Jun 4, 2024
5 min read
The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Boston
When someone says Boston you might think Dunkin', lobster rolls, the Red Sox, and "pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahd," but there's more to Boston than you might think, with surprises up every cobblestone ally. From chic brownstones to trendsetting restaurants, it's no surprise this student-filled city is New England's hipster hangout. There's a lot of information out there, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about Boston's best neighborhoods from the travel mavens we all know and trust.
Fenway
Fenway has a nightlife and food scene perfect for post-Red Sox games.
"As any sports fan will tell you, no Boston sojourn is complete without a trip to Fenway...if you’re looking for other things to do, the Museum of Fine Arts has you covered with thought-provoking art exhibits while the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum details the rich history behind the world-renowned Venetian palazzo." -
Thrillist"Whether the draw is a baseball game in America’s oldest ballpark or a concert at one of the most recognizable names in music venues, just about every Bostonian has spent some time in and around Fenway…There are plenty of top-notch restaurants, clubs, games, and parks to keep the crowd (a mix of students, young professionals, and out-of-towners) busy."-
Time Out"In terms of hanging out in the Room Where It Happens, Fenway/Kenmore tends to be the heart of the action, especially during baseball season…home to Fenway Park, the House of Blues, pub-lined Landsdowne Street, and a slew of great restaurants. It's also where you'll find the famous Boston Latin Academy, and is adjacent to the Back Bay..." -
Travel + Leisure
North End
The North End is home to many historic landmarks, and as Boston's Little Italy, it has the best Italian food and great shopping.
"An ideal neighborhood for a stroll, the North End sports a distinct character that combines Italian heritage and a traditional New England setting rich in history and atmosphere. The red brick buildings yield gastronomic treasures around every corner; small cafes, bakeries, and pastry shops are perfect for creating an impromptu picnic..." -
Time Out"The North End is right by the water, across from East Boston, and a short walk from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It's the hub of Italian culture in Boston—often called Boston's Little Italy—and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Boston, home to landmarks like Old North Church and Paul Revere's house." -
Travel + LeisureSouth End
The South End is a hipster, upscale, residential neighborhood home to many local shops and restaurants.
"Tucked just beyond Back Bay and Fenway/Kenmore, the South End is known for its Victorian-style row houses. It's a low-key neighborhood with residential charm, but still offers local shopping and trendy eateries." -
Travel + Leisure"This neighborhood’s historic brownstones may cost a pretty penny, but this is where the whole “location, location, location” cliche comes in. Locals sacrifice space for walking-distance access to some of the city’s greatest restaurants, parks, art galleries, and indie shops." -
Thrillist"The South End’s two parallel arteries, Tremont and Washington Streets, are at the center of the area’s thriving food and drink scenes...the area south of Washington Street, known as SoWa, has exploded with showrooms and studios...Small shops, selling everything from kids’ gear and pet accoutrements to fashion and chic home accessories, are dotted throughout the neighborhood." -
Time Out
Cambridge
Cambridge is a hip residential area, home to many landmarks and college students.
"Founded in 1630, the venerable college town of Cambridge has long been one of the nation’s intellectual centers. Anchored to the banks of the Charles River by both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the city blends its storied past and erudite character with a rich serving of arts and culture." -
New York Times"Think of it this way: Boston is to Manhattan as Cambridge is to Brooklyn. Known for more than just the ivy leagues, visitors will love poking around Harvard Square during the day, grabbing a cup of coffee from the Peet's featured in Good Will Hunting and picking out a book at The Coop, and checking out the lively scene in Central Square at night." -
Travel + LeisureSeaport
Seaport is a newly developed and upscale area home to businesses, shopping, and local events.
"Southeast of downtown, nestled by the Boston waterfront is the chic yet laid-back Seaport neighborhood. The Seaport is a charming area to simply walk along the water and fantasize about living in the high-rises overlooking the harbor." -
Travel + Leisure"...think of it as a discovery walk...offering beauty, jewelry, shoes, apparel, food, entertainment, and more. As an active community, they foster connections with their unique pop-ups, outdoor fitness classes (Seaport Sweat), specialty markets over the holidays (Snowport), and weekend activities for children (Seaport Smalls)." -
Forbes
Back Bay
Back Bay is an upscale area home to businesses, the best shopping in Boston, and city landmarks.
"The Back Bay's unique mix of affluent residential streets, high end shopping and eclectic dining options make it one of Boston’s most visitor-friendly areas...it's also the Hub's main shopping destination; you’ll find everything from global mega-chains and small indie shops to cutting-edge designer boutiques." -
Time Out"Often regarded as the ritziest neighborhood in Boston, Back Bay is home to Newbury Street, Copley Square, and the Prudential Center. Come for the classic Boston attractions, stay for the luxury, brick-facade row houses." -
Travel + Leisure
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is an upscale residential area in Boston home to historical landmarks, boutique shopping, and a nightlife scene.
"Beacon Hill is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston. Its picturesque red-brick row houses, gas lanterns, and steep, narrow streets make taking a walk in the neighborhood a treat. There are also lots of hidden gems throughout like the Boston Athenæum and 1928 Beacon Hill, a restaurant always packed with locals, and the secret rooftop at the Beacon Hill Hotel." -
Time Out"One of Boston's most famous zip codes is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city…Beacon Hill welcomes visitors to explore…the State House, prominently displayed above the Common, or along the charming streets within, the collection of small shops and eateries…this expensive address is home to a few of Boston's best dive bars" -
USA Today"A green, 50-acre oasis in the heart of downtown Boston, the Common is the oldest park in the United States (first laid out as a pasture for cattle grazing in 1634). Stroll through the impeccable manicured grounds, soak in the historical markers, and don't leave without taking a ride in a swan boat in the adjacent Boston Public Garden." -
Conde Nast Traveler
