Where to Stay in Boston (Best Places, By a Local)

13 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Boston

Boston sits on the Shawmut Peninsula and is largely surrounded by water. The best places to stay include the neighborhoods on this peninsula, as well as some of the surrounding areas.

Each neighborhood in Boston has its own style and vibe. Boston is also a compact city that’s well-connected by public transportation. My top recommendation for where to stay in Boston is Back Bay. 

Here are ten of the best Boston neighborhoods I suggest you consider when planning your visit. 

Back Bay

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Back Bay Hotels: The Newbury Boston • Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street

Back Bay is a historical neighborhood with picturesque streets. It is one of the most fun areas in Boston, and I highly recommend it for first-time visitors.

Bostonians and tourists alike spend a lot of time in Back Bay. It is well connected by subway via the Arlington Station. It is walkable to upscale shops, art galleries, bars, and cozy restaurants in the neighborhood. 

The historic shopping district on Newbury Street is my favorite part of Back Bay. It provides airy eateries housed in 19th-century brownstone houses. 

My top suggested hotel in this area is also my #1 hotel pick overall: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street. This highly-rated hotel has an awesome location, modern yet comfortable rooms, and tons of amenities.

The Newbury Boston is another great choice. It’s a newly restored historic property with ultra-stylish boutique private rooms. Locals flock to its rooftop restaurant, Contessa. It offers Northern Italian dishes with a stellar view of Boston Common and the Public Garden. 

Pros of Staying in the Back Bay Neighborhood:

• Plenty of upscale boutique shops
• Trendy restaurants and bars
• Quick walk to the Public Garden

Cons of Staying in the Back Bay Neighborhood:

• Street parking is tricky 

Cambridge

👉 Best Area For Academia & Universities | ✨ Best Cambridge Hotels: The Charles Hotel • Hotel Veritas • Porter Square Hotel

Cambridge is not technically part of Boston, but it can be seen across the Charles River. This small city is home to charming squares and two prestigious universities – Harvard University and MIT.

These universities mixed with the area’s rich history have made Cambridge an enthralling tourist destination and a good option for where to stay in Boston. Staying in Cambridge is a great choice for those interested in academia. Cambridge caters to all interests: art, culture, science, technology, literature, and history. 

The Charles Hotel is a top-rated hotel in Cambridge. It’s been a home base for academics, politicians, artists, parents, and celebrities. The Charles Hotel is part of Harvard Square, which is a particularly popular neighborhood due to its vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene (that’s on par with Boston’s!). 

Pros of Staying in Cambridge Neighborhood:

• Family-friendly museums to explore
• Close proximity to Boston
• Easy to get around via biking, walking, or public transportation 

Cons of Staying in Cambridge Neighborhood:

• Can get congested with tourists and locals

Seaport District

👉 Best Area For Harbor Views | ✨ Best Seaport Hotels: Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport • Seaport Hotel • Yotel Boston

The Seaport District (also called South Boston Waterfront) is a waterfront neighborhood that was once full of abandoned warehouses. Today, it’s transformed into one of the coolest neighborhoods in Boston, with great views of the Boston Harbor. 

You’ll find plenty of high-rise towers and tons of green space in the Seaport District. It’s buzzing with bars, tons of restaurants, and a cool mini golf spot, Puttshack. 

One of the best ways to enjoy Seaport is to spend your day people-watching, enjoying harbor views, and shopping at the pop-up village. I also recommend checking out one of Boston’s best rooftop bars, Lookout Rooftop and Bar. 

Yotel Boston is my top hotel recommendation in the Seaport District. It’s in a great location and within walking distance to many family-friendly attractions, including the Boston Children’s Museum (my daughter’s favorite). 

Pros of Staying in the Seaport District Neighborhood:

• Easy to wander around
• Tons of great shopping
• Great places for food and drink
• About a 10-minute drive to the Logan International Airport
• Accessible with MBTA Station (Silver Line)

Cons of Staying in the Seaport District Neighborhood:

• Can be expensive  

Downtown

👉 Best Area For Historical Attractions | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall • The Bostonian Boston • InterContinental Boston • HIBoston

Downtown Boston is a great area to stay if seeing historical attractions is your priority. Iconic historic sites such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Paul Revere House, and the Old State House can be found along the Freedom Trail. Downtown’s Theatre District is also home to some of the most historic stages.

