Boston neighborhood guide: where to stay in each area

As a big city with plenty of charm and things to do nearby, it can be overwhelming figuring out what area of Boston is the right fit for your next stay. Boston houses centuries-old neighborhoods blocks from modern development, so there is sure to be a place for everyone here.

With the help of this Boston neighborhood guide, you can get a clearer picture of what each area has to offer and pick the best one for your needs, especially if you’ll be here for an extended stay. Let’s start learning about Boston.

Key takeaways

• Boston is a city rich in history, with many older and well-preserved neighborhoods like Charlestown and Beacon Hill.

• There are also many areas that feature newer construction and show a more modern and updated side of the city.

• North End is among the best places to visit in Boston, especially for foodies visiting the area.

• The go-to neighborhood for business travelers attending conventions and conferences is the Seaport district.

• Finding a hotel a short drive outside of the city is a great way to get affordable lodging that’s a little more removed from the busy city center.

• Save even more on your lodging by finding a hotel with amenities like full kitchens in every room and free wi-fi.

Back Bay

In the heart of the city and near so many landmarks, Back Bay is one of the best places to visit in Boston. Running down the middle of the Back Bay neighborhood are the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and Newbury Street boutiques. This tree-lined stretch is one of Boston’s most walkable shopping districts, making it easy for those visiting without a car.

Copley Square offers a glimpse of history and another great place to visit in the city. The original Boston Public Library building is free to enter and explore, and the Trinity Church is another worthwhile stop when in Copley Square.

The Charles River Esplanade is on the north side of Back Bay and offers opportunities for a riverside walk or run and scenic views.

If you’re looking for an affordable lodging option about 30 minutes from Back Bay and busy city life, check out some of the quaint and affordable hotels in Woburn.

Beacon Hill

Just to the right of Copley Square, Beacon Hill offers historic architecture and is one of the more walkable neighborhoods for those without a car. With so much to do here, it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Boston to take photos and get a feel for the city’s rich history.

The streets are made of cobblestone, lined with Federal-style rowhouses and are among some of the most photographed in the country. One of the most well-known is Acorn Street, located here. Along the northern edge of Beacon Hill and the Black Heritage Trail sits the Museum of African American History.

Even in a busy city like Boston, there are still places to step into nature. Within Beacon Hill is the Boston Common and the Public Garden, where guests can rent swan boats in warmer months.

Not even 30 minutes from Beacon Hill, affordable hotels in Waltham are a great option for people looking to experience Boston for longer stays without a big-city price tag.

North End

Visit North End to experience Boston’s historic Italian-American neighborhood. This is the best place to visit in Boston for foodies and anyone with a sweet tooth.

This area is packed with restaurants and bakeries. Two must-visit stops are Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry, longtime rivals, both known for their cannoli.

Once your hunger is satiated, check out the other destinations in the area, like the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Both of these are among the most-visited stops on the Freedom Trail.

When visiting North End, consider booking a hotel in Saugus, which is just a short car ride away and more affordable than staying in Boston proper. 

South Boston (Southie)

South Boston is a waterfront neighborhood with Irish-American roots. Locals refer to it as Southie, and it offers a mixture of old and new development. Right next to the Seaport District, it’s easy to explore both neighborhoods in one visit.

Castle Island offers a flat, mile-long walking loop. L Street Beach offers an outdoor escape close to downtown. Foodies visiting Boston should check out Sullivan’s, known by both visitors and locals for delicious fried clams and lobster rolls.

When looking for where to stay when visiting South Boston, hotels in Braintree provide a great option at a fraction of the cost of lodging in the city.

Seaport District

Seaport District is one of the newest and best neighborhoods in Boston for those in town for business. It’s surrounded on most sides by water and consists of modern architecture and glass-front buildings. This neighborhood is home to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, making it a destination for business travelers attending conventions and conferences.

Nearby, you can visit:

• The Institute of Contemporary Art: This waterfront museum features contemporary art that is perfect for a date night or unwinding after work. An added bonus: Admission is free for everyone on Thursday evenings.

• The Harborwalk: A 40-mile waterfront along the Boston Harbor with museums, restaurants, playgrounds and beaches. It also spans many of Boston’s neighborhoods.

• The Museum of Ice Cream: For under $34, you can enjoy interactive installations, eat unlimited ice cream and play in interactive exhibits like the Creamliner or Sprinkle Pool.

For those traveling with kids, the Boston Children’s Museum offers exhibits perfect for every age and interest, and admission is free to infants under 1 year old.

When visiting the Seaport District, staying at a hotel a short drive away can be an effective way to save money on your trip.

Fenway-Kenmore

Home to Fenway Park, one of the oldest ballparks in Major League Baseball, Fenway-Kenmore is one of the more well-known neighborhoods in Boston. To this day, the park is still in use for games and visitors can tour the Boston staple.

This neighborhood is lively, student-heavy and can be a little boisterous on game day. Tourists come for the fun, spirited atmosphere and stay for the exceptional baseball games.

This neighborhood also has the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which are a short walk apart and provide a quieter and enriching Boston experience.

Fenway-Kenmore borders along the Longwood Medical Area, making it a relevant area for medical professionals on extended assignments. For those looking for where to stay in Boston, hotels in Burlington offer a nearby lodging alternative that is a little quieter and more affordable.

Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain offers a more residential, nature-filled side of Boston. This tree-lined neighborhood is centered on Jamaica Pond, a place guests can rent pedal boats for part of the year. Not far from Jamaica Pond, the Arnold Arboretum offers 281 acres of trails to explore.

The commercial area of this neighborhood is found on Centre Street, where restaurants and small-batch breweries give you a place to grab a bite or brew after a hike. Some of the most popular spots on Centre Street include the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, Tres Gatos, Dorado, the Behan and Blue Nile.

For guests staying in Boston for longer periods of time, this area gives a cozy neighborhood feel and is a breath of fresh air from the busy city life, literally. And it’s only a short drive from many affordable weekly rate hotels on the outskirts of Boston.

Charlestown

When you’re picturing Boston, Charlestown is one of the places that you envision. As one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for visiting historical sites.

Charlestown is home to the 221-foot Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument and see a skyline view of Boston, or pose for a photo with the statue of Colonel William Prescott out front.

The Charlestown Navy Yard can also be found here, offering visitors an opportunity to tour the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat, the USS Constitution. This neighborhood is also home to historic rowhouse streets and the end of the Freedom Trail.

As a more affordable alternative to lodging in Charlestown, hotels in Peabody are just a short drive away. When you pair the money-saving amenities offered at these hotels with military discounts, it’s easy to stay within budget on your Boston stay.

Plan your extended stay near Boston

Using this Boston neighborhood guide, you can learn a little about the history the city is known for and make sure you visit the places of interest to you. With so much to do, it’s easy to fill up days, weeks or longer.

When you’re done exploring after a long day, it’s important to find somewhere you can feel at home and recharge. Located just a short drive, bus or train ride from these neighborhoods, Extended Stay America has a variety of Boston-area hotels ready to welcome you. These hotels offer a more affordable and peaceful alternative to staying in the center of the city.

Save even more with amenities like full kitchens in every suite, free wi-fi, on-site guest laundry and pet-friendly hotel rooms. Discounted weekly and monthly rates also help you save more on longer stays, perfect for when you’re ready to book your stay in Boston at Extended Stay America.