Worcester Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Worcester
Worcester
Worcester
Worcester

This city, one of the largest in the New England region, has a family-friendly vibe with plenty of parks, museums and galleries.

Worcester is a safe, clean area with picturesque parks and intriguing art and history museums. The city has a generally pleasant ambiance with tree-lined streets, large green spaces and lakes. Scattered around the city are several universities and colleges as well as museums, art galleries and monuments.

The municipality is known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth” due to its central location in Massachusetts. The name comes from a city in the centre of England and is similarly pronounced “Wooster,” rhyming with “rooster.”

The Worcester Art Museum is one of the city’s most fascinating spots. Browse historic works of art dating back more than 5,000 years. See fascinating exhibits from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as well as contemporary art.

Drive south for 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) to watch a dramatic performance at the charming Hanover Theatre. Choose from Broadway shows and musicals. Several blocks east, look for Union Station on Washington Square. Note the railway station’s twin towers, marble walls and high ceilings.

A little east, beside Lake Quinsigamond, find the EcoTarium, a museum of science and nature aimed at children. See eagles, foxes, owls and turtles. Take the kids to the play area.

Green parks play an important role in Worcester’s family-friendly atmosphere. Spend a sunny afternoon at Elm Park in the centre of the city. Watch the geese, ducks and birds near the pond. Enjoy a picnic and take the young ones to the playground.

Try local foods, such as kielbasa sausages and pierogi dumplings, which both come from Eastern European immigrant cultures. Worcester is known for its abundance of apples, blueberries and dairy products.

Buses and Amtrak rail serve Worcester. The city is about 40 miles (64.4 kilometres) west of Boston, which lies on Massachusetts’ eastern coast. The nearest international transportation hub is Boston’s Logan International Airport.

Worcester’s playgrounds, parks and kid-friendly museums make it a children’s, and grown-up’s, paradise.

Where to stay in Worcester

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Worcester Central Business District

While visiting Worcester Central Business District, you might make a stop by sights like DCU Center and Mechanics Hall.

Worcester Central Business District
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Shrewsbury Street

Shrewsbury Street might not have many top sights, but Union Station and EcoTarium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shrewsbury Street
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Main South

Though Main South may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fitton Field and The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Main South
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Forest Grove

Forest Grove might not have many top sights, but Elm Park and Worcester Art Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Forest Grove
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Union HIll

When in Union HIll, you can plan a visit to Union Station and The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Union HIll
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Webster Square

When in Webster Square, you can plan a visit to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and Mechanics Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Webster Square
The Arcadian Hotel

The Arcadian Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1200 Beacon St, Brookline, MA
The price is £157 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£157
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Brookline. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,258 reviews)
"We had an incredible stay at The Arcadian Hotel in Brookline! From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome—kind, helpful, and always friendly. A special shoutout to Alberto, the manager, who went above and beyond and quickly felt more like a friend than hotel staff. The level ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Arcadian Hotel
The Charles Hotel

The Charles Hotel

4 out of 5
One Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA
The price is £287 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£287
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
"Love the rooms and the location."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Charles Hotel
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge

4 out of 5
400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA
The price is £182 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£182
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge
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.
Spacious 4-bedroom house in wonderful Worcester Area

Spacious 4-bedroom house in wonderful Worcester Area

Worcester, MA
Stay at this holiday home in Worcester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions DCU Center and Bowlero Worcester are located ...
Just right
"We had room for each of the adults, which included adult children. At these ages they no longer want to share a bed or bathroom with anyone. Perfect that we could come together, but have our own separate spaces. Very clean and comfortable with everything you need."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Spacious 4-bedroom house in wonderful Worcester Area
Home Near Skiing & Downtown Worcester

Home Near Skiing & Downtown Worcester

3 out of 5
Worcester
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Worcester. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions DCU Center and American Antiquarian ...
Home Near Skiing & Downtown Worcester
Worcester Home on Indian Lake w/ Shared Boat Dock!

Worcester Home on Indian Lake w/ Shared Boat Dock!

Worcester, Massachusetts
Stay at this holiday home in Worcester. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions DCU Center and Central Rock Climbing Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Amazing Place to Stay while in Worcester area
"If you are looking for a great place to stay while in the Worcester area family this place will fill your need. The peaceful view on the lake is amazing."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Worcester Home on Indian Lake w/ Shared Boat Dock!
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.

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