Boston holidays

Best hotels in Boston

Boston holidays take you to a city full of culture and history, home to fascinating museums, significant sites and several distinguished universities. Here, towering skyscrapers meet idyllic green parks in a waterfront city with a distinctly European vibe.

Located in the northeast region of the United States, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, with a population of around 4.3 million people. Spend your time admiring the diverse architecture, walk along the banks of the Charles River and explore the iconic Freedom Trail. Holidays to Boston promise endless exploration, perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Staying in Boston for the 2026 World Cup? Check out our World Cup 2026 Travel Guide: Follow England and Scotland.

Beaches

Alongside its beautiful city sights, Boston also boasts some spectacular beaches and bays. Spend an afternoon on Carson in South Boston, where you can unwind on soft golden sands. Alongside the M and L Street Beaches, Carson forms a three-mile stretch that frames Dorchester Bay.

Or explore Wollaston, a 30-minute car journey south of the city. Popular with locals and visitors to the area, this beach features a long walkway – perfect if you fancy a spot of exercise alongside a few hours of relaxation.

Five miles north of Boston is Revere, famous for being the United States’ first public beach. With a three-mile stretch of crescent-shaped shoreline, this picturesque spot is a great place to catch some rays during the summer months. Revere also hosts the annual International Sand Sculpting Festival, a unique three-day event where people from all over come to witness incredible sand sculptures on display.

Boston History

Holidays in Boston are an opportunity to learn more about the city’s interesting history. The best way to explore Boston’s most renowned historic sites is by following the Freedom Trail, a red brick path that runs for about 2.5 miles. The Freedom Trail tells the story of the American Revolution and includes many famous structures, such as the Massachusetts State House and King’s Chapel. It’s a self-guided tour that allows you to wander through Boston at your own pace.

Or visit Quincy Market, an iconic Greek Revival building complete with huge columns and a beautiful domed roof. Designed by architect Alexander Parris, Quincy Market was opened to the public in 1826, built to accommodate the growing number of vendors in Faneuil Hall close by. Visitors can look around the market’s many food stalls, selling everything from coffees to fresh seafood.

Boston City

Boston has something for everyone. Here, stylish boutiques and cosy cafés line the streets, adding to the picture-perfect look of this vibrant city.

History buffs can stroll around one of the many museums, such as the Museum of Science. Spend an afternoon exploring exciting exhibitions, such as Arctic Adventure and Hall of Human Life.

Or wander around Boston Common, America’s oldest public park. Boasting a beautiful green landscape, it’s the ideal place for a picture or two. Sports fans can enjoy a guided tour of Fenway Park, home to the beloved Boston Red Sox. This is your chance to learn more about this famous team as well as the venue, which is over 100 years old.

And when it comes to places to grab a bite to eat, Boston does not disappoint. As well as being famous for baked beans, the city is also renowned for its seafood and boasts plenty of outstanding eateries to sample some truly tasty dishes.

15-33 ℃

Boston has distinct seasons with mild summers and cold, often snow-filled winters.

8 Hours

It’s 8 hours from the UK to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which is 5 miles northeast of downtown Miami.

Map of Boston

Boston is best for...

History lovers: Boston is home to many fascinating historic sites. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail and discover 16 significant spots all at once, including Faneuil Hall and Massachusetts State House.

Sports fans: If you’re an avid sports fan, Boston is the perfect holiday destination for you. Book a tour of Fenway Park, America’s oldest ballpark and home of the Red Sox baseball team. Or visit the city’s Sports Museum, where you can learn more about New England’s teams and athletes.

Families: Boston is a brilliant place to visit as a family and has lots of attractions for kids. Visit the Museum of Science where you can enjoy exciting exhibitions and activities. Or plan a trip to the New England Aquarium, located on Boston’s picturesque waterfront, where children can observe the underwater world.

Getting around Boston

By foot: Boston is a good walking city due to its compact size. The streets are easy to navigate and many of its main attractions are within walking distance from one another.

By subway: Boston’s subway system (the T) is the quickest way to access attractions that are outside of walking distance. The subway usually runs from around 5.30am till 1.30am and features four main lines – red, orange, blue and green.

By bicycle: The city features miles of bike lanes that make cycling one of the most efficient ways to travel. Boston’s bike-share programme, Bluebikes, means there are plenty of rentals available for short-term loan.

Fast facts for Boston

Language: English is the most common language spoken in Boston, although you’ll hear a range of languages including Spanish, Chinese and French.

Currency: The currency used in Boston is the US Dollar (USD).

Local time: Boston is five hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: You will fly to Boston Logan International Airport, located less than 5 miles from the city centre.

Flight time from UK: 7.45 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information for Boston can be found at the offical website for tourism in Boston.

Visa / health: Before you travel, check the latest health advice at The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Events in Boston

Fourth of July: Also known as Independence Day, the Fourth of July has been a national holiday across America since 1941. This event commemorates the Declaration of Independence, when the United States became independent from Great Britain. Celebrations include firework displays throughout the country, as well as picnics, barbeques and carnivals.

Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is a national holiday across the United States, occurring on the fourth Thursday of November every year. During this time, people across the country come together to give thanks for the year they’ve had. Celebrations include a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, parades and football matches.

Boston Marathon: The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world, traditionally held on the third Monday of April, Patriots’ Day. This prestigious event is hosted by several cities and towns across Greater Boston, attracting around 30,000 participants and 500,000 spectators every year. The marathon was first introduced in 1897 and was inspired by the success of the 1896 Summer Olympics marathon.

Boston safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Boston, please visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Boston weather

Temperature: Boston has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. The coldest month of the year in Boston is January, with an average temperature of just below 0°C. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 23.5°C.

Best time to visit: Boston is busy all year round, but the best time to visit is between May and June when the weather is mild and you can make the most of exploring the city by foot. Peak season in Boston is between May and October. Wintertime in Boston is chilly, so make sure to pack plenty of layers if you head here between December and March.