Where to Stay in Boston: 6 Best Areas & Hotels

Boston is one of the top 10 visited cities in the United States, and honestly, it’s no surprise! With a variety of tourist attractions (including the famous Fenway Park), tasty food, and famous events – this awesome city has a lot to offer. 

As there is so much to see, it can be difficult to choose where to stay in Boston – especially for first-timers. Don’t worry though, I’m here to help! 

This article is going to go through the best parts of Boston to stay in, the pros and cons of each neighborhood, and the best hotels that can be found in the area. 

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Where to Stay in Boston

The city of Boston is the capital and most populated city in Massachusetts. It’s much smaller than many other cities in the States and covers an area of 89 square miles (232 km2). This means it’s relatively easy to get around! 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Boston, you’ll have endless choices. The city is split up into 23 neighborhoods, and each one offers something unique for travelers. 

This guide is going to dive into the six best parts of Boston to stay in, and why they attract so many tourists from across the world.

If you don’t have time to go through the article right now, you can have a quick scan of this guide below. These are the best neighborhoods to stay in, in Boston, and I’m going to break down each one in this table! 

AreaRecommended Hotel
Back Bay (luxury stays, shopping, fine dining, first-time visitors)The Lenox
Downtown (budget-friendly, sightseeing, first-time visitors, nightlife)Harborside Inn
The North End (family-friendly, food, sightseeing, waterfront)The Courtyard Boston
The South End (LGBTQ+ friendly, food, culture, sightseeing)The Staypineapple
Fenway (nightlife, sports, culture, food)Residence Inn by Marriott
Cambridge/Harvard Square (food, sightseeing, culture, family-friendly)Hampton Inn by Hilton

Map of the Best Areas to Stay in Boston

Below you can find a customized map that includes the best areas to stay in Boston, including our recommended hotels for each area for every budget.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Best Areas to Stay in Boston

1. Back Bay 

Back Bay is one of Boston’s most affluent neighborhoods and is known for its shopping and fine dining. It’s also famous for its glitz and glamor and is home to some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. 

If you’re a keen shopper, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to treat yourself. Newbury Street, Marlborough Street, and Boylston Street are some of the best places to shop with plenty of boutique stores. This part of Boston also has plenty of things to do, so you won’t be bored during your time here. 

Some of the most popular attractions in this area include the Boston Public Library, the Skywalk Observatory, and the Mapparium. You also don’t want to miss out on a visit to Copley Market which is situated within Copley Square!

Another great thing about this area is the public transport. There is a subway station and bus lines so traveling around the city is simple. If you fancy a walk, it will take you around 15 minutes to get to Downtown Boston. 

You also won’t run out of places to eat, as there is an endless sea of restaurants and cafes situated in this area.

Just a quick heads up – If you want to visit the city on a budget, this isn’t the neighborhood you want to stay in. However, it’s one of the best locations to stay in Boston if you’re looking for a luxury stay! 

Pros and cons of staying in Back Bay

PROS

  • Great for shopping & fine-dining
  • Less than a 15-minute walk to Downtown Boston

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Parking can be difficult at times – so something to consider if you’re hiring a car

The best places to stay in Back Bay

2. Downtown

If you’re wondering where to stay in Boston, and are visiting the city for the first time then Downtown is a great option. This is because it’s a brilliant area for sightseeing, with plenty of sites and tourist attractions nearby. 

Downtown is home to the Freedom Trail which is a 2.5-mile (4 km) trail that connects 16 historic sites. This is a must-do even if you have only one day in Boston and includes the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Old State House, and the Boston Common.

There are also plenty of other attractions nearby including Quincy Market, Rose Kennedy Greenway, and the Downtown Crossing. 

You also don’t want to miss out on visiting Haymarket – Boston’s oldest outdoor market.  When it comes to dining options, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Some of the most popular choices include Yvonne’s, Bostonia Public House, and RUKA. 

There are also plenty of quirky bars situated in this part of the city. If you decide to stay here, make sure you head to the Beantown Pub, the Point Boston, and the Bell in Hand Tavern.

This area of Boston is one of the most walkable neighborhoods, but there is still plenty of public transport around. You can easily take the subway or bus to other parts of the city! 

Downtown is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Boston for tourists. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in the city, so if you’re looking to save some cash – this is where you need to stay! 

Pros and cons of staying in Downtown 

PROS

  • Budget-friendly
  • Plenty of historic sites and tourist attractions

CONS

  • Traffic can get pretty bad in the area 
  • Parking is also difficult – however, this isn’t an issue if you don’t plan to hire a car

The best places to stay in Downtown

3. North End 

The North End is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and is commonly referred to as ‘Little Italy’ (although most people in the city don’t use this term). In the 19th century, a lot of Italian immigrants decided to settle here, so now it’s naturally home to the best Italian food in the city. 

