If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Boston, especially if it’s your first time, well, you’ve landed on the right blog. Even though I’ve travelled around the world, Boston remains one of my favorite cities. Although I now live in London, I moved from the Boston and Brookline area. Many blogs don’t even recommend staying in Brookline during your stay in Boston, but it’s a top contender, especially if you’re visiting on a budget. There are pros and sometimes cons to different areas of Boston, all of which I’ll go through! Keep reading if you want all the best recommendations from a local for where to stay in Boston your first time!

Best Areas to Stay in Boston First Time: Advice from a Local Bostonian! 

Where should I stay in Boston for the first time?

The best area to stay in Boston if it’s your first time is Beacon Hill or Back Bay. Both are in a central location, close to downtown, the Boston Common and Public Garden, and Fenway Park and have easy access to the subway (called “the T”). Beacon Hill is slightly smaller and more residential, so there are fewer accommodations here, but I will recommend the best ones!

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What is the best part of Boston to stay in?

If it’s not your first time in Boston, one of the other best parts of Boston to stay in that many might not suggest is Fenway. Fenway is close enough to the city but less touristy since it’s a very residential area. Fenway Park is the crown jewel of Boston, and seeing a game or taking a tour of Fenway Park is always a recommendation I give to my family and friends. You’ll also find beautiful brownstones in Fenway and one of the best museums in Boston, and one of my favorites in the world, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum!

What is the most walkable area to stay in Boston?

The most walkable area to stay in Boston is Back Bay or Beacon Hill, and I recommend this part of Boston to stay, especially if it’s your first time!

A quick recap of Boston Neighborhoods

Don’t have time to read this extensive article? Here’s a quick recap of all of the best neighborhoods and where to stay in Boston first time.

Need more help planning your next trip to Boston? Read this Boston itinerary, or contact me as I work as a travel advisor who can help plan your next trip!

If you’re wondering where to stay in Boston for your first time or a short visit, I recommend Back Bay or Beacon Hill for the reasons I listed above. These neighborhoods are the most beautiful in Boston and perfect for a first-time visit. The best hotels in Back Bay and Beacon Hill are The Newbury Boston, Fairmont Copley Plaza, and Citizen M Boston.

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Boston with kids or a larger family, downtown Boston is a great option. You’ll be close to some of the best things to do in Boston with kids. This includes the New England Aquarium, the Boston Children’s Museum, pick-up spots for a Boston Duck Tour, and lots of space for your littles to run around! The best hotels in downtown Boston are The Langham Boston, The Boston Marriott Long Wharf, and the Boston Harbor Hotel on the water. 

If you’re looking to visit Boston on a budget, the more residential area of Fenway or Brookline is a great option. These areas are only a twenty-to-thirty-minute subway ride outside of the city. It’s not as bustling as the city of Boston, but if you’ve ever been to London, it reminds me so much of their residential and greener neighborhoods outside the city. These areas have beautiful brownstones and great restaurants. The best hotels are Fenway’s trendy Verb Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Brookline.

Best Boston Neighborhood Overall: Beacon Hill

Pros of Staying in Beacon Hill

One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Boston is Beacon Hill. In this neighborhood, you’ll find brownstone facades and cobblestone streets that make Beacon Hill and Boston famous. It is also home to the most photographed street in Boston, Acorn Street. Once you stroll down this cobblestone alleyway, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time! Staying in this beautiful area will not only allow you to see some of the most historic and picturesque neighborhoods in Boston, but you’ll also be in close walking distance to some of the best things to do in Boston.

Cons of Staying in Beacon Hill

The only two cons to staying in Beacon Hill are that it’s a very residential area, where some of the wealthiest Bostonians live. You won’t find as many hotels or accommodations in this area. It’s one of the best places to stay in Boston, so it’s quite expensive, but worth the money you’ll spend on accommodations, especially if it’s only for a short visit.

