South Boston Travel Guide

Boston

Seaport District showing a city, a high-rise building and a river or creek
Seaport District featuring a high-rise building, skyline and a city
Seaport District which includes a river or creek, boating and sailing
Seaport District showing a city
Seaport District showing modern architecture

No other place says Boston better than this neighbourhood, where the accents are authentic and history is still present around every corner.

The setting for films from Good Will Hunting to The Departed, South Boston is emblematic of the city’s rough-talking, Irish-American spirit. The iconic row houses are here, of course, but the neighborhood is also known for its recently rehabilitated waterfront, many parks and historical monuments. Spend a day in South Boston, just next to downtown, to see all aspects of the city’s diverse culture.

Start near the sea on Castle Island, a park crowned by the high gray walls of an old defensive structure now used for public recreation. Walk up the hill to the Bunker Hill Monument, which commemorates one of the Revolution’s most important early battles or stroll past the historic graves of Forest Hills Cemetery. Have kids explore human environments from around the world at the Boston Children's Museum or natural ones at the Franklin Park Zoo.

Pick up prepared food or local produce from the Boston Public Market and picnic at South Boston Waterfront, where Boston’s industrial and naval histories collide. After lunch, see avant-garde collections and stunning sea-front views at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the edge of one of Boston’s newest restaurant districts. Have dinner in the sleek glass buildings lining Liberty Wharf, a short walk from the World Trade Center.

South Boston’s Irish pubs are always interesting places to make new friends. Chat with Bostonians over a glass of local beer at the Harpoon Brewery. End the day with a concert at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion.

The South Boston neighborhood is adjacent to Downtown Boston, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Boston’s Red and Silver lines run through the district, and several buses provide additional connections. Walk from Boston Common to the South Boston Waterfront in about 30 minutes or drive in 10 minutes.

Many parts of South Boston are more residential than other parts of the city, making parking easier to find. Some areas are most easily accessed by car.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in South Boston

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
The price is £192 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£192
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,753 reviews)
"The hotel was clean and very pretty. The pool was very nice."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
The Westin Boston Seaport District

The Westin Boston Seaport District

4 out of 5
425 Summer St, Boston, MA
The price is £184 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£184
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,055 reviews)
"The hotel was great. Rooms super comfy. Staff was super friendly. The location is not that great considering the nearest train station is 18 minutes walking distance away. Super easy to grab Lyft or Uber. There is a Starbucks in the lobby which was super good for our morning coffee. Overall good ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Westin Boston Seaport District
Seaport Hotel Boston

Seaport Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £213 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
£213
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,149 reviews)
"Comfy beds and nice shower. Nice view but bar light in the room was broken."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Seaport Hotel Boston
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District

3 out of 5
295 NORTHERN AVENUE, Boston, MA
The price is £181 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£181
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,087 reviews)
"Great food and bar! very clean and comfortable room!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
YOTEL Boston

YOTEL Boston

4 out of 5
65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA
The price is £162 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£162
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,149 reviews)
"Located in a new neighborhood with lots of dining options and easy access to public transportation."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

YOTEL Boston
Aloft by Marriott, Boston Seaport District

Aloft by Marriott, Boston Seaport District

3 out of 5
401-403 D Street, Boston, MA
The price is £158 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£158
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,328 reviews)
"The property is in a clean, quiet area. Close to many dining options that are not in the main areas of Boston."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Aloft by Marriott, Boston Seaport District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Boston

Seaport District showing a city, a high-rise building and a river or creek

Seaport District

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Travellers to Seaport District praise its captivating waterfront views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Boston Harbor and Liberty Wharf.

Seaport District
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Chinatown

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Theatres and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy in Chinatown, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Chinatown Station.

Chinatown
Theatre District which includes night scenes and signage

Bay Village

While you're in Bay Village, take in top sights like Charles Playhouse and jump on the metro at Tufts Medical Center Station to see more of the city.

Bay Village
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South End

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

South End is noteworthy for its cafes, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Copley Place and SoWa Artists Guild.

South End
Boston Financial District which includes a city and a park

Boston Financial District

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Boston Financial District. Travellers also love the fantastic nightlife, must-see aquarium and captivating waterfront views.

Boston Financial District
Default Image

Downtown Crossing

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Orpheum Theater to The Freedom Trail – discover Downtown Crossing, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Downtown Crossing

South Boston Travel Guide

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