9 Must-See Boston Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Downtown

A woman reenacts the Boston Tea Party protest during a tour in Boston.

In downtown, visitors can enjoy a theatrical Boston Tea Party tour. | Photo Credit: Amanda Voisard / Viator

A staple stop for first-timers.

Downtown Boston is a collision of present and past. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes as you navigate through skyscrapers. Outside the Old State House, find the plaque that commemorates the Boston Massacre before walking the rest of the Freedom Trail—just follow the red brick installed in the sidewalk that shows the route. Alternatively, take a tour of the Boston Tea Party ships.

Then, enjoy dinner at the decidedly modern No. 9 Park, led by acclaimed Boston chef Barbara Lynch. If you have extra time to spare, check out the nearby neighborhoods of Beacon Hill or Chinatown—both worthy stops in their own right.

The Back Bay

A street at Back Bay, Boston's swankiest neighborhood.

Newbury Street is perfect for an afternoon stroll and shopping at designer stores. | Photo Credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock

Upscale day-to-day living.

Built in the 19th century on land reclaimed from the Charles River, the Back Bay was—and continues to be—where the swankiest of Boston live, work, and play. The center of the neighborhood is Copley Square, where the beautiful Trinity Church stands in the reflection of the blue-glass John Hancock Tower. Just steps away, Newbury Street houses designer clothing stores and upscale cafés and is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

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The North End

The North End is famous for its cannoli, so don't miss out. | Photo Credit: Amanda Voisard / Viator

Where food and culture combine.

Steeped in Italian culture and history, the North End is a must-visit for food and history. The biggest debate in town is whether Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry sells the best cannoli. The only way to know for sure is to try both—but don’t forget the pizza, either.

The North End is also home to the Old North Church, where two lanterns were hung to let the watching Paul Revere know that the British were coming by sea instead of by land. More recently, the neighborhood has been revitalized thanks to the work of the Big Dig, which resulted in the beautiful North End–bordering Rose Kennedy Greenway.

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Charlestown

Visitors enjoy a beer at Warren Tavern, the oldest bar in Massachusetts.

Enjoy a drink at Warren Tavern—the oldest bar in Massachusetts. | Photo Credit: Amanda Voisard / Viator

History fans won’t be disappointed here.

Charlestown is one of the oldest Boston neighborhoods and remains mostly residential, with notable architecture and history. Start at the Bunker Hill Monument, which commemorates one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War (and actually sits atop Breed’s Hill, not Bunker). The colonists lost that day, but the heroism of the small band against the much stronger British army helped cement public support for the cause.

Then, walk through the old streets and have a drink at the Warren Tavern, which is the oldest bar in Massachusetts—open since 1780!—and was frequented by Ben Franklin and George Washington. You can also check out Bunker Hill Community College, where the classic movie Good Will Hunting was set.

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Fenway-Kenmore

Exterior of Fenway Park, the oldest MLB ballpark.

Catch a baseball game at Fenway Park if you can. | Photo Credit: VDB Photos / Shutterstock

Sports fans, assemble.

This neighborhood just west of Back Bay is home to some of Boston’s flagship institutions, from major hospitals to Fenway Park to renowned museums. Baseball is in Boston’s blood, and so there’s no escaping the necessity to don a cap and visit the oldest MLB ballpark—you could even tour the park before the game.

Nearby, the impressive collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum—modeled on a Venetian palazzo—is another highlight, which saw one of the largest art heists in history back In 1990. The places on the wall where the paintings once hung are still left blank, in the hope that one day the works will be recovered.

Seaport District

Exterior of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.

Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art is a must-visit. | Photo Credit: Kalim Saliba / Shutterstock

A do-it-all destination.

Only 10 years ago, the Seaport District was little more than parking lots and one underused concert venue. Today, it’s one of the most exciting places in Boston for shopping, eating, and drinking. Here, you’ll also find the internationally-renowned Institute of Contemporary Art, which cycles its exhibitions every few months and which recently opened a satellite venue, accessible by free ferry ride, in East Boston. Not one for dry land? Opt for a sailboat tour around nearby Boston Harbor.

Dorchester and Roxbury

The JFK Presidential Library's exterior in Boston.

The JFK Presidential Library is one of Roxbury's top attractions. | Photo Credit: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock

Get an insight into Boston’s diverse population.

Dorchester and Roxbury are large neighborhoods south of downtown, easily accessible by public transit and home to diverse populations and long histories. In Roxbury, visit the museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists and then take a walk at the Arnold Arboretum, a massive green space owned by Harvard University with over 14,000 trees from across the world.

In Dorchester, visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum near the Harbor, then check out the recently-designated Boston Little Saigon Cultural District for the best Vietnamese food in New England.

East Boston

Tuck into pho (and more) in East Boston. | Photo Credit: Artit Wongpradu / Shutterstock

For international eats.

One of the most diverse parts of Boston, travel to “Eastie” for a taste of the best of the many communities that call this city home. Here, try tamales at Taquería Jalisco, pho at Saigon Hut, and arepas at El Peñol while hearing dozens of languages spoken around you. The entire neighborhood lies next to the busy Logan Airport, but the many parks and skyline views make up for the noise. East Boston is far from the tourist route, but it’s well worth the trip.

Cambridge

When in Cambridge, be sure to stop by Harvard University. | Photo Credit: Jorge Salcedo / Shutterstock

No, this is not technically Boston.

So, Cambridge is not a Boston neighborhood—it’s a city with a unique history and vibe unto itself. However, a quick ride on the Red Line of the T will bring you across the Longfellow Bridge and into this famous burg, where some of the world’s brightest minds design world-class biotechnology, browse the stacks in Harvard’s Widener Library, and catch movies at the arthouse Brattle Theater.

Flanked by Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is made up of numerous “squares,” from Kendall to Central to Inman. After enjoying the cafés, bookstores, and art museums, be sure to catch a tour of those storied universities—maybe a diploma is in your future?

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