Best Places to Stay in Beacon Hill

The Newbury Boston $$$-$$$$: If you’re looking for the best luxury hotel in Boston, this is it! You can’t beat its location in the city, as it’s only steps away from the Boston Public Garden. It offers free bicycles for guests and incredible facilities. It also has one of the best rooftop restaurants in Boston- Contessa!

The Liberty Hotel $$$: This is one of the most unique hotel properties in Boston, as it used to be a jail! This hotel overlooks the Charles River and has free seasonal bicycles for you to enjoy the Esplanade. It has great dining options, with relaxed bar and lounge areas, and their restaurant Clink, which I’ve eaten at a few times and can say it’s delicious!

The Whitney Hotel $$$: This next property is more in the heart of Beacon Hill. It’s right off Beacon Hill’s famous Charles Street! It has a modern and clean yet historical feel, with many guests rating it a perfect fit for where to stay in Boston for couples.

Best things to do in Beacon Hill

Wander through the Boston Public Garden and Common

One of the most beautiful places in Boston is the Boston Public Garden. If you can picture the most idyllic pond with a weeping willow and a vintage bridge that connects one side to the other, you’ll be picturing the Boston Public Garden. It also has the most beautiful cherry blossoms and tulips in the spring, and a variety of foliage in the fall. You also can’t miss the ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ statue, or the iconic Swan Boats!

Walk down Charles Street

Charles Street is the main street through Beacon Hill with lots of shops and restaurants. One of my favorite cafes in Boston is Tatte, and there’s a corner location right on Charles Street. You can also find the adorable Beacon Hill Books and Cafe, Rouvalis Flowers, and the second-hand women’s designer boutique, Covet. Close to Charles Street, you’ll find the famous Acorn Street. The spring blooms and fall foliage in Boston in Louisburg Square are stunning as well. It won’t be hard to figure out why this is one of the best picks for where to stay in Boston your first time!

Visit the Charles River Esplanade 

If you are looking for somewhere to kayak or have a leisurely walk, visit the Charles River Esplanade. You’ll find beautiful views of Boston’s ‘other skyline’, one of Cambridge’s prestigious universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Take a tour of the Massachusetts State House

If you want to visit the famous gold dome of Boston, take a tour through the Massachusetts State House. This Old Town Trolley tour would be a great place to start! If you’re just interested in a photo op, you can see the golden dome right from the street!

Boston’s Runner Up for Best Neighborhood: Back Bay

Pros of Staying in Back Bay

Home to the Boston Public Library and Copley Square, Back Bay is adjacent to Beacon Hill. This neighborhood is also famous for its unique brownstones and the beautiful Parisian-inspired Commonwealth Avenue, or ‘Comm Ave’ per the locals. This neighborhood has wonderful shops and a street dedicated to designers called Newbury Street. It has plenty of restaurants, is extremely walkable with easy access to the ‘T’, or Boston’s subway, and is one of the best places if you’re looking for where to stay in Boston first time.

Cons of Staying in Back Bay

In contrast to Beacon Hill, Back Bay is fairly residential as well, but there are more accommodations in this area. This area is also bigger than Beacon Hill, so you’ll find more activity here. You’ll also find a few chain stores and restaurants, because it’s a popular place to stay for tourists. It’s also one of the more expensive places to stay in Boston because it’s one of the most popular.

Best Places to Stay in Back Bay

Fairmont Copley Plaza $$$: This hotel is right off Copley Square with a prime view of the Boston Public Library. This is rated as a historic property in Boston, built in 1912; the architecture and aesthetic are impressive.

The Eliot Hotel $$-$$$: This hotel has more of a boutique feel, and I love the Chinoiserie-like drapery in some of the rooms. It’s in a great location in Back Bay, close to Commonwealth Ave, and not too far from Beacon Hill either.

Citizen M Boston $$: This hotel will probably get you the best bang for your buck in Boston. Even though Citizen M is a chain hotel brand, they have great reviews. It has a location in Back Bay that will be easy to walk to all the best things to do in Boston, while not breaking the bank.

