Where to Stay in Boston — Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
Where are the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Boston? I’ve got you covered! Boston is a fantastic city with rich history, beautiful parks, and some of America’s best museums.
I grew up in the Boston area and spent several years living in the city as an adult. I may not live there full-time anymore, but I go back to visit Boston and I always keep an eye on what’s going on in the city. And that includes its hotel scene.
Boston is a city with many sides, and I feel like most tourists only get to see one or two sides. Boston is most definitely a sports town, where the city lives and dies by the Red Sox and Patriots and every bar has “the game” on. It’s home to incredible Revolutionary War history. It’s an intellectual city, home to universities like Harvard and MIT, hundreds more colleges, and enough libraries and museums to keep you stimulated.
The architecture spans a variety of styles that somehow work together (with the exception of city hall). It’s cold and snowy in the winter, hot and humid in the summer. And that accent very much exists, though nobody in Hollywood can pull off a passable Boston accent, even after months of coaching.
Boston image credits: all are mine except Instagram-embedded images and the following: Back Bay by Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, South End by Jorge Cansela, Brookline by Mark Souther, Fenway/Kenmore by Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Harvard Square by EandJsFilmCrew, Seaport by Sarah Nichols. Oasis Guest House photo by the hotel.
Lots of people visit Boston on business and leave thinking that the city is nothing but gray skyscrapers. Well, that’s the feeling you’ll get if you don’t get out of downtown! You could be staying in a neighborhood lined with Victorian homes, stately brownstones, or tight-packed red brick buildings with fire escapes running up and down them.
My top picks of neighborhoods vary enormously; where you should stay in Boston depends on what you’re looking for in a trip. You’ve got an Italian neighborhood close to historic sites, a suburb on the western edge with cool businesses and Tudor architecture, and a neighborhood so brand new that most longtime residents barely recognize it.
Here are my recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in Boston.
If you can stay in any neighborhood in Boston, my top recommendation is Back Bay. This neighborhood is pretty much the dead center of Boston; you’re never far from anything. Back Bay is home to some of the priciest (and most beautiful) real estate in town, as well as some of the best shopping. And you’re steps from Boston’s top sights, like the Boston Public Library and the Public Garden, as well as the Boston Marathon finish line at Copley Square.
Newbury Street is home to luxury shops and indie boutiques as well as plenty of sidewalk cafes. On a warm day in Boston, this is one of the best places to dine outside. One of my favorite streets in Boston is Back Bay’s Marlborough Street, filled with beautiful brownstones (and exactly zero tourists). And if you’re set on shopping, Boylston St., the shops at the Prudential, and Copley Plaza are home to all the big brands.
To the north of Back Bay is the Esplanade, where you can run, picnic, or catch a summer concert at the Hatchshell. And you’re still within walking distance of the Theatre District, the restaurants and bars of Tremont Street, and the art museums of Fenway.
The neighborhood of Back Bay borders the South End, Fenway, the Theatre District, and the Public Garden with easy access to Beacon Hill. The green line has several stops here (Arlington, Copley, Hynes Convention Center, Prudential) and the 1 bus gives you the fastest way to Cambridge.
Best Back Bay Hotels: Luxury: Fairmont Copley Plaza or Taj Boston Midrange: Boston Park Plaza Budget: Copley House Find deals on all Back Bay hotels here.
Best Boston Neighborhood for History Lovers: The North End
Boston is filled with history, especially pertaining to the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail is one of America’s best historic trails, taking you from Boston Common to the Charlestown Navy Yard, hitting dozens of places of historical importance along the way, like the Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, and Paul Revere’s house. While lots of neighborhoods are adjacent to the Freedom Trail, I recommend the North End because it’s one of the oldest and prettiest residential neighborhoods in Boston.
The North End is also Boston’s traditionally Italian neighborhood. You’ll find plenty of Italian shops and restaurants, plus longtime residents who speak primarily Italian with each other. Some of my top recommendations: Mamma Maria for the best fine Italian dining, Giacomo’s (be prepared to wait in line) for the best casual Italian dining, Caffe Vittoria for cappuccino, and Modern Pastry (NOT the popular yet inferior Mike’s across the street) for cannolis and pastries.
