Where To Stay In Boston Without A Car
Boston is known for its walkability, making it an ideal city to visit without a car. If you’re wondering where to stay in Boston without a car, here’s a quick answer: aim for neighborhoods close to public transportation like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, North End, and parts of Cambridge like Harvard Square and Central Square.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed recommendations on the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Boston if you are getting around primarily by foot, public transportation, rideshares, and taxis rather than driving yourself.
Back Bay
If you’re looking for a convenient and vibrant neighborhood to stay in Boston without a car, Back Bay is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of the city, Back Bay offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
With its picturesque brownstone buildings, tree-lined streets, and proximity to popular attractions, it’s no wonder that Back Bay is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Overview and Location
Back Bay is situated west of the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common, making it an ideal location for travelers who want to explore the city on foot. The neighborhood is bounded by the Charles River to the north, Massachusetts Avenue to the west, Beacon Street to the south, and Arlington Street to the east.
Its central location allows for easy access to other popular areas like the South End, Fenway-Kenmore, and Downtown Crossing.
Public Transportation Access
One of the main advantages of staying in Back Bay is its excellent public transportation access. The neighborhood is served by several MBTA stations, including the Back Bay Station, which connects to Amtrak and commuter rail lines.
Additionally, the neighborhood is well-served by bus routes and is within walking distance of the Green Line, making it easy to explore other parts of the city without a car.
Top Hotels
Back Bay boasts a wide range of hotels to suit every budget and preference. From luxury accommodations to boutique hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts, there’s something for everyone. Some of the top-rated hotels in the area include:
- The Fairmont Copley Plaza: Located in the heart of Back Bay, this historic hotel offers elegant rooms, a rooftop health club, and easy access to nearby attractions.
- The Lenox Hotel: With its classic charm and modern amenities, The Lenox Hotel is a popular choice among visitors. It’s located just steps away from Newbury Street, known for its high-end shopping and dining.
- The Midtown Hotel: This budget-friendly option offers comfortable rooms and a central location, making it a great choice for travelers looking for affordable accommodation in Back Bay.
When booking your stay in Back Bay, be sure to check for any special offers or packages that hotels may have available. It’s also worth noting that rates can vary depending on the time of year, so it’s a good idea to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deals.
For more information on hotels in Back Bay, you can visit www.bostonusa.com/accommodations/ which provides a comprehensive list of accommodations in the area.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a picturesque neighborhood located in the heart of Boston. Known for its historic charm and cobblestone streets, it offers a unique and scenic experience for visitors. This neighborhood is a great option for those looking to stay in Boston without a car, as it provides easy access to public transportation and is within walking distance of many popular attractions.
Overview and Location
Beacon Hill is situated just west of the Massachusetts State House and borders the Boston Common. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the city on foot or by using public transportation.
The neighborhood is known for its Federal-style rowhouses, gas lamps, and beautiful brick sidewalks. It offers a charming and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for both leisure and business travelers.
Public Transportation Access
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Beacon Hill is its excellent access to public transportation. The neighborhood is served by several subway stations, including Charles/MGH and Park Street, which provide easy connections to other parts of the city.
Additionally, the neighborhood is well-served by bus routes, making it easy to explore Boston and its surrounding areas without a car.
For those looking to venture further, Beacon Hill is also conveniently located near major transportation hubs such as North Station and South Station, which provide access to regional and national destinations.
Whether you’re heading to the North Shore or planning a day trip to Cape Cod, getting there from Beacon Hill is a breeze.
Top Hotels
Beacon Hill offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. From boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone. Here are a few top-rated hotels in the neighborhood:
- The Liberty Hotel: This luxury hotel is housed in a historic jail building and offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, and an on-site restaurant.
- The Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro: Located right in the heart of Beacon Hill, this boutique hotel offers cozy rooms, a popular bistro serving French-inspired cuisine, and a charming outdoor patio.
- The Whitney Hotel: Situated in a renovated 1909 landmark building, this upscale hotel features elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center.
These are just a few examples of the many excellent hotels available in Beacon Hill. Whether you’re looking for luxury or a more budget-friendly option, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in this charming neighborhood.
For more information about Beacon Hill and its accommodations, you can visit the Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro or The Liberty Hotel websites.
North End
The North End is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of Boston. Known for its rich history, delicious Italian cuisine, and charming cobblestone streets, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Whether you are a foodie looking to indulge in some authentic cannoli or a history buff wanting to explore the famous Paul Revere House, the North End has something for everyone.
Overview and Location
The North End is situated on a narrow peninsula, bordered by the Boston Harbor to the east and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway to the west. It is easily accessible from downtown Boston, making it an ideal choice for those without a car.
With its close proximity to major attractions such as Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail, staying in the North End allows you to explore the city on foot.
Public Transportation Access
Getting around the North End and the rest of Boston is a breeze thanks to its excellent public transportation system. The neighborhood is serviced by several MBTA subway stations, including the Haymarket Station and the Aquarium Station, which provide convenient access to other parts of the city.
In addition, numerous bus routes run through the area, making it easy to navigate without a car.
Top Hotels
There are several great hotel options in the North End that cater to different budgets and preferences. One highly recommended hotel is the Battery Wharf Hotel, located on the waterfront with stunning views of the harbor.
Another popular choice is the Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina, offering a unique experience with its dockside location and luxury accommodations.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Bricco Suites is a great choice. This boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located in the heart of the North End, just steps away from the neighborhood’s top attractions and restaurants.
For those who prefer a more intimate setting, consider booking a stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area. These charming establishments offer cozy accommodations and personalized service, giving you a truly authentic experience in the North End.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a vibrant city located just across the Charles River from Boston. It is home to two of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
With its rich history, diverse culture, and bustling neighborhoods, Cambridge is a popular choice for travelers looking to explore Boston without a car.
Overview and Location
Situated just 3 miles north of downtown Boston, Cambridge offers a convenient location for visitors. It is easily accessible by public transportation, making it an ideal base for exploring both Cambridge and Boston.
The city is known for its charming streets, beautiful parks, and a lively arts and entertainment scene.
Public Transportation Access
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Cambridge is its excellent public transportation system. The city is well-connected to Boston and other nearby neighborhoods through the subway system, known as the “T”.
The Red Line, in particular, provides easy access to downtown Boston and popular attractions such as Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts. Additionally, there are several bus routes that connect Cambridge to different parts of the city.
Travelers can also take advantage of the Hubway bike-sharing program, which allows visitors to rent bicycles and explore the city at their own pace. With its bike-friendly infrastructure, Cambridge offers a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy scenic rides along the Charles River or explore the historic streets of the city.
Top Hotels
Cambridge boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top hotels in Cambridge:
- Hotel Marlowe: This stylish hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, and is conveniently located near many attractions.
- Kimpton Marlowe Hotel: Located on the banks of the Charles River, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, and easy access to downtown Boston.
- Hyatt Regency Cambridge: Situated along the scenic Charles River, this hotel offers modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a complimentary shuttle to Harvard Square.
These hotels provide a great base for exploring Cambridge and Boston, with easy access to public transportation and nearby attractions.
For more information about accommodations in Cambridge, visit https://www.cambridgeusa.org/where-to-stay.
Conclusion
In summary, the best places to stay in Boston without a car are neighborhoods with easy access to public transportation like the T and buses, as well as close proximity to major attractions. We recommend considering hotels in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, North End and Cambridge which meet these criteria.
Wherever you choose, Boston’s walkability makes it easy to get around many areas without driving.