Overview
Founded in 1630, Boston - the capital of Massachusetts - is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the USA. Renowned for its sophisticated cultural attractions, champion sports facilities, superb shops and world class educational institution, this cosmopolitan city has something for everyone.
From Cheers to Chowder, Boston Red Sox to the Freedom Trail, this modern metropolis is easy to get around either by foot or the public transport system. Discover the historic neighbourhoods by following The Freedom Trail, a well-preserved pedestrian pathway that weaves in and out of historic neighbourhoods, from Boston Common and Public Garden to the opulent gold-domed State House, Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. With activities ranging from tours and museum visits to encounters with marine life, you may find yourself short on time but not on options.
The more culturally inclined will not want to miss the city's world-class museums, theatres and music venues, including the John F. Kennedy Library and the Museum of Fine Arts. Just across the river, the city of Cambridge is home to Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the U.S.S. Constitution.
Boston is also one of the most child-friendly cities in the USA. With wide-open parks where kids can run and play and the abundance of hands-on museums, Aquarium and learning experiences, it's nearly impossible for kids to be bored in this bustling city.
Things to do
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Boston
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Fairmont Copley Plaza
from £73
With typical Fairmont opulence, this grand hotel offers a real retreat from the bustle of downtown Boston.
The guestrooms are elegant and ...see more -
Hilton Boston Back Bay
from £59
The Hilton Back Bay is a smart hotel located in the historic district of Back Bay, close to fantastic shopping and entertainment.
Rooms are ...see more -
Loews Back Bay Hotel
from £83
Located in a grand and historic building, once home to the Boston Police, Loews Boston Hotel enjoys a convenient spot within walking distance of the city’s ...see more
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Sheraton Boston
from £55
The Sheraton Boston is a grand hotel, ideally placed for shopping and close to local attractions.
Rooms are bright with a natural feel and ...see more -
The Midtown Hotel
from £45
The Midtown Hotel is a classic hotel with good amenities and a great central location, close to the excellent shopping district of Back Bay.
...see more -
Westin Boston Waterfront
from £58
The Westin Boston Waterfront is a modern, stylish hotel with a convenient location just across the water from the international airport and within easy ...see more
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Toronto & Boston
from £549
Explore one of Canada’s most exciting cities, Toronto, with world class shopping, excellent restaurants and exciting attractions including the CN Tower ...see more
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New England Martha's Vineyard & The Southern Coast
from £449
This relaxing self drive along New England’s beautiful coastline to Cape Cod and on to Martha’s Vineyard is magical. Enjoy pristine sandy beaches, brightly ...see more
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Six State Sampler
from £919
Scattered with picturesque villages and elegant towns, commanding mountain ranges and glacial lakes, the scenery of this remarkable area provides an astonishing ...see more
Top tips
Top tips for visiting Boston
1. Flying
• Boston has the shortest transatlantic flight into mainland USA at around 7.5 hours
2. Getting around
• Boston is a walking city (no need to hire a car as parking is astronomical)
3. Shopping
• There is no sales tax on clothes under US$175 and only a 6.25% sales tax otherwise.
4. Weather
• Boston has four distinct seasons and is truly a year-round destination.
Summer (Late June, July, August)
• Night-time air is sometimes cooler in the northern mountainous and coastal regions — bring a sweatshirt!
Fall (Sept through to early Nov)
• Average temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit (7-10 degrees Celsius)
• Fall air is crisp and cool. This is great travelling weather.
Winter (mid-Nov through to the end of March)
• Average temperature: 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 Celsius)
• Snowfall: Southern New England snowfall averages around 35 inches per year while the upper mountainous regions often receive over 100 inches annually – to the delight of skiers and snowboarders.
Spring (April, May and early June)
• Temperatures: 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit (4 - 15.5 degrees Celsius)
• Bring a jacket, just in case.
5. Airport
• New England’s principal gateway is Boston, Massachusetts, the region’s largest city. Three major airlines operate direct scheduled flights from the UK into Boston’s Logan International Airport, situated just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. The airport is located in the heart of New England’s interstate highway network linking Boston to every corner of the region.