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Love Local: Explore Boston's neighborhoods

Boston is a beautiful collection of neighborhoods, families and businesses that make our city great.

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Small businesses are the backbone of our community. Boston thrives off the energy from our best restaurants, bars, cafés, clubs, music venues, theaters and galleries. They’re where we gather to celebrate (and sometimes commiserate). They fuel our bodies, our minds and our connections. They give us places to go, things to do and people to see. Lets explore Boston's many neighborhoods that make our city the amazing place that it is. 

Explore our neighborhoods

  • Things to do

Downtown is the best place in Boston for people-watching. Find a bench and a takeout lunch for a break between visits to historic landmarks, and watch the street performers and passers-by. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are among the city’s most-visited landmarks, replete with shops flogging kitschy gifts, and eateries catering to tourists. And then there’s Chinatown, a bustling enclave home to some of Bostons best Chinese food. Once you’ve had your fill of Downtown, keep the good times going by checking out the best Boston attractions, best free things to do in Boston, and best museums in Boston

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Boston’s most exclusive niche, Beacon Hill is synonymous with wealth, lineage, and old Boston Brahmin. The area is almost unbearably picturesque, with its red-brick row houses and mansions, gas lanterns, and steep, narrow streets—some still cobbled. A short stroll unveils centuries-old architectural treasures that are nearly worth their weight in gold. You can, however, tour a couple of historic houses—and the sumptuous private library of the Boston Athenæum—to get a sense of how the other half lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. Once you’ve exhausted this tony neighborhood, find more to do around town by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

The Back Bay's unique mix of affluent residential streets and commercial attractions undoubtedly makes it one of Boston’s most visitor-friendly neighborhoods. This centrally-located district not only also contains some of the city’s most important architectural sights, it's also the Hub's main shopping destination; you’ll find everything from global mega-chains and small indie shops to cutting-edge designer boutiques. But it wasn’t always so —less than 200 years ago, the entire area, from the Public Garden to the Fens, was submerged in swampland; a massive landfill project to meet the needs of a population surge made the area what it is now. Once youve had your fill of the Back Bay, find more to do by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Whereas the Seaport District was once a sleepy, somewhat nondescript neighborhood that mainly benefitted from its primo waterfront locale, today the area is one of country's fastest-growing and most dynamic commercial areas. A cross-section of locals, from suburban couples and boisterous students to neighborhood residents, and out-of-towners descent on the Seaport nightly to dine and drink the night away. Others come to the Seaport for big concerts and conventions. Once you’ve had your fill of the Seaport, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

Whereas the Fenway was once a sleepy, nondescript neighborhood that only came to life when the Red Sox were in town, today the 'hood is one of Boston's busiest and most dynamic. Just about everyone—even non-sporty types—finds their way over to the Fenway now and then; a mix of sudents, young professionals, and out-of-towners gather regularly to eat and drink the night away, even if the local nine is out of town. Once you’ve had your fill of the cozy community, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. Curious to learn more about the neighborhood’s history? TheFenway.com is a great resource.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Jamaica Plain has been evolving for decades. Today, trendy restaurants and bars sit alongside Irish pubs and Hispanic bakeries. Creative types and young families flock to the vibrant main drag, Centre Street, where murals decorate the sides of buildings. When the weather agrees, take a break from the shops and cafes to explore Jamaica Pond or some of JP’s green spaces; the neighborhood is home to a significant portion of Boston’s Emerald Necklace. Once you’ve had your fill of this artsy, eclectic ’hood, keep the fun going by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

The South End’s two parallel arteries, Tremont and Washington Streets, are at the center of the areas thriving food and drink scenes. It also has a rich cache of culture, taking in the likes of the Boston Center for the Arts and the domed structure of the Boston Ballet headquarters. In recent years the area south of Washington Street, known as SoWa, has exploded with showrooms and studios—notably, the converted warehouse at 450 Harrison Avenue, which houses myriad artists studios and exhibition spaces. Small shops, selling everything from kids gear and pet accoutrements to fashion and chic home accessories, are dotted throughout the neighborhood. Once youve had your fill of the South End, find more to do by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

