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Boston travel guide

United States

Basics

CountryUnited States

Time zoneAmerica/New_York

CurrencyUSD

Official language(s)English

Using flights for intercity travel is efficient, and local tourist passes can provide affordable access to multiple attractions.

Places to visit

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

A linear downtown park created after the elevated highway removal, good for walking, relaxing, and seasonal public art.

LocationBoston, MA 02110, USA

Nearest stationAquarium / State / South Station

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt stretches across several blocks, so it helps to pick a segment on a map before you walk.

Massachusetts State House

Boston’s iconic gold-domed state capitol, offering a strong mix of history and civic architecture.

Location24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133, USA

Nearest stationPark Street

HoursMon–Fri 08:45–17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipFor photos, try stepping back and shooting upward to emphasize the dome.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A museum built around Isabella Stewart Gardner’s former home, known for its European and Asian art and the iconic courtyard garden.

Location25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Nearest stationMuseum of Fine Arts

HoursDaily 11:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipAllow time not just for the galleries but also for the building and garden.

Boston Children's Museum

A hands-on museum popular with families, especially appealing for visitors traveling with children.

Location308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Nearest stationSouth Station

HoursHours vary

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt can get busy on weekends, so an early visit is usually more relaxed.

New England Aquarium

A popular aquarium known for its giant cylindrical tank and marine life exhibits, especially great for families.

Location1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Nearest stationMBTA Aquarium

HoursDaily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (subject to change)

AdmissionPaid; generally around US$35 for adults

Travel tipWeekends can be crowded, so an early visit is easier; check IMAX showtimes too.

Boston Public Garden

A downtown park known as the first public botanical garden in the United States, with sculptures, a lagoon, and seasonal flowers.

Location4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116

Nearest stationMBTA Green Line - Arlington / Boylston

HoursDaily 6:00 AM–11:30 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt is especially pleasant for a spring or summer walk, and the Swan Boats are a classic Boston experience.

USS Constitution

A historic warship known as the oldest commissioned ship still afloat in the U.S. Navy, located at Charlestown Navy Yard.

LocationCharlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129

Nearest stationMBTA Orange Line - Community College

HoursDaily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (closures and seasonal changes possible)

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt pairs well with nearby museums, and you may need extra time for access checks, so plan ahead.

Freedom Trail

Boston’s signature historic walking trail, linking landmarks tied to the American Revolution and the city’s history.

LocationBoston, MA 02108

Nearest stationMBTA Park Street / Government Center / Aquarium

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipFollow the red brick line to stay on course, and consider breaking it into sections instead of trying to do it all in one day.

Tremont Street Park

A small park located on Tremont Street.

HoursDaily 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA nice spot for reading book quietly.

Boston Harborwalk

A scenic walkway along Boston's beautiful harbor.

Hours08:00 AM - 4:30 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA great place to walk and feel the sea breeze.

Museum of Fine Arts

An art museum showcasing masterpieces from around the world.

HoursTue-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed on Mondays

Admission$25

Travel tipDon't miss the most famous artworks.

Boston Common

A beautiful park in Boston that offers nature in the city.

HoursDaily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipTake a stroll to enjoy the city's scenery.

Food to try

Neptune Oyster

A North End seafood favorite, best known for its lobster roll and raw oysters.

Location63 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, USA

Nearest stationHaymarket

HoursHours vary

AdmissionMid to high

Travel tipQueues can be long, so it’s best to avoid peak meal times if you can.

Mike's Pastry

A famous North End Italian bakery best known for cannoli and other pastries.

Location300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA

Nearest stationHaymarket

HoursHours vary

AdmissionMid-range pastry prices

Travel tipThe line can be long, so it helps to decide what you want before ordering.

Union Oyster House

A historic seafood restaurant and one of the oldest in the U.S., famous for clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Location41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

Nearest stationMBTA Haymarket / Government Center

HoursDaily 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (subject to change)

AdmissionMenu range: roughly US$20–50

Travel tipExpect a wait during peak tourist hours, so going slightly off-meal times can help.

Boston Food Trucks

Popular food trucks found in various locations in Boston.

HoursDaily 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission$5

Travel tipPopular menu items may run out early.

Tatte Bakery

A cozy cafe offering a variety of bakery items and coffee.

HoursDaily 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Admission$5-$10

Travel tipTheir croissants are especially popular.

Events

Boston Harborfest

A historic celebration around Independence Day, with programs highlighting Boston’s harbor-city heritage.

WhenEvery July or around July

LocationBoston, MA, USA

Nearest stationState / Aquarium / South Station

HoursOperates during the event period

AdmissionMostly free

Travel tipEvents are spread across multiple locations, so it helps to map out your day in advance.

Boston Book Festival

A major downtown cultural festival featuring author talks, book signings, and panel discussions, especially appealing to book lovers.

WhenAround October every year

LocationBoston, MA 02108

Nearest stationMBTA Park Street / Downtown Crossing

HoursAccording to the annual October schedule

AdmissionMostly free; some programs may be paid or require registration

Travel tipSome sessions are first-come, first-served, so it helps to line up early for popular talks.

Boston Marathon

A world-renowned marathon held every April.

WhenEvery April

Travel tipCheck the route in advance and plan your cheering spot.

Subway lines

MBTA Blue Line: Bowdoin → WonderlandMBTA Green Line (B): Boston College → Government CenterMBTA Green Line (C): Cleveland Circle → Government CenterMBTA Green Line (D): Riverside → Union SquareMBTA Green Line (E): Heath Street → Medford/TuftsMBTA Mattapan Trolley: Mattapan → AshmontMBTA Orange Line: Oak Grove → Forest HillsMBTA Red Line: Ashmont → Alewife

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

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