As you walk along the cobbled streets you’ll find plenty of Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, so allow your senses to take in all of the delicious smells and sights! This neighborhood is situated on the waterfront, so you can take a stroll along the harbor front if you’re looking to take it easy and enjoy the views. 

This part of Boston also has plenty of popular sites to visit including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. The North End is one of the best parts of Boston to stay in – especially if you’re traveling as a family. 

Although the narrow alleyways are often packed with tourists, the nightlife scene here isn’t as big as Downtown Boston so it’s great if you’re traveling with little ones. 

There are also lots of child-friendly attractions nearby, and if your kids are fussy eaters you have an endless amount of pizza and pasta choices! You’ll also find plenty of ice cream parlors, that sell delicious gelato. 

Pros and cons of staying in the North End 

PROS

  • Incredible Italian food
  • Very close to Downtown Boston

CONS

  • Limited hotel options
  • A fair amount of litter often lines the street

The Best places to stay in the North End

4. South End

The South End is without a doubt one of the best foodie neighborhoods in the city. If you’re wondering where to stay in Boston and you love your food, this is the place to be. 

The streets are packed with charming cafes and awesome restaurants where you can have your fill of American and international cuisine. 

Some of the most popular spots include B&G Oysters, Coppa, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Mike’s City Diner. You can even go on a food tasting & history tour of South End if you’re unsure of the best spots! 

However, that’s not all this neighborhood has to offer. It’s considered to be one of the ‘hippest’ areas in Boston, and with endless art galleries, open markets, and museums – it’s not hard to see why! 

There are also plenty of tourist attractions to see including Harriet Tubman Square, the SoWa Open Market, and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

The South End is the best neighborhood to stay in Boston if you’re a fan of food, culture, and open spaces. There are around 30 parks in the area, so plenty of places to tire your kids or pooch out. 

This part of Boston also has a strong gay community, so it’s very LGBTQ+ friendly. As if you needed yet another reason to stay here! 

Pros and cons of staying in the South End

PROS

  • Foodie heaven
  • LGBTQ+ friendly

CONS

  • Parking in the South end can be a nightmare!
  • Can be very busy

The best places to stay in the South End

5. Fenway

So, you’ve probably all heard of the Red Sox, right? Of course, you have! The Red Sox are Boston’s famous baseball team, and their stadium Fenway Park is situated within this neighborhood. This makes it the best location to stay in Boston if you’re a sports fan! 

During your time here you should try to fit in a baseball game, or at least go on a guided tour of Fenway Park. Some of the city’s best sports bars are also located in this area – primarily along Lansdowne Street, and Yawkey Way. This is another experience you’ll want to fit in! 

Although the Red Sox make this area famous, Fenway has so much more to offer. Nearby you’ll find Kenmore Square – which is why you’ll hear this neighborhood often referred to as the Fenway/Kenmore area.

Here you can explore some pretty great museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The Boston Symphony Orchestra plays in this neighborhood too!  

Fenway is also famous for its delicious cuisine, as an array of restaurants and cafes line the streets. Some of the most popular choices include Yard House, Tasty Burger, and Sweet Cheeks Q. 

Aside from its famous sports bars, Fenway also has a pretty lively night scene. If you’re looking to paint the town red as they say, then this is one of the best areas to stay in Boston.

Pros and cons of staying in Fenway

PROS

  • Home to Fenway Park
  • Good for nightlife

CONS

  • One of the liveliest areas in the city, so may not be suitable for families with young children
  • The highest-density neighborhood in Boston so gets very busy

The best places to stay in the Fenway

6. Cambridge/Harvard Square 

Cambridge is technically a different city but is only separated from Boston by the Charles River. Although it’s a quiet area, there is so much to do here! Cambridge is one of the most culturally diverse areas surrounding the city, and you’ll find a variety of activities to keep you busy. 

You can choose to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Museum of Science, or simply relax and enjoy the views of the Charles River. There is also a great arts scene within this area, where you’ll find plenty of live music to keep you entertained.

Within Cambridge, you’ll find Harvard Square which has plenty to offer for tourists. Here you’ll find a fun bar scene, a wide variety of restaurants, and plenty of theater productions to choose from. 

During your time in Harvard Square, you can also take a look at Harvard University, visit the Harvard Art Museum, or wander around the Harvard Museum of Natural History. If you’re looking for a hip area outside the city, then Cambridge is one of the best locations to stay in Boston.

Not only does it offer culture, lots of outdoor space, and plenty of restaurants – but it’s also a great neighborhood to escape the city’s lively atmosphere. The public transport links to get into Boston city center are great too! 

Pros and cons of staying in Cambridge/Harvard Square

PROS

  • Great public transport links
  • Very culturally diverse 

CONS

  • Traffic can get very busy
  • Parking can be a nightmare, so consider this if you plan on hiring a car

The best places to stay in Cambridge/Harvard Square


Planning a trip to New England?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about New England. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

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