Boston
United States · Country profile
Boston is the small, proud capital of New England, a walkable colonial city where the bricks of the old streets, the red of the subway line and the green of the great Commons anchor a modern skyline of glass. The Freedom Trail threads its way past the sites of the revolution, and the North End, the Back Bay and the waterfront hold the Italian bakeries, the brownstones and the museums. The city ran the first subway of America, the first public park and the first big hospital, and it remains an education and a culture town at heart, from the concert halls to the universities of the Charles river. Historic, homey and full of institutions, Boston rewards the walker.
About Boston
Boston is a city in United States. The city's documented population is around 685,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the US Dollar (USD) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +1. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Boston Logan International Airport.
Colonial Streets and the Commons at the Centre
Boston is a compact, walking-sized city that packs its history into a few square miles, and most of the classic sights sit along the red-brick Freedom Trail between the Commons and the harbour. The North End brings the Italian food and the narrow lanes, the Back Bay brings the brownstones and the shops, and the waterfront holds the aquarium, the boats and the museums. It is an academic and a sports town, so expect the college energy and the passionate talk of the teams. The seasons matter: the fall turns the trees gold, the spring brings the marathons and the winter tightens the harbour. It is patient, historic and genuinely friendly.
The T, the North End and the Seasons of the Fall
The best months are the shoulder seasons, when the trees turn and the humidity drops; summer is warm and busy with families, and winter is cold but bright. The subway, the T, is the easiest way around, and a walking route along the Freedom Trail covers the heart of the old city. The museums and the big shows book ahead, and the North End dinner queues run long in the season. The ferry to the harbour islands and the whale-watching boats need a good weather day. Tip at the American standard, bring a card, and buy the visitors’ pass if the museums pile up. The city is safe and its walkable centre is its greatest asset.
The Waterfront, the Islands and the Boats of the Bay
The T runs the city — the green line, the red line and the silver buses make the museums and the seaside easy, and the commuter rail reaches the beaches and the countryside. The Freedom Trail is free to walk, with the brick strip unwinding the whole story of the revolution. The North End bakeries keep the cannoli queues short at the open hour, and the seafood shacks of the harbour serve the famous chowder and the lobsters. The Commons, the Public Garden and the riverside paths of the Charles are the green lungs of the centre. It is a small city by American standards, and its pleasures come in short walks, cold beer and warm talk.
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- Country
- United States
- Population
- 685,000
- Coordinates
- 42.3656, -71.0096
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Region
- North America
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Country code
- US
Entry requirements for United States
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting United States for tourism.
Getting to Boston
Airports we list for Boston:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in United States
Other cities we cover in United States:
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston the capital of United States?
No — the capital of United States is Washington, D.C..
What currency do I need in Boston?
The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). Languages spoken in United States include English.
What is the dialling code for United States?
The international dialling code for United States is +1.
Which airport should I fly into for Boston?
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the airport we list for Boston.
How far is Boston from the nearest airport?
Boston is about 297 km from LaGuardia Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit United States?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Argentina (visa required), Japan (e-visa), Morocco (visa required), Singapore (e-visa) and South Korea (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Boston? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.