Every year, numerous holidays are celebrated in Boston.
Below are the main dates for these festivities:
A federal holiday in the United States, celebrating the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. In recent years, it has increasingly been seen as a day of service, when Americans are encouraged to volunteer to help others less fortunate than themselves. In Boston, exhibitions, gospel concerts, and debates take place at the Museum of African-American History.
Late January-Early February : Chinese New Year (national)Chinese New Year is celebrated annually in Chinatown with a parade and fireworks.
The weekend before or after 17 March : Saint Patrick's Day Parade (local)Colourful floats line the parade route through South Boston, home to one of the largest Irish communities in the United States. Between 600,000 and a million people attend, as Saint Patrick is the city's Patron Saint. A very festive atmosphere!
Third Monday of April : Patriot's Day (local)The Patriot's Day holiday in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin commemorates the first battle of the American Revolution with re-enactments and performances.
Third Monday of April : Boston Marathon (local)The world's oldest marathon attracts more than 25,000 runners. The 42-kilometre route starts west of Boston in Hopkinton and finishes in front of the Boston Public Library.
July 4 : Halloween (national)A federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Celebrated with parades, military marches and fireworks.
October 31 : Thanksgiving (national)During this national holiday, for many Americans the most important of the year, most Bostonians share a traditional meal with friends and family.
Fourth Thursday of November : Thanksgiving (national)Originally a Christian religious observance, for many years Thanksgiving has been a secular holiday in the United States, celebrated by Americans of all faiths. Families come together to prepare and enjoy a large feast at home. The meal typically includes roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce as well as various side dishes and ends with an assortment of pies (pumpkin, pecan, apple).
December 25 : Christmas (national) December 31 : First Night Boston (local)On New Year's Eve, the streets of Boston host concerts, dance performances, street food and art displays.
Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | –6/21,2 | 3/37,4 | 90/3,5 | Not the best period to go |
February | –5/23 | 4/39,2 | 83/3,7 | Not the best period to go |
March | –1/30,2 | 7/44,6 | 96/3,8 | Not the best period to go |
April | 4/39,2 | 13/55,4 | 88/3,5 | Not the best period to go |
May | 10/50 | 20/68 | 78/3,1 | Not the best period to go |
June | 15/59 | 25/77 | 80/3,1 | Good period to go
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July | 18/64,4 | 28/82,4 | 83/3,3 | Good period to go
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August | 18/64,4 | 27/80,6 | 90/3,5 | Good period to go
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September | 14/57,2 | 23/73,4 | 80/3,1 | Good period to go
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October | 9/48,2 | 18/64,4 | 83/3,2 | Good period to go
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November | 3/37,4 | 10/50 | 90/3,5 | Not the best period to go |
December | –3/26,6 | 5/41 | 85/3,3 | Not the best period to go |
Boston-Logan International Airport is located in East Boston, roughly five kilometres from the city centre.
Boston has a great subway, bus, and water taxi service, but it is also easy to get around on foot.
If your stay does not exceed three months, a French driving license obtained at least one year prior to rental is enough to drive in Boston. For longer stays, you must pass the driving license of your state of residence. It is very difficult to park in the centre and the parking lots are expensive (about USD 40 for 24 hours). Use public transport. The city is easily covered on foot.
With nearly 170 lines, Boston and its surrounding areas are well served by buses, which run between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. Schedules and length of service nevertheless vary. Bus info is available on the MBTA website www.mbta.com.
Bus stops are not clearly indicated, which can make it difficult to use for visitors. A ticket costs USD 2.00. With a CharlieCard, tickets are USD 1.70 only.
Day and week passes (USD 12 and 21.25) can be purchased at subway stations. Children under 11 travel free when accompanied by an adult.
The ‘T' is the oldest subway system in the United States. Its four lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) service the city centre and all of Greater Boston, including Cambridge. Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (approximately).
Tickets and prices are the same as for buses.
Boston's water taxis provide rapid, efficient, and pleasurable transit service on the waterfront and to the airport. Several companies operate this service, including MBTA. A ticket costs around USD 12.
Boston counts numerous taxi companies, all pretty expensive. You can identify the official taxi cabs by their roof sign. A short trip inside city limits costs between USD 10 and 20 if traffic is light.
Upon your arrival in Boston, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
Greater Boston Convention & Visitors BureauOffers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
The visitor information desks provide a wealth of information on Boston and its whereabouts. Listed below are the main addresses:
Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
In order to travel in the best conditions and for your health and safety, we invite you to check all information regarding preventive measures and best practices to be respected, available on the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/
Your comfort, well-being and health are at the heart of Air France's concerns, and we want to help you prepare for your trip in the best way possible. Find out more about the measures taken to ensure safe travelling on our website: https://www.airfrance.fr/FR/en/common/page_flottante/information/coronavirus.htm#notre-engagement-sanitaire
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Boston counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
No vaccination is required to enter the United States. However, a diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination before departure is recommended.
AIR FRANCE VACCINATION CENTREFor more information, contact the Air France Vaccination Centre:
There are no food safety risks in Boston.
WaterTap water is safe to drink in Boston.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens or nationals of various countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, whether for tourism or business.
For further information, see the Visitor Visa page on the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Boston, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Tipping
In Boston as in the rest of the United States, a service charge is not included in the bill and tips form a major portion of income for waiting staff. Prices on restaurant menus are indicated before taxes and tips. You are therefore expected to leave a tip (generally between 15 and 20 percent of the bill). Tipping less than 15 percent (or leaving no tip at all) means that you are very dissatisfied with the service.