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City Information

The City of Boston hosts over 12 million annual visitors from across the country and around the globe. This vibrant, thriving city is renowned for its cultural facilities, world-class educational institutions, champion sports franchises, as well as its place at the very forefront of American history. Tourism is one of New England's largest industries; as the region's social and commercial "hub", Boston is willing to accommodate and entertain you as few other cities can. Come find out for yourself why Boston Massachusetts is one of the world's favorite cities.   

What to See and Do:

(Courtesy of Boston U.S.A and City of Boston )

Museums

Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children's Museum is the place to go for kids in Boston. Interactive educational exhibits and staged events promise a fun-filled experience.

Boston Fire Museum
The Boston Fire Museum has occupied the old firehouse at on Congress Street since 1983. The goal of the Museum is to preserve and display fire fighting memorabilia from the Greater Boston area, educate and inform the general public on fire safety, restore and maintain the landmark building, and to support the fire service in general.

The Commonwealth Museum
The Commonwealth Museum is the state museum of Massachusetts' history and its people. Whether you are a teacher or a history buff, this is a museum for you to visit.

Historic New England
Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country. It includes Pierce House in Dorchester and Otis House Museum on Cambridge Street.

Gibson House Museum
Gibson House, built in 1859-60 is the historic house museum of the Back Bay. It is unique as an unspoiled single-family residence that retains its kitchen, scullery, butler's pantry and water closets, as well as formal rooms and private family quarters, filled with the Gibsons' original furniture and personal possessions. Visitors enjoy a glimpse of the lives of a well-to-do Boston family and their domestic staff.

The Institute of Contemporary Art
At a spectacular new venue on Boston's waterfront, The ICA continues to present provocative programs that explore ideas, issues and exhibitions and images of our time. From Picasso, O'Keefe and Warhol to Cindy Sherman and Bill Viola, the ICA has been the first to show many of the most innovative and inspired artists from around the world for nearly 65 years.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo surrounding an interior courtyard garden, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses one of the most remarkable art collections in the world, including works by Rembrandt, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Degas, and Sargent. Special contemporary and historic exhibitions, America's oldest museum music program, and an artist-in-residence program enrich the permanent collection and provide ongoing inspiration for visitors. In celebration of the museum's founder, all named "Isabella" are admitted free.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world. The museum is located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy.

Mary Baker Eddy Library
Home to the "mapparium" that Churchill himself once dreamed up.

Museum of Afro-American History
This museum aims to preserve and accurately portray African American history from colonial times. Here you will find different exhibits and can take a tour of the Black Heritage Trail.

Museum of Fine Arts
From ground breaking exhibits to state-of-the-art galleries the MFA has it all. From one of the world’s largest Asian art collection to Egyptian mummies, the MFA has one of the most extensive collections in the world.

Museum of Science
This interactive museum is sure to be fun for the whole family! From hands on exhibits to the planetarium, there is an endless amount of fun to be had.

Nichols House Museum
The Nichols House Museum preserves and interperets the 1804 townhouse that was the residence of Rose Standish Nichols, landscape gardener, suffragist, and pascifist. The house educates visitors by providing a unigue glimpse into domestic life in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries on Boston’s historic Beacon Hill.

Old South Meeting House
Since the 1773 mass protest meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party, Old South Meeting House has served as a gathering place for discussion and celebration and a haven for free speech.
Today you can visit this beautiful National Historic Landmark and museum to experience events that shaped the United States or attend a program that helps keep the democratic ideals of freedom of speech and assembly alive.

Old State House Museum
Visit the Old State House Museum today and learn about the Boston Massacre, discover the actual artifacts of Boston's past and walk in the footsteps of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and other patriots who set in motion the American Revolution.

Paul Revere House
On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small wooden home in Boston's north end and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend. Today that home is still standing at 19 North Square and has become a national historic landmark. It is downtown Boston's oldest building and one of the few remaining from an early era in the history of colonial America.

Sports Museum of New England
The Sports Museum is located in the TD Banknorth Garden. This museums aim is to showcase the wealth of sports history New England has to offer.

USS Constitution Museum
The vision of the USS Constitution Museum is to ensure that the stories of USS Consitiution and those who shaped her history are never forgotten, always remain relevant, and inspire as many people as possible.

Did you know that you can go to the Museum of Fine Arts for free on Wednesday nights?

If you want to know more about free admission to the museum and see a list of other free and discounted activities visit City of Boston Web site.

• Boston Redsox

• Main Street Districts
  With over 2,000 businesses in the neighborhood you are bound to have a good time.
• Downtown Crossing
  It is here, in the bustling fast-paced financial district, that you will find a full range of national department stores, boutiques, and pushcarts.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  Here you will find over 40 pushcart eateries and 17 restaurants. Aside from the world-class food, you can also find great shopping.
• SoWa Open Market
  From May through October this Open Market Place serves as a haven to those who are fond of antiques, jewelry, and fresh produce. This outdoor weekly market is sure to draw crowds! (Sundays 10-4)
• Newbury Street
  World renowned shopping in some of Boston's most chic and fashionable stores.
• The Prudential Center
  Is a great stop for shopping or dinning! Located on Boylston Street where you will find an endless array of department stores.
• Copley Place
  This upscale mall is filled with stores and restaurants that are sure to please!

Places to Eat:

Please visit Where to Eat for more information about dining in Boston.

Weather
Average temperature in September:
Average High: 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius)
Average Low: 57 Fahrenheit (14 Celsius)

Current Weather in Boston, MA

SPS Travel Safety Tips:

From the American Hotel and Lodging Association

• Don't answer the door in a hotel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.
• When returning to your hotel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots.
• Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.
• Don't needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen.
• Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
• Don't invite strangers to your room.
• Place all valuables in the hotel safe deposit box.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Check to see that any sliding doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.
• If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management.

Theft While in Travel Status

1. Make copies of your passport/visa numbers. Keep a copy in your checked luggage and carry on luggage.
2. Consider travel insurance that includes theft provisions.
3. Leave your good jewelry and other valuables at home.
4. Make a copy of your itinerary and give a copy to a family member or co-worker.
5. Make sure your laptop is encrypted if you plan tot take your laptop for an indefinite period of time.Make sure you have a backup of your critical data separate from you laptop back at your office.
6. Use your laptop as a security tool; check the activity of your credit cards and bank accounts while traveling.
7. Make sure your medical coverage is adequate for your travel needs.
8. Make a list of telephone numbers of your insurance companies, banks, credit and debit card issuers, home police department, etc. so you'll have them if needed.

Missing Luggage:

1. Immediately report the missing luggage to the airline.
2. If you used TSA approved locks check your luggage to make sure it was not tampered with and for missing items.
3. If items are missing report the theft to the airlines.