Downtown Boston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Boston showing a city and night scenes as well as a small group of people
Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston

The heart of America’s revolutionary history lies in the centre of this city. Uncover the story of the nation and enjoy excellent arts and dining venues.

Experience a turning point in American history in Downtown Boston. The storied city’s central district features famous revolutionary locations where the nation changed forever. This is not just an open-air museum, however. Hop between atmospheric restaurants, popular theaters and family-friendly attractions in this historic neighborhood.

Stand outside the Statue of Sam Adams to join the Freedom TrailOpens in a new window, a walking route that follows the history of Boston, led by costumed guides. This neighborhood features sights such as the Old State House, which was colonial Boston’s seat of government, and the Old South Meeting House, where revolutionaries plotted and voted for the Boston Tea Party. Walk to the river to find a historic boat that houses the Boston Tea Party Ships and MuseumOpens in a new window.

Stroll around downtown to see how other old buildings have been transformed. Attend a choral performance in King’s Chapel, an 18th-century church filled with revolutionary stories. Old City Hall was built in 1865 and today functions as a restaurant and office building.

Boston is also famed around the world for its residents’ love of sports. Join huge crowds of local fans at TD Garden, the home of the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. The venue also hosts some of the world’s biggest musical acts.

Meet the ocean’s most beguiling creatures at the New England Aquarium, a visitor attraction and conservation center. Feel the coarse skin of fearsome fish in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank and marvel at the colorful Caribbean fish in the Giant Ocean Tank.

Spend your evening at one of the many theaters and arts venues in the district. The Orpheum is famed for its rock and pop concerts while the Boston Opera House hosts Broadway shows. Stop by The Wilbur to enjoy local comedy or live music.

Travel to Downtown Boston by train. Stop at South Station on the eastern edge of the neighborhood. Most of the cultural and historical attractions here are open throughout the year.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Boston Hotel Deals

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
505 Washington Street, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$788 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$788
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Boston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,208 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

The Godfrey Hotel Boston
The Dagny Boston

The Dagny Boston

4 out of 5
89 Broad Street, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$576 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$576
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6,179 reviews)
"The hotel staff from the moment you arrive, from the valet staff, to the front desk, and the housekeeping team, everyone is seeking to make your stay excellent. We will definitely return on our visits to Boston."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

The Dagny Boston
InterContinental Boston by IHG

InterContinental Boston by IHG

5 out of 5
510 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$522 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$522
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
10 out of 10
"Beautiful hotel, friendly and attentive staff. The first time I’ve stayed in a hotel that I didn’t feel the need to clean it myself. The room was spacious and had an enormous bathroom which is rare. The only negative was the fridge had a tiny spot available for my things. I would suggest staying ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

InterContinental Boston by IHG
Hyatt Regency Boston

Hyatt Regency Boston

4 out of 5
One Avenue De Lafayette, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$429 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$429
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,582 reviews)
"great hotel in a solid location close to Boston Common. Walking distance to the Garden, North End, & Charles River. Clean, Cozy, nice fitness center and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Regency Boston
Omni Parker House

Omni Parker House

4 out of 5
60 School St, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$504 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
NZ$504
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,853 reviews)
"Bar and Resturant were a bit weak but took nice, comfy and clean"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Omni Parker House
Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston

Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston

4 out of 5
54-68 Devonshire St, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$392 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$392
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,141 reviews)
"A perfect stay! I had a wonderful experience at Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall. The location is absolutely ideal walking distance to everything I needed. The staff were incredibly kind, professional, and helpful throughout my stay. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, and I truly felt taken care of. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Boston

Massachusetts featuring landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a city

Government Center

If you're spending time in Government Center, check out sights like Faneuil Hall Marketplace or Boston City Hall Plaza and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Government Center Station or Bowdoin Station.

Government Center
Boston Financial District which includes a garden and a city

Boston Financial District

5/5(7 area reviews)

Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Boston Financial District. Travellers also love the fantastic nightlife, must-see aquarium and captivating waterfront views.

Boston Financial District
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Downtown Crossing

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Orpheum Theater to The Freedom Trail – discover Downtown Crossing, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Downtown Crossing
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North End

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Boston Harbor or New England Aquarium while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Aquarium to get around town.

North End
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West End

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and beautiful gardens are a few things travellers love about West End. Check out TD Garden or Museum of Science while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Science Park Station to get around town.

West End
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Chinatown

5/5(4 area reviews)

Theatres and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy in Chinatown, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Chinatown Station.

Chinatown


Downtown Boston Travel Guide

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