Boston City Guide

Try local dishes like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie. There’s plenty of international food, with good vegetarian and vegan options. Some places stay open late, especially near colleges.

Nightlife includes historic pubs, sports bars, lounges, and live music venues in areas like Fenway and Seaport.

The coffee scene is vibrant with specialty roasters and cafes in neighborhoods like Cambridge and the South End.

Tipping of 15-20% is expected in restaurants, taxis, bars, and for services.

You can buy SIM cards at AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon stores. Coverage and speeds are good. ID is needed but registration is simple for prepaid plans.

Downtown and tourist areas are usually clean. Waste collection and recycling are reliable.

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies are open overnight. True 24/7 food options are rare.

International foods are easy to find especially in Allston, Brighton, and Chinatown. Main supermarkets include Stop & Shop, Star Market, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Haymarket offers fresh produce on weekends.

Most places accept cards, so you rarely need cash. Smaller shops may still take cash, but digital payments are preferred.

ATMs are common at banks, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Banks like Bank of America, Chase, and TD Bank have plenty of ATMs. Using out-of-network ATMs costs $2.50 to $5.00 per withdrawal.

Boston Latin School and Boston Arts Academy are well-known. There are international schools like the British International School and German International School. English is common in instruction.

The digital nomad scene is growing with meetups and plenty of cafes near universities and tech hubs.

Excellent access to parks like Boston Common and the Emerald Necklace park system.

Popular running spots include Charles River Esplanade and Emerald Necklace. The city hosts the Boston Marathon.

Gyms are plentiful, with options from budget to premium, including specialty classes.

Tennis courts are available in public parks and clubs. Booking systems vary, and coaching is common.

Padel courts are emerging in the region but still rare in Boston proper.

Many yoga studios offer a variety of styles and drop-in classes across the city.

Many dojos offer styles like BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, and Karate with drop-in options and English-speaking instructors.

Nearby ski areas include Blue Hills Ski Area and Wachusett Mountain. Season runs December to March. Good for beginners and intermediates.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular on the Charles River and Boston Harbor, with rentals and lessons offered.

Surf spots are about 30–60 minutes away on the coast. Water is cold, so wetsuits are needed. Schools and rentals are available.

Diving exists off the Massachusetts coast with sites including shipwrecks. Best in summer and early fall. Equipment rental available.

Boston has world-class hospitals with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and often open late.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink. It comes from local reservoirs.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly spots like Boston Children's Museum and New England Aquarium. Baby supplies are easy to find in stores.

Boston is very LGBTQ+ friendly with safe spaces, events, and strong legal protections.

Pet-friendly with many dog parks and vets. Some restaurants and accommodations welcome pets.