With its population split between students, millennial post-grads and international transplants, Allston doesn’t exactly scream must-visit destination. But trust us—beneath that veneer of spilled cheap beer and outdated concert posters lies a wealth of hidden gems, including some of Boston’s best cheap eats and wallet-friendly vintage stores. One thing’s for sure—this well-worn, enduring neighborhood will always be home to an eclectic assortment of only-in-Allston characters. Once you’ve had your fill of funky, youthful Allston, keep the fun going by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Boston and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

An ideal neighborhood for a stroll, the North End sports a distinct character that combines Italian heritage and a traditional New England setting rich in history and atmosphere. The old-school, red brick buildings yield gastronomic treasures around seemingly every corner; small cafes, bakeries, and pastry shops border fine dining destinations. But the neighborhood holds several non-edible treasures as well. Once you’ve had your fill of New England’s most famous Italian neighborhood, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

It may be cool, but Cambridge is all about squares. The best known of these, and certainly one of the most popular, is Harvard Square. It’s a people-watchers paradise, as the bustle of bookish Harvard students, mohawked punks, camera-toting tourists, buskers, and harried businesspeople creates a diverse and colorful street scene. It is of course intimately tied to the university of the same name, which boasts a panoply of sights, monuments and eye-popping architecture within its modestly sized campus. Check out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston, and you’ll spot several Harvard Square haunts. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Although Central Square has been becoming slightly more elevated year by year, the Cambridge neighborhood has managed to maintain its distinctly gritty identity and artsy essence. Over the past decade or so, the former diamond in the rough has started to sparkle, becoming a desirable location for young professionals—with high-priced condos and elevated establishments quickly following suit. With the area’s recent rise in appeal, it’s kept its bohemian soul, with its colorful hodgepodge of characters, lively underground music scene, swaths of street art and second-hand stores—and now, even some hip, newer restaurants and bars to boot. Once you’ve had your fill of Central Square, find more action with our guides to the best restaurants in Boston, best live music in Boston and best museums in Boston

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do

Some incredibly bright folks attend that other top Cambridge college, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Kendall Square. The architecture of its various buildings is wildly diverse, ranging from the neoclassical walls of Building Ten to some striking modern structures by the likes of I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry. In the past decade, the area has boomed with rapid growth and development. Drinking and dining options are stronger than ever; it comes as a shock to some locals that Kendall Square is now one of the hottest neighborhoods in the Boston area. Once you’ve had your fill of Kendall Square, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Bostonbest live music in Boston, and best museums in Boston. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Travel

While it's a pretty accessible city, choosing where to stay in Boston can be a big decision. Depending on what kind of action you're looking for, there's likely a neighborhood for you. We've covered the best hotels, best restaurants and best bars in Boston for you, but here's our list of the best places to stay, eat, and drink in each of the best neighborhoods. From bustling Back Bay and cobblestoned Beacon Hill to student-heavy Harvard Square, each area has unique options. Whatever your angle, this guide will have you rolling like a local in no time.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in Boston

Best of Boston

  • Things to do

Boston is a city filled with history. We have the country’s oldest public park, restaurant and ballpark and yet we also have plenty of new and exciting things too! But trust us, the old things are cool too. We have collected the 50 best things to do in the city right now so you can have the most fun in our beautiful city.  Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Boston's museums. Hungry? Go on a food crawl of the best restaurants in Boston. Trying to save money? Check out the best free things to do in Boston. See how many of the best things to do in Boston you can check off this fall.

RECOMMENDED: Guide to How to Have an Amazing Fall in Boston
RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Boston

 


 

  • Restaurants

Fall is here in Boston, which means cozy fireplaces, warm drinks and thick sweaters are about to become hot commodities once again in the Bay State. It may be time to revisit your favorite steakhouse or swing by one of the best restaurant fireplaces in Boston this month as the nights get longer and cooler. And if you are looking for a little bit of spice be sure to check out Bostons best Mexican restaurants as well. We all may be missing the summer weather, but it is time to lean into what New England does best and that is fall! With the fall foliage starting to come back in full force all around New England, if you are visiting Boston there is no better time to discover our best restaurants in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Guide to Boston's Michelin-worthy restaurants