The area of Downtown Crossing is dotted with department stores and trendy restaurants. Yvonne’s is one of my favorites. It’s a fantastic restaurant hidden behind a faux hair salon. It truly offers a memorable dining experience.

Stay at the Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall for a true taste of Boston’s culture. It is strategically placed just off of State Street. This hotel is just a short walk from the buzz of Downtown Crossing’s restaurants, shopping, and theatre district. It’s also close to historic buildings like Quincy Marketplace. 

Pros of Staying Downtown:

• Prime location 
• Close to many attractions
• Rich in cultural experiences
• Easy to get around with public transportation
• Best area in Boston for nightlife
• About a 10-minute drive from Logan Airport

Cons of Staying Downtown:

• Heavy traffic congestion
• Street parking is difficult

South End

👉 Best Area For Foodies & Families | ✨ Best South End Hotels: The Revolution Hotel • Staypineapple

South End is a stylish neighborhood in Boston. It is one of my favorite areas in the city because it is super walkable and offers great restaurants and parks. 

South End is often recognized as Boston’s best neighborhood for foodies. Acclaimed restaurants such as the Greek restaurant, Kava Neo-Taverna, are continuously packed. 

South End is ideal for small kids thanks to its adorable playgrounds. My daughter and I love to explore the neighborhood’s parks, hidden gardens, and tiny bakeries. 

Stay at the Revolution Hotel located in the heart of South End. It’s a great home base for travelers because the hotel offers a variety of room types for different budgets.

Pros of Staying in South End:

• Tons of highly acclaimed restaurants
• Easy to get around on foot
• Pockets of parks, playgrounds, and hidden gems

Cons of Staying in South End:

• There are no MBTA train stops in the South End
• Can be difficult to find street parking

Back Bay Fens

👉 Best Area For Boston Red Sox Fans & Concerts | ✨ Best Back Fens Hotels: The Verb Hotel • Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway • Hotel Commonwealth

Back Bay Fens is located within the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. This is hands down the best place to stay in Boston if you’re a Red Sox fan or visiting for a concert.

Walk down Landsdowne Street for a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park or a concert at MGM Music Hall or Citizens House of Blues. You can also enjoy the sports bars and restaurants that surround Fenway Park.

Conveniently located adjacent to Fenway Park is the Verb Hotel. This hotel is a cool place to stay in Boston for music lovers. It houses an extensive vinyl library for guests to use exclusively. Try the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, Hojoko, a lively Japanese izakaya that serves amazing drinks. Their pork and shrimp potstickers are a must!

Two of Boston’s most famous museums are within walking distance from Back Bay Fens: the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 

Pros of Staying in Back Bay Fens:

• Features community gardens, river walks, and athletic fields
• Home of the Boston Red Sox
• Great music venues
• Easy to get around on foot
• Lots of restaurants, shops, and bars

Cons of Staying in Back Bay Fens:

• Highest-density neighborhood in Boston
• Very congested during rush hour

Beacon Hill

👉 Best Area for Picturesque Streets | ✨ Best Beacon Hill Hotels: The Whitney Hotel Boston • XV Beacon • The Liberty Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Beacon Hill is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods to stay in Boston. It is full of picturesque streets with cobblestone alleyways, gas street lamps, and bay-view windows.

Beacon Hill is the perfect place for wandering and enjoying long strolls on your trip to Boston. Don’t miss beautiful Acorn Street while exploring Beacon Hill, it’s the most photographed street in all of Boston!

The Massachusetts State House is another notable place to visit. It’s just across the street from Boston Common and can be easily spotted by its gold dome. 

The Liberty Hotel is a great choice to stay if you’re considering the Beacon Hill neighborhood. The Liberty Hotel was formerly the old Charles Street Jail. 

Today, it’s a unique luxury boutique hotel and the perfect example of the Boston magic that happens when the old meets the new. Be sure to check out the Liberty Hotel’s three restaurants: Alibi, Clink, and Scampo.

👉 Local Tip: Learn more about Beacon Hill by taking a free walking tour down the Black Heritage Trail. This trail guides you through the lives of African Americans of Beacon Hill during the 19th century. 

Pros of Staying in Beacon Hill:

• Rich in history
• Three MBTA subway lines run through Beacon Hill (Green, Red, and Blue)
• Close to Massachusetts General Hospital
• Easy to navigate on foot
• Relatively safe

Cons of Staying in Beacon Hill:

• Cramped streets
• Difficult to find parking

Somerville

👉 Best Area for an Eclectic Atmosphere | ✨ Best Somerville Hotels: The Row Hotel at Assembly Row • Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville

Somerville is a nearby city that feels like an extension of Boston. It’s a great area to stay in if you enjoy off-beat culture and an eclectic atmosphere.