The North End borders downtown Boston, the Financial District, and the West End, putting it fairly close to the historic heart of Boston. Get here via the orange line (North Station, Haymarket, State St.), blue line (State St.), or green line (North Station, Haymarket).
Best North End Hotels: Luxury: Battery Wharf Hotel Boston or Bricco Suites Midrange: The Boxer Boston Find deals on all North End hotels here.
Best Boston Neighborhood for Foodies: The South End
There’s no ambiguity on this one — everyone agrees that the South End is the best foodie neighborhood in all of Boston. Located just south of Back Bay, this is one of Boston’s best residential neighborhoods with beautiful brownstones, boutique hotels, quirky shops you won’t find anywhere else, a thriving LGBT community, and the best restaurants in the city.
One of the pleasures of staying in the South End is feeling like a local. There aren’t many obvious tourist destinations here, so most tourists don’t even step within its borders.
If you’re a foodie in the least, be sure to visit at least one of Ken Oringer’s restaurants. The man IS Boston fine dining. Two of my favorites of his are in the South End: Coppa, an Italian wine bar with a crazy selection of unusual meats, and Toro, a Spanish tapas restaurant with the best corn in existence (order the corn when you arrive just in case it sells out; you’ll thank me later).
Other standout South End restaurants include B&G Oysters, Picco, Gaslight Brasserie du Coin, Tremont 647, Myers and Chang, and the South End Buttery. My favorite only-locals-know-about-this-place restaurant is the Franklin Cafe.
The South End borders Back Bay, the Theatre District, and Roxbury, with a highway running along the bottom of it. Get here via the orange line (Tufts Medical Center, Back Bay/South End) or silver line (many stops along Tremont St.).
Best South End Hotels Luxury: Westin Boston Copley Place (technically Back Bay but just north of the South End) Midrange: Encore Bed and Breakfast Budget: Staypineapple at the Alise Find deals on all South End hotels here.
Best Boston Neighborhood for a Smaller-Town Feel: Brookline
If you enjoy small cities or suburbs more than big cities, Brookline is the perfect place for you to stay in Boston. Brookline is technically a different city than Boston, but it’s surrounded by Boston on nearly all sides, making it feel like it’s part of the city. Accommodation in Brookline can often be cheaper than what you’d pay for a similar hotel in downtown Boston.
Coolidge Corner is one of the best parts of Brookline, home to beloved independent businesses like the Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline Booksmith, Eureka Puzzles, and When Pigs Fly Bakery. Brookline is also home to a big Jewish community, so if you keep kosher, this is a good place to base. And if you love to take walks, Brookline has lots of curvy streets filled with large, beautiful homes.
Brookline has student-heavy neighborhoods Allston and Brighton to the north, Fenway to the east, Newton to the west, and Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury to the south. Get here on the B, C, or D green lines. The C line goes to Coolidge Corner.
Best Brookline Hotels: Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline Midrange: Holiday Inn Boston Brookline Budget: Coolidge Corner Guest House Find deals on all Brookline hotels here.
Best Boston Neighborhood for Sports Fans: Fenway/Kenmore
Boston is a city that lives and breathes based on what the Red Sox are doing! Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in America, and even if you’re not a Boston sports fan, it’s worth visiting for the cultural experience. Ideally, you should go to a game (and sing along with “Sweet Caroline” during the seventh inning stretch), but there are tours of the park year-round. Kenmore Square is located adjacent to the Fenway neighborhood and as such, Fenway/Kenmore is often referred to as a single neighborhood.
This is the best neighborhood for sports fans because not only is it home to Fenway, it’s home to some of the best sports bars in the city. Even if you’re not going to a Red Sox game, you can always enjoy the atmosphere on Landsdowne Street and Yawkey Way or get drinks at the Bleacher Bar, which is practically on the field at Fenway but open to non-ticket-holders.
