19 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 536-9455
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Discover Boston

Explore all this Great City has to Offer

The Paul Revere equestrian statue in Boston's North End
Paul Revere, in the North End.

History Reinvented

Home to the American Revolution, Boston is steeped in history and excitement. Events like the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere's ride have helped shape Boston's place in American history. Boston is much more than the birthplace of the American's fight for freedom; Boston is a modern city in its own right and has deep culture throughout its communities.

Explore the History

Boston is a walking city. On a nice day there is no better way to explore the historic sights of Paul Revere's house, Faneuil Hall, and John Hancock's grave than by following the red line of the Freedom Trail. If American naval history is of more interest, a visit to the USS Constitution is a must see. “Old Ironsides” is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. Boston history is diverse and it is quite possible that Bostonians' favorite historical landmark is comparatively quite new, Fenway Park. Fenway is home to Boston's beloved baseball team the Boston Red Sox, and is the oldest major league baseball field in operation in the U.S.

Google map of walking tours near HI-Boston

Explore the Action

There is much more to Boston than monuments and cemeteries. The city has a variety of museums and attractions that are sure to entertain. The New England Aquarium and the Boston Science Museum offer interactive exhibits, IMAX movies and live presentations. If you would prefer to see animals in their natural habitat, a whale watch allows you to see them up close. Feel the need to relax? Explore Boston Common and Boston Public Garden; both parks are within walking distance from HI-Boston.

Google map of attractions near HI-Boston

Explore the Culture

Boston is made of many neighborhoods, all with their own feel. HI-Boston sits on the border of Chinatown and the Theater District. Chinatown is rich in culture and attracts Asian-Americans from around the area. The Theater District has several venues offering Broadway productions and independent shows. Boston's North End is “Little Italy” and is filled with charm, character and exceptional cuisine. South Boston, nicknamed “Southie,” comes alive during March when the Irish-American community celebrates St. Patrick's Day. The South End, not to be confused with South Boston, is home to quaint coffee shops, cafes and outdoor markets. Back Bay and Beacon Hill are neighborhoods filled with intricately designed brownstones, shops and restaurants. Combined, these communities give Boston its charm and diversity.

Google map of great restaurants and bars near HI-Boston

Already here? Map of nearby shopping, pharmacies and more.

Getting to the big sights from the hostel

Most of central Boston is walkable from Stuart Street. For everything else, the T stations around the hostel put the rest of the city within a short ride.

  • Boston CommonAmerica's oldest public park, established in 1634.
    Walk 2 blocks (0.1 mile).
  • Public GardenAmerica's first public botanical garden, home of the Swan Boats in the warmer months.
    Walk 0.5 miles across Boston Common.
  • The Freedom TrailA 2.5 mile red brick line linking sixteen historic sites.
    Walk 0.5 miles to the start on Boston Common. Freedom Trail guide
  • Chinatown GateThe gateway to one of Boston's most distinctive neighborhoods.
    Walk 0.2 miles.
  • Newbury Street and Back BayEight blocks of shops, galleries and cafes in brownstones.
    Walk 0.5 miles.
  • Faneuil Hall and Quincy MarketHistoric meeting hall and food hall.
    Walk 0.8 miles, or follow the Freedom Trail.
  • North EndPaul Revere House, the Old North Church and Italian bakeries.
    Walk about 1 mile along the Freedom Trail.
  • New England AquariumOn Central Wharf, next to the whale watch boats.
    Walk about 1 mile through Downtown Crossing to the waterfront.
  • USS Constitution“Old Ironsides”, at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
    Near the end of the Freedom Trail, across the Charlestown Bridge.
  • Fenway ParkHome of the Boston Red Sox.
    Green Line from Boylston to Kenmore.
  • Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumTwo of the city's great art collections, a short walk apart.
    Green Line E branch from Boylston to Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Museum of ScienceInteractive exhibits on the Charles River.
    Green Line from Boylston to Science Park/West End.
  • Harvard Square and MITCambridge's universities, bookshops and cafes.
    Red Line from Downtown Crossing to Harvard or Kendall/MIT.
  • Institute of Contemporary ArtContemporary art on the Seaport waterfront.
    Silver Line from South Station.

Neighborhoods at a glance

Chinatown

Right on our doorstep: dim sum, bakeries, bubble tea and late-night noodle shops. The neighborhood's Lunar New Year celebrations bring lion dances to the streets. Groups can book our Chinatown Dim Sum Experience.

Theater District

The Wang Theatre, the Wilbur and the other stages around Tremont and Washington Streets are steps from the hostel, with Broadway productions, comedy and independent shows.

North End

Boston's “Little Italy”, with narrow streets, espresso bars and pastry shops, plus Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church.

Beacon Hill

Gas lamps, brick sidewalks and brownstones climbing up from Boston Common to the gold-domed Massachusetts State House.

Back Bay

Brownstone-lined avenues, Copley Square, the Boston Public Library and the shops of Newbury Street.

South End

Quaint coffee shops, cafes, outdoor markets and one of the country's largest Victorian row-house districts.

South Boston

“Southie” comes alive in March for the St. Patrick's Day parade, and has beaches along the harbor in summer.

Cambridge

Across the Charles River: Harvard Square, MIT, and a riverside path made for walking and running.

Boston through the year

Spring

  • The Boston Marathon on Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April
  • The Swan Boats return to the Public Garden
  • Red Sox season opens at Fenway Park

Summer

  • The Boston Pops Fourth of July concert and fireworks on the Esplanade
  • Whale watches from the waterfront
  • Harbor islands, outdoor movies and street festivals
  • Day trips to the Cape Cod hostels

Autumn

  • New England fall foliage
  • The Head of the Charles Regatta in October
  • Crisp weather for the Freedom Trail

Winter

  • Ice skating on the Frog Pond on Boston Common
  • The holiday tree lighting on Boston Common, a gift from Nova Scotia each year
  • Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown
  • St. Patrick's Day in South Boston in March

Want company? Join one of our free tours and activities, or ask our staff for their personal recommendations.