Cheap Flights To Boston

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Cheap Flights To Boston

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
Located in the heart of New England, Boston is a beautiful city rich in history and culture. Encompassing less than 50-square-miles, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and home to many prestigious colleges and universities, including Boston University, Harvard and M.I.T.

First-timers to Boston are often captivated by the historic New England-style architecture found throughout the city. Despite its timeless and classic appearance, it is one of the most modern cities in America.

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When to Go
High Season
For most of the year, exploring Boston on foot is ideal. The Boston Common, a 50-acre park, lies in the heart of the city. Newbury Street, an upscale shopping district, and many of the city's historical sites, including Faneuil Hall (home to historic buildings, shopping and dining), are primarily outdoor attractions.

Low Season
The colder winter months are a great time to visit some of Boston’s most famous museums and take in many indoor cultural activities.

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Airport Information
Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
Distance: Approximately four miles from downtown Boston
Drive time: 15 to 30 minutes

Taxis, van services, buses, the MBTA trains (Boston’s mass transit system, called the “T”), and water taxis or rental cars are available from the airport to downtown. With ongoing Big Dig construction, getting downtown can take slightly longer than normal.

Alternative Airports
Providence T.G. Green Airport (PVD) - 59 miles from downtown Boston
Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT) - 50 miles from downtown Boston
Bradley International Airport (BDL) - 106 miles from downtown Boston

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Weather
Boston experiences four distinct seasons, but the weather is often unpredictable. During the winter months, snow, ice and rain are common. Things warm up around April when spring arrives. July is typically the warmest month, while temps cool down again in autumn.

Dress in layers when traveling to Boston. During the winter months, a warm jacket, sweater, along with a hat and gloves, are musts. Layers help in the spring and fall with warmer days, but cooler nights.

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Things to Do
Walking Tours
Take a self-paced walking tour of downtown Boston and navigate your way to 16 historic sites along the famous Freedom Trail, including Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s home, The Boston Common and the Old North Church. The Freedom Trail Foundation offers guided 90-minute walking tours for $6.00 per person.

Cheers Boston
While the actual pub barely resembles its television counterpart, enjoy the Cheers Boston pub/restaurant, the basis for the hit sitcom Cheers.

The Prudential Center
The Prudential Center office building is the tallest structure in Boston. Explore an indoor, upscale shopping mall on the ground floor or take enclosed walkways to Copley Place, another multi-level mall. SkyWalk, an observation deck at the top of the Prudential Center, offers a spectacular view of Boston’s skyline (check site for fees). While you’re up there, enjoy the restaurant and lounge, Top of the Hub.

TD Banknorth Garden
The Boston Celtics (NBA) and Bruins (NHL) play in the historic 19,600 seat arena TD Banknorth Garden (Boston Garden). Open since 1928 and refurbished in 2006, the arena hosts concerts and other events in addition to sports games.

Boston Theatre District
Boston’s Theatre District boasts several historic theatres: the Wang Theatre, the Boston Opera House, Colonial Theatre, Shubert Theater and Charles Playhouse. These theaters offer ongoing resident shows (such as Blue Man Group), touring Broadway shows and other entertainment. TKTS Booths (Faneuil Hall, The Boston Common and others within the theatre district) often offer same-day, half-price show tickets.

Boston Orchestras
Music lovers from everywhere travel here to experience two of the most famous orchestras in America, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops.

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Local Attractions
The Boston Museum of Science
For a full day of exploration, visit the Boston Museum of Science. In addition to permanent exhibits, there are traveling exhibits throughout the year and a state-of-the-art planetarium and an IMAX theatre on-site. Through early 2010, the museum features "Harry Potter: The Exhibition."

Boston Children’s Museum
For a family outing, the Boston Children’s Museum offers indoor, interactive exhibits and special programs dealing with science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness and the arts.

New England Aquarium
Located on Boston’s waterfront, the New England Aquarium features aquatic exhibits and shows plus an IMAX theatre. Seals, sharks and penguins are the most popular animal residents. It is open daily with reasonable admission, but note that the public parking lot next to the aquarium is pricey.

Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Founded in 1870, the famous Boston Museum of Fine Arts has become one of the great encyclopedic art museums in the world. The museum’s collection is comprised of more than 450,000 objects representing several periods and cultures. The museum’s American Wing opens in November 2010.

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Must See Sights
Harvard Square
Located nearby in Cambridge, Harvard Square is home to prestigious Harvard University. Featuring classic New England architecture, the Harvard Square area offers shopping, fine dining and several places to explore surrounding the college. Take the “T,” as area parking can be difficult.

Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston is divided into unique regions, each with its own history, architectureand atmosphere. Located close to the waterfront is the North End, Boston’s Little Italy. Enjoy a truly authentic Italian meal among the dozens of charming restaurants and bakeries here.

Fenway Park
For baseball fans, watching the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park is a must. This timeless outdoor stadium opened in 1912. If you can’t catch a game, guided 50-minute walking tours of the stadium are offered daily.

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Insider Tips

• Pre-purchase a Boston CityPass, one of the best ways see five popular attractions: the New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Prudential Skywalk Observatory, and the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.The cost is $44 per adult pass; visit each attraction and you'll save about 50 percent.
• The GoBoston Card, is a flat-rate ticket offering unlimited admission to over 70 popular attractions. Save up to 55 percent with purchase. Check the official website for details.

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Getting Around
Walking or using the MBTA train/subway system is the most economical way to explore Boston. Use the MBTA’s online Trip Planner to outline travel routes, which is accessible by mobile phone, too.

Renting a car can be costly; parking is expensive and metered street parking is limited. An alternative? Rent a ZipCar (866-4-ZIPCAR) for as little as $7.00 per hour. Membership and pre-registration are required.

Taxis are available throughout Boston up to a 20-mile radius. Based on metered fares, there’s also a $.46 per minute waiting/traffic charge.

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