Where to Stay in Boston πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ: Comprehensive Guide for the Best Places to Stay

Updated on July 27, 2024
by Alex Miller

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Choosing the right place to stay in Boston can significantly enhance your experience in this historic and vibrant city. Whether you’re visiting Boston for the first time or returning to explore more, finding a place to stay in Boston that suits your needs is crucial. From luxurious hotels like the Boston Park Plaza to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly options like HI Boston Hostel, the city offers a diverse range of accommodations. Each Boston neighborhood has its unique charm and attractions, making it essential to select the best area to stay based on your interests and itinerary.

Seaport
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill
North End
South End

Our Pick of the Best Hotels

Boston is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own flavor and attractions. The best neighborhoods in Boston to stay in include the historic Beacon Hill, the trendy South End, and the bustling Back Bay. These areas to stay in Boston are well-connected and provide easy access to the city’s top sights and activities. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel in the heart of the city or the best hostel in Boston for a budget-friendly stay, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your preferences. With so many things to do in Boston, from visiting museums to enjoying waterfront views, choosing the best area to stay will ensure you make the most of your visit.

The Best Places to Stay: Quick Guide

  • 🛍️ For Shoppers: Back Bay
  • 🏟️ For Sports Fans: Fenway
  • 🏛️ For History Buffs: Beacon Hill
  • 🍴 For Foodies: North End
  • 🎨 For Art Lovers: South End
  • 🚣‍♀️ For Modern Travelers: Seaport

1. Back Bay: Historic Elegance 🏰

🏛️ Historic Architecture: Back Bay is renowned for its stunning Victorian brownstone homes and historic buildings. The area exudes a classic charm with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, making it a picturesque spot for leisurely walks and photography.

Back Bay
Back Bay
Back Bay
Back Bay
Back Bay

🛍️ Shopping Paradise: Newbury Street, often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the East,” is a shopper’s haven with its array of high-end boutiques, trendy shops, and charming cafes. The Prudential Center and Copley Place also offer extensive shopping options, from luxury brands to popular retail stores.

🌳 Green Spaces: The neighborhood is home to several beautiful parks and green spaces, including the Boston Public Garden and the Charles River Esplanade. These areas provide a serene escape from the bustling city, perfect for picnics, jogging, or simply relaxing by the water.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory: Offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Boston and beyond. It’s a must-visit for panoramic cityscapes and a unique perspective of the city.
  • Boston Public Library: The first free public library in the United States, featuring stunning architecture, extensive collections, and beautiful reading rooms. Don’t miss the guided tours to explore its rich history.
  • Trinity Church: A historic landmark known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and Romanesque architecture. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and a glimpse into Boston’s religious history.
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Saltie Girl: Known for its fresh seafood and innovative dishes, Saltie Girl offers a delightful dining experience with a cozy ambiance.
  • Atlantic Fish Company: A favorite for seafood lovers, this restaurant serves up classic New England dishes with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Buttermilk & Bourbon: Offers Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, featuring a lively atmosphere and a menu full of comfort food favorites.

🚖 Well-connected: Back Bay is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to navigate. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides convenient access via the Green and Orange Lines, as well as several bus routes. Walking and biking are also popular options, with dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. For those driving, be mindful of limited parking and residential zones.

🏨 Where to Stay in Back Bay

⭐ Best Hotels in Back Bay

  • Luxury Hotel in Boston: A well-crafted life, a century in the making. Explore a beautifully restored and reimagined luxury hotel at the heart of Back Bay.
  • Luxury 5 Star Hotel: Awarded Forbes Five-Stars, Mandarin Oriental, Boston features 148 of the city’s most spacious guestrooms and suites, exquisite meeting and event facilities and legendary personalized service.
  • Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston: A cutting-edge 61-storey skyscraper in the heart of Back Bay, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston is vibrant, modern and stylish. Stay with us to experience a new kind of urban chic, complete with a stunning Wellness Floor and the world-renowned Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant, Zuma.
  • Raffles Boston: Discover Raffles Boston and enjoy the hotel’s spacious, comfortable rooms. Feel welcome to our elegant and luxurious hotel.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • The Colonnade Hotel: Centrally located and exquisitely appointed in the iconic Back Bay neighborhood, The Colonnade Hotel in Boston MA is the contemporary luxury Boston hotel of choice for the modern traveler.
  • 304 Newbury Street by Thatch: 304 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston, MA 02116, USA – Ausgezeichnete Lage – Karte anzeigen.
  • The Westin Copley Place, Boston: Step into a AAA Four-Diamond hotel in the celebrated Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, MA which is a short stroll from fine dining destinations and upscale clothing stores at Copley Place shopping mall.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Courtyard Boston Copley Square: Located in downtown Boston’s charming and vibrant Copley Square neighborhood, the historic, boutique Courtyard Boston Copley Square hotel combines old-world charm with modern amenities.
  • Inn at St. Botolph: Whether visiting Boston’s Back Bay for business or pleasure, a stay at the boutique Inn at St. Botolph offers a unique spin on the typical hotel experience.
  • HI Boston Hostel: Modern, eco-friendly hostel near Boston Common, the Freedom trail, and public transportation. Offering dorms and private rooms.

