A Guide to Boston’s Most Vibrant Neighborhoods

Downtown Boston & Financial District

You are here. The Dagny offers a magnificently multifaceted experience at the border of the city’s bustling business hub and some of its most historic attractions. During the week, the Financial District buzzes with business lunches, coffee runs, and foot traffic to and from the many modern office buildings lining the streets. If your business in Boston is purely professional, you’ll be just a few blocks away from Post Office Square, the Exchange Place and International Place complexes.

Beyond the hustle, there’s another world on the other side of The Dagny’s doorstep  — historic Downtown Boston. Even with a whole city to explore, some of its most famed attractions await steps away. Find parks, plazas, and gardens galore in nearby green spaces like the Boston Common and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Discover some of the finer things in life at the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. For a local lunch and history lesson, head over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market — a popular stop on the iconic Freedom Trail, a path connecting 16 nationally significant historic sites.

Beacon Hill

Take a picture-perfect journey to beautiful Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods with a cobblestone charm that never seems to fade. But Beacon Hill is never quite frozen in time. If the narrow gaslit streets and Federal-era brick houses make you feel like you’ve transported back to a different time, some of the city’s most locally-loved dining and shopping will plant you firmly in the present.

To see the beauty of Beacon Hill encapsulated in a single glance, venture to Acorn Street, named one of the most beautiful streets in the world by Architectural Digest. We could go on about its red brick sidewalks and hanging ivy, but some things you just have to see for yourself. Stroll along Charles Street and pass by a curated collection of tightly-packed clothing boutiques, beauty salons, specialty grocers, antique stores, and more. While you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to stop by some of the city’s finest landmarks like Massachusetts State House, the Museum of African American History, and the Charles River Esplanade.

Back Bay

Victorian and Edwardian-style townhouses. Festivals and farmers’ markets. High-end dining and eclectic shopping. Back Bay is a classic Boston beauty dating back to the mid-1800s, where you’ll find locals and visitors roaming charming streets, dotted with boutiques, galleries, cafés, and other welcome distractions.

Find couture among the cobblestones on Newbury Street, an eight-block shopping district where designer boutiques like Chanel and Ralph Lauren neighbor upscale and popular brands like rag & bone, Madewell, and Le Labo. For more retail adventures, the nearby Copley Place and Prudential Center offer elevated shopping and luxury labels.

Continue your journey through bygone days with a stop at Copley Square, where you’ll find some of Boston’s most iconic structures and landmarks like the ornate Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, and the Boston Marathon finish line. Walk through the Victoria-era Public Garden. When the weather is warm, visitors can glide across the lagoon on whimsical swan boats, a Boston tradition since 1877. In the winter, there’s no better place to admire a fresh snowfall or enjoy some pond skating.

North End

Let the smell of fresh-baked bread and roasted garlic lead you to Boston’s North End, a neighborhood defined by its rich Italian history. With very little parking and narrow streets, this is an area best explored by foot.

For social-style dining, ever-changing seasonal menus, and legendary meatballs, don’t miss Table Boston. For Northern Italian cuisine, historical ambiance, and incredible views outside, dine at Mamma Maria. For enormous portions, Roman-style fare, and a family atmosphere, nothing beats La Familia Giorgio’s. For something sweet or an after-dinner cappuccino, make a stop at Bova’s Bakery or Mike’s Pastry.

