Boston, Massachusetts, is a global financial hub with a vibrant urban center, countless historical landmarks, fascinating museums, critically acclaimed dining, and a bustling waterfront. Its deep-rooted history and culture attract more than 20 million visitors each year and Post Hospitality Group is proud to host both first time and returning visitors to our great city that we call home.
Building on its rich and significant past, Boston has always been known as one of America's most walkable cities. We put together this webpage to help you understand the some of the more popular of the 26 unique neighborhoods that make Boston an exciting place to live, work, and play.
The Lay of the Land
Back Bay
The Back Bay is famous for its rows of Victorian brownstone homes, and considered one of the best examples of 19th century urban design. Now it is home to endless shopping and dining with Newbury Street, Boylston Street, the Prudential Center, and Copley Place all just minutes away from each other.
Beacon Hill
Gas-lit streets and brick sidewalks are some of the many things that make Beacon Hill so special. Take a walk through the well-preserved neighborhood or visit the Massachusetts State House. Beacon Hill is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
North End
Perhaps a Post Family Favorite, the North End, our “Little Italy”, offers true traditional Italian style dining. Hanover street is lined with family owned restaurants, bakeries, and unforgettable memories.
Beacon Hill
Walking around Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood gives you the sense that you are back in time. Its charm and character exudes from the hilly, narrow streets, brick sidewalks, gas lights, and beautifully adorned front doors. Beacon Hill has over 10,000 residents, who fill in every nook and cranny of this neighborhood, and give it a sense of community and familiarity. Antique shops and restaurants adorn Charles Street, the main street in Beacon Hill, while sitting high on the hill with its beautiful gold dome is the Massachusetts State House, which overlooks Boston Common.
South Boston
South Boston, or “Southie” as it is affectionately known, is home to both long-time residents and a new wave of young professionals who are drawn to the area’s open space, emerging nightlife, and easy access to downtown. The close proximity to Downtown Boston has made South Boston a mecca for millennials who want an urban setting and amenities such as the beach and great dining. The neighborhood boasts miles of beaches and waterfront parks. Southie's commercial district is built around East and West Broadway.
Downtown
Downtown has served as Boston's hub since the 1700s. Home to City Hall, numerous corporate headquarters, condos and apartments, and some of Boston’s most beloved tourist attractions—including the historic Freedom Trail, Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall, and Downtown Crossing—Downtown is always bustling.
South Boston Waterfront / Seaport District
The Seaport is rapidly transforming from historic warehouses and industrial space into a creative, tech, and residential hub for the city. Offering a dynamic mix of opportunities and spaces, the Seaport draws a huge range of businesses and events due to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the World Trade Center, and the Tall Ships Festival.
South End
The South End is a residential neighborhood known for its Victorian townhouses and many small parks. This diverse neighborhood is home to active young families, professionals, and immigrants, and is popular with Boston’s gay community. Residents of the South End inhabit a mix of historic brick town homes and publicly funded housing. The neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, galleries, and boutiques line Tremont and Washington Streets. This hip and diverse neighborhood is also a hotbed for culture and artists, most notably on Sundays at its SOWA open market, which brings together local artists, designers, and crafters in an outdoor setting.
Charlestown
Founded in 1629, Charlestown is the City’s oldest neighborhood. Situated just across the harbor and to the north of Downtown, Charlestown is home to the Bunker Hill Monument and historical Charlestown Navy Yard. Contemporary restaurants and shops thrive alongside the oldest tavern in Massachusetts (Warren Tavern) giving this area a unique flavor. Charlestown boasts two marinas, Constitution Marina and Shipyard Quarters Marina, which keep the waterfront busy.
History | Tours
Boston Tea Party
Reenact the historic Boston Tea Party with a chance to throw tea in the Boston Harbor and explore the rich history of Boston’s waterfront.
USS Constitution
Visit the country’s oldest commissioned naval vessel when you go aboard the USS Constitution to visit its interactive museum.
Freedom Trail
Walk into history on the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail; a brick-lined route that leads you through 15 historical sites around Boston. Learn all about the history that truly shaped our nation.
Duck Tours
Jump aboard the famous Boston Duck Tour on a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle and tour the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and the city of firsts.
