Boston holidays

How to reach Boston

• Flight time: Flights to Boston from Dublin, Shannon and Cork take approximately 7 hours. Several airlines offer direct flights, making holidays to Boston an easy transatlantic option for Irish travellers.

• Transfer time: Logan International Airport is located just a short distance from downtown Boston. The Silver Line SL1 bus connects the airport to South Station in around 20 minutes and is free when travelling from the airport.

• Price: The Silver Line bus is free to South Station. A taxi to central Boston costs around $35–$45, while Uber and Lyft fares range from $25–$35 depending on the time of day and traffic.

Weather and best time to visit Boston

Boston’s seasons are distinct, and each brings its own charm depending on your holiday plans.

• March to May: Spring is a lovely time to visit, with average temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, 60–90mm of rainfall, and about 7 hours of sunshine daily. Events like the Boston Marathon add a lively atmosphere.

• June to August: This is Boston’s high season. Expect warm, sunny days with average temperatures of 20°C to 28°C and 9–10 hours of sunshine. Rain is relatively low during this period, making it perfect for outdoor festivals and exploring the city’s historic districts.

• September to November: Autumn is stunning in Boston thanks to the vibrant foliage. Temperatures fall from 20°C to 10°C, and there are 6–8 hours of sunshine daily. Popular events include food and cultural festivals, along with the Head of the Charles Regatta in October.

• December to February: Winter is cold and often snowy, with temperatures from -5°C to 5°C and up to 120mm of monthly precipitation, mostly as snow. It’s a quieter season, but ideal for those interested in winter sports nearby or festive city events.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language in Boston, though Spanish and Portuguese are also widely spoken.

• Local habits and customs: Tipping is standard — around 15–20% in restaurants. Locals are passionate about their sports teams and heritage, so embracing this adds to the experience.

• Health and safety: Boston is considered a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious in unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Travel insurance is recommended.

• Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Some smaller businesses may prefer cash.

• Getting around: Boston has an excellent public transport system operated by the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). A single trip on the subway ("T") costs $2.40 and $1.70 for buses. The CharlieCard gives access to discounted fares. The city is also great for walking and offers bike-share schemes like Bluebikes.

• Electricity and plug types: The US uses 120V electricity with plug types A and B. Travellers from Ireland will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Boston is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (GMT-5) and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Boston

Planning the perfect holidays to Boston will depend largely on your interests, but there's a good deal to see and do all year long.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• View Boston: Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, View Boston offers 360-degree views of the city and beyond. It's a great spot for a bird's-eye view of the city's landmarks and harbour.

• Bunker Hill Monument: Climb the 294 steps to the top of this 67-metre granite obelisk for a stunning view of the Charlestown neighbourhood and the city skyline.

The best districts

• Beacon Hill: Wander through this picturesque neighbourhood with its narrow, gas-lit streets and brick sidewalks. Louisburg Square and Acorn Street are particularly charming.

• North End: Known as Boston's Little Italy, this district is famed for its Italian restaurants, cafés and historic sites. Don't miss visiting the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.

• Back Bay: This upscale district is home to Newbury Street, lined with boutiques, art galleries and trendy cafés.

Parks and gardens

• Boston Common: The oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common is the starting point of the Freedom Trail. It's a lovely spot for a picnic, a leisurely walk or ice skating on Frog Pond in the winter.

• Public Garden: Adjacent to Boston Common, the Public Garden is renowned for its swan boats and beautiful floral displays. The lagoon and weeping willows make it a peaceful retreat.

• Arnold Arboretum: This arboretum, part of Harvard University, offers 114 hectares of trees, shrubs and plants from around the world. It's perfect for nature walks and birdwatching.

Historic monuments

• Freedom Trail: This 4km-long path takes you to 16 significant historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. Follow the red-brick line to explore Boston's rich history.

• Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Relive the events of December 16 1773, at this interactive museum. The replica ships and engaging exhibits make it a fun and educational experience.

• USS Constitution: Also known as "Old Ironsides," this historic ship is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.

Day trips in the area

• Salem: Famous for its 1692 witch trials, Salem offers a fascinating day trip with its historic sites, museums and haunted happenings. Visit the Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables. Discover the best deals on holidays to Salem.

• Cape Cod: Just a short drive from Boston, Cape Cod is perfect for a beach day, charming towns and seafood. The Cape Cod National Seashore offers kilometres of pristine coastline to explore. Check out our holidays to Cape Cod.

• Lexington and Concord: These nearby towns are pivotal in American history as the sites of the first battles of the American Revolution. Explore Minuteman National Historical Park and the Old North Bridge.

Activities for families in Boston

Boston is an excellent destination for family holidays, offering a variety of activities to suit children and adults alike.

• Interactive museums: The Boston Children's Museum is a must-visit with its hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences. The Museum of Science, with its planetarium and IMAX theatre, is another favourite, offering engaging exhibits that appeal to all ages.

• Aquarium and zoos: The New England Aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks and penguins. The Franklin Park Zoo features animals from around the world and offers educational programs and events.

• Theme parks and adventure: For a bit of excitement, consider a Boston Duck Tour. These amphibious vehicle tours provide a fun and engaging way to see the city's sights on land and water.

Free things to do in Boston

Boston offers many free activities, making it easy to explore the city without spending a lot of money.

• Free events: Boston hosts a variety of free cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Boston Public Library offers free concerts, lectures and workshops, while the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade hosts free outdoor concerts during the summer.

• Free museums: Many of Boston's museums offer free admission at certain times. The Museum of Fine Arts is free on Wednesdays after 4 pm, and the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission on Thursday evenings.

• Explore Boston by public transport: The MBTA (known locally as the T) is an affordable way to get around the city. For $2.40 or less, you can hop on the subway or a bus and explore different neighbourhoods. The Freedom Trail is easily accessible by the T, allowing you to visit multiple historic sites.

• Parks and nature: Boston's parks are free to explore. Visit the Arnold Arboretum for a peaceful walk among diverse plant species, or head to the Charles River Esplanade for a scenic riverside stroll.

Local dishes in Boston

Boston's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional New England fare and diverse international influences.

Some typical dishes

• New England Clam Chowder: A creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions and sometimes bacon. It's a comforting dish, perfect for chilly days.

• Boston Baked Beans: Slow-cooked beans flavoured with molasses and salt pork, this classic dish gave Boston its nickname – "Beantown".

• Lobster rolls: Enjoy fresh lobster meat, typically mixed with mayonnaise and served in a buttered, toasted roll.

Meat dishes

• Boston roast beef sandwich: Thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a sandwich roll, often served with cheese and barbecue sauce.

• Fenway Frank: A hot dog that's a favourite among Boston Red Sox fans, best enjoyed at Fenway Park but available throughout the city.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fried clams: Fresh clams, breaded and fried until golden and crispy, often served with tartar sauce. They're a staple of Boston's seaside cuisine.

• Scrod: Cod or haddock, lightly battered and baked or broiled, is a quintessential Boston dish.

Sweets and desserts

• Boston Cream Pie: Despite its name, this is actually a cake filled with custard and topped with chocolate glaze. It's also the official state dessert of Massachusetts.

• Whoopie Pies: Two soft, cake-like cookies with a creamy filling in the middle. This is a long-standing favourite in the city.

Local drinks

• Samuel Adams beer: Named after the famous patriot, this local beer brand offers a variety of brews, with Boston Lager being the most iconic.

• Harpoon beer: Another beloved Boston brewery known for its wide range of craft beers, including the popular Harpoon IPA.