2. Fenway: The Heart of Boston’s Vibrant Community & Culture 🎭

⚾ Iconic Sports Venue: Fenway is home to the legendary Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. This iconic venue is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and offers a unique experience with its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere during Red Sox games.

Fenway
Fenway
Fenway
Fenway
Fenway

🎨 Cultural Hub: The neighborhood boasts a rich cultural scene with attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. These institutions offer world-class art collections and exhibitions, making Fenway a cultural hotspot in Boston.

🌳 Green Oasis: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the Back Bay Fens is part of the Emerald Necklace, a chain of interconnected parks. This green space provides a serene escape with its beautiful gardens, walking paths, and scenic views, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Fenway Park: The oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, offering tours and a chance to catch a Red Sox game. It’s a historic and iconic venue that embodies the spirit of Boston.
  • Museum of Fine Arts: One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, featuring an extensive collection of artworks from various cultures and time periods. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: A unique museum housed in a stunning Venetian-style palace, showcasing a diverse collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum’s courtyard garden is a highlight.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Sweet Cheeks Q: Known for its Southern-style barbecue, Sweet Cheeks Q offers a hearty menu with dishes like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all served with a side of warm hospitality.
  • Tasty Burger: A local favorite for classic American burgers, Tasty Burger serves up delicious, juicy burgers with a variety of toppings, along with fries and shakes.
  • Hojoko: A rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Japanese izakaya offering playful and inventive dishes. From karaage fried chicken to sushi rolls with funky ingredients, Hojoko provides a fun and flavorful dining experience.

🚍 Getting arround: Fenway is easily accessible via public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing convenient access through the Green Line and several bus routes. The neighborhood is also pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. For those driving, parking can be challenging, so using public transit is often the best option.

🏨 Where to Stay in Fenway

⭐ Best Hotels in Fenway

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

3. Beacon Hill: Boston’s Historic Gem 💎     

🏛️ Historic Charm: Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its narrow, cobblestone streets and Federal-style row houses. The area exudes a timeless elegance with its gaslit streetlamps and brick sidewalks, making it a picturesque spot for leisurely strolls and photography.

Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill

📜 Rich History: The neighborhood is steeped in history, home to significant landmarks like the Massachusetts State House and the Boston African American National Historic Site. Beacon Hill’s storied past includes being a hub for the abolitionist movement and housing many notable American figures.

🌳 Scenic Green Spaces: Beacon Hill is adjacent to some of Boston’s most beautiful parks, including Boston Common and the Public Garden. These green spaces offer a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle, perfect for picnics, jogging, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Massachusetts State House: The gold-domed State House is an architectural masterpiece and a must-see. Free guided tours offer insights into the building’s history and its role in state government.
  • Acorn Street: Often cited as the most photographed street in America, Acorn Street’s charming cobblestones and historic homes provide a glimpse into colonial-era Boston.
  • Louisburg Square: This exclusive residential square is known for its elegant Greek Revival townhouses and private park. It’s a picturesque spot often associated with Boston’s elite.
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Toscano: An upscale Italian restaurant on Charles Street, Toscano offers a menu rich in Tuscan traditions, featuring delicious pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
  • 75 Chestnut: A cozy bistro-style restaurant serving regional American comfort food. It’s a local favorite for brunch and dinner, known for its warm ambiance and friendly service.
  • Mooo: A high-end steakhouse offering a refined dining experience with top-quality cuts of meat and an extensive wine list. It’s perfect for a special night out.

🚇 Transportation: Beacon Hill is well-served by public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing convenient access via the Red and Green Lines, as well as several bus routes. The neighborhood’s compact size makes it highly walkable, and its proximity to downtown Boston ensures easy access to the city’s broader attractions. Parking can be limited, so public transit or walking is often the best option.

🏨 Where to Stay in Beacon Hill

⭐ Best Hotels in Beacon Hill

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

4. North End: Little Italy ☀️

🍝 Italian Heritage: The North End, often referred to as Boston’s “Little Italy,” is famous for its rich Italian-American culture. The neighborhood is filled with authentic Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, making it a culinary paradise for lovers of Italian cuisine.

