The capital of Massachusetts, Boston, is one the most historic and influential cities in the United States. Famous for its museums, sports teams, great shopping and live performances, the city draws 16.3 million visitors a year.
The weather in Boston is unpredictable and many choose to visit the city in late spring or early fall. Early summer is also nice but you never know when that starts and when the summer heat hits, it gets quite uncomfortable because of the humidity. Fall foliage in Boston is at near peak by mid-October so if you love to see the change of the seasons now it’s the perfect time to enjoy the crisp sunny days and the nature.
Expenses: accommodation and flight
When planning your vacation in Boston, it might not be the best idea to look for all inclusive vacation packages . However, the packages offered by hotels might be good choices especially for a short stay. They often comprise the accommodation, breakfast and some activity.
But when it comes to such a large and interesting city, it’s a better idea to plan the flight and accommodation independently. This will allow for plenty of freedom to include a lot of events in your schedule and even plan some day trips.
There are two airports serving Boston and choosing the best one for you depends on your final destination. Both receive cheap flights to Boston so it’s not a hassle to browse the offers. Logan International Airport is the most common gateway into the city though. It’s a focus city airport for r American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, US Airways and JetBlue Airways which means you can start your search with these airlines and see what offers they currently have.
When it comes to finding hotels in Boston your most important goal should be to find a balance between the location, facilities and price. Unfortunately, like in the case of all touristy cities, staying in the city center means you’ll be paying a lot for the location. The city is made of a lot of neighborhoods but you need to be careful and look for hotels which are located within the city limits.
What to do: festivals and free concerts
The first week of September marks the start of a series of free concerts hosted by the New England Conservatory.
The Annual Taste of Boston is a festival of food, music and entertainment for the entire family. It takes place on September 20 and 21 at City Hall Plaza. For those who enjoy tasting wine, there’s a Grand Tasting Area which includes almost 200 wineries. The kids can enjoy the many activities planned while the parents can attend concerts.
Between September 18 and 24, you can attend the Boston Film Festival, where, traditionally, many popular movies have premiered.
Where to stay
No matter why you plan to visit Boston, you need a place to stay. Ideally, it should be located close to the center, have at least some facilities and not cost an arm and a leg.
Doubletree Guest Suites Boston : is a luxury suite 3-star hotel, located along the scenic Charles River and offering stunning views of the city. The hotel offers a fitness room and an indoor heated pool. Special packages are available. Prices start at $169 per room per night, with breakfast included (but can be lower if the room is paid in full when booked).
Holiday Inn Express Boston : is located two miles from downtown. Free breakfast, free internet and free local calls are offered by the hotel. The kids eat free as well. There’s a fitness room in the hotel. All rooms are equipped with microwave and fridge. Prices start at $120 per room per night (standard room).
Howard Johnson Inn Fenway Park Boston : is located next door to Fenway Park (home of Boston Red Sox) and just half a mile from downtown. They offer 94 rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, hair dryers and ironing boards. There’s free internet within the hotel. Special offers are available. Prices start at $156 per room per night (taxes included).
Constitution Inn : is located on downtown Boston Waterfront, close to the restaurants. They offer 147 rooms and most have kitchenette. Free internet is available in the library and lobby. Prices start at $179 per room per night (web special price).
Midtown Hotel : is located in downtown Boston, in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay. Special packages are available. For example, Tour de Boston package includes 2-night accommodation, breakfast and a guided bicycling tour of Boston. The price is $185 per person (from June to October) and is based on a double occupancy room.