The Westin Copley Place $$-$$$: This next hotel is connected to the Copley Mall and Prudential Center. You’ll be more in the ‘city’ part of Back Bay, but it’s another great option.

Newbury Guest House $$: If you can manage to snag a room at this next property, you’ll be staying right off the famous Newbury Street. This property is intimate, with only a few rooms for guests to book. I would imagine this would give you the most local and residential stay in this part of the city!

Best things to do in Back Bay

Find the secret courtyard at the Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings in Boston. There’s a lovely outdoor courtyard, but it’s a bit hidden. Find the cafe first, and you’ll run right into the courtyard. 

Get a bird’s-eye view of Boston at the ‘Pru’

If you want one of the best views in Boston, book tickets for the Prudential Center or the ‘Pru’. This 52-story building is the tallest in Boston, and booking tickets will give you access to the top three floors. If you want an extra special view, book your tickets for sunset!

Shop on Boston’s Newbury Street

On this mile-long street, you’ll find designer stores, but Zara and H&M too. You can also find unique, boutique stores and restaurants. If you walk down Newbury heading East, you’ll run straight into the Boston Public Garden.

Best area to Stay in Boston with Family: Downtown Boston

Pros of Staying in Downtown Boston

The best part about staying in downtown Boston is that if you’re traveling with young children, you’ll be close to the best things to do in Boston with kids. It’s also a great area to stay, similar to Back Bay, if you’re interested in walking everywhere during your stay. You’ll still be close to public transport options downtown, so you won’t have to worry about getting around. Downtown Boston is also very close to the picturesque waterfront with some of the best views in Boston. You’ll also be close to the ‘North End’, also known as Boston’s Little Italy. Even though the North End is quite small with minimal accommodations for tourists, it’s still a great place to wander around. Make sure to book a dinner at one of their delicious restaurants!

Cons of Staying in Downtown Boston

Depending on where you are in downtown Boston, it can feel like any other busy city. The downtown area is where you’ll find more modern architecture, as opposed to the typical historical architecture found in Beacon Hill or the Back Bay. This area is also a popular area for business travellers, and can be an expensive place to stay. I highly recommend choosing a location near the waterfront, but of course, there are plenty of options!

Best Places to Stay in Downtown Boston

The Langham Boston $$$: This five-star hotel has recently been renovated and is located right between downtown and the waterfront. This building was originally the Federal Reserve Bank, and you can even dine in the once grand hall as well! It has extremely good ratings and is one of the best hotels in Boston.

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf $$$: This next hotel is located right on the water, and has beautiful outdoor terraces for guests to enjoy. It’s also right next to the aquarium and only a few minutes walk from Faneuil Hall.

Yacht Haven $$$: This extremely highly rated yacht-inspired property is luxury at its finest in Boston. This location on the northern end of downtown Boston is also not far from the ‘North End’. It offers some of the best views of Boston’s skyline and waterfront. I highly recommend this property!

Boston Harbor Hotel $$$-$$$$: This next five-star waterfront location is an icon in Boston. It offers award-winning restaurants and some of the best views of the Boston skyline. It’s also a short walk away from the Harborwalk, which I highly recommend doing when you’re in Boston!

Godfrey Hotel $$-$$$: If you’re looking for one of the best hotels in Boston for couples, this is it! This hotel has such an adult vibe, and it’s only a few minutes from the Boston Common and the Freedom Trail. It’s restaurant Ruka, an ‘exploration of Peruvian-Japanese culture’, looks delicious.

Harborside Inn $$: If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in downtown Boston, this would be it. It’s in a great location downtown, but also close to the waterfront.

Best things to do in  Downton, Boston

Walk the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail starts at the Boston Common, situated between downtown, Beacon Hill, and Back Bay. If you continue on the Freedom Trail, it will lead you through downtown Boston and even over to Charlestown. Check out this Boston itinerary for more information on how to walk the Freedom Trail.