Somerville’s Davis Square has become one of Boston’s best dining neighborhoods and is a popular area to explore. Here, you can enjoy food ranging from Mexican feasts and family-style Tibetan dishes to fall-off-the-bone BBQ. 

Book a stay in the Row Hotel at Assembly Row. The location can’t be beat. Here you will find shops, new restaurants, and an MBTA stop on the Orange Line. 

There is a 6-acre park and playground to enjoy along Mystic River. There is also an AMC Theater, and a LEGO Discovery Center, which is a hit with young families. My daughter and I enjoy spending some of our days here. 

Pros of Staying in Somerville:

• Close to downtown Boston via car or public transportation
• Trendy restaurants and bars
• Innovative community

Cons of Staying in Somerville:

• Traffic in and around Somerville can get busy

Copley Square

👉 Best Area for Unique Architecture | ✨ Best Copley Square Hotels: Copley Square Hotel • Charlesmark Hotel • Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel

Copley Square is one of Boston’s central meeting grounds and a great area to stay within the Back Bay neighborhood. It is located right on Boylston Street, where the Boston Marathon Finish Line can be found. The street is lined with busy shops, bars, and restaurants.

The architecture in Copley Square is captivating and steeped in history. The square is anchored by Trinity Church and the very modern John Hancock building.

Copley Square is also home to the Boston Public Library, the country’s first municipal library. It is framed by the very elegant Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. This hotel has been a luxury downtown landmark in Boston since its doors opened in 1912.

Copley Square’s fountain and lawn are great places to unwind and people-watch. There is a pool, flower beds, and benches for relaxation. There’s also a farmers market that takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays during the summer months.

Pros of Staying in Copley Square:

• Close to the shopping district of Newbury Street
• Full of Boston history and institutions
• Easy to navigate on foot
• Accessible by the MBTA Copley Square Station on the Green Line
• About a 15-minute drive from the Boston Logan Airport

Cons of Staying in Copley Square:

• Traffic in and around Boylston Street can be very busy
• A lot of foot traffic with locals and tourists

North End

👉 Best Area for Culture | ✨ Best North End Hotels: Boston Yacht Haven • Bricco Suites • The Boxer • Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station

North End is a wonderful neighborhood for history and culture. It is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Boston. I think the historic buildings make it one of the prettiest, too.

North End is adjacent to historic sites like Quincy Market and Old North Church. It is Boston’s traditional Italian neighborhood. You will find plenty of Italian markets, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. My favorite stop for a cappuccino and biscotti is Cafe Vittoria. 

Stay at the Boston Yacht Haven Hotel. It is a beautiful waterfront hotel on the Boston Harbor. The hotel is a short walk from endless restaurants, shopping, bars, and attractions. 

Pros of Staying in North End:

• Kid-friendly neighborhood
• Accessible via public transportation on the Orange Line, Blue Line, or Green Line
• Near the North Station for commuter rail lines and intercity service

Cons of Staying in North End:

• Heavy tourist area
• Street parking is quite difficult

Charlestown

👉 Best Area for Maritime History | ✨ Best Charlestown Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf 

Charlestown is another desirable area to stay in Boston. This walkable neighborhood has waterfront access and is close to historic attractions. 

Take in the cobblestone streets, gas-lit street lamps, and colonial-period architecture. Charlestown is home to rich American maritime history, including the USS Constitution, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard.  

The Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf is perfectly located in Charlestown. The hotel is within walking distance to some great attractions. Guests get to enjoy a heated indoor pool, a fitness facility, and a spacious waterfront pier. 

Pros of Staying in Charlestown

• Family-friendly neighborhood
• Dog-friendly neighborhood
• Rich in history
• Diverse restaurant scene
• Lots of local events and activities
• Walkable neighborhood

Cons of Staying in Charlestown:

• Heavy tourist area
• Limited accommodations in the area
• Street parking is quite difficult

East Boston

👉 Best Area Near the Airport | ✨ Best East Boston Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport • Hilton Boston Logan Airport • Embassy Suites Boston at Logan Airport

East Boston is a great area to stay in if you’re looking to remain close to the airport. This vibrant neighborhood, known to locals as “Eastie,” offers quick access to the airport and Downtown Boston.

