Holidays to Boston

Boston travel guide

• When is the best time to visit Boston?

  The Boston climate falls between humid continental and humid subtropical as is common in New England. Boston summers are humid and warm, while winters can be very cold and often snowy. The hottest month is usually July, with temperatures reaching a glorious 27ºC, and the coldest is January, which has an average high of 2ºC and an average low of -6ºC. Boston is a great to visit any time of the year.
  
  Take a look at our climate a chart below.

• Boston attractions

  Boston is filled with charm and character. Wander the streets and take in the views of the beautiful neighbourhoods, filled with old Victorian buildings; or visit the beautiful scenery of the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.

  The city has plenty of museums and cultural activities spread throughout. Take a trip and choose from an array of theatres including the Boston Opera House and the Orpheum Theatre.
  
  Considering Boston's history, it's unsurprising that there are many museums and exhibitions throughout the city. Take a nostalgic trip to the 1960s at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where 25 multimedia exhibits detail President Kennedy's days in office. The Museum of Fine Arts on Huntington Avenue in Boston is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, encompassing 450,000 artworks and attracting over 1 million visitors every year. In contrast, the Museum of Science is designed to stimulate interest and learning in science and technology, and features a number of fascinating exhibitions and experiences for all the family.
  
  For some natural history, head to the Franklin Park Zoo and the New England Aquarium.

  Walk the Freedom Trail and take an historic journey along a 2.5 mile red-brick trail through 16 nationally significant sites between the Bunker Hill Monument and Boston Common, including museums, churches, burial grounds and parks.
  
  No visit to Boston would be complete without a stroll through the 24-acre Boston Public Garden, designed and built in the 1850s. It is the first public botanical garden in the United States, and features a number of beautiful and interesting sculptures, stunning flora and fauna, and a lovely lake which can be enjoyed from one of the famous Swan Boats.

• Boston shopping

  Whether you're a designer label fiend, a bargain hunter, a fan of boutiques, or looking for souvenirs of your time in Boston, shopping in the city that has it all is a pleasure.

  From the winding streets of Beacon Hill to the South End, this historic city offers all kinds of treasures, from authentic Americana antiques to beautiful designer furniture and contemporary clothing.

  Boston is full of boutiques, department stores, shopping malls and outlets. Its shopping appeal, however, lies in its quirkier venues. The extraordinary Boston International Poster Gallery features wonderful collections of original and vintage posters from around the world, with prices starting at around $50. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the dynamic core of Boston's waterfront and spreads over 3 beautifully restored 19th century buildings connected by cobblestone streets, housing over 120 shops and more than 20 restaurants. Another fantastic waterfront shopping experience is the CambridgeSide Galleria, home to some of Boston's favourite stores, including H&M, Apple and J. Crew. For designer pieces, Copley Place features such prestigious names as Christian Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange and Tiffany & Co.

  As well as its fabulous shops, boutiques and stores, Boston museums are also shopping treasuries, from the Concord Museum's decorative arts collections to the retro t-shirts, books, videos, rocking chairs and posters in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and the delightful toys and games of the Children's Museum.

• Boston food and drink

  Boston restaurants are world-class. Lovers of Italian cuisine will delight in such places as Santarpio's Pizza, Pizzeria Regina and Antico Forno, while upscale places like The Palm, Helmand and the Top of the Hub are bound to please gourmet diners. Boston is also full of hidden gems just waiting to be found, along the narrow alleys of the North End and Back Bay's bustling avenues...

• Boston sport & leisure

  Boston is one of the USA's greatest sporting towns, home to several major sports teams (including the Boston Red Sox baseball team) and two world famous sporting events: the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta.

  The Boston Arena is the oldest standing indoor ice hockey stadium in the world and is well worth a visit. The TD Banknorth Garden Arena is home of the NBA's Boston Celtics and hosts many other prestigious sporting events, including figure skating, gymnastics and wrestling.
  
  Considered one of the country's top golf clubs, George Wright Golf Course enjoys a stunning location in a residential area of Boston. Named after legendary basketball player George Wright, it is a perfect course on which to hone your skills. Ask advice from the club's professional players and coaches, then relax back at the club house with a well earned drink.

  If you don't fancy the great outdoors, or if you need a spot of practice before braving George Wright Golf Course, City Golf is a state-of-the-art indoor golf facility in the heart of Boston. Open all year, it boasts a practice centre, an equipment shop, and PGA professionals to help you hone your skills.

  Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Centre is one of the best indoor running facilities in North America. Named after the late Boston Celtics star, it boasts a 200m running track made from the finest materials, and also features basketball, tennis and volleyball courts as well as fitness and training facilities and a dance studio.

• Boston events - what's on when?

  Boston is not necessarily a known hotspot for entertainment, but this historic city still has a lot to offer: from boat shows to wine festivals, there's something for everyone.

  January - Boston Wine Festival

  Samples of fine food and wines plus several themed dinners are on offer at the Boston Harbour Hotel.

  February - New England Boat Show

  Learn about sailing and view boats and boating products at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre.

  March - St. Patrick's Day Parade

  The parade takes place in South Boston, travelling down Broadway, 4th and 5th Streets to Dorchester Ave.

  April - Boston Marathon

  Reputed to be the world's oldest marathon, with a finish line in Copley Square and thousands of runners.

  May - Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour

  For one day each year, these private, hidden urban gardens are opened to the public for self-guided tours.

  June - Harborfest

  A festival with a huge number of events tied into aquatic and maritime pursuits/history, all around July 4th.

  July - Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

  Large scale classical concert over the Charles River with 500000 people and a grand fireworks display.

  August - Boston Caribbean Festival

  A week-long Trinidadian-style carnival with a kids' day, a steel band day and a big parade on the 27th.

  September - Boston Arts Festival

  Two days of local art including ballet, classical music and performance within Christopher Columbus Park.

  December - Boston Tea Party Re-enactment

  150 men in Mohawk Indian dress attack transport ships in this re-enactment at the Old South Meeting House.

• Boston travel advice

  Do you need a visa for Boston?

  Everyone travelling into America must have completed the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA for short, a US Customs & Passport Control entry requirement. US Immigration may well refuse you entry at border control if you do not complete the online form.