Marvel at the Giant Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium

If you’re visiting Boston with young children, they’ll love a visit to the New England Aquarium. Don’t miss the giant ocean tank that’s hard to miss since it spans seven floors of the aquarium. Open to the public since 1969, it is one of the world’s first modern aquariums. 

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

One of the best things to do in Boston is to go whale watching. The best time to go whale watching is between May and October, and you can find multiple tours that leave right from the waterfront.

Visit the Old State House

Find the circle beneath the Old State House, and you’ll find the location of the 1770 Boston Massacre site. What’s unique about this building is how it has stood the test of time with modern skyscrapers surrounding it. It’s also close to the Old South Meeting House, which was important in the American Revolution. You can tour both if you’re a history buff!

Enjoy an interactive tour at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

This museum has a unique interactive tour perfect for littles! You can make a day of it, since you won’t have to wander far to visit the Boston Children’s Museum, as they’re only a few steps away from each other.

Try a flavored cannoli

Mike’s Pastry is the most famous cannoli shop in Boston. This shop also sells other varieties of baked goods, but it’s known for its flavored cannolis. Some residents say they’re not the freshest cannolis in the North End, since they do freeze them overnight to meet demand. It’s the only place where you’ll find 19 different flavors!

Enjoy an authentic Italian meal

You can’t visit Boston without booking a meal in the North End. Many of these restaurants offer some of the best Italian food you’ll find in the city and even the state. Visit Mamma Maria for upscale dining, The Daily Catch for fresh seafood, and the crowd favorite La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant. Even though there are a few Regina Pizzeria locations in the city, the one in the North End is the original, best brick-oven pizza you’ll find!

Find the hidden gem at the Boston Athenaeum

This is one of Boston’s hidden gems, a beautiful library and museum in the heart of the city. If you want to access the entire Athenaeum for the day, the cost is quite steep at $40/per person. You can pay $10/per person for access to the first floor, which includes the art and special collections gallery. Their architecture tours frequently sell out, and if you’re interested, I would contact them directly. You can find all this information on their website, and I’m sure prices are subject to change.

Visit Quincy Market

Even though this area is quite touristy and I don’t usually recommend it to family or friends who visit Boston, it’s a large open space if you need one for your littles to run around.

Best Neighborhood for a Vibrant Nightlife: Fenway

Pros of Staying in Fenway

Fenway is one of the best places to stay in Boston for couples. It’s also a great choice if you’re re-visiting Boston or staying longer and can split your time between Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Fenway. It’s a very residential neighborhood, and you’ll be far from other tourists. There’s a lively nightlife here, and just a great atmosphere, especially when the Red Sox are playing. I always recommend the Fenway Park tour to family and friends if you’re not able to visit on a game day. It’s not the biggest area in Boston, but it does have easy access to public transport. It’s also within walking distance to some of the best museums in Boston, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Cons of Staying in Fenway

Fenway is one of those areas that may not always be mentioned as one of the best places to stay in Boston your first time. It’s not as close to beautiful Beacon Hill, the Boston Garden, or the waterfront. These are all places you have to visit, especially if it’s your first time. 

Best Places to Stay in Fenway

Fenway’s Verb Hotel $$$: This trendy hotel is steps away from Boston’s Fenway Park. The aesthetic throughout the hotel is such a vibe, and it even has an outdoor pool! Even though this location may seem far from central Boston, it’s conveniently located a short walk from the subway.

Hotel Commonwealth $$-$$$: This next hotel is also right off the subway line and steps away from Fenway Park. Their rooftop terrace even overlooks the stadium, and might be one of the best spots to have on gameday! It’s also close to Boston University and not far from MIT and Harvard. Did I mention Boston can be quite the university town?!

