Boston

A city of history and tradition, Boston offers a proud legacy of culture, education, and numerous sporting championships. No other American city has made more of an effort to preserve its history, and you'll find buildings that pre-date the republic dotted throughout the region. But Boston isn't a city to dwell on the past: it has renovated and revitalized, shedding its once deservedly parochial reputation.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the main entry, with subway and bus connections to downtown. Amtrak trains from New York and Washington arrive at South Station, while bus services like Greyhound, Megabus, and Flixbus also stop there. Travel times vary; from New York, the train takes about 3 hours and bus 4-5 hours, with typical fares $20-40 USD depending on advance booking.

Almost any time of the year is a good time to visit. June to September is the height of the tourist season, with warm weather and many festivals. Spring (especially May) offers blooms and blossoms, while fall (October-November) displays beautiful foliage. Winter is cold with scant daylight, but snow lovers may enjoy it. The Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures, but ocean water remains cold year-round.

Boston has a compact and walkable central core, more similar to a European city than to its American counterparts. The narrow, winding streets are not laid out on a grid, so using a map and having a sense of adventure is helpful. Many streets change names frequently, and the same name can appear in different neighborhoods. The MBTA subway ("the T") and buses are efficient for longer distances.

Boston offers a wide range of accommodations, but it can blow your budget. In July 2019, the average room cost $280 a night. Most hotels are concentrated in Back Bay, with more options in neighboring districts like South End, Seaport, and Cambridge. If following the Freedom Trail, aim for a central location; otherwise, anywhere near a T station is convenient.

Boston is known for excellent seafood and classic New England dishes. The North End offers fine Italian meals. For budget options, check Chinatown or Allston. Many restaurants close by 10–11 PM. Smoking is not permitted in any restaurant or bar. There is no happy hour in Massachusetts, but you'll often find discounts on food, like dollar oysters. Most bars close by 1 AM, with a few staying open until 2 AM.

For discounts on popular attractions, check out the 50 Under 50 program by Massachusetts Tourism, the Boston CityPASS ($56 for 4 sights over 9 days), or the GoBoston Card (ranging $39–175). For up-to-date events, visit The Boston Calendar or the city's event page. The Freedom Trail is a must, and the National Park Service offers a Freedom Trail app.

Dial 911 for emergencies. For a major American city, Boston's crime rate is very low, but robbery, assault, and muggings occur in some areas. Be cautious at tourist attractions due to pickpockets. The area around Boston Medical Center (the "Methadone Mile") should be avoided by tourists. Be careful during sports events, especially when wearing opposing team gear near Fenway Park or TD Garden, as verbal harassment can turn physical.

Greater Boston uses 10-digit dialing, so you must include the area code (617 or 857) when making calls.

The biggest expense is accommodation, with average hotel rates around $280 per night in July 2019. To save, look for budget options near T stations. For food, dollar oysters are common at bars, and Chinatown or Allston offer cheaper Asian cuisine. Public transit fares: bus $1.70–2.00, subway $2.40–2.75. Bike sharing (Bluebikes) costs $10 per day. There is no happy hour, so look for food discounts instead.

Bostonians have a distinct accent and local lingo. The word "wicked" is used as an amplifier (meaning "very"). Avoid calling it "Beantown" and don't say "pisser". Be careful when wearing sports gear of rival teams, especially during games, as you may face good-natured but potentially physical harassment. Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars (15–20%).

From Boston, it's easy to explore picturesque New England towns, charming seaside villages, and historic and natural parks. The city is a transit hub for the region.

Boston is home to over 250,000 college students and dozens of universities. The most prestigious are Harvard University in Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Other notable schools include Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern University, Tufts University, and Simmons University. Many offer guided tours and public lectures.