North End
North End
North End
North End
North End

🏛️ Historic Significance: As Boston’s oldest residential community, the North End is steeped in history. Key landmarks include the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, both integral stops on the Freedom Trail that offer a glimpse into America’s revolutionary past.

🌳 Waterfront and Green Spaces: The North End boasts beautiful waterfront views and green spaces such as the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. These areas provide scenic spots for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely walks along the harbor.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Paul Revere House: The oldest building in downtown Boston, this historic house offers a fascinating look into the life of the American patriot Paul Revere. Visitors can explore the colonial-era home and learn about Revere’s midnight ride.
  • Old North Church: Built in 1723, this historic church is famous for its role in the American Revolution. It was here that the signal lanterns were hung to alert patriots of the British approach, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
  • Copp’s Hill Burying Ground: Established in 1659, this is Boston’s second oldest cemetery. It offers a unique historical experience with its ancient gravestones and the stories of early Boston residents.
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old North Church

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Neptune Oyster: Known for its fresh seafood, Neptune Oyster is a popular spot for dishes like lobster rolls and clam chowder. The cozy, brasserie-like setting adds to the dining experience.
  • Mamma Maria: This upscale Italian restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a menu full of traditional Italian dishes. The romantic ambiance and exceptional service make it a favorite for special occasions.
  • Regina Pizzeria: A North End institution since 1926, Regina Pizzeria is famous for its delicious, brick-oven pizzas. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a classic slice of Boston’s best pizza.

🚖 Easily accessible: The North End is easily accessible via public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing convenient access through the Blue, Green, and Orange Lines. The nearest stations are Aquarium, Haymarket, and North Station, all within a short walking distance. The neighborhood’s narrow streets are best explored on foot, and parking can be challenging, so public transit or walking is recommended.

🏨 Where to Stay in North End

⭐ Best Hotels in North End

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

5. South End: Boston’s Vibrant and Diverse Neighborhood ⚜️

🏛️ Victorian Architecture: The South End is renowned for its beautiful Victorian brownstone buildings, making it the largest intact Victorian row-house district in the country. These historic homes, with their intricate details and charming facades, provide a picturesque backdrop for the neighborhood.

South End
South End
South End
South End
South End

🍽️ Culinary Hotspot: Often declared Boston’s best food neighborhood, the South End boasts a diverse array of acclaimed restaurants. From elegant French bistros to cozy diners, the area offers a culinary experience that attracts food lovers from all over the city and beyond.

🎨 Thriving Arts Scene: The South End is home to a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries, artist studios, and cultural events. The SoWa (South of Washington) district, in particular, is known for its art and design studios, as well as the popular SoWa Open Market, which features local artisans and food vendors.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Southwest Corridor Park: This linear park follows the Orange Line and offers a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling. It connects several neighborhoods and provides green space amidst the urban environment.
  • Cathedral of the Holy Cross: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, this cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in New England and a significant landmark in the South End.
  • SoWa Art + Design District: This area is a hub for artists and designers, featuring galleries, studios, and the SoWa Open Market, which showcases local crafts, food, and vintage items.
Southwest Corridor Park
Southwest Corridor Park
Southwest Corridor Park
Southwest Corridor Park
Southwest Corridor Park

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Toro: A Barcelona-style tapas restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious small plates. Signature dishes include roasted bone marrow and grilled street corn.
  • B&G Oysters: A seafood lover’s paradise, B&G Oysters offers a variety of fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and other New England seafood classics in a cozy, subterranean setting.
  • Myers + Chang: An Asian-inspired eatery offering a creative menu with dishes like pork and chive dumplings and dan dan noodles. It’s also known for its fun dim sum brunch.

🚌 Well-served: The South End is well-served by public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing access via the Orange and Silver Lines, as well as several bus routes. The neighborhood’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Parking can be limited, so using public transit is often the best option.

🏨 Where to Stay in South End

⭐ Best Hotels in South End

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

6. Cambridge: University City 🌆

🎓 Academic Excellence: Cambridge is home to two of the world’s most prestigious universities: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These institutions not only contribute to the city’s vibrant intellectual atmosphere but also offer numerous cultural and educational attractions for visitors.

Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge

🌳 Green Spaces and Waterfront: The city boasts beautiful green spaces such as the Charles River Esplanade and Fresh Pond Reservation. These areas provide scenic spots for outdoor activities like jogging, biking, and picnicking, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle.

