Downtown Boston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A nighttime street scene with illuminated trees, a market stall, and historic buildings.
A busy urban street lined with historic theaters, cafes, and modern buildings.
Quincy Market with an American flag, historic buildings, and a clock tower in the background.
A spacious indoor area with a high, arched ceiling and brick walls. There are multiple tables and chairs arranged for seating.
Quincy Market with its neoclassical architecture, including columns and a prominent sign.

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 theatres and family-friendly attractions in this historic neighbourhood.

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 neighbourhood 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 centre. Feel the coarse skin of fearsome fish in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank and marvel at the colourful Caribbean fish in the Giant Ocean Tank.

Spend your evening at one of the many theatres 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 neighbourhood. Most of the cultural and historical attractions here are open throughout the year.


Stay near popular Downtown Boston attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Boston Hotel Deals

The Dagny Boston

The Dagny Boston

4 out of 5
89 Broad Street Boston MA
The price is NZ$507 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$507
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (7,480 reviews)
"From our first interaction with the valet to checking out, our stay was top shelf. Would recommend 10 times out of 10."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

The Dagny Boston
Harborside Inn Of Boston

Harborside Inn Of Boston

4 out of 5
185 State St Boston MA
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$369 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$369
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
Harborside Inn Of Boston
Omni Parker House

Omni Parker House

4.5 out of 5
60 School St Boston MA
The price is NZ$634 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$634
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,685 reviews)
"Hotel has a great history and you can feel the vibe as you walk in. Quiet rooms and enough space for my family and I. Would recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

Omni Parker House
The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
505 Washington Street Boston MA
The price is NZ$468 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
NZ$468
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Boston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5,161 reviews)
"The accommodations were excellent. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was amazing."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston

Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston

4 out of 5
161 Devonshire St Boston MA
The price is NZ$546 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
NZ$546
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,311 reviews)
"Everything about this hotel was great. The staff is friendly and helpful, the hotel was very clean and there’s a lot to do around the area!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
250 Franklin St Boston MA
The price is NZ$1,014 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
NZ$1,014
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"Underwhelming. Place was clean and well maintained. But not worth additional cost above other business class hotels. Gym looks glamorous in pics and was awful. Pool small and dirty."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

The Langham, 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Boston

Find the best Downtown Boston areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Boston
Learn more about Downtown Boston

Back Bay

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Copley Square to Newbury Street – discover Back Bay, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Seaport District

Travellers to Seaport District praise its captivating waterfront views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Boston Harbor and Liberty Wharf.

Beacon Hill

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants highlight some notable features of Beacon Hill. Make a stop by Acorn Street or Charles Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Charles-MGH Station or Park St. Station to get around town.

North End

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.

Fenway–Kenmore

Art galleries, museums and historical sites highlight some notable features of Fenway–Kenmore. Make a stop by Fenway Park or MGM Music Hall at Fenway while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Fenway Station or Kenmore Station to get around town.



Downtown Boston Travel Guide

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