• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-895096547074
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/massachusetts/boston",
  "destination": "Boston",
  "title": "boston",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Boston",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Boston

Boston's history recalls revolution and transformation, and today the city is still among the country's most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking destinations.

A couple sit looking out over a beautiful canyon.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Latest Stories
Book
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Boston? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to USA

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

start planning learn more
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-826806779654
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/massachusetts/boston",
  "destination": "Boston",
  "title": "boston",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Boston",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Travel Guides

Boston travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From museums to sports to historic neighborhoods and great food, Boston has you covered. These are 11 of the best things to do in Boston.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Boston flaunts its magic all year round, with outdoor fun in summer, foliage in fall, sunshine in spring and snowy scenes in winter.

Read full article

Things to Know

From navigating the streets to understanding the social dynamics, here is everything you need to know before you visit Boston.

Read full article

Transportation

Boston is an easy-to-navigate city, from riding the T to using the city's bike-share program.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

Here’s how to see the best of this historic and lively city without spending a dime.

Read full article

Best Neighborhoods

You'll find historic sites, a vibrant art scene and architectural icons in Boston's top neighborhoods.

Read full article

Day Trips

Many of New England's best places to visit are just a day trip from Boston. These are some of our favorites.

Read full article

Money and Costs

Beantown may be expensive but you don't have to break the bank when you visit. Here are 13 tips and tricks to experience the best of Boston on a budget.

Read full article

Traveling with Kids

Boston engages kids of all ages. Here are the best things to do there as a family.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-792959330814
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/massachusetts/boston",
  "destination": "Boston",
  "title": "boston",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Boston",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Boston

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Boston and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-784024932369
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/massachusetts/boston",
  "destination": "Boston",
  "title": "boston",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Boston",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}