Boston accommodation from NZ$187

When you’re looking for hotels in Boston, remember that each neighbourhood is unique, from hip Jamaica Plain to vintage North End. To stay in the centre of Boston’s best, book accommodation in Beacon Hill, directly north of Boston Common and close to the city’s top historical sites.

Things to Do in Boston

Start at the very beginning, literally. Starting in North End, walk the Freedom Trail and stop at the Paul Revere House, where Paul raised several children and lived with his mum, proving some things never change. Keep following the path to see a slew of national monuments, including Old State House, Massachusetts’ first political centre, and Boston Common, a huge park and performance venue.

Speaking of performance venues, take in a show at the Boston Opera House, which was once a cinema. Talk about an upgrade! Along with history buffs and culture connoisseurs, Boston is home to some serious sports fans, so don’t miss a home game at Fenway Park.

Balance that brawn with bookish smarts across the Charles River in Cambridge, home to some of the country’s most influential universities and hopping nightlife.

Thanks to a stellar subway system, you’ll make it back to your Boston hotel after a late night of kicking it East Coast style. If you’re hungry for more than knowledge, take heart, because you can always stop for the oldest bowl of clam chowder in the city. Wait—strike that. You can eat delicious chowder at Boston’s oldest restaurant, Union Oyster House, which first opened its doors in 1826.

Getting To & Around Boston

Flights to Boston touch down at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), just 4km north of downtown. Like we said, public transport in this city is top-notch, which is why it’s considered one of the most walkable areas in the country. That’s good news, since traffic tends to be thick and, well, impolite.

Stick to the “T,” an impressive fleet of ferries, trolleys, buses and subways. You can even reach accommodation in Boston with luggage in tow without ever having to hire a car or catch a cab.

Upcoming Events

If you’ve got things planned for the end of June, you’re going to have to push them back a bit. Why? Because that’s when the Boston Jerkfest takes place. Don’t worry, it’s not a bunch of bogans running around causing mischief. It’s a food festival paying homage to Caribbean cuisine, and it probably serves up some of the best food in Boston. Not to mention there’s reggae bands playing and rum and brew tasting on top of the food. Mmm.

Maybe you’ll find yourself in “Beantown” at the beginning of September. If that’s the case, you’re in luck, because that’s when the Mass Brewers Fest is held. Craft beer makers from across the entire commonwealth show up with their latest batches of foamy deliciousness and are more than willing to fill your glass. There’s also plenty of tasty local food trucks around, so you won’t have to drink on an empty stomach. We all know how much trouble you can get into when you mix beer and an empty belly!

Get Outside!

You can’t just sit in your hotel room the entire trip, even though the places to stay in Boston are fantastic. Get outside and explore Faneuil Hall Marketplace in the city centre. Shop for everything from jewellery to home goods and pretty much anything else you’d find in a regular strip mall…except you’re dropping your cash in a National Historic Landmark. Cool, huh?

Are you hungry again? Not a problem. We have the perfect dining plans for you. Take a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston for a perfect blend of dining, dancing, drinking and just plain living. You’ll have awesome views of the city while digging into a perfectly seared cut of steak. And be sure to tell the waiter to keep the drinks coming—you’re probably a little parched.

Must-See Spots

We can’t imagine why you’d only spend one day in Boston, but if that’s the case, here’s what you have to do. Head over to the Beacon Hill neighbourhood and belly up to the bar for a beer at the Bull & Finch Pub. This place was the inspiration for the television show Cheers. You know, the one with Sam Malone, Diane Chambers, Coach, Norm Peterson, that whole crew.

After your cold one, pay a visit to the Boston Public Garden along Charles Street. If you’re there during the summer months, you can take a ride in one of the famous swan boats. Seriously, they’re boats shaped like gigantic swans. And if you’re around during the cooler months, lace up a pair of skates and go for a couple laps around the ice rink. You’ll feel like Bobby Orr!

Last, but certainly not least of the must-sees, is the home of the Boston Red Sox: Fenway Park. Book Boston accommodation close to the stadium, because no trip to Boston is complete without catching a game of “America’s Pastime”. Sit in the old wooden seats in the grandstand or get tickets for the lone red seat in the right field bleachers. You can even sit atop the infamous “Green Monster” in left field if you’re feeling adventurous.

Boston is one of the best cities in the world—just ask a Bostonian. After all, locals call this place “The Hub of the Universe”. With sweet deals on Boston accommodation from Wotif, you’re about to find out why.