Where To Stay In Boston: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Boston is compact, but every neighborhood has its own personality. You can wake up among historic brick buildings in Beacon Hill, wander the cobbled streets of the North End, or stay around the lively bars and restaurants of Back Bay.

Boston is also one of the oldest cities in the US, so history is never far away. The Freedom Trail cuts right through the city, linking places tied to the American Revolution.

The best area for you depends on what kind of trip you’re after. Some neighborhoods are perfect for first-time visitors. Others are quieter, more local, or better for nightlife. We’ve rounded up the best areas to stay in Boston, with a few tips on what makes each one worth considering.

 

In this travel guide:

 

North End

Best area for: history, food

To start off the list, we will talk about the North End.

North End is Boston’s famous Little Italy. Settled back in the 1630s, it stands as the oldest continuous residential neighborhood in the city. Waves of immigrants passed through over the centuries, but the rich Italian roots stuck around deep.

This neighborhood hits a perfect sweet spot. The narrow brick streets still belong to tightly knit local families, yet tourists swarm in constantly. People flock here to trace history along the Freedom Trail. You can walk right up to Paul Revere’s original house or gaze up at the historic Old North Church.

The real magic happens through the food. The air smells like fresh garlic, basil, and roasting espresso all day long. Tourists endlessly debate the rivalry between Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry for the ultimate cannoli.

When dinner roll arounds, we always skip the flashy tourist traps and head straight into Giacomo’s Ristorante. It is a cash-only staple with tiny tables jammed together and zero pretension. We always order their famous seafood linguine smothered in house-made spicy fradiavolo sauce. You will definitely wait in line on the sidewalk, but every single bite makes it worth it.

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

Best area for: shopping, luxury, tourists

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 classic Victorian brownstones line tree-filled streets like Commonwealth Avenue.

Back Bay just has an effortless mix of historic charm and nonstop city energy. The whole neighborhood used to be an actual bay filled with marshland. City planners filled it in during the 1800s to create a sleek European-style district.

The main attractions draw people from all over. Newbury Street offers miles of trendy boutiques, galleries, and outdoor cafes. We often walk down to Copley Square to check out Trinity Church and the massive Boston Public Library. If you want a killer view, the Prudential Center tower anchors the whole neighborhood.

When lunchtime rolls around, we always grab a table at Saltie Girl. It is a fantastic seafood spot right on Newbury Street. They serve amazing warm lobster rolls, fresh oysters, and an incredible tin-fish selection. It gets crowded fast, but the food makes the wait totally worth it.

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

Best area for: diversity, creativity, hipster

The South End is one of those Boston neighborhoods where we can easily lose track of time. Not because there are endless tourist attractions, but because the streets themselves are worth exploring. Think red-brick Victorian townhouses, little parks, iron railings and leafy squares. The neighborhood was built in the mid-1800s on land that was once tidal marshes. It’s recognized as the largest urban Victorian neighborhood in the country.

We find the South End much more residential than touristy. Families, young professionals and Boston’s LGBTQ+ community have helped shape the area, and there’s a distinctly local feel. You’ll still find plenty to do, though. Tremont Street is packed with restaurants, while the SoWa district brings galleries, artists’ studios and a Sunday open market to the southern end of the neighborhood.

Food is a big reason to come here. We’d start the day at The Buttery on Shawmut Avenue for breakfast or lunch. For dinner, Tremont Street has plenty of options, from casual spots to some of Boston’s more ambitious restaurants. And if we’re in the mood for music, The Beehive is a fun choice, with live jazz and a lively atmosphere.

The South End isn’t the place we’d pick if we wanted to tick off Boston’s biggest sights. But for good food, beautiful architecture and a neighborhood that feels lived-in, it’s hard to beat.

Best place to stay in South End

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

 

Fenway

Best area for: sports, nightlife

Fenway is one of those Boston neighborhoods where the mood can change within a few blocks. On game days, the streets around Fenway Park fill with Red Sox fans, packed bars and plenty of noise. On quieter days, it feels much more like a regular city neighborhood. People live here, students fill the cafés, and new apartment buildings have changed the area quite a bit in recent years.

The obvious star is Fenway Park. Opened in 1912, it is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. Even if baseball isn’t your thing, we think the stadium is worth seeing. The Green Monster is hard to miss, and the streets around the park have plenty of sports history.

There is more to Fenway than baseball, though. The Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are nearby. So is the Back Bay Fens, part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s famous Emerald Necklace park system. It is a good place to escape the traffic and concrete for a while.

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.

We also like the food scene here. For a relaxed coffee and breakfast, Tatte on Boylston Street is an easy pick. For something more substantial, Time Out Market brings several local food spots together under one roof. Time Out Market Boston

If you want to stay somewhere lively, central and close to plenty of attractions, Fenway is a fun choice. Just expect things to get considerably louder when the Red Sox are playing.

Best place to stay in Fenway

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

 

Brookline

Best area for: life like a local, culture

Finally, there is Brookline, a gorgeous enclave that stays completely surrounded by Boston while stubbornly keeping its own independent town identity. Historically, it refused to get annexed by the big city in the 1870s. That decision saved its distinct, tree-lined neighborhood character.

It acts primarily as a upscale residential retreat, but you never feel cut off from the action. The Green Line streetcar runs right down Beacon Street, sweeping you into downtown Boston in minutes.

The main cultural heartbeat lives around Coolidge Corner. We usually swing by the iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre, an amazing restored Art Deco movie house from 1933 that screens indie flicks. You can also stroll a few blocks over to check out John F. Kennedy’s birthplace and childhood home tucked into a quiet street.

The food and drink scene here is incredible. When lunchtime rolls around, we snag a table at Cutty’s in Brookline Village. They craft incredible, elevated sandwiches using local ingredients. Their roast beef sandwich with crispy fried shallots is legendary around these parts. Pair that with the area’s walkable sidewalks and historic brownstones, and you get a spot that feels relaxed yet undeniably sharp.

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