Fenway is also a cultural neighborhood — it’s home to several colleges and universities like Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, Emmanuel College, Simmons College, and the edge of Boston University. Some of the best museums are here, like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra plays in the neighborhood too. Add the beautiful gardens of the Back Bay Fens, part of the city’s Emerald Necklace of parks, and this neighborhood might just have it all.
Fenway and Kenmore border Back Bay, the South End, Roxbury, Mission Hill, and Brookline. The Kenmore stop is where most of the green lines split; there’s orange line access at Mass. Ave. and Ruggles.
Best Fenway/Kenmore Hotels: Luxury: Hotel Commonwealth Midrange: The Verb Hotel Budget: Oasis Guest House Find deals on all Fenway/Kenmore hotels here.
Best for Hipsters and Intellectuals: Harvard Square, Cambridge
Cambridge is technically a separate city from Boston, but you’d never know — it’s located right across the river and it’s got just as much public transportation. Cambridge neighborhoods vary quite a bit, but I overall recommend Harvard Square. Not only is it at Harvard’s doorstep, but it gives you access to the kinds of businesses that students and faculty love: the enormous COOP bookstore, interesting museums, theater productions big and small, a fun bar and restaurant scene (you can’t miss the politically named burgers at Mr. Bartley’s), running and walking trails along the Charles River, and easy access to Boston via the red line.
Harvard Square’s hip days have passed, but it’s a central spot for accessing the hip local parts of Cambridge and next-door Somerville like Central Square, Inman Square, Union Square, and Davis Square. Good luck finding tourists in any of these neighborhoods! Instead you’ll be rewarded by cool shops, excellent coffee, and perhaps Boston’s least sporty enclaves.
Harvard Square is between Central Square and Porter Square with Inman Square close by. Get here on the red line at Harvard to take the #1 bus.
Best Harvard Square Hotels: Luxury: Charles Hotel Midrange: Porter Square Hotel Budget: Irving House at Harvard Find deals on all Harvard Square hotels here.
Best for Second-Time Visitors and More: Seaport
If you’ve been to Boston before and want to see something new, I suggest the Seaport, also known as the South Boston waterfront. Over the past five years, this waterfront has gone from mostly offices and parking lots to becoming one of the hottest neighborhoods in town. It’s completely unrecognizable from when I worked there a decade ago! All we had back then was the unmarked (though legitimately awesome) Lucky’s Lounge. For that reason, if you’ve been to Boston before, this is a chance to experience something completely different.
The Institute of Contemporary Art has always been a hallmark of the neighborhood, but now there are art installations and galleries throughout the neighborhood. You can visit shops like the first L.L. Bean in an urban area, restaurants like Babbo Pizzeria and Legal Test Kitchen, bars like Temezcal and City Tap House as well as the Harpoon Brewery, and plenty of parks and green spaces with gorgeous views of downtown Boston.
Note that the Seaport is very different from both South Boston (a.k.a. Southie) and the South End. (Just go with it.) The Seaport is bordered by the South End, South Boston, and downtown Boston. The silver line has several stops here and there’s talk of adding more public transportation.
Best Seaport Hotels: Luxury: Seaport Boston or The Envoy Hotel Midrange: YOTEL Boston Find deals on South Boston Waterfront hotels here.
Where to Avoid in Boston
Boston is a very safe city for the most part, but like any other city, there are some neighborhoods worth avoiding. I recommend new visitors to Boston avoid Mattapan, Roxbury, Hyde Park, and some parts of Dorchester like Savin Hill as well as most of East Somerville and the northwest part of Charlestown. West Roxbury, Roslindale and Milton are nice but the T doesn’t run there, making transit a bit tougher.
Some places require a bit of extra caution at night. Downtown Crossing and the Financial District tend to be deserted at night, so be extra aware of your surroundings at that time. The Back Bay Fens, a big park, is beautiful during the day but turns into a hookup and drug dealing spot after sunset.
There’s no need to stay near the airport. Logan Airport is located in East Boston, but there’s a blue line subway stop at the airport and it’s easy and fast to get there via public transportation or a cab. The neighborhood doesn’t have much to offer tourists (other than Santarpio’s, the best pizza in Boston).
You’ll probably want to avoid hotels in the suburbs surrounding Boston. They’re more built to people who want to drive into Boston each day or take the commuter rail, which doesn’t run very often. Some of these suburbs include Woburn, Chelsea, Winthrop, Waltham, and Salem. Some hotels in Newton, Malden, and Revere are close to the T but most of them are not; you should double-check on a map.
Most importantly, if you don’t stay within a 10-minute walk of a T station (the subway), you’re probably not going to get to see as much of the city. Be near the T and the city will be in your hands.
A post shared by Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston (@fairmontcopley) on Jan 23, 2018 at 4:23pm PST
If you want a luxury experience in Boston, look no further than the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Luxury can mean lots of things — and above all, it’s about having everything you need immediately in front of you. The hotel is over 100 years old and former U.S. presidents stay when they come to town — but it’s anything but stuffy. Here the decor is a mix of classic and modern in a way that meshes together beautifully.
The rooms at the Fairmont Copley Plaza are huge; the amenities, like in-room massages and a rooftop fitness center, are fabulous; and checkout isn’t until noon. The on-site Oak Long Bar and Kitchen has become one of the best cocktail bars in the neighborhood as well.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza is located right on Copley Square in the heart of Back Bay, by the Boston Public Library and John Hancock Tower, as well as the Boston Public Library. Its location on Dartmouth Street means that the best restaurants of the South End are a short stroll away. All you have to do is step outside and be swept into the best part of the city. Read more and book here.
Three more excellent Boston luxury hotels: Taj Boston Boston Harbor Hotel Mandarin Oriental BostonA post shared by Liberty Hotel Boston (@liberty_hotel) on Feb 23, 2018 at 10:30am PST
Without a doubt the most interesting hotel in Boston is The Liberty Hotel. Why? It’s the former Charles Street Jail and they’ll never let you forget it! Everything here has a jail theme, from the hotel rooms that were once cells to the open lobby that was once the jail’s gymnasium. The rugs are covered with patterns of skeleton keys and pocket watches. And the bars and restaurants have witty names — CLINK serves up delicious American fare while Alibi serves up cocktails and is covered with giant framed celebrity mug shots.
The Liberty is always buzzing — few hotels in Boston are able to match the scene on a Friday night. Come here and you’ll meet interesting people. If you like having a hotel close to the nightlife, you can’t get much closer than this. And hotel guests get extra privileges like getting to have food and drinks from Catwalk, the jail’s original catwalk, which now overlooks the lobby scene.
The Liberty is technically located in Boston’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it West End neighborhood, right by the Charles MGH red line stop. Walk across the street to enjoy the small-town feel of Beacon Hill, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, and enjoy the stroll down Charles Street to the Public Garden. You can also hit up the nearby bars like Harvard Gardens, where you’re guaranteed to hobnob with doctors and surgeons who work at nearby MassGeneral. Read more and book here.
Three more excellent Boston boutique hotels: Fifteen Beacon Ames Hotel Copley Square HotelA post shared by Boston Park Plaza (@parkplazaboston) on Dec 19, 2017 at 1:28pm PST
It might sound like a luxury hotel by its name, but the Boston Park Plaza is actually a fantastic midrange hotel. (Also, fun fact: my senior prom was held here!) In terms of value for money, this place is one of the best in town.
The cheapest rooms are tiny — like, barely enough room to walk around the queen bed — but they’re beautifully appointed. There are fitness classes for hotel guests and a Starbucks is conveniently located off the lobby.
The Park Plaza is located in the Theater District, right on the edge of Back Bay with easy access to Boston Common, just a short walk from the South End and Chinatown. You’re right in the middle of everything. Read more and book here.
Three more excellent Boston midrange hotels: The Verb Hotel Omni Parker House Porter Square Hotel
Boston is one of America’s most expensive cities — even budget hotels cost a lot. But if you’re willing to give up one major amenity — say, a private bathroom — the price ends up tumbling down significantly. Enter Oasis Guest House, easily one of the best value properties in the entire Boston area. And one reason is because the bathrooms are shared.
That said, the rooms are tastefully appointed and they don’t scrimp on any other amenities. Wifi is free, central air is included (a must during a Boston summer) and there’s even free breakfast. And if you’re driving, the hotel has 11 parking spots for only $25 per day, roughly half what you would pay at other downtown hotels.
This location is fantastic, right on the Fenway/Back Bay line. (In fact, I used to live two blocks away!) You’re on a quiet street but close to all the cultural and sports offerings of Fenway and all the shopping, dining, and bars of Back Bay! And the South End is just a short stroll away…
Other recommended Boston budget hotels: Staypineapple at the Alise Irving House at Harvard Coolidge Corner Guest HouseA post shared by HI Boston (@bostonhostel) on Jan 26, 2017 at 5:42am PST
Boston has added a few hostels over the past few years, and the best one I’ve seen so far is HI Boston Hostel. Here you have single-sex and mixed dorms in addition to some private ensuite rooms. The building was designed for environmental sustainability and they are currently awaiting LEED certification. There is a comfortable common room on the ground floor and there are Bostonian touches everywhere, like shower curtains with the map of the T on them.
If you’re looking to meet people, this is a great place because there are so many group activities! Join your fellow travelers for a Harvard campus tour, a day at the Museum of Fine Arts, a walk along the Freedom Trail, a brewery tour, or even Boston Movie Night. There is also an emphasis on community outreach and volunteering.
HI Boston Hostel is located in the Theatre District, very close to Boston Common and Chinatown and a short walk from the South End and Back Bay. You’re also a stone’s throw from Jacob Wirth, a German restaurant with piano singalongs on Thursday and Friday nights. Make sure you hit that up!
Other recommended Boston hostels: Friend Street Hostel Found Hotel Boston Common
Boston Travel Tips
Boston is America’s Walking City. Boston is arguably the most European city in America in terms of its look, and this means it’s far more walkable than most American cities. Plan to get around by walking and the T, Boston’s subway, which gives you good access throughout the city. For this reason, make sure your hotel is close to a T stop.
Boston is a sports town at heart. If there’s any kind of game taking place during your visit, it seems like half the city will be watching it. And if you happen to be a Yankees fan, I suggest leaving your gear at home, or else you’ll have to defend your fandom to everyone you meet.
Bring a portable safe to protect your belongings. Leave your valuables locked in this and lock it to something sturdy in your room. Whether you’re in a hotel or a shared dorm room, it’s a smart idea. I consider my portable safe the most important item I pack.
Keep a digital guidebook on your phone. Guidebooks are still very much in use these days, only the medium has changed. Lonely Planet has PDF guidebooks; their Boston guidebook is a great addition for your trip.
Consider visiting for the Fourth of July or Boston Marathon. These are two very special occasions. On the Fourth of July, there’s a huge concert on the Esplanade (get seats early); later there’s fireworks over the Charles River, with views from both Boston and Cambridge. If you go for the marathon, plan your hotel and route carefully as you may end up stranded on one side of the city.
The best time to visit Boston is in late spring, late summer, or early fall. June and September have beautiful summer weather without the humidity of July and August; the best foliage tends to be from late September to early October, but this can vary. Check online before your trip to see what’s being forecasted. Summer can be beautiful but very hot and humid; winters are long and brutal.
A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense — I couldn’t disagree more. Travel insurance is vital. It’s saved me hundreds of dollars and for a few of my friends who seriously injured themselves abroad, they’ve saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If your wallet is stolen at a bar, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.
If you slip and break your ankle or get appendicitis while in Boston, travel insurance will cover your medical costs, which could run into the tens of thousands. This is especially vital for people visiting Boston from outside the United States.
If an immediate family member dies while you’re halfway across the world, travel insurance will help you get home immediately.
These are unpleasant things to think about, but it’s so important to be prepared for the worst.
I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance. They’re a great fit for almost every traveler. Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure they’re right for you.
My #1 Boston Travel TipWalk as much as humanly possible. Boston is the perfect place to do so.
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Have you been to Boston? Where do you recommend staying?The post Where to Stay in Boston — Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation appeared first on Adventurous Kate.
