Quick Guide
April – November
Tourists fill the city from spring through fall. The weather is particularly lovely in spring, though autumn brings with it stunning sights as leaves change colors and temperatures comfortably drop. Summer can be hot and humid.
December – March
Winter is frigid in Boston. Crowds thin and prices drop after the holidays.
Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money
Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health
Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away. Get updated guidance on health and safety from the City of Boston website.
Getting Here
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) serves the city. South Station and Back Bay Station are both Amtrak hubs; South Station is also a major bus hub.
Getting Around
The MBTA operates subways (better known as “the T”), trolleys, buses, and ferries in Boston and its suburbs, as well as the commuter rail. Boston also has a bike-share program, and taxis and ride shares are easily available.
Local Lingo
That Bah-ston accent is real, folks. The Hub: Boston. Do not call it “Beantown.” Wicked: Very. IE, “This is wicked cool.” The Green Monster: Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Dunkies: Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts), every local’s fave spot for coffee. Rippah: A huge party.
Must-Have Apps
Insider Tips
The best way not to miss any of Boston’s historic sights? Walk the 2 ½-mile Freedom Trail, which winds through downtown Boston and past 16 epic historical places, including the site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and Old North Church.
April – November
Tourists fill the city from spring through fall. The weather is particularly lovely in spring, though autumn brings with it stunning sights as leaves change colors and temperatures comfortably drop. Summer can be hot and humid.
December – March
Winter is frigid in Boston. Crowds thin and prices drop after the holidays.
Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money
Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health
Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away. Get updated guidance on health and safety from the City of Boston website.
Getting Here
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) serves the city. South Station and Back Bay Station are both Amtrak hubs; South Station is also a major bus hub.
Getting Around
The MBTA operates subways (better known as “the T”), trolleys, buses, and ferries in Boston and its suburbs, as well as the commuter rail. Boston also has a bike-share program, and taxis and ride shares are easily available.
Local Lingo
That Bah-ston accent is real, folks. The Hub: Boston. Do not call it “Beantown.” Wicked: Very. IE, “This is wicked cool.” The Green Monster: Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Dunkies: Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts), every local’s fave spot for coffee. Rippah: A huge party.
Must-Have Apps
Insider Tips
The best way not to miss any of Boston’s historic sights? Walk the 2 ½-mile Freedom Trail, which winds through downtown Boston and past 16 epic historical places, including the site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and Old North Church.
Did You Know?
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States; it was established in 1634.
Where to Stay
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf
- The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
- The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Residence Inn Boston Downtown/Seaport
- Courtyard Boston Downtown
- Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
- Courtyard Boston Copley Square
- Boston Marriott Cambridge
- W Boston
- The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf
- The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
- The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Residence Inn Boston Downtown/Seaport
- Courtyard Boston Downtown
- Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
- Courtyard Boston Copley Square
- Boston Marriott Cambridge
- W Boston
- The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston