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 £226 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
£226
19 Jul - 20 Jul
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! (3,626 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at the Omni. They were accommodating with everything, even allowing us to check-in hours earlier than expected. It is a bit of a walk to get to the waterfront but we didn’t mind! The rooftop pool and hot tub area were really nice with a bar right beside. The artist rooms ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Seaport Hotel Boston
Seaport Hotel Boston
4 out of 5
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
The price is £205 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£205
3 Jul - 4 Jul
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! (2,996 reviews)
"Staying at the seaport hotel was a great location. It was within walking distance to shopping and sight seeing. Parking was very convenient and accessible. I highly recommend staying there."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Seaport Hotel Boston
The Westin Boston Seaport District
The Westin Boston Seaport District
4 out of 5
425 Summer St, Boston, MA
The price is £154 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£154
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,998 reviews)
"Attended a convention next door. Very convenient but needs some updating. There is a Starbucks in the lobby which is great because the coffee setup in the room was poor. Complimentary toiletries were pretty non existent other than the bulk shower gel, shampoo & conditioner. I always thought Westins ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The Westin Boston Seaport District
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
3 out of 5
295 NORTHERN AVENUE, Boston, MA
The price is £160 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£160
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (2,023 reviews)
Great one night stay!
"Great one night stay with my husband! In the Seaport for a concert across the street and had a wonderful night away."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
YOTEL Boston
YOTEL Boston
4 out of 5
65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA
The price is £147 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£147
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (2,090 reviews)
"Great for introverts who want a quiet stay."

Reviewed on 1 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £159 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£159
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,271 reviews)
Convenient Location
"When I planned a girls weekend in Boston for my niece and me, I looked for a conveniently located hotel that wouldn’t break the bank. Aloft fit the bill. Small rooms, but clean and well located. The mattress could probably be turned or replace…a little too soft for my liking."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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
Theatre District featuring signage, a city and central business district

Theatre District

4/5(9 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Theatre District, you might enjoy attractions like Colonial Theatre and Boston Opera House. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Boylston Station to see more of the city.

Theatre District
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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 Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

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

South Boston Travel Guide

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