Boston Commons & Public Gardens
Although the Boston Common is often lumped together with Boston Public Garden , the two have different histories and a distinct boundary between them at Charles Street. The Common is the oldest public park in the U.S., dating from 1634, and started as 50 acres where the freemen of Boston could graze their cattle. Its main feature is Frog Pond, a frog-free concrete hole used as a children's wading pool during summer days and for ice-skating during the winter.
The Public Garden was commissioned in 1860 and is is America's oldest botanical garden. Its central feature is an irregularly shaped pond, which has been famous since 1877 for its foot-pedal-powered (by a captain) Swan Boats (available for leisurely cruises during warm months) and the world's smallest suspension bridge, designed in 1867 to cross the pond at its narrowest point. The Garden also features the Make Way for Ducklings bronze sculptures.
Bunker Hill
Visit the battle grounds of the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. ‘Don’t fire until you see the white in their eyes!” Climb the 294 steps to the top of the monument for expansive views of Boston (and a quick workout).
Shopping in Boston
Newbury Street
Take a stroll through Boston’s beautiful Back Bay on the famous Newbury Street. The entire street is lined with great restaurants and plenty of chances to shop. Check out Boston’s famous Brownstones while on Newbury Street. The high part is for tonier shopping, the lower part has more soul.
Copley Place
Located just minutes from Newbury Street, Copley Place is home to one of Boston’s most distinctive shopping destinations as well as upscale restaurants and two hotels.
Prudential Center
Connected to Copley Place by a bridge is the Prudential Center. You can spend your afternoon shopping and dining at one of the many unique stores or visit the Skywalk, Boston’s only sky high vantage point with sweeping 360 degree views of Boston and beyond.
Charles Street
The Charles Street area is distinguished by its architecture, and by the mixed use of its buildings. There are businesses on the street level floors of low-rise brick townhouses, with residences on the upper floors. The character of Charles Street is similar to parts of London or Amsterdam, which is a rarity in younger American cities as compared to Europe.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace / Quincy Market
Just steps away from the waterfront, the historic cobblestone promenades are filled with shops, restaurants, and countless street performers. Enjoy an afternoon in what our nation’s fathers called “The Cradle of Liberty.”
Boston Public Market
The Boston Public Market is an indoor, year round marketplace for locally sourced groceries and specialty agricultural products, where residents and visitors can find fresh, seasonal food from Massachusetts and New England. The Market houses 39 local farmers, fishers, and food entrepreneurs selling items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; eggs; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; beverages; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods. Everything sold at the Market is produced or originates in New England.
SoWa Open Market
Originally derived from a shortening of "South of Washington", SoWa spans the area from Mass Ave to Herald St (East-to-West) and from Shawmut Ave to Albany St (North-to-South). SoWa Boston is not your typical big city retail destination. They have no mega-malls packed with name brands; no big corporate sponsors; and no cookie-cutter department stores. SoWa offers a community of artisans, makers and entrepreneurs that believe in crafting quality, one-of-a-kind products and letting their creativity shine.
Shopping Malls and Outlet Stores Outside of Boston
The Shops at Chestnut Hill
Featuring the only Bloomingdale's in Massachusetts, The Shops at Chestnut Hill features over 50 speciality retailers, including Uniqlo, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., Apple Store, Stuart Weitzman, CUSP: Neiman Marcus, Sidney Thomas, and Coach. While at the center visit Besito Mexican Restaurant, Frank Pepe Pizzaria, The Cheesecake Factory, or Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse for a unique dining experience
South Shore Plaza
The largest mall in New England with 225 stores and several departments stores, including Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Sears, Nordstrom, Target
CambridgeSide Galleria
Maybe it's Cambridgeside Galleria'sCambridge loction near Harvard, MIT, and a huge concentration of biotech firms that accounts for the trendy fashions - noticeably hipper than most other Boston malls. Located just across the Charles River from central Boston (5 minutes on the Green Line).
Natick Mall
With over 200 stores ranging from affordable to high-end, the upscale Natick Mall - sometimes called "Natick Collection" - offers six anchors - Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Sears, and Wegmans.
Assembly Row
Offers outlet shopping 5 Minutes from Downtown Boston. Assembly Row offers Boston's newest outlet shopping, dining, and entertainment center, right on the Mystic River. You can easily get there in just 5 minutes by subway from North Station or 10 minutes from Downtown Crossing. While some shop others can visit Lego Land Discovery Center, frolic in the waterfront play area, or catch a flock at the AMC Movie Theater. Restaurant options include a mix of family friendly options like JP Licks and Legal on the Mystic as well as more inviting choices for adults who've left the kids at home like Earl's and River Bar. Outlet stores include Orvis, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Clark's, J Crew, Stride Rite, Sax Off 5th, Express and Loft.
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets was built with bargain hunters in mind. Wrentham Village Premium Outlet Center is home to 170 high-end retail outlets, all offering reduced pricing on their premium goods. Less than an hour away from Boston, Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is worth the drive to buy the Kate Spade clutch you've been eyeing or the Brooks Brothers suit you've been dying to buy. Beyond attire, the Wrentham Outlets has many retailers selling housewares, and food items. Add to that a walkable outdoor landscape and you can enjoy the outdoors while getting your shopping fix.
Arts & Science
Museum of Fine Arts
The MFA covers everything from contemporary and abstract, to jewelry and music. Weave your way through this museum where some of the world’s most famous art has been on display.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One of Boston’s most spectacular museums, very unique and intimate experience, with a stunning courtyard garden surrounded by galleries.
Museum of Science
Fun for all ages, at the Museum of Science you can see IMAX movies, visit the live animal center, and learn about the science behind everything imaginable.
Institute of Contemporary Art
This newly constructed museum is located on the waterfront with views of the Boston Harbor. It is only minutes away from the Convention Center.
New England Aquarium
Fun for all ages, the New England Aquarium includes a full petting exhibit, penguins, and a marine mammal show. Located by the Boston harbor, the New England Aquarium is only minutes from the Convention Center.
Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest, and one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. It was founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers' Bureau and for over 100 years it has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning.
Events & Tickets
Boston Symphony
Boston Ballet
The Huntington Theatre
The Lyric Stage
BosTix Discount Tickets
Fun
Boston Harbor Cruises
Spend a beautiful fall afternoon on the water as you watch the ocean’s most magnificent creature’s jump in front of your eyes or enjoy a wild ride on Boston’s Codzilla. Boston Harbor Cruises also offer rides to many of the Boston Harbor Islands Nation Park trails.
Sam Adams Brewery Tour
Take a tour and learn about one of Boston’s most famous patriots: Samuel Adams. The tour includes information on the brewing method, tasting process, and even some samples of the seasonal beers for you to try.
Improv Asylum
Spend a night watching the famous and hilarious Improv Asylum – think Whose Line is it Anyways? meets Saturday Night Live! Improv Asylum is located in the incredible North End with some of Boston’s best dining and desserts.
Sports
Boston Red Sox (MLB Baseball)
Hide your Yankees cap and practice pronouncing "Fenway Pahk." Boston is a baseball town, where the local MLB team plays at Fenway Park, the country's oldest active ballpark, where you can see (or, for a premium price, get a seat on top of) the fabled "Green Monster" and one of the last hand-operated scoreboards in the major leagues. Baseball season runs from early April to early October and the playoffs continue several more weeks. When not in season, you can tour the fabled stadium.
Boston Bruins (NHL Hockey)
Beantown's hockey team is on the ice from September until April, frequently on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Playoffs last through early June. The Bruins and the Celtics both play at the TD Garden.
Boston Celtics (NBA Basketball)
One of the most storied franchises in the NBA, the Boston Celtics have won the NBA championship 17 times since 1957, more than any other team in the league. The last title came in 2008, after a solid defeat of longtime rivals (the LA Lakers) ended an 18-year championship dry spell. Basketball season runs from late October to April, and playoffs last until mid-June.
New England Patriots (NFL Football)
Boston has been building a football dynasty over the past decade, starting with the New England Patriots come-from-behind victory against the favored St. Louis Rams in the 2002 Super Bowl. Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady then brought the team two more championship rings in 2004, 2005, and 2014, and have made Patriots fans as zealous as their baseball counterparts. Exhibition football games begin in August, and the season runs through the playoffs in January. The state-of-the-art Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, 30 miles southwest of Boston.
Sports Museum
Located in the TD Garden, the Sports Museum displays memorabilia of some of the greatest athletes that have ever lived.