car hire boston
Pick up your hire car at Boston airport and head for this bright city with all the brains. Book car hire boston now
the 60-second guide to Boston
in its own head
"Look at us, we're the brainiest city in the US! And one of the oldest and most historically significant too."
but more realistically
Boston might have the reputation of being a sleepier city than the likes of New York, but it's very manageable and beautiful with loads of grand architecture thanks to all the historical and university buildings.
the vibe
Studious, as you'd expect. But friendly too, with an air of culture and sophistication.
the natives
Bostonians are amiable and welcoming, like most Americans. And these ones have rather interesting accents to boot, with strangely elongated vowels.
the weather
In July, it averages around 28 degrees, while in winters expect zero temperatures and snow.
the local speciality
Boston has what claims to be the oldest restaurant in America, Union Oyster House. Their seafood is fantastic.
the celebrity
Something of a roll call. Jack Lemmon, Aerosmith, Bobby Brown, Matt LeBlanc, New Kids on The Block, Matt Damon... All from Boston.
did you know?
The Bull & Finch Pub on Beacon Street was used in the popular sitcom Cheers.
they say
"Boston's freeway system was clearly designed by a person who had spent his childhood crashing toy trains." - author Bill Bryson
5 to see in town...
- 1. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- 2. Paul Revere House
- 3. Harvard University
- 4. Fenway Park
- 5. Longfellow National Historic Site
A tribute to the local and national hero John F Kennedy, who was born in nearby Brookline and studied at Harvard.
where to park?
Parking is free for museum visitors.
5 to see in town...
- 1. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- 2. Paul Revere House
- 3. Harvard University
- 4. Fenway Park
- 5. Longfellow National Historic Site
A hero of the American Revolution, Paul Revere wasn't too fond of the Brits. His house has been preserved since 1680 and offers a fascinating peak into olden times.
where to park?
Street parking around the house is limited, so try the lot on Atlantic Avenue.
5 to see in town...
- 1. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- 2. Paul Revere House
- 3. Harvard University
- 4. Fenway Park
- 5. Longfellow National Historic Site
All the best American egg heads end up at Harvard - it's their version of Oxford or Cambridge. Take a peek and you might spot future world leaders skipping lectures or drunkenly stealing traffic cones.
where to park?
Weekday parking permits are available at $10 per day. Get a permit by emailing parking@hms.harvard.edu
5 to see in town...
- 1. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- 2. Paul Revere House
- 3. Harvard University
- 4. Fenway Park
- 5. Longfellow National Historic Site
If you want to get your head around the American sport of baseball (essentially it's rounders, but best not mention that) this is the place to do it. It's home to the famous Boston Red Sox.
where to park?
There is very limited parking around the stadium, but you should find space at the public parking garages on Brookline Avenue, Longwood Avenue in the Longwood Medical Area and on Commonwealth Avenue on the Boston University campus. They're all a short walk away.
5 to see in town...
- 1. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- 2. Paul Revere House
- 3. Harvard University
- 4. Fenway Park
- 5. Longfellow National Historic Site
Once the headquarters of a certain George Washington, this place is now a decent museum, open to everyone.
where to park?
There is metered parking on streets nearby and several car parks in and around Harvard Square.
and 4 to drive to...
This big green expanse is home to Fort Independence, which once provided defence for Boston harbour and is made of granite. Good for snaps.
how to get there?
Take Route 3 until the JFK exit, then follow beach along William J Day Boulevard. Castle Island is at the end of the causeway.
and 4 to drive to...
An accessible city, well worth visiting to have a look at the nearby Mystic River, setting for the Oscar-winning film of the same name.
how to get there?
Head north west out of the city on the I-93. It only takes about 15 minutes to get to Medford.
and 4 to drive to...
Over 4,000 butterflies inhabit this large conservatory that makes for a serene day out.
how to get there?
Head west on the I-90. At Chicopee, take the I-91 north to South Deerfield. It should take just under two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
Provincetown offers gorgeous, pristine beaches just seconds from the town's trendy restaurants, shops, art galleries and clubs.
how to get there?
Head south out of Boston on RT3, which turns into RT6. Provincetown is at the far tip, about two hours away.
ask a boston cabbie!
Local taxi driver Michael Phillippe on car hire in Boston: "Unlike most cities in America, our streets aren't laid out in a grid system so the roads can take a while to get used to. There are a lot of one-way narrow streets, especially in and around the Theatre District and Church Town, but all in all driving in Boston is a pleasant experience. Some areas around Boston University and Bolyston Street are badly lit so be careful of pedestrians crossing the road. Parking varies depending on which part of Boston you are in, but car parks are usually cheaper than meters."