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  • Things to do

In a city as diverse and collegiate as Boston, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that The Hub is home to museums of every category. From contemporary art and design to science and history, the collections are as varied as the edifices they’re housed in, which include ships, floral gardens and monumental buildings. Find out which museum suits your tastes from our list below— don’t worry, there’s something for every liking, even kids! Looking for more art? Check out our list of where to see art in Boston. For more fun things to do, our lists of the best free things to do in Boston and best things to do with kids in Boston have you covered.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

From romantic strolls along the water, to a cultured afternoon at a museum to a lively night out, Boston is always up for the challenge of impressing your special someone. Take the pressure off planning by scanning our suggestions of the best date night ideas in Boston sure to make sparks fly. While we’re happy to play Cupid, if none of these strike your fancy, you could always combine one of the best things to do in Boston with a meal at one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston.

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  • Things to do

During spring and fall, Boston has about the most perfect weather on the planet. But the long hot days of summer, rainy days and brutal winters drive even the most hearty New Englander inside sometimes. When you’ve run through Netflix and HBO Max and really need to get out of the house, there’s plenty of galleries, museums, historic landmarks and more to keep you occupied. Here, find our top activities for crummy days in Boston. Then, when the weather improves, take one of the best walking tours in Boston or hit up one of Boston’s best parks.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

There’s nothing quite like a theater night; dressing up, dining out and watching live performers show off their craft in a grand venue. Boston boasts a compact yet vibrant Theater District, located close to some of the best restaurants in the Financial District, Downtown Crossing and Chinatown, and allowing for a seamless night out at the theater. There are even a few other theaters dotted throughout the city, in areas like Brookline and Harvard Square, ensuring that you can switch up the neighborhood, and in effect, the style of show and vibe of the venue. Needless to say, Boston’s entertainment scene abounds, so don’t miss out on a show at one of these iconic theaters. As mentioned before, it’s wise to pair a production with a meal at one of the best restaurants in Boston—or maybe a sweet treat at one of the best dessert spots in Boston or a drink at one of the best bars in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours

Bostonians would sooner root for the Yankees than endure the indignities of a slow-moving city tour with a bunch of non-natives, but that doesn’t mean we still don’t love exploring the best Boston attractions with savvy visitors in tow. From the best free things to do in Boston to the best museums in Boston, the Hub offers plenty of cultural options and activities. While it’s easy to hit the pavement and enjoy “America’s walking city” at your own pace, if you really want to dig deeper and learn all about the area’s rich, unique history and culture, make your plans now to check out these cool Boston city tours.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Finally the days are getting longer, and the temperatures are starting to rise (albeit slowly). These small glimpses of hope tell us that summer will be here before we know it, so what better time to start getting back into shape? We teamed up with the athleisure brand, Gym+Coffee, to put together a list of the best places to get active in Boston right now, because, as we all know, having the right gear makes a huge difference to your motivation levels (and performance!). Gym+Coffee prides itself on high-quality, long-lasting essentials and minimalist designed apparel made as sustainably as possible. All of Gym+Coffee’s products come in 100% compostable parcels – double win! Its apparel is split across three collections: Charger, Commuter and Recharge, so whether you’re getting the heart rate up, getting to work in style or getting some must-needed chill time, Gym+Coffee has you covered. 

Right now, you can get 25% off at Gym+Coffee! Use code TIMEOUTBOSTON25 at the checkout.

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  • Travel

Bostonians take winter fun seriously, we have to. It is the only way to survive the cold, dark winters. One of the best ways to avoid cabin fever this time of year is to get out of the city. Whether it’s for a day, a weekend or a week, a little trip can really lift the spirits. Explore all that New England has to offer, including quaint, historic towns and shoreline stops, as well as gaming destinations and, of course, buzzing ski towns. And if you don’t have time to head of Boston right now, stick stay closer to home and enjoy the city’s best attractionsbest free things to do and best museums in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to thebest things to do in Boston

  • Things to do

Boston is without a doubt an expensive city, but if you’re on a budget (or just love a bargain), you can still manage to find plenty of fantastic free things to do. With deep local history, charming architecture, world-class museums and peaceful green space, Boston boasts a number of wallet-friendly offerings. After having some fun for free, you can take those savings and use them towards a meal at one of the best restaurants in Boston—or continue to keep it frugal with the best cheap eats around town or the best cheap things to do in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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