Welcome to Boston, a city where American history comes alive on every cobblestone street. As a premier port of call on Canada & New England itineraries, Boston offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern energy. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line frequently dock here, drawn by the city's rich heritage, world-class museums, and incredible walkability. For cruise passengers, it's an unparalleled opportunity to step off the ship and directly into the heart of the American Revolution.
The top attraction for any visitor is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red-brick line that winds through the city, connecting 16 significant historic sites. You can walk it at your own pace or join a guided tour.
A short taxi ride from the port will take you to the Charlestown Navy Yard, home to the USS Constitution Museum. Here you can tour "Old Ironsides," the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. No visit is complete without stopping at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a bustling complex of shops, restaurants, and street performers that has been a central meeting point for centuries.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
For those looking to venture beyond the city, several historic towns are accessible for a day trip. Salem, Massachusetts, famous for its 1692 witch trials, is about 45 minutes north by car or commuter rail and offers a fascinating, spooky history.
History buffs can also visit Lexington and Concord, the sites where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. Located about 30-40 minutes west of Boston, these towns are rich with historical landmarks. Just across the Charles River, Cambridge is home to the prestigious Harvard University and MIT, easily reached via a short subway ride.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
Cruise ships dock at the Flynn Cruiseport Boston, located in the South Boston neighborhood. The terminal is situated approximately 2-3 miles from the historic downtown core and popular attractions like the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Due to the distance, walking to the city center is not practical for most visitors. Taxis, ride-sharing services, or cruise line shuttles are the recommended modes of transport. The modern cruise terminal is designed for efficient passenger processing and does not have extensive shopping or dining amenities itself. All ships dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not necessary.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
The official currency in Boston is the US Dollar (USD). Other currencies, such as the Euro, are not accepted for transactions.
Credit cards are widely accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. For currency exchange, it's best to visit a major bank or use services at Logan International Airport, though using an ATM typically offers a better exchange rate.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
Boston is generally considered a very safe city for tourists to explore independently. The main tourist areas, including the Freedom Trail, Back Bay, and the North End, are well-populated and monitored.
As in any major city, it's wise to practice standard safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places like Faneuil Hall Marketplace to avoid pickpockets, and secure your valuables. While the city is safe overall, it's best to stick to well-lit, busy areas if exploring at night. Guided tours are a great option but are not necessary for safety reasons.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
The main cruise season in Boston runs from late spring through fall. Summers (June-August) are typically warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18-29°C). Light clothing is recommended, along with a jacket for cooler evenings.
Autumn (September-October) is a popular time to visit due to the stunning fall foliage. The weather is crisp and cool, with temperatures between 45°F and 65°F (7-18°C), making layers essential. Rain is possible at any time, so packing a compact umbrella or a waterproof jacket is always a good idea. While the official hurricane season extends through November, the risk of a direct impact on Boston is relatively low.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
Getting around Boston from the cruise port is straightforward. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for a direct trip to downtown, typically costing $15-$25.
The city's public transit system, the MBTA (or "the T"), is an excellent option. The Silver Line bus (Route SL2) provides a direct connection from Flynn Cruiseport to South Station, a major hub where you can access the subway's Red Line. For a comprehensive sightseeing experience, consider a hop-on, hop-off bus tour like the Old Town Trolley Tour, which covers all the major attractions.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
Boston offers a diverse shopping experience for cruise passengers. For upscale boutiques and designer brands, a stroll down Newbury Street in the Back Bay neighborhood is a must. Nearby, the Prudential Center and Copley Place offer indoor mall shopping with a wide range of popular retailers.
For souvenirs and a more historic atmosphere, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the perfect spot. Here you can find everything from Boston-themed apparel to local artisan goods. Look for nautical-themed items, memorabilia from the city's famous sports teams, or replicas of historical documents as unique keepsakes. Prices in stores are fixed, and bargaining is not a common practice.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
A Hub Town tour offers a classic introduction to Boston's revolutionary past, guiding you along the historic Freedom Trail to see sites like Faneuil Hall and the Old State House. You'll walk in the footsteps of patriots and experience the heart of the American Revolution firsthand.