Best things to do in Fenway

Cheer on the Red Sox

When I tell you there’s no other venue as unique as Fenway, you have to see it to believe it. Fenway Park is the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. It has essentially been grandfathered in despite the changing stadium requirements the league has established over the years. The intimate size makes for a unique experience for a ball game. If you aren’t visiting when the Red Sox are in town, you can still visit on a guided tour!

Getting tickets for a Red Sox game or taking a tour of Fenway Park is always a top recommendation of mine for friends and family. Here’s a perfect Boston itinerary if you’re looking for some of the other best things to do in Boston.

Find the most beautiful flower-filled courtyard in Boston

The flower-filled courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the most beautiful places in Boston. The courtyard florals change throughout the seasons, but that’s not the only reason to visit.  It’s a unique museum that was once a private home for the wealthy Isabella Stewart Gardner. She used this home to house her treasures from around the world. Some of its famous items include multiple Rembrandts and Vermeers. It’s also famous for the unsolved art heist in 1990!

Here’s an insider tip- the museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month from 3 PM to 9 PM. I highly recommend a visit. This museum is one of my favorite museums in the world, second only to the Louvre in Paris.

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts 

The MFA is not only one of the biggest museums in Boston but also in North America and the 20^th largest museum in the world. You’ll find famous works from  Rembrandt, Degas, Sargent, and van Gogh. It is a bit out of the way, but close to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. If it’s your first time in Boston, I wouldn’t recommend visiting this museum due to its location and time constraints.

Where to Stay in Boston on a Budget: Brookline

Pros of Staying in Brookline

Brookline may be the one neighborhood that some overlook when deciding on where to stay in Boston for the first time. I will admit, it is a bit removed from the downtown area, but if you’re looking to visit Boston on a budget or want a quieter area to stay, Brookline’s the spot. It’s very well connected with public transport, which can take you directly into the city, and it’s not too far from Fenway either. Brookline is very residential, so if you’re looking to avoid tourists, you’ll avoid them here!

Cons of Staying in Brookline

Brookline is a bit farther out of the best things to do in Boston compared to Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or downtown. I would only recommend you stay in Brookline if it’s not your first time in Boston or if you have more than a few days to visit the city. You could always stay in one of the more central areas for a few nights, and then stay in Brookline for a few nights as well- and experience the city like a local!

Best Places to Stay in Brookline

Hilton Garden Inn Brookline $-$$: Even though this location is a bit further out from the city, this hotel is located close to the subway that can get you into central Boston in fifteen to twenty minutes. It’s also in a very residential area with plenty of parks nearby!

Courtyard by Marriott Brookline $$: This hotel is in the heart of Coolidge Corner, one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in Brookline. You’ll be steps away from the subway, as well as a Trader Joe’s, movie theater, pharmacy, and, of course, plenty of restaurants!

Best things to do in Brookline

See a movie at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

This theatre is somewhat of an icon in Brookline, and has been in the same location since 1933. This theater specializes in independent films, but also shows other varieties of films.

Eat like a Local

One of the best things about living in Brookline is the number of incredible restaurants and bars that are just a short ways away. Coolidge Corner has plenty of options, but it’s Washington Square, only a few stops away, that has some of the best restaurants in Brookline. Enjoy an incredible beer selection at The Publick House, delicious food at the Washington Square Tavern, and an intimate and romantic vibe at The Abbey, some of the best Mexican at the Painted Burro, and one of my favorite restaurants in Boston- Barcelona Brookline.

Visit the Birthplace of John F Kennedy

Depending on where you stay in Brookline, this next spot may be a bit out of the way as well, and is only open in the summer and early fall. If you can believe the house where President John F Kennedy was born and raised still stands in Brookline, Massachusetts. This national historic site offers free tours; check out their website for more details.

Marvel at the vintage cars at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum

If you’re a fan of old cars, you can’t miss America’s oldest car collection. The museum also features special lawn events!

