WHEN TO VISIT
Boston has a season to match every vibe. Spring knocks it out of the park with moderate temperatures and Instagrammable moments, from vibrant blooms in the city's parks to outdoor dining and games at Fenway Park. Summer makes a splash on the water, at outdoor festivals, and with concerts under the stars. Fall's crisp sweater weather pairs perfectly with museum visits, walking tours, breathtaking fall foliage, and seasonal brews from Boston's top breweries. Winter brings unmatched charm, featuring cozy dining experiences, festive decor, and iconic performances.
WHERE TO STAY
Boston is home to 23 district neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience for solo travelers.
Stay in the Back Bay for luxury hotels near iconic shopping destinations and attractions like View Boston, the Boston Public Library, MGM Music Hall Fenway, and Fenway Park — or opt for nearby Brookline and the South End for a more budget-friendly stay.
Choose the Seaport for stunning waterfront views close to the Institute of Contemporary Art, some of the city's top experience bars, and live entertainment at Leader Bank Pavilion. Downtown puts you in the heart of Boston’s history with Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and The Freedom Trail nearby.
For boutique stays, Beacon Hill charms with its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and proximity to Boston Common and the quaint shops along Charles Street. Nearby, the West End boasts favorites like TD Garden, Big Night Live, and the Museum of Science.
Cambridge offers a mix of academia and culture, home to the Harvard Art Museums, Mount Auburn Cemetery, and the MIT Museum.
If you're looking for a way to connect with fellow travelers during your stay, Boston's hostels, Hi Boston and Meco Hotel, provide the perfect place to recharge and connect.
Luckily, no matter where you stay, the city's walkability and transit system make it easy to get around! Browse Boston's top hotels here.
WHERE TO EAT
Boston’s food scene makes grabbing a table for one easy.
For an elevated dining experience, visit the city's top oyster bars, steakhouses, or Italian restaurants. If you're in the mood for a more laid-back meal, Boston’s food halls, food trucks, Irish pubs, sports bars, and hotel bars deserve a spot on your itinerary. In the warmer months, the city's rooftop bars and outdoor dining spots provide unbeatable views, making them worthy of any bucket list.
No trip to Boston is complete without tasting some of the freshest seafood in the country at favorites like Legal Sea Foods, The Banks Seafood and Steak, Row 34, The Pearl, Ostra, or Porto. And don't forget to indulge in a perfectly crafted lobster roll while you're here!
To get a taste of the city—and have a chance to meet fellow travelers—join a food tour with Boston Chinatown Tours, Bites of Boston Food Tours, Off the Beaten Path Food Tours, or Yummy Walks.
Visiting in March or August? Book a table for Dine Out Boston, a multi-week event featuring mouthwatering prix fixe meals from Boston's best restaurants.
WHAT TO DO
As the master of your time, you get to choose how you explore Boston! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
See The Sights
Spend the day museum-hopping at world-renowned spots like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, the Harvard Art Museums, or the Institute of Contemporary Art. Or check out Boston's newest immersive experiences at the Museum of Ice Cream, Museum of Illusions, and WNDR Museum.
Walk through history on a guided tour of The Freedom Trail, Black Heritage Trail, Innovation Trail, Women’s Heritage Trail, or the Equality Trail. Prefer a ride? See it all on a CityView Trolley Tour, Duck Tour, or Old Town Trolley Tour.
Sip your way through Boston’s breweries at Harpoon Brewery, Trillium Brewing, Castle Island Brewery, or the Samuel Adams Boston Taproom. For a more exclusive vibe, slip into one of the city's speakeasies for a craft cocktail with a side of mystery.
Tour iconic landmarks like Fenway Park, the Boston Public Library, Symphony Hall, Trinity Church, the Old North Church, or Harvard University. Music lovers won't want to miss a stop at the Wang Theatre's Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.
Go On an Adventure
Take in breathtaking city views at View Boston, a 360-degree observation deck on the Prudential Center's 52nd floor.
Experience Boston's waterfront aboard Codzilla for a high-speed ride throughout Boston Harbor or set out on a whale watch, both offered by Boston Harbor City Cruises. For a more relaxed water adventure, spend an afternoon paddling the Charles River with a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rental from Paddle Boston.
For a unique night out, check out Boston’s top experience bars, including tech-infused mini-golf at Puttshack, high-speed racing at F1 Arcade, drop-in pickleball at PKL Boston, and darts at Flight Club.
Travel beyond Boston for a day trip to destinations like Salem and Gloucester, Lexington and Concord, Quincy and New Bedford, or Cape Cod and the Islands.
Outdoor lovers won't want to miss a picnic in one of Greater Boston's nearly 300 parks or a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands for spectacular skyline views and a glimpse at Boston Light, the harbor's iconic lighthouse.
Catch a Game, Performance, or Concert
Immerse yourself in the soul of Boston's jazz scene at legendary clubs like Wally's Cafe, Scullers Jazz Club, or The Beehive Restaurant. For an equally iconic experience, dress to impress and enjoy dinner and a show in the Theatre District or at the world-renowned Symphony Hall.
Discover why Boston truly is a music city at a concert at top venues like TD Garden, MGM Music Hall Fenway, the House of Blues, Boch Center, Roadrunner, or Paradise Rock Club. If you're visiting during the summer, don't forget to see who's playing at Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium. Plan your visit around Boston Calling, BAMS Festival, or Levitate Music Festival for even more music fun.
Experience the City of Champions at a Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, or Revolution game.
Need a good laugh? Catch a comedy show at Laugh Boston, Improv Asylum, the Wilbur, Nick's Comedy Stop, or the Rockwell.
Unwind & Recharge
Book a relaxing stay at a cozy hotel and enjoy a meal at one of Boston’s coziest restaurants.
Unwind and rejuvenate at Breve Spa at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor, the Spa at Raffles Boston, or the Four Seasons, One Dalton Street spa.
Spend the day searching for your next favorite read at Boston’s top bookstores, then enjoy it at a beach or along the Charles River. Or, grab a book from the Boston Public Library or the Boston Athenaeum and read the day away in a quiet corner.
Awe at the night sky during Coit Observatory’s weekly Public Open Night, or take things slow at sunset with a cruise from Charles River Boat Company or Classic Harbor Line.
Stroll through the Kelleher Rose Garden, a tranquil oasis in Boston’s Back Bay. Afterward, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience at The Courtyard Tea Room, Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, Trifecta, Abigail’s Tea Room at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, or Beacon Hill Books & Café.
Drop into a fitness or yoga class to recharge at one of Boston’s top studios.
Discover more things to do and upcoming events and festivals in Boston below!
