Local knowledge please !

Question

Hi everyone, we arrive in sept for a 4 night trip to Boston . Think we have our itinerary correct by following advice given on here to other travellers . Would really appreciate help now pointing us in the direction of places to base ourselves . Now we are at the point of booking accommodation we are surprised at the cost ! Travelled to states many times but never to Boston , so we are happy to walk , jump on public transport rather than pay the high cost of central hotels . Could anyone please suggest a safe pleasant area to base maybe half hour or so away from the main tourist attractions so we can get the cost down . We aren’t picking up a hire car this time as we understand Boston is walkable ? Hoping for around $300 a night … is that realistic ?

Thank you so much

Answer

Boston is a compact and walkable city with an excellent public transportation system, so it’s entirely possible to stay a bit outside the downtown/tourist core and still have easy access to the main attractions. September is a popular month for visitors, so hotel prices are higher than in the winter months, but $300 per night is realistic if you look slightly beyond the immediate downtown area or consider boutique hotels and well-rated chain hotels.

Here are some neighborhoods and areas to consider for a balance of safety, walkability, and lower cost:

Cambridge: Home to Harvard and MIT, Cambridge (especially Harvard Square or Kendall Square) offers charming streets, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a 10–15 minute subway ride (Red Line) into downtown Boston. Safe and vibrant, with easy access to public transport.
Back Bay: While central and a bit pricier, areas like Fenway or near Kenmore Square can offer slightly lower rates than downtown proper. Close to the Boston Public Library, Copley Square, and museums. Walkable to many attractions and well-served by the Green Line subway.
Brookline: Just west of Boston, Brookline is residential, safe, and pleasant. Accessible via the Green Line, it provides a quieter stay and is about 15–20 minutes to downtown attractions.
Jamaica Plain: A bit further out, but a trendy and safe neighborhood with parks, cafes, and a strong local vibe. Orange Line subway access makes downtown reachable in 20–25 minutes.
Somerville: Particularly Davis Square or Union Square areas. Trendy, safe, with restaurants, breweries, and cafes. Red Line or bus connections make it easy to reach downtown in 20–30 minutes.

Additional tips for booking:

Use public transit options: Boston’s “T” subway and buses are extensive, so staying near a T station can save you money while keeping travel convenient.
Check boutique hotels or well-reviewed chains slightly outside downtown—they often provide more space for a lower price than core-area hotels.
Consider Airbnb or vacation rentals, especially in Cambridge, Brookline, or Somerville. They can be surprisingly affordable and often have kitchen facilities.
Book early: September is still a high season due to pleasant weather and academic calendars, so early booking may secure better rates within your budget.

In summary, you can safely base yourself in Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, or near Fenway/Kenmore for a pleasant stay under $300 per night while still being within 30 minutes of the main Boston attractions via walking or public transit. Prioritize proximity to a subway stop and good reviews to make the most of your trip without paying downtown premiums.

Local knowledge please !

More Boston Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions