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 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.


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$608 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$608
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (4,295 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

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$336 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$336
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,688 reviews)
"Great location and staff. Only negative was air conditioning was very loud and detracted from the stay."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston
The Dagny Boston

The Dagny Boston

4 out of 5
89 Broad Street, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$442 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$442
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (6,337 reviews)
"The staff was very professional and courteous. Checked in occurred at 10am"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

The Dagny Boston
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$934 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
NZ$934
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent hotel. Lovely accommodations, super helpful staff and great neighbourhood with lots of attractions and great restaurants near by."

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

The Langham, Boston
Omni Parker House

Omni Parker House

4.5 out of 5
60 School St, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$588 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$588
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,887 reviews)
"A lovely historic hotel in the heart of Boston."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Omni Parker House
InterContinental Boston by IHG

InterContinental Boston by IHG

5 out of 5
510 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA
The price is NZ$531 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$531
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Very welcoming check in. Beautiful hotel. Very comfortable room"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

InterContinental Boston by IHG
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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 New England Aquarium or Boston Harbor while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Aquarium to get around town.

North End
Default Image

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
Default Image

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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: