at one of the most revered Academic institutions in the world.
- Boston Tea Party Ships & MuseumUnited States, Boston, 306 Congress St.Read full reviewAn interactive opportunity to relive the Boston Tea Party.
- Museum of ScienceBoston, 1 Science ParkRead full reviewThis sprawling institution is one of the world's largest science museums.
- Museum of Fine Arts, BostonUnited States, Boston, 465 Huntington Ave.Read full reviewThe crown jewel of Boston's art scene.
- Museum of African American History (MAAH)Boston, 46 Joy St.Read full reviewHonoring the life and work those who propelled the abolitionist and civil rights movements forward.
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and MuseumBoston, Columbia PointRead full reviewDeepening visitors' understanding of one of the Boston's most famous sons.
- Boston Children's MuseumBoston, 308 Congress St.Read full reviewOne of the biggest children’s museums in the world, with a permanent collection that includes some 25,000 items.
- The Paul Revere HouseUnited States, Boston, 19 N. SquareRead full reviewPainstakingly recreated former home of the famous silversmith.
- Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston (ICA Boston)United States, Boston, 25 Harbor Shore DriveRead full reviewBoston’s answer to New York City’s MoMa, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston (known locally as the ICA), is housed in a contemporary building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumUnited States, Boston, 25 Evans WayRead full reviewVenetian-style palazzo packed with one of the world's most impressive private art collections.
- USS ConstitutionUnited States, Boston, 24 5th St.Read full reviewThe world’s oldest-commissioned floating warship, berthed on a dock at Charlestown’s Navy Yard.
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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play on Cape Cod
From the Bourne Bridge to the tip top of Provincetown.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Boston
- 19 Best Restaurants in BostonLobster rolls and clam chowder barely scratch the surface.
- 15 Best Bars in BostonA prelude to you belting “Sweet Caroline” while waiting for your Uber driver.
- 11 Best Seafood Restaurants in BostonShucking and cracking its way to seafood immortality since 1630.
- 10 Best Places for Brunch in BostonA microcosm of the Boston food scene itself, these 13 inventive brunch spots go way beyond Bloody Marys and eggs Benedict.
- 10 Best Pizza Spots in BostonThis New England city has pies that can compete.
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Editor Restaurant & Bar Recommendations
- Celeste$$ | United States, Somerville, 21 Bow StThis Peruvian spot proves that Boston has an enormous appetite for global flavors.
- Amar$$$ | United States, Boston, 40 Trinity PlaceThe kind of obsessive attention to detail that a Raffles hotel demands
- Toro$$ | United States, Boston, 1704 Washington StA buzzy, Barcelona-style tapas bar in Boston's South End that's evolved into a full-blown global phenomenon, ideal for getting in your pintxos fix.
- SRV$$ | United States, Boston, 569 Columbus Ave.This South End Italian spot is more elevated than your typical neighborhood joint, yet more approachable than fine dining.
- No. 9 Park$$$ | United States, Boston, 9 Park St.If you're going to invest in one big dinner while you're in town, this is a prime candidate.
- O Ya$$$ | United States, Boston, 9 East St.Sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and Japanese small plates carried poetically outside convention in the Leather District.
- Fox & The Knife$$$ | United States, Boston, 28 W. BroadwayInspired by Karen Akunowicz's time in Modena, Italy, the menu offers subtle takes on classic Emilia Romagna cuisine.
- SarmaUnited States, Somerville, 249 Pearl St.A wide-reaching meze spot well worth the journey out of Boston.
- Cafe Sushi Shoten$$ | Cambridge, 1105 Massachusetts Ave.One of Boston's best omakases snuggled between a shoe repair shop and a dry bar.
- Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks$$ | United States, Boston, 75 Beacon StThis Boston institution is back, and a dining destination all on its own.
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13 Best Things to Do in New England in the Fall
Foliage makes a fabulous backdrop for hiking and witch-storied towns, from Salem to Maine.
More from Boston
Destinations
A Runner's Guide to Boston for the Marathon and Beyond
The trails, run clubs, route-adjacent hotels and spas, and pasta dinners to know for the event and well beyond marathon weekend.
Destinations
Boston's Creative Seafood Scene Shines Brightest in Winter
Must-try restaurants are easier to get a table at, certain fish are more readily available, and famed lobster rolls and fried clams enjoy a welcome rest.
Destinations
Where to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in Boston 2023
Nobody does the fourth like Boston. Here’s how to watch the fireworks and make the most of Independence Day.
Destinations
Where to Celebrate the Boston Pride Parade This Year
This year marks the city’s first Pride parade since 2019—here are the best block parties, drag shows, and fundraisers to check out.
Places to Stay
14 Best Airbnbs in Boston, From a Beacon Hill Townhouse to a Charlestown House Boat
Plus, a studio that dates back to 1789.
Destinations
These Boston Bars Are Reinventing the City's Drinks Scene
Despite some seriously outdated liquor laws, now may be the best time yet to imbibe in Boston.
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb: A Downtown Boston Loft With Unbelievable Natural Light
It was the perfect place for two to explore everything Boston has to offer.
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Destinations
Where to Watch the July 4 Fireworks in Boston
From the iconic Boston Pops Spectacular to a rented kayak on the Charles.
Destinations
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Boston
From glitzy rooftops to self-guided canoes.
News & Advice
Currently Obsessed With: The Weekend-Only Donuts at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
You need these impossibly light crullers in your life.
News & Advice
We Planned Your First Trip to Boston: Travelogue Podcast
Historical sites, the best dive bars, and (of course) the Green Monstah: We cover it all.
Places to Stay
This Boston Hotel Lets You (Literally) Walk Off Your Stay
Walk 10,000+ steps a day, pay less for your room that night.
Destinations
Beyond the Basics: Boston
A complete guide to Boston, compiled by Condé Nast Traveler editors.
Sponsored Content
Old-School and New-School Boston in One Long Weekend
Places to Stay
Throw the First Pitch at a Red Sox Game, Thanks to Boston's Hotel Commonwealth
The ultimate experience for any baseball fan.
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