Travel

About Boston

Boston Travel Guide & Information

Boston, the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Considered the economic and cultural center of the region, Boston is renowned for its cultural facilities, first-rate educational institutions, champion sports franchises, as well as its place at the forefront of American history. Modern day Boston offers a variety of cultural performances and attractions, ensuring something for every traveler.

Travel to Boston, a city that is an eclectic mix of traditional and new. Travelers to Boston can find history and culture around every bend - skyscrapers nestled next to historic hotels and modern marketplaces lined cobblestone streets. Flights to Boston are your entry to a city known for its strong cultural identity, plethora of museums, historical sites and wealth of live performances, all examples of why millions of visitors flock to Boston annually.

Also referred to as the "Walking City", Boston is remarkably compact, all centered on the country’s oldest public park, Boston Common. When it comes to nightlife, the modern day Boston is home to several cafes, restaurants and historic pubs. Foodies can try local favorites, such as baked beans, cod and clam chowder. From amazing restaurants, to buzzing market places and historical quaint, brownstone lined streets to big city entertainment, Boston lives up to its reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Things to do in Boston

Museums:

Boston is home to some of the finest most recognized museums.

Boston Children's Museum: is a children's museum dedicated to the education of children. Known as the second oldest children's museum in United States, Boston Museum has an extensive collection of objects from around the world. Designed for children and families, the exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health & fitness and the arts.

Museum of Fine Arts: is one of the largest museums in the United States, attracting over one million visitors a year. You’ll find over 450,000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the Americas. The museum specializes in ancient Egyptian and contemporary art; special exhibitions and innovative educational programs.

MIT Museum: The MIT Museum hosts collections of holography, artificial intelligence, robotics, maritime history and the history of MIT. Its holography collection of 1,800 pieces is the largest in the world. The MIT Museum is a place that explores invention, ideas and innovation. Through interactive exhibits, public programs, experimental projects and renowned collections, the MIT Museum showcases the fascinating world of MIT.

Prominent Attractions:

Boston offers lots of historic and modern attractions for visitors to enjoy and visit.

Boston Common: is one of the oldest city parks in the United States and undoubtedly the largest and most famous in Boston. Dating back to 1634, it's as old as the city around it and a must-see for all visitors. You can choose to ride the famous Swan Boats, walk across the world's shortest suspension bridge or just relax and enjoy the park under shady trees surrounded by fountains, statues, sidewalk vendors and greenery.

Fenway Park: is the home to the Boston Red Sox. It has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912 and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. Fenway Park has also been the site of many other sporting and cultural events, including professional football games for the Boston Redskins and the Boston Patriots.

Newbury Street: is lined with historic 19th-century brownstones as well as hundreds of shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals. The most expensive boutiques are located near the Boston Public Garden at the end of Newbury Street. Newbury Street is an eclectic mix of shops in renovated brownstone buildings with stores on all levels. The location makes for a fabulous day of shopping and dining.

Where to Stay in Boston

Boston offers visitors a great variety of cheap hotels, 4-Star Hotels Under $99, Bed and Breakfast Inns, Youth Hostels, 5-star hotels and extended stay hotels.

Downtown: The Downtown area of Boston is a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers. Business travelers will find themselves near the heart of the Financial District. Leisure travelers are within walking distance of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the New England Aquarium, the quaint North End, and the TD Banknorth Garden; previously known as Fleet Center. In addition to being a great location, many downtown hotels offer fabulous views and beautiful rooms.

Back Bay: is another popular location to stay in Boston. Though the lodgings are slightly more expensive, you’re very centrally located to Cambridge, the Theater District and exclusive Newbury Street. There are also several hotels in the Back Bay area that have been converted into charming bed & breakfast hotels, which are available for extended stays.

Passport & Visa Requirements

As per the latest travel information available to Boston, here are the latest passport and visa guidelines:

For US Citizens:

* A valid identification in order to board the plane.

For Canadian Citizens:

Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

* A passport or

* A NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.

This requirement applies to all travelers, regardless of age, including children.

We recommend that you check the latest travel alerts, various airlines baggage policies and travel safety tips, so that you do not miss out on any of the fun while visiting Boston.

*Kindly note that we take the utmost care in providing you with correct information at all times. However, the passport and visa regulations are subject to change and we strongly urge you to check the requirements directly with the US passport office and, or the Canadian Passport Office before traveling.

When to visit Boston

Tourists flock to Boston all round the year. Crowds and prices don't fluctuate much seasonally, except a little during autumn months.

Those looking to travel on a budget can choose to travel during the winter months. Visitors travelling during this period can choose indoor activities like theaters, museums, and wine and food festivals. Travelers will also find cheap airfares and discount hotel rates.

Planning your Visit:

High season: (April to June, September to October)

Low season: (January to March)

Boston Weather

Boston has a continental climate with very changeable weather patterns, such as wide temperature swings in a matter of days and unseasonal snowfalls.

* Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold, windy and snowy.

* Most snowfall occurs from December through March. There is usually little or no snow in April and November, and snow is rare in May and October.

Currency and Language:

Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout Boston. Before departure, be sure to call your bank and let them know your dates of travel. Find out about the cost of cash withdraws.