Where To Stay In Boston: 5 Best Areas & Places

One of the most historical cities in all of the United States is Boston, Massachusetts. This city is rich in tradition, passion, and has a lot to offer for its visitors. All of this considered, Boston is a must-stop city when exploring the American Northeast.

Yes, Boston is known as a serious sports town, but there is so much more to it. You just have to find it. If going to a Red Sox game and seeing historic Fenway Park is at the top of your bucket list, look no further. But, the best part of Boston is that sports do not make up its entire identity.

This city is hundreds of years old and still holds a lot of that charm. It can be seen through the architecture and historic landmarks that are littered throughout Boston. Now, it is up to you to find them.

Thankfully, we have curated a list of the best neighborhoods in the entire city. Here are five fantastic areas to stay in while visiting Boston!

 

In this travel guide:

 

North End

To start off the list, we will talk about the North End. This is the first on the list because it is one of the most historical neighborhoods in all of Boston. More specifically, a lot of the American Revolution’s history has roots in Boston.

To kick off your historical stay, be sure to check out the Freedom Trail. This is a super well-known hiking trail that takes you on a historical tour of Boston.

You will start at Boston Common and make your way through some fascinating stops including the Charlestown Navy Yard, Paul Revere’s House and the site of the Boston Massacre.

Along your hike, you will also see some beautiful architecture as some of Boston’s oldest houses and compounds.

Once you have seen a lot of the historical landmarks, indulge in some incredible Italian food as this neighborhood has deep Italian roots. Grab a cannoli during the day and sit down at a fine-dining spot in the evening to make the most of your time in the North End.

Best place to stay in North End

Boston Yacht Haven Inn. Address: 87 Commercial Wharf, Waterfront, Boston, MA 02110, United States of America.

 

Back Bay

If being right in the middle of the action is important to you, Back Bay is probably the best option. However, staying at this great location does not come without a cost.

This is also one of the most expensive areas in Boston to stay. Even if you can’t afford to stay here, it is worth visiting just to explore and admire the luxurious buildings and structures.

This is also the best place to do some shopping in the city. More specifically, Newbury Street runs right through Back Bay and has some of the best shops and cafes in New England. In the summer, this is also a great place to eat outside as a lot of the restaurants have open concepts to really enjoy the Boston weather.

Once you are done spending money, enjoying some of the public parks is a fantastic way to spend part of your day. Esplanade is one of these public areas that are perfect for relaxing with a coffee or packing a lunch. Overall, Back Bay has a ton to offer to its visitors no matter what you are looking to do.

Best place to stay in Back Bay

Hotel The Lenox. Address: 61 Exeter Street, Back Bay, Boston, MA 02116, United States of America.

 

South End

Now, the South End has a very specific appeal that will captivate a lot of people. This is where Boston’s main food scene is located. Some of the city’s best restaurants are located in the South End.

The best part is there are all different types of food options here. There are exclusive, fine-dining options and cheap food trucks all in the same area. You will truly experience a diversity of options while here.

Another big appeal to the South End isn’t for everyone but it is important to consider. This is not a touristy area at all. Since there are really no big tourist attractions, most visitors don’t even consider going to the South End. This can be a good and bad thing.

It is good if you want to avoid the traffic and get a more authentic Boston experience. However, you will have to leave the neighborhood to see any of the big sites. So, make sure what is most important to you and keep the South End in mind.

Best place to stay in South End

Hotel Residence Inn. Address: 2001 Washington Street, South End, Boston, 02119, United States of America.

 

Fenway

Now, we have to talk about the sports culture at least once on this list. With a number of professional sports teams, Boston has a vibrant culture full of sports fanatics.

A fantastic way to experience a sector of that culture is by staying in the Fenway neighborhood during baseball season. Even if you can’t make it in the summer, Fenway Park does tours year-round, so you can still experience history no matter the time of year.

Along with Fenway Park, this neighborhood is full of some of the country’s best sports bars. This allows you to engage in the festivities and have fun without actually having to attend a game.

There is also a really big college scene that brings youth and culture in itself. Northeastern University, Simmons College, and Boston University are just a couple of the various colleges in this area. This brings another lively, interesting perspective to the city.