Eastie has a variety of options to commute and get around. You can access the MBTA and even take a ferry into the city! The ferry departs from the Long Wharf (North) Stop. 

Piers Park is a wonderful area to hang out in. The park offers plenty of green space, a playground for the kids, and stellar views of the city overlooking the water.

Book a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport. This hotel is only 3 miles away from the Boston Logan Airport. It has on-site amenities like a bar and a fitness center. 

Pros of Staying in East Boston:

• Close to the Boston Logan Airport
• Close to Downtown Boston
• Accessible via public transportation via the Blue Line
• Waterfront and cityscape views

Cons of Staying in East Boston:

• Congested area
• Street parking is quite difficult

Brookline

👉 Best Area for Local Art Scene | ✨ Best Brookline Hotels: The Arcadian • Hilton Garden Inn Boston Brookline • Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline

Brookline is an eclectic neighborhood with a bustling art scene. The streets are lined with lush green trees, historic homes, and other modern developments.

The diverse area has restaurants, bars, and parks all within walking distance. Spend some time exploring the Emerald Pearl Necklace. It is a series of interconnected parks that run from Brookline into Boston.

Locals love to hang out at the Coolidge Corner Theater. This landmark venue is a beloved non-profit independent cinema. You can watch anything from art-house classics to new film releases.

Stay at the Arcadian Hotel in Brookline. This hotel is in a central location with the T nearby. You can easily hop on and be in Boston within minutes. 

Pros of Staying in Brookline:

• Safe neighborhood
• Accessible via public transportation 
• Walkable neighborhood
• Rich cultural scene

Cons of Staying in Brookline:

• Traffic congestion in this area
• Street parking is quite difficult

Tips for Staying in Boston

Budget for Your Trip

I recommend doing some budgeting in advance for your trip. Boston isn’t the cheapest place to visit, so it’s smart to plan ahead. My local tip is to check museum ticket prices to see which nights have complimentary admission or discounted tickets. You should also read my guide to visiting Boston on a budget.

Book Accommodations Far in Advance

Hotels can book up very quickly in Boston. Especially during the spring, summer, and fall. Save yourself the hassle by booking your hotel as soon as you can. 

Make Dining Reservations and Purchase Tickets in Advance

Getting a table at a trendy Boston restaurant can be hard to come by. Many restaurants require a reservation at least a week in advance. Some of Boston’s museums and attractions require timed tickets, too. Plan and book as far ahead as possible. 

Stay Near an MBTA Station

Boston is well-connected via public transportation. Consider staying near a T station if you plan on hopping from area to area. Staying near a station will simplify getting around in Boston.

Be Mindful of What Time of Year You Visit

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Boston. The temperatures are comfortable, the foliage is changing, or the flowers are blooming. Summers can get hot and humid, but there are fun events across the city. Winters are brutal, cold, and snowy. However, winter is the slowest season to stay in Boston, so there are cheaper hotel rates.

Want More? Listen to My Boston Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Boston episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Boston”). 

I talk about where to stay in Boston at minute mark 23:06. Here are the hotels I mention in the episode:

• The Revolution Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street

The host, Laura, and I also discussed the best things to do in Boston (05:00), day trips from Boston (14:50), Boston travel tips and budgeting (25:57), why more people should visit Boston (04:02) and all the other common questions about travel to Boston.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Boston.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Boston for first-timers?

The best area for first-timers to stay in Boston is Back Bay. It is conveniently located in central Boston and within walking distance of beautiful parks, shopping, dining, and nightlife.

What are the safe areas to stay in Boston?

The safest area to stay in Boston is Beacon Hill. Crime is low and this neighborhood is filled with historic homes, luxury apartments, and shops and restaurants. For more details, see my guide to staying safe in Boston.

Is it better to stay in Back Bay or Downtown Boston?

It is better to stay in Back Bay. It is close to downtown yet further from tourists and crowds. From here, you can easily walk or take the MBTA to quickly reach downtown. 

Where is the best place to stay in Boston without a car?

The best place to stay in Boston without a car is Back Bay. It has a central location with plenty of shopping and dining options. It is also a safe neighborhood with great public transportation. 

What is the most lively area in Boston?

The most lively area in Boston is Downtown Boston. It’s vibrant and offers some of the best nightlife due to the college student population.

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Thanks for reading this guide on where to stay in Boston! It’s a compact city, but there is so much to see and do. Speaking of, next up you should check out my guide to all my favorite things to do in Boston.