Where Not to Stay in Boston

This post about where to stay in Boston first time wouldn’t be complete without also including where you shouldn’t stay. Some posts may suggest staying in East Boston. In my opinion, this area is not the easiest to reach by public transport. The great thing about Boston Logan Airport is that it’s close to the city. If you have an early or late flight, it won’t take you long by Uber or taxi. If you would like to stay closer to the airport, this is the only reason I suggest staying in East Boston.

The South End is another popular recommendation for where to stay in Boston, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here if it’s your first time in Boston. This area again isn’t the best connected with public transport, and it’s not centrally located to the best things to do in Boston.

You may hear some Bostonians talk about ‘the other side of the river’. Some residents dread crossing over to either side. Even though you might want to visit Harvard University your first time in Boston, I still wouldn’t recommend staying in the surrounding areas in Cambridge or Somerville. These areas aren’t central enough to Boston, and commuting between them and downtown, especially during rush hour, will be difficult.

If you want to avoid the central areas of Boston or are on a tight budget, look into the areas of Allston and Brighton or Jamaica Plain. These are mostly residential areas still with access to public transport, and can be more budget-friendly. 

Where to stay in Boston to walk everywhere

If you’re staying in Boston for the first time and want to walk everywhere, make sure to stay in Beacon Hill or the most eastern side of Back Bay. Some of the best hotel recommendations in these areas would be The Newbury Boston, Fairmont Copley Plaza, and Citizen M Boston.

What is the safest place to stay at when visiting Boston?

Boston is generally a very safe city to visit, and any of the areas listed above would be safe places to stay. Just like any big city, there are, of course, pockets that could make a tourist feel unsafe- for example, the crowds that can gather at Downtown Crossing in downtown.

Other areas of the city to avoid visiting are Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. There are more unsafe areas than others in these spots, but if you’re not a local, I wouldn’t recommend staying here. These areas are also quite removed from the city, so it wouldn’t be advised to stay here if it’s your first time in Boston.

Is Boston walkable for tourists?

Boston is an extremely walkable city and one of the most walkable in the USA. Most of Boston’s points of interest and the best things to do in Boston are a short walk away from each other. Check out this Boston itinerary for some help on how to plan your next trip!

If you’re looking for even more help with trip planning, you can contact me, as I also work as a travel advisor! Feel free to send me a message!

What area of Boston is best for tourists?

The best areas of Boston to stay for tourists are Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and downtown.

Where to stay in Boston without a car?

The best areas to stay in Boston without a car would be the best areas to stay in Boston that include Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and downtown. One of the best things about the city is that it has a wonderful public transport system, so you don’t need a car to get around the city. The only reason I would suggest renting a car in Boston is if you’re planning a day trip in New England!

There are plenty of wonderful day trips you can take in New England. If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend a weekend getaway to Cape Cod. If you’re visiting in the fall, make sure to drive north to states like Vermont to see some of the USA’s best fall foliage!

Is Boston worth visiting as a tourist?

Boston is worth visiting as a tourist. Boston is the perfect mix of American and European culture, is really great to visit for a long weekend, or take advantage of all the beautiful places in New England there are to visit and spend a whole week there! 

How many days do I need to spend in Boston?

Depending on what you want to see in Boston, you only need three to four full days to see the historical highlights, beautiful neighborhoods, including a visit to Harvard in Cambridge, try the delicious seafood, and even leave time for a fantastic day trip!

Here are all the best day trips from Boston! If you’re interested in other day trip ideas, feel free to contact me as I work as a travel advisor and know New England like the back of my hand, as they say!

How to spend three days in Boston?

If you’re looking to spend three days in Boston, here’s the perfect Boston itinerary for you!

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

Best Day Trips from Boston: A Summer in New England

Best Boutique Hotels Vermont: 10+ Best Places to Stay in Vermont

14 Things to Do in New England in the Fall

28 Best Beach Towns in New England: A Guide from a Local!

An Epic Weekend Getaway to Cape Cod: A LOCAL’S guide!

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