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Boston

History, universities and harbour in New England

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Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Currency: USD
Time zone: UTC-4
Country: United States

Photo: NewtonCourt, CC BY-SA 4.0

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the cultural and financial centre of New England, known for its role in the American Revolution, its universities and its compact, walkable historic core. Visitors come for the Freedom Trail, museums, harbour views and day trips to Cambridge and the surrounding towns.

Largest cities

New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Houston
San Francisco
Miami

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: United States
Capital: Washington, D.C.
City population: 675,647
Population of United States: 340M
Country area: 9,833,520 km²
Official language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD) · 1 USD ≈ 1 USD
Time zone: UTC-4
Calling code: +1
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 8 m
Plugs: A / B · 120V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	3°	4°	10°	14°	20°	26°	29°	27°	23°	18°	11°	6°
Low	-5°	-5°	0°	5°	10°	16°	20°	18°	15°	9°	3°	-2°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$83
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$195
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$500

Plan a trip to Boston

Top things to do

Free
Freedom Trail
Follow the red-brick line past 16 Revolutionary-era sites from Boston Common to the Charlestown Navy Yard; wear comfortable shoes as the full route is about 4 km.
- Half day
- Downtown and the Financial District
- Good for kids
Free
Boston Common and Public Garden
Walk America's oldest public park and the adjoining botanical garden, with the swan boats running in warmer months; it is a good place for a relaxed evening stroll.
- Half day
- Downtown and the Financial District
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $27
Museum of Fine Arts
One of the largest art museums in the United States, with strong American, European and Asian collections; allow at least two to three hours.
- Half day
- Back Bay and Fenway
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $20
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
A Venetian-style palace built around a plant-filled courtyard, holding an eclectic collection; book timed tickets in advance.
- Half day
- Back Bay and Fenway
- Indoors
≈ $25
Fenway Park
Take a guided tour of the 1912 home of the Boston Red Sox or catch an evening game; tours run most days but sell out on match days.
- Half day
- Back Bay and Fenway
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Harvard and MIT campuses
Cross the Charles River to walk Harvard Yard and the MIT campus, with several free university museums nearby; the Red Line reaches both.
- Half day
- Cambridge
- Good for kids
Free
USS Constitution and Bunker Hill
Tour the oldest commissioned warship afloat and climb the Bunker Hill Monument for harbour views; both are free but the monument has no lift.
- Half day
- Charlestown
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $30
Salem day trip
Take the commuter rail north to Salem for its witch-trial history, the Peabody Essex Museum and waterfront; the train takes about 30 minutes from North Station.
- Full day
- North End and the Waterfront
- Good for kids
- Indoors

Before you go

Entry and visas

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including the UK, most of the EU and Qatar, need an approved ESTA, which costs $40 since 30 September 2025; apply at least 72 hours before travel on the official CBP site. Others, including Indian, Saudi and Emirati citizens, need a visitor visa, and appointment waits can be long.

Official website

From the airport

Logan International Airport (BOS) sits across the harbour from downtown; the MBTA Blue Line, Silver Line bus and water taxi reach the centre in roughly 15–30 minutes, while a taxi or rideshare takes about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

Boston is compact and walkable, with the MBTA subway, bus and commuter rail network covering the city and nearby Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline.

Local tips

Tipping is expected: 15–20% in restaurants and a dollar or two per drink at bars.
Summers are warm and humid while winters bring snow and ice, so pack layers and waterproof shoes.
The historic centre is small; walking plus the subway is usually faster than driving, and parking is expensive.
Buy an MBTA CharlieCard or use contactless payment for cheaper fares than single-ride tickets.