🎨 Cultural and Artistic Hub: Cambridge is known for its thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events. The SoWa Art + Design District and Harvard Art Museums are just a few examples of the city’s rich cultural offerings.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Harvard Square: A bustling hub of activity, Harvard Square is filled with eclectic shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s the perfect place to experience the lively atmosphere of Cambridge and explore the historic Harvard University campus.
  • MIT Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look into the innovative projects and research at MIT. Exhibits cover a range of topics from robotics to holography, making it a must-visit for science and technology enthusiasts.
  • Harvard Art Museums: Comprising the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, these museums house an extensive collection of art from various cultures and time periods. Highlights include works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet.
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Oleana: Known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Oleana offers a menu full of flavorful dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance and beautiful garden patio make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
  • Giulia: This Italian restaurant is renowned for its handmade pasta and rustic dishes. The intimate setting and exceptional service make it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
  • Harvest: Located in Harvard Square, Harvest is a farm-to-table restaurant that celebrates New England cuisine. The seasonal menu features locally sourced ingredients, and the garden terrace is one of the most coveted dining spots in the area.

🚌 Getting arround: Cambridge is well-served by public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing access via the Red Line and several bus routes. The city’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore on foot or by bike. For those driving, parking can be limited, so using public transit is often the best option.

🏨 Where to Stay in Cambridge

⭐ Best Hotels in Cambridge

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

7. Seaport: Waterfront Neighborhood 🌊

🏙️ Modern Development: The Seaport District, also known as the Innovation District, has transformed from an industrial area into a bustling urban neighborhood. It features sleek, modern architecture, high-end retail, and luxury residential buildings, making it a vibrant and dynamic part of Boston.

Seaport
Seaport
Seaport
Seaport
Seaport

🎨 Cultural and Artistic Hub: The Seaport is home to several cultural institutions, including the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), which showcases cutting-edge art exhibitions and performances. The area also hosts numerous public art installations and cultural events, making it a lively center for arts and culture.

🌊 Waterfront Activities: With its prime location along Boston Harbor, the Seaport offers a variety of waterfront activities. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the Harborwalk, take harbor cruises, or relax in waterfront parks like Fan Pier Park and Martin’s Park.

🏙️ The Best Sights

  • Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA): This striking waterfront museum features contemporary visual art, performances, and educational programs. Its unique architecture and diverse exhibitions make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: An interactive museum that brings the historic Boston Tea Party to life with reenactments, multimedia exhibits, and authentic artifacts. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages.
  • Harborwalk: A scenic 43-mile walkway along Boston’s shoreline, offering beautiful views of the harbor, public art, and access to parks, beaches, and attractions. It’s perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat 

  • Row 34: Known for its fresh seafood and extensive craft beer list, Row 34 offers a casual yet refined dining experience. Signature dishes include oysters, lobster rolls, and crispy oysters in lettuce cups.
  • The Barking Crab: A long-standing seafood joint with a lively atmosphere, The Barking Crab serves up New England classics like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and crab claws. The outdoor seating offers great views of the harbor.
  • Ocean Prime: A high-end steak and seafood restaurant, Ocean Prime is perfect for a special night out. The menu features prime steaks, butter-poached lobster, and creative cocktails.

🚎 Easily accessible: The Seaport District is easily accessible via public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing service through the Silver Line and several bus routes. The area is also within walking distance from South Station, which connects to the Red Line and commuter rail services. For those driving, there are several parking garages available, though public transit or walking is often more convenient due to limited parking.

🏨 Where to Stay in Seaport

⭐ Best Hotels in Seaport

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

Where to Stay in Boston

Boston offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and attractions. From the historic streets of Beacon Hill to the modern vibes of the Seaport District, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations, budget-friendly options, or something in between, Boston’s neighborhoods have you covered. Choosing the right area to stay in can enhance your experience, making your visit to this historic city even more memorable.

❓ FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Boston for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors, Back Bay and Beacon Hill are excellent choices due to their central locations, historic charm, and easy access to major attractions.

Which neighborhood in Boston is best for foodies?

The North End and South End are top picks for foodies. The North End offers authentic Italian cuisine, while the South End boasts a diverse array of acclaimed restaurants.

Is it easy to get around Boston without a car?

Yes, Boston is well-connected by public transportation, including the MBTA subway and bus systems. Many neighborhoods are also highly walkable.

What are the best neighborhoods in Boston for nightlife?

Fenway and the Seaport District are known for their vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Are there family-friendly areas to stay in Boston?

Yes, neighborhoods like Back Bay and the Seaport District offer family-friendly attractions and accommodations, making them ideal for families visiting Boston.