Best place to stay in Fenway

The Verb Hotel. Address: 1271 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

 

Brookline

Finally, there is Brookline. This is a fantastic place to stay if you don’t want a big city feel and want a more inclusive experience. Technically speaking, Brookline is its own city, but Boston completely surrounds it, so it usually gets roped in with the rest.

This is one of the cheaper areas to stay, so if saving money is a big part of how you can afford to vacation, this is a great option. A great game plan is to stay here to save some money then use the subway system to get to other Bostonian neighborhoods.

While staying in Brookline, be sure to visit Coolidge Corner. This is a complex that has tons of attractions like a theater, bakery, and tons of shopping opportunities.

Best place to stay in Brookline

Homewood Suites by Hilton. Address: 111 Boylston Street, Brookline, 02445, United States of America.

 

Where travel critics stay in Boston

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Boston? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Boston.

 

Budget

Hostelling International Boston.

“HI-Boston sets the standard for urban hostels, with its modern, ecofriendly facility in the historic Dill Building. Purpose-built rooms are comfortable and clean, as are the shared bathrooms.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 19 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116, USA.

 

Mid-range

Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel.

“Right off Boston Common, with views of downtown and the Charles River, is the elegant high-rise boutique Nine Zero Hotel, with 190 rooms.” — New York Times.

Address: 90 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, USA.

 

Luxury

Harbor Hotel Boston.

“One of the best hotels in Boston faces the harbor and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, but the fantastic location is just one reason to stay here: Others include the superb service, a great pool and spa, excellent restaurants, and plush, luxurious rooms.” — Frommer’s.

Address: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA.

 

FAQ: Boston hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Boston? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Boston hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Boston.

 

 

Best time to visit Boston

The best time to visit Boston depends on your preferences and what you want to do in the city. If you are looking for mild weather and fewer crowds, then you should go from May to June or September to October.

During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, and fewer tourists. It is also the time when many festivals and events take place in the city, such as the Boston Marathon, the Boston Pride Parade, and the Boston Harborfest.

If you are a summer lover, then July and August are the best months to visit Boston. During these months, the city comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, and events.

You can enjoy the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, the Boston Harbor Islands Regatta, and the Boston Greenfest. However, be prepared for high temperatures, humidity, and crowds.

If you are a winter enthusiast, then December to March is the best time to visit Boston. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with ice skating rinks, holiday markets, and festive lights.

You can enjoy the Boston Common Tree Lighting, the First Night celebration, and the Boston Wine Festival. However, be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and shorter days.

 

Best things to do in Boston

There are plenty of things to do in Boston and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Boston:

 

Whale Watching Cruise from Boston

Join this 3-hour cruise for the opportunity to spot whales off the coast of Boston. See these magnificent creatures close-up from the deck of your ship. Spot Humpback and Finback whales and see White Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters. Price: $58. More info.

 

Boston Classic: Duck Boat Sightseeing Tour

Hop into a duck boat—renovated World War II amphibious vehicle—for a comprehensive tour of Boston. Pass Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the Celtics’ home turf at TD Garden. Price: $53. More info.

 

Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 18 Stops

Explore the best that Boston has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. See Boston’s top attractions—like the USS ‘Constitution’ and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, to name a few—on the loop. Price: $47. More info.

 

More things to do in Boston

 

Deciding where to stay in Boston

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Boston above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

 

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Boston

• North End
• South End
• Back Bay
• Fenway
• Brookline

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Boston is important. Whether you stay in North End, South End, Back Bay, Fenway or Brookline, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Boston.

 

Boston overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	High
🛏 Budget hotel:	$140
💑 Boutique hotel:	$230
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$450
🌎 Best area for first visit:	North End
👪 Best area for families:	Back Bay
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Harbor Hotel
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Whitney Hotel
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Fairfield by Marriott
🎒 Best hostel:	HI Boston

 

More Boston tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Boston:

Hotels in Boston

Boutique hotels in Boston

Luxury hotels in Boston

Hostels in Boston

Cheap hotels in Boston

Eco-friendly hotels in Boston