Where Should You Stay in Boston MA: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

Do you want to spend a few days in the beautiful Boston, MA, but you have no idea where to stay? Don’t worry, here’s an overview of the many neighborhoods in Boston.

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While planning a visit to Boston, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask yourself after you think of all the fun activities and places is, “Where am I going to stay?”. But that’s not an easy answer. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, and as with any capital, it’s quite a big city with so many different neighborhoods, hotels, and hostels that it can be overwhelming.

The perfect place for you to stay depends completely on your personal preferences and your budget. Is it your first time in Boston, or are you a recurring visitor? Are you traveling alone or with the family? Do you prefer to visit the main attractions, the iconic landmarks, or do you enjoy more the quietness and authenticity of less known places? There are no wrong answers here, and if you want to learn more, just keep reading.

 

Best Neighborhoods in Boston and Why They’re Perfect for You

Best Neighborhoods For First-Time Visitors

Downtown Boston

Probably the best introduction to the city for a newcomer. Downtown Boston is full of historical sites as well as cultural and scenic attractions, so if you stay there, you’ll be close to some of the most famous attractions of the whole city. You’ll have great access to the “T” metro system as well, so it’s easier to visit other neighborhoods.

In Downtown Boston, you’ll find the Famous Freedom Trail, a unique and easy way to visit historical sites all by yourself. You can visit the oldest public park in the whole United States, the Boston Commons, and even experience the events of the Boston Tea Party in the interactive Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you can stay in The Godfrey Hotel. You’ll find nice, clean, and modern rooms, perfect for staying out all day enjoying the city. If you’d like to have a bit more comfort, check the Westin Copley Place and The Courtyard, and if you want a luxurious experience, then The Langham Boston is excellent for you.

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Back Bay

Another great place to visit if you want to know more about Boston. This centric neighborhood is perfect to get lost in the busy life of the city, After all, it is one of the most famous and attractive neighborhoods, great for first-timers, couples, and families with young children.

You can take a stroll through Newbury Street and spend some time admiring its high-end shops. Maybe enter one of the art galleries or stop to get a cup of coffee. A short walk away, you’ll find the Boston Public Library, an architectural masterpiece with an incredible collection of books and historical records. You can pass by the Boston Marathon Finish Line and take some silly photos with your friends, or go have lunch at the Prudential Center afterward.

Back Neighborhood has many good options to stay in. For the affordable ones, you have Charlesmark Boutique Hotel, close to Newbury Street. If you have a bigger budget, you can stay at the Colonnade Hotel with its stylish rooftop pool. For wealthy travelers, you have the Mandarin Oriental Boston, where, after a long day, you can relax in the lavish spa and sleep in a giant bed.

 

Best Neighborhoods For Families

The North End

You might be amused to find such a strong Italian influence in this neighborhood. The North End is also known as Boston’s “Little Italy,” thanks to the many Italians that found settlements there from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

The traditions brought from the old country took hold in this place, and now you can enjoy a great variety of Italian restaurants and pastry shops. Enjoy the true Italian pizza, or enter a family-owned trattoria for a quick snack in between activities. You can visit Paul Revere’s House, one of the oldest surviving structures from colonial times, and don’t forget to visit the Old North Church to learn more about the American Revolution.

If you want to be conscious about your spending and prefer to visit more places, you can stay at the Bostonian Boston. Is a great hotel close to the historical sites and Italian restaurants. The Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina is great if you want to enjoy the ocean views, although it is a bit more expensive. Meanwhile, the Battery Wharf Hotel is right by the sea, has enormous rooms, and offers an exclusive and elegant stay.

 

Brookline

Brookline is a quiet respite in contrast to the metropolitan feeling of downtown and North End. It is a quiet residential area that feels like a classic American small town. You can admire the suburban streets lined with old trees and take long walks in the many parks and outdoor spaces. It is a great place for families, and yet it is just a metro ride away from Downtown Boston.

If you’re interested in American History, you’d like to know that this is the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy, and you can visit the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site to see a lot of memorabilia of himself and his family. You can visit the Brookline Village, a lovely area full of independent boutiques and local restaurants, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.

You can stay at the Oasis Guest House, which is more intimate and cozy than a regular hotel. Although you’ll have to share a bathroom, it is an affordable option that can help you meet other travelers. Longwood Inn is another option with the same homey atmosphere but for a bigger budget. And if you want a deluxe option, you can stay at the Beacon Inn, right in the heart of Brookline.

