5 Boston neighbourhoods for you to explore

Boston is a city that’s full of charm. While other East Coast cities like New York or Washington D.C. appear imposing and full of grandeur, Boston has a local, cosy feel to it that makes it easily navigable and a joy to explore. If you’re looking for some areas to explore when you’re in the city, here’s five of the best that we recommend to make the most of your time in The Olde Towne.

North End

Green copper-fronted building in the North End district of Boston

With residents occupying the North End since way back in 1630, it is one of the oldest neighbourhood’s in the United States and a great area to base yourself for exploring Boston. Check out the oldest architecture in the city around Unity Street and enjoy the many incredible restaurant that dot this neighbourhood. The narrow streets of the North End make it a great place to explore on foot and the vibrant Italian community that have made this area their home means you’re never far from somewhere selling a great cup of coffee or some hearty comfort food for a cold Massachusetts day.

Chinatown

Chinatown sign for Boston district transport

Image courtesy of Tatsuhiko Miyagawa.

The Chinese community have been a part of Boston since the mid nineteenth century and remains to this day the heart of the Chinese and Asian communities in the city. Chinatown is a great area to eat out in, in particular the Vietnamese restaurants around Harrison Avenue and Washington Street. Try Pho Pasteur or Banh Mi House just next to the United States’ oldest public park, Boston Common on Winter Street. The latter is a pretty basic, take-away affair but it’s some of the best banh mi I’ve had and is a seriously good value lunch at only $5.50. Get a sambo and enjoy it in the common in the sun.

South Boston

Castle Island in South Boston on a summer's day

Image courtesy of Robert Linsdell.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Boston for St. Patrick’s Day, then South Boston, or “Southie,” is most definitely the place you need to be. Traditionally an Irish neighbourhood, the area has all the charm of the Irish albeit with much better beaches. Originally South Boston was a working class neighbourhood, and if you believe all the Boston films you watch, quite a violent one too, but this is a far cry from the reality. Enjoy the hospitality and a pint of Sam Adams at one of the many local pubs or if the weather is good head to the beaches of Pleasure Bay or chill out on in the beautiful parklands of Castle Island.

Charlestown

painted residential street of Charlestown in Boston

Image courtesy of Mike Norton.

Boston’s other strong Irish community lies in Charlestown which is located across the bay from the North End and East Boston. Charlestown is the city’s oldest neighbourhood and has a rich past. Where once Charlestown was a gritty area, today there is an altogether more Yuppie vibe. Modern restaurants and fun dive bars make it a great neighbourhood to head out in, and as Charlestown is only 20 minutes from Boston’s Logan Airport, it’s a handy place to base yourself after a long flight.

Take in some of Boston’s most famous spots from the famous USS Constitution to the Bunker Hill monument commemorating the battle which took place during the American Revolutionary War. Once your sight-seeing is done, head to the infamous Sullivans bar on Main Street or to the oldest tavern in Massachusetts, Warren Tavern on Pleasant Street.

Harvard Square

Russell Tavern on Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Image courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

As any Bostonian worth their salt will tell you, Harvard University is not located in Boston, but rather in the adjacent city of Cambridge which lies just across the Charles River. Harvard Square therefore is technically not in Boston but it is in easy reach and a must-see for any tourist with some bookish or academic tendencies.

Harvard Square is both the historic centre of Cambridge, Massachusetts and the focal point of Harvard University so enjoy the red-bricked architecture and the fun, college vibe from the many quirky shops and cafes that dot this region. Try the Boston Tea Stop on JFK Street for some delicious cakes and cold brews or Crema Café on nearby Brattle Street for a great lunch spot or pit stop for a pick me up.


Looking for a homestay in Boston? Check out our list of homestays in the city to find the host that's right for you.

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