North End gem with fresh local seafood
Known for its buttery lobster roll
Tiny, always packed, always worth it
Mediterranean-inspired small plates
Cozy courtyard seating
Inventive flavors, garden-grown herbs
Modern izakaya and sushi bar
Late-night ramen, uni toast, big flavors
Inside The Eliot Hotel, Back Bay
Elegant Italian with skyline views Set in a historic townhouse High-end comfort food in the North End
Spanish tapas hotspot in South End
Seasonal small plates and creative cocktails
Industrial setting with a loyal following
Asian fusion with a punchy, playful twist
Rock-and-roll diner aesthetic
Family-style dishes, bold flavors
2.5-mile red-brick path through historic sites
Includes Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common
Self-guided or official tours available
Boston’s most modern waterfront area
Art museums, rooftop dining, harbor views
Great for evening walks and photo ops
One of the largest collections in the U.S.
Works from ancient to contemporary
Special exhibits rotate year-round
Oldest Major League Baseball stadium
Home of the Boston Red Sox
Historic charm, passionate fans
Seasonal tours from Boston Harbor
Frequent sightings of humpbacks and fin whales
Amazing ocean views just off the coast
Ivy League campus across the river
Historic buildings, student-led tours
Quick hop on the Red Line to Cambridge
Cocktail bar with no menu—just conversation
Expert bartenders build drinks to your taste
Industrial-chic vibe in Fort Point
Tucked-away Somerville favorite
Experimental drinks, casual setting
Playful menu and rotating concepts
Elegant, low-lit cocktail lounge
Known for precise, beautifully balanced drinks
Attached to the Hotel Commonwealth
Luxe supper club turned bar scene
Dim lighting, velvet booths, and share plates
Hidden behind a faux library entrance
One of America’s oldest bars
Classic Boston pub atmosphere
Frequented by both locals and tourists
Located inside a suburban mansion
Award-winning cocktails with an Asian twist
Worth the trip to Woburn
Former jail turned luxury stay
Rotunda lobby, high ceilings, unique history
Located in Beacon Hill
Classic boutique hotel in Back Bay
Home to Uni, one of Boston’s top restaurants
Elegant suites and old-world charm
Music-themed hotel steps from Fenway
Retro vibes, vinyl library, poolside lounge
Energetic and fun
Upscale and understated
Located in a quiet corner of Beacon Hill
Sleek design and cozy rooms
Modern luxury inside a historic building
In-room fireplaces, rooftop views
Downtown location, tailored service
Modern Seaport District hotspot
Floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop bar
Trendy, tech-forward rooms
From cobblestone streets to revolutionary landmarks, the city’s past is part of the present.
Every area feels distinct—whether it’s the bookish calm of Cambridge or the bustle of the North End.
From fresh seafood to global fusion, Boston’s dining is smart, sharp, and deeply rooted.
A quick intro to where to stay and what each part of town brings to the table.
Warm butter or cold with mayo? We break down the best versions in town.
Hit the highlights and skip the time-wasters with this efficient itinerary.
Best Boston Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first trip, choosing where to stay makes a big difference. Here's the cheat sheet.
Back Bay – Brownstones, boutiques, and central access.
North End – Historic charm, Italian eats, walkability.
Seaport – Waterfront views with modern hotels and bars.
Warm butter or cold with mayo? Either way, these spots deliver.
Neptune Oyster – The buttered roll that started it all.
Row 34 – Clean, crisp seafood with local beer pairings.
Yankee Lobster Co. – No-frills and dockside fresh.
Tight on time? Here’s how to hit the highlights.
Morning: Walk the Freedom Trail from Boston Common to the North End.
Afternoon: Museum of Fine Arts or Fenway, depending on your vibe.
Evening: Dinner in the South End and drinks at Drink.