A private tour provides a completely customized Boston experience tailored to your interests, from exploring the charming streets of Beacon Hill to focusing on specific historical sites. Enjoy the city at your own pace with a dedicated guide for your group alone.
At Boston Foodie tours, you can taste your way through the city's celebrated culinary scene. These excursions often include sampling New England clam chowder, fresh lobster rolls, and cannolis in the Italian North End.
The Boston Private Driving City tour is ideal for covering more ground with ease and comfort. See the diverse architecture of the Back Bay, drive past Fenway Park, and even journey across the Charles River to Cambridge.
This tour is the perfect way to orientate yourself to Boston, covering not just the historic Freedom Trail but all the city's unique neighborhoods. Your fully licensed guide will share the history and legends of the city, along with current fun facts and light-hearted stories. Travel in comfort and style in luxury, livery-insured vehicles as you see the entire city.
Explore Boston's role in ending slavery on this 2.5-hour small-group walking tour along the Black Heritage Trail in historic Beacon Hill. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you will visit Underground Railroad sites, elite homes, and abolitionist landmarks like the African Meeting House. Through captivating storytelling, you will delve into the tumultuous years from 1833 to 1863 and hear the gripping story of local Bostonians who demanded an end to injustice.
Experience Boston in a unique way on this walking tour all around the great city. As you explore the sights that stand today, your guide will show you historical photos of the exact spots where you are standing. Prepare to see Boston as you never could imagine, connecting the past directly with the present.
Experience an immersive and authentic food tour of Boston's North End, also known as Little Italy. Your guide, a lifelong resident of the neighborhood, shares first-hand knowledge of the Italian culture and foods, along with personal stories of growing up in the area. This meticulously curated tour explores the neighborhood's culture dating back to the late 1800s, so be sure to come hungry for this unforgettable experience.
Discover Boston’s leading role in the American fight for women’s suffrage on a 2.5-hour, small-group walking tour. Starting from Boston Common, your local guide will lead you through the elegant Back Bay neighborhood, visiting landmarks like the Public Garden and iconic Copley Square. Using a captivating storytelling approach, you will walk in the footsteps of prolific activists and hear tales from the tumultuous decades culminating in women earning the right to vote.
Walk the world-famous Freedom Trail with an expert historian, visiting 11 of the 16 official landmarks. This tour delves deeply into the tumultuous years from 1768 to 1775, exploring Boston's principal role in launching the American Revolution. The experience concludes at a local brewery with delicious beer tasting and an all-inclusive lunch featuring New England favorites like lobster rolls and clam chowder.
This half-day tour, priced per group, combines a 90-minute walk with driving to show you the entire city. You will stroll through the historic North End to see sites like the Old North Church and Paul Revere's house before visiting the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill. The tour continues with a ride through Downtown, Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, and even over to Cambridge to see Harvard and MIT.
Sample iconic Boston dishes on this tasty stroll through the city's downtown area. You'll be treated to some of the city's best spots for Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Boston Baked Beans, and Boston Cream Pie. This unique tour combines delicious food with fascinating, lesser-known history from sites along the Freedom Trail, allowing you to discover Boston in a delicious way.
Take in fresh seafood with a side of history on this delicious walking tour with a local guide. Walk from the iconic Boston Harbor along the Freedom Trail and into beautiful Beacon Hill, trying tasty lobster rolls and hearty clam chowder. This tour features other regional dishes and promotes responsibly sourced, sustainable seafood.
Arrange for private, luxury chauffeur services for special events, airport transportation, or any of your personal transportation needs. This reliable and affordable service features professional, on-time drivers, flight tracking software, and no hidden fees. The team is available 24/7 to accommodate last-minute wishes for a night on the town or other excursions.
Immerse yourself in colonial history on this six-hour driving tour narrated by a professional historian and experienced guide. You will see the sights and hear the stories of Boston's colonial past, with ample opportunities for taking pictures along the way. Excellent for seasoned historians and students alike, this tour also includes a meal break in Concord or another location as directed.
Explore Boston's Little Italy on this North End tour, offering a unique perspective from its native Bostonian founder. The tour covers topics ranging from the best eats to history, crime, and movies, enriched with personal stories you can't find online. Discover surprises along the way, including hidden gems and sites that are not what they appear to be, but please note that the tour cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.
Guided by a local musician, this walking tour explores Boston’s rock and roll past and present in the Fenway neighborhood. Visit the sites of legendary venues like the Rat and the Boston Tea Party, which was The Velvet Underground’s favorite place to play. Learn how the city sparked a musical revolution and trace its impact on iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Nirvana.
Explore Boston's beautiful Back Bay neighborhood, a masterclass in 19th and 20th-century American architecture. This tour combines sightseeing with indulgence, featuring chocolate tastings at four different locations. You will sample everything from artisanal hot chocolate and cupcakes to legendary cookies, while also visiting two gorgeous art galleries.
Join a local guide for a 2-hour walking tour along the Freedom Trail, from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall. Stroll past historic cemeteries, the old and new State Houses, and the site of the Boston Massacre, hearing the true history and stories behind them. See where the Boston Tea Party and Revolution were planned on the same streets once roamed by Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, and George Washington.
Take a 1-hour, behind-the-scenes private tour of the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre, one of Boston’s most prominent landmarks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this grand theatre boasts a seating capacity of 3,500 and one of the five largest stages in the U.S. Your tour also includes an exclusive look at The Music Hall, part of the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.
See Boston's historic landmarks and modern attractions in just one hour on this fast-paced tour. Starting from State Street, you will make your way along parts of the Freedom Trail to see iconic sites like Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, the Zakim Bridge, and TD Garden. You will also learn about the Big Dig and feel the cool breeze as you glide along Compass Point for stunning waterfront views.
Hire a private guide for an entertaining and educational 90-minute walking tour of the Freedom Trail. This tour covers the first 11 historic sites from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall, with a focus on the fascinating stories of America's founding patriots. Since the tour is private, you can take your time, ask any questions you want, and arrange a start time for your convenience.
Visit the infamous town of Salem on this four-hour, half-day tour with pickup from downtown Boston. Your trip includes a walking tour of Salem's sites and movie scenes, with stories of what happened before, during, and after the Witch Trials. The tour can be customized with an option to enter a main Salem attraction or visit the town of Marblehead for amazing ocean views instead.
Explore the Boston Common and Beacon Hill areas on this private walking tour designed for film buffs. Guided by a local actor, you will visit more than 30 locations from famous movies and TV shows. This tour is a great way to explore many of Boston's famous attractions with a unique and entertaining twist.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at Flynn Cruiseport Boston; alternatively, the Silver Line SL2 bus offers a direct route to South Station for connections to the 'T' subway system and downtown.
Key attractions include the historic Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and the North End, all a short taxi/rideshare or accessible via public transport from South Station. The Seaport District, with the Institute of Contemporary Art, is also close to the cruise terminal.
Try New England clam chowder or lobster rolls, widely available, especially at Quincy Market. The Seaport District near the terminal has many modern dining options, while the North End is famed for its authentic Italian cuisine.
The local currency is United States Dollar (1 USD = 1.00 USD). The local currency is the US Dollar (USD); ATMs are widespread throughout the city, including at major transit hubs like South Station and in commercial areas such as the Seaport District or Downtown Crossing.
Cruises typically visit from late spring to early fall (May-October), with temperatures ranging from 50-80°F (10-27°C); pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket.
Carson Beach in South Boston is relatively close to the port, accessible by a short taxi ride. Revere Beach, America's first public beach, can be reached via the MBTA Blue Line subway.
Popular shore excursions include guided Freedom Trail walks, Duck Tours, or trips to Cambridge or Salem; these can be booked through your cruise line for convenience or independently for potentially more options.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace offers many souvenir shops, while Newbury Street provides upscale boutiques. Look for Boston-themed apparel, local artisan crafts, or items from its famous universities or sports teams.
Consider a visit to historic Salem, known for its witch trials, accessible by ferry or commuter rail. Cambridge, home to Harvard University and MIT, is a short subway ride away on the Red Line.
Boston is home to the first subway system in the United States, which opened in 1897, and also claims America's oldest public park, Boston Common, established in 1634.
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