Tips for solo travellers in Boston

Boston is a good destination for solo travellers. It’s very walkable, a manageable size, has a historical atmosphere, and there’s a range of activities you can do on your own. Travelling in Boston can feel easier than in many larger American destinations, particularly if you plan your days around neighborhoods and budget carefully. Here are some tips to help you get the best out of a solo trip to Boston:

Pick the right area to stay in

Different districts create very different solo travel experiences, so when searching for affordable stays in Boston think about transport access, walkability, amenities close by, distance from your must-see attractions, and so on. As a quick primer, here are some of the areas you might consider:

• Back Bay has a central location with plenty of good cafes and restaurants. It’s usually a bit pricier than less central locations, but it will put you close to many attractions, which makes things nice and easy for first-time visitors. 
• North End is a historic area with great food and a lot to see and do. It can get very busy during peak tourist times, and it’s also on the pricier side, but it’s a very walkable area with good transport links to the rest of the city.
• Cambridge is across the river, and can be a bit cheaper than the city itself. As a student town, you’ll find a slightly calmer pace and plenty of independent cafes and bookstores.
• Seaport is a modern, polished area with great waterfront walks and upscale hotels with all mod cons. It can be expensive in some areas, but other areas are surprisingly affordable.

Walk with confidence

Boston is great for independent exploration, not least because the city is so walkable. You don’t need to spend exhausting hours navigating the city’s traffic – you can get from attraction to attraction on foot with relative ease. 

Many solo travellers find that walking creates a more authentic, natural experience. Arguably, you’ll get a much better feel for the city when you’re walking through the historic architecture, stopping at cafes and stores that catch your eye, and experiencing the city’s atmosphere at ground level. You’ll miss out on a lot if you seal yourself behind a windshield and a steering wheel. 

There are lots of walking trails that will take you from attraction to attraction. The Freedom Trail, for example, runs from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, passing 16 major historical landmarks and attractions on the way. It’s 2.5 miles long, so can easily be done in a single morning or afternoon. 

Similarly, the Charles River Paths give easy access to waterfront locations like the Museum of Science. It’s a popular and safe trail that solo travellers can use with confidence.

Make solo dining part of the experience

Boston has a rich and varied food scene. You’ll find pretty much any cuisine you could name here, from Indian to Thai, Lao, Middle Eastern, French, Italian, Chinese, and more. When travelling alone, dining can feel isolating, and many solo travellers opt for sandwiches in their hotel rooms rather than head into a restaurant on their own. However, we’d strongly advise you to put your worries aside and proudly head into restaurants and cafes as a solo diner. 

Boston is well set-up for solo diners. There’s a wealth of cafes, casual restaurants, and bars which are very used to serving people on their own, and even busy high-end venues usually have counter space for solo patrons. 

What’s more, solo dining gives you a lot more flexibility and choice than you might have were you travelling in a group – you can eat what you want when you want rather than having to negotiate mealtimes with others. You can pop into Italian cafes and bakeries that catch your eye in the North End, sample as much seafood as you like by the waterfront, and peruse as many food halls and markets as you please. So, embrace the freedom and spontaneity of solo dining in Boston, and don’t restrict yourself to sad solo sandwiches in your room!

Use museums and cultural spaces strategically

Museums are great for solo travellers, as you can move at your own pace and usually don’t have to pay much. In fact, it’s often better to visit museums on your own, as you don’t have to crowd up small galleries, and you can spend as long as you like on exhibitions that catch your interest. 

Boston is known worldwide for its strong academic and cultural institutions, which makes it perfect for the culture-loving solo traveller. Notable places to visit include:
 • The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
 • The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
 • Harvard campus areas (in Cambridge, across the river)
 • The Boston Public Library.

It’s worth noting that these places are usually quieter on termtime weekdays, and that they sometimes have discounted entry periods, so it’s worth checking the website of anywhere you’re planning to visit before setting out.

Stay aware, but don’t be afraid

Boston is generally a safe, manageable place for solo travellers – in fact, it’s one of the very safest cities in the USA. However, it’s still worth practicing the kind of basic awareness you would in any city. Avoid poorly-lit areas late at night, hold onto your valuables in busy areas and on public transport, and only use official taxis or reputable rideshare companies.

Be aware of the weather

The weather in Boston can be very changeable, so keep a close eye on the weather forecast. As a general rule, winters can be harsh and summers can be humid, so pack accordingly if you’re visiting in those seasons. Fall, meanwhile, is often busy due to the volume of people travelling to Massachusetts for the fall foliage. 

Whatever season you’re visiting, pack clothing that you can layer, and comfortable walking shoes for the amount of walking you’re likely to do. Before you plan to spend long periods of time outdoors in any season, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Conclusion

Boston is a great place to visit alone. It’s compact, walkable, safe, and has a huge amount to see and do. With a little planning and appropriate packing for the season, you can have a fantastic time on your own in Boston. Don’t be afraid to dine on your own, take your time over museums and cultural attractions, and have fun on your solo trip to Boston!

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