Planning Your Trip

Whether you call it Beantown or the City of Good Hearts, Boston is the metropolitan heart of New England. Full of gorgeous architecture and corner squares, it’s home to some of the nation’s top universities, which attract students and scholars from around the world. Here’s what to pack to enjoy its lovely streetscapes and beautiful campuses.

Business Travel

Universities like Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology serve as a breeding ground for top talent. Here’s what to bring to fit in.

In winter, a long camel or khaki coat, for women and men, is a smart outerwear choice. The style might seem old school, but Boston runs at a slower pace than nearby New York (except, that is, on marathon day, also Patriots’ Day).

While ties might not be needed if you are meeting with a startup, Boston skews conservative, and formal business meetings do require a tie.

But men shouldn’t be afraid to take a cue from London and mix and match patterns in style. While Boston might have led the revolution against British taxation, it never fought against classic British fashion.

Exploring the City

Historic trails and walking tours abound in this birthplace of America, so pack for comfort to explore — from the bars frequented by George Washington to the campus of one of America’s oldest colleges.

The neighboring cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill and brick sidewalks are what make Boston idyllic, but they can be tough on the ankles without proper footwear. Opt for flat footwear that will be comfortable exploring the full two and half miles of the Freedom Trail.

No matter the season, you will want to dress in layers with a light sweater or jacket. New England weather can change quickly.

Winters are notorious to be cold and snowy in the city. Pack accordingly – Bostonians are not afraid to bundle up in gloves, hats, scarves, and knee-length jackets.

Weekend Getaway

Cobblestone roads and narrow streets are among Boston’s charms. Don’t worry too much about packing for high style; think more about comfortable fashion that keeps you warm but still looking your best.

A versatile raincoat should definitely be on your checklist. One that is light and has a hood will go the furthest in this seaside town, where weather can change quickly.

A stylish backpack or tote bag is essential for carrying a day’s worth of belongings – or for storing your new purchases from Newbury Street or Fanueil Hall.

Pack running gear. This is, after all, the home of America’s biggest marathon and you can reenact legs of it while in town. While you might not be up for a 26-miler, you might enjoy a few miles along the marathon route in Kenmore Square.

Don't Forget:

An umbrella is a local essential. Like all New England towns, the rain in Boston can come off the North Atlantic with dizzying speed. So be prepared with a sturdy, windproof umbrella.

Thanks to its roots, Boston boasts some of the best cultural tours the U.S. has an offer — you can truly stroll through American history. And its close proximity to Maine (and New England in general) means local seafood offerings are among the freshest in the world. Here’s what to book before you even arrive in Beantown.

Dining Reservations

The Artisan Bistro, housed in The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, offers an approachable dining experience marked by forward-thinking food at all times of day — from truffle duck eggs at breakfast to lobster tacos at dinner. But visitors should also make sure to reserve a table at one of the city’s Legal Sea Foods outlets. While the once-tiny restaurant has grown into an upscale chain, its signature crab cakes and fresh fish offerings should not be missed.

Day Trips

Head north to the quaint town of Kennebunkport, which has streets lined with boutique shopping and must-try lobster roll outlets. In late spring and summer, take the 90-minute fast ferry on Boston Harbor Cruises to Provincetown, where you can rent bikes and see Cape Cod up close. Grab lunch on the island at Skipper Chowder House, an island institution that serves up award-winning clam chowder, or go upscale at Scargo, an elegant spot with lobster salad rolls and more than 20 wines served by the glass.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

The Freedom Trail is Boston’s most well-known walking tour. The 2.5-mile red-lined route leads you to 16 historically significant sites, including the Paul Revere House. You should also stop by more modern offerings, like the ICA Boston, a contemporary art museum housed within a breathtaking 65,000-square-foot, glass-encased building overlooking the Boston Harbor. If you are traveling with kids, make sure to drop by the Boston Children’s Museum, which has interactive exhibits and lots of family-friendly events.

Tours

You can tour Boston by both land and sea with Boston Duck Tours, which navigates amphibious buses that can go from street to water. The tour guides prep the group with a bit of silly fun (you will be asked to “quack”), but they are among the most knowledgeable in Boston. For a more serious outing, look into the Freedom Trail Foundation tours, which guide visitors through Boston’s historic place in the revolution — usually for free.

One of America’s oldest cities, Boston lures travelers with its historic charms and dynamic culinary and cultural scenes. Beantown, as it’s lovingly known, is a city of juxtaposition. You can wander down cobblestone streets, past Federal-style row homes in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, then be surrounded by gleaming new skyscrapers in the up-and-coming Fort Point neighborhood. The compact city is easy to navigate on foot or bike. Every season offers something special, from iconic New England foliage and buzzing college campuses in fall to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and baseball at Fenway in summer.

Cultural Treasures

A hotbed of history, art, music and renowned educational institutions, Boston is the perfect getaway for travelers who crave intellectual stimulation along with great restaurants, sports and nightlife. New England’s cultural capital is home to dozens of museums, from the massive Museum of Fine Arts to the storied Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Symphony Hall hosts not only the famed Boston Pops but also top acts from around the globe. All these cultural wonders, and more, await your discovery.

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Perfect Weekend

Boston is a wonderful time warp, transporting visitors to the Revolutionary era as well as their college days. Skip the classroom and get an art education at the city’s highly regarded museums and galleries. You can channel your inner athlete by running the Charles River Esplanade or catching a baseball game at Fenway Park. And the city’s restaurant scene will boggle your taste buds as chefs reinvent staple New England dishes with bold flavors from around the globe.

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Area & Activities

Planning Your Trip