Downtown Boston - Boston, MA Area Guide

The land that makes up Downtown Boston has been occupied for as many as 7,500 years. Originally the site of ancient Native American settlements, the area was colonized by Puritans in 1630. The neighborhood has been at the center of many crucial moments in American history, including the Boston Massacre, the Siege of Boston, numerous Revolutionary War battles, and anti-slavery movements of the Civil War. The Kennedy family, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere all called the area home at one point in history.

Downtown Boston contains a staggering array of museums and historical sites, such as the Old South Meeting House, Boston Massacre site, and the Park Street Church. Don't miss the Old State House, where you can see one of John Hancock's coats and read about the Royalist and Patriot speeches that took place within the walls. At the Granary Burying Ground, take a tour of the Revolutionary-era graves with a tour guide in period costume. Many of the neighborhood's museums and sites lie along the Freedom Trail, which winds through the area. Theatres in Downtown Boston are largely in the nearby Theatre District, which hosts operas, plays, musicals, instrumental works, and dance performances year-round. Festivals are a constant in Downtown Boston, and residents participate in events such as BostonFest, the Summer Street Market, and Art Week Boston.

The streets of Downtown Boston teem with restaurants that span the range of global cuisines. From quick, inexpensive shawarma to high-end French fusion, you'll find an option for every taste and budget. There are also plenty of nightclubs and bars perfect for a night out with your friends.

Given Downtown Boston's central urban location, walking opportunities and public transportation links abound. Residents usually opt to make short journeys on foot, while the bus and train provide a welcome haven during inclement weather or for longer trips. The Red Line, Green Line, Yellow Line and Silver Line trains run through the neighborhood, making for quick trips to other parts of the city. Numerous bus lines cross the area, with lines 43, 55 and 11 providing the most convenient service. When you need to take a cab, just step out onto the street — no need to call in advance. Uber also provides excellent coverage in Downtown Boston.

Downtown Boston has a bike score of 83, and residents enjoy safe and quick bike trips. Many major roads feature bike lanes, and many riders choose to take advantage of the paths on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway.

Street parking in Downtown Boston can be a nightmare, so most residents opt to use one of the structures scattered throughout the neighborhood. On average, you can expect to pay $30 per day or $500 per month. Get out of the city quickly on Interstates 90 and 93, which are less than two miles away.

Downtown Boston houses several small parks, including the King's Chapel Cemetery, Ashburton Park and Winthrop Square. The oldest park in the country, Boston Common, draws residents from all over the city. The enormous, fee-free park features off-leash areas for pets, paved walking trails and a slew of regular events. Families with children frequent the kid-friendly Frog Pond for the spray pool in the summer, the ice-skating rink in the winter and the nearby playground. Residents of all ages enjoy Shakespeare on the Common and the Pumpkin Festival.

Fitness-minded residents of Downtown Boston make their way to Norman B. Leventhal Park, which offers free fitness classes. In the summer, stop by for the Summer Midday Music concert series, or read a book from the park's Library on the Lawn. Other features include free Wi-Fi and an onsite cafe.

Renters living in Downtown Boston pay an average of around $4,005/month to rent an apartment, compared to the Boston city average of $3,284. City dwellers exploring houses for rent in Downtown Boston can expect to pay around $6,000 /month. For those looking to buy, the average house is valued at $1,287,500 compared to the city average of $768,000.

Much of the shopping in Downtown consists of national chain outlets such as H&M and T.J. Maxx. For high-end shopping, make the 15-minute walk to Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Locals spend happy afternoons perusing the unique specialty boutiques that cluster around the pedestrian section of Washington Street between Temple Place and School Street.