Back Bay
expensiveUpscale neighborhood with Victorian brownstones, Newbury Street shopping, and cultural sites
Best for shopping, architecture, dining, culture
GoFarGuide.org
Historic city with Freedom Trail, universities, seafood, and Revolutionary War heritage.
Humid continental
Jan
2° / -6° 93 mmFeb
3° / -5° 81 mmMar
7° / -1° 97 mmApr
13° / 4° 91 mmMay
19° / 10° 86 mmJun
25° / 15° 97 mmJul
28° / 19° 86 mmAug
27° / 18° 89 mmSep
23° / 14° 86 mmOct
16° / 8° 91 mmNov
11° / 3° 96 mmDec
5° / -2° 104 mmLogan International Airport (BOS) · 5 km east of downtown
Silver Line SL1 Bus (20-30 min, $2.40) · Blue Line + Transfer (25-35 min, $2.40) · Water Taxi (7 min, $12) · Taxi (15-30 min, $35-50) · Uber/Lyft (15-30 min, $25-45)
T Subway, Bus, Commuter Rail, Ferry
Boston extremely walkable - downtown, Back Bay, North End all walkable · T (subway) reliable and connects all major areas · Red Line to Cambridge/Harvard, Green Line to Fenway, Blue to waterfront · Get CharlieCard at any T station for discounted fares · Freedom Trail walk connects 16 historic sites - highly recommended · Car not needed - parking expensive and difficult
high
English
US Dollar ($, USD)
Academic and intellectual culture - many universities · Historical preservation and pride · Sports fanatic - Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics · Irish cultural influence · Revolutionary War history everywhere · Coffee and pub culture
Direct communication style - straightforward · Don't block subway doors · Queue properly - Bostonians enforce this · Wicked used as intensifier in local slang · Sports rivalries taken seriously
ESTA required for visa waiver program countries ($21, apply online). Others need visa.
120V, 60Hz · A, B
World-class healthcare (MGH, Brigham, Boston Children's). Very expensive - insurance essential.
SAFE · Very safe city overall, especially in tourist areas · Watch for pickpockets on crowded T trains · Some neighborhoods (Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan) less safe at night · Winters harsh (-10°C/14°F common) with heavy snow - dress warmly · Bike theft common - use good locks · Jaywalking culture but cars won't always stop
Police 911 · Ambulance 911
Upscale neighborhood with Victorian brownstones, Newbury Street shopping, and cultural sites
Best for shopping, architecture, dining, culture
Historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, Federal-style rowhouses, and charming atmosphere
Best for history, architecture, walking tours, photos
Italian neighborhood with authentic trattorias, bakeries, narrow streets, and Old World charm
Best for Italian food, culture, history, bakeries
University area home to Harvard and MIT with bookstores, cafes, museums, and intellectual vibe
Best for universities, museums, cafes, culture