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Where To Stay In Boston On A Budget

South Boston

Also called Southie by its residents, this neighborhood is located to the southeast of downtown Boston. The people here have a strong tie to their Irish roots and heritage and are widely known as a very tight-knit community.

The neighborhood is famous for its Victorian-era brownstone buildings, so a picturesque walk is a great option. Take the time to take some photos as you stroll down Tremont Street or Shawmut Avenue. If you enjoy art, visit the SoWa Art Galleries and Open Market. You can meet a lot of new and established artists there and buy some nice handmade items.

You can stay at an Airbnb or short-term rentals in this neighborhood, which is a great way to save some money on accommodation while getting all the perks of being in a centric city. For a mid-range option, the Cambria Hotel Boston is worth noting, with a rooftop bar offering stunning city views. If you like luxury and can afford it, the Envoy Hotel is quite trendy and stylish, famous for its autograph collection.

 

Best Neighborhood For History Enthusiasts

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is the most picturesque of all the neighborhoods in Boston and the best choice for those interested in exploring the historic charm of Boston. It has a nice and calm atmosphere, so if you want a quieter experience, this could be the perfect neighborhood for you.

In Beacon Hill, you can find attractions like the Massachusetts State House with its iconic golden dome. You can also take a stroll to Louisburg Square, a beautiful and historic square at the very center of Beacon Hill, or down Acorn Street, the most photographed street in Boston.

If you want to stay there, you’ll find the Beacon Hill Hotel, with good prices and ideal for travelers who want to experience the historic feeling of the area. If you can pay a bit more, you might enjoy staying in the former prison, now Liberty Hotel. For a more luxurious experience, try the Whitney Hotel.

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Best Neighborhoods For Repeat Visitors

Seaport District

The Seaport District is a modern and upscale area, quite different from Downtown Boston with its older buildings and historic charm. Here, you’ll find a bustling area full of high-end restaurants, cocktail bars, and unique attractions. All in all, it is a fresh perspective of Boston and its people.

In this neighborhood, you have the Institute of Contemporary Art, a cutting-edge museum that features mainly modern and contemporary art. You can also walk or bike by the Boston Harborwalk, admire the city skyline, don’t forget to pass by the Seaport Common & Public Art Installations.

You can find good options for accommodation in South Boston. For the most affordable, you can stay at the Aloft Boston Seaport District, with a lively atmosphere and colorful rooms. The Cambria Hotel is an excellent mid-range option, conveniently situated near both the waterfront and downtown. For the best accommodations, you can stay at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, with top-tier service and completed with great views of the Ocean.

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Tips for Your Boston Stay

• Stay near a “T” station for easy travel: This is probably the most affordable and convenient way to visit the whole city, so choose a place close to the stations.

• Walk or Bike: Boston is a great place to do some light exercise and rent a bike to move from one place to the next.

• Iconic Stays: If you want to have a unique experience of Boston, try staying at the Omni Parker House or CitizenM Hotel.

• Stay connected with Mobile Data: Staying connected has never been so easy in the modern era of eSIMs. With providers like Yoho Mobile, you’ll get excellent data plans and great coverage everywhere you go, and the US is no exception. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Stay in Boston to walk everywhere?

In general, Boston is a great city for walking and cycling. The old streets are better suited for people than for cars, after all. The best neighborhoods in that regard are Downtown Boston, Back Bay, and the North End.

Where to stay in Boston for your first time?

No matter where you stay, you’ll find incredible places to visit and many options to adapt to your budget. But in a general way, the best neighborhoods to stay in if it’s your first time in Boston are Downtown, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill.

Where to stay in Boston for couples?

You can find romantic restaurants and quiet places to enjoy with your partner in every single neighborhood in Boston, but the most suggested for a romantic escapade are Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the Seaport District.

Why are hotels in Boston so expensive?

You have to remember that Boston is not only the capital city of Massachusetts but is also an incredibly popular tourist destination. On top of that, many businesses and tech companies have headquarters there, so it’s also a popular destination for business travelers. So it’s normal that the prices might be a bit higher than in similar cities.

Is Back Bay in Boston walkable?

Yes, it is, in fact, one of the most walkable neighborhoods in all of Boston. It has wide, flat sidewalks, with tons of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, and since it’s such a centric neighborhood, you have a ton of main attractions a short distance away.

Where to stay in Boston for a weekend?

If you’re staying in Boston for a weekend, you’ll likely want a nice hotel in a central, walkable neighborhood to maximize the few days you’re going to spend there. So, a neighborhood like Back Bay, Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, or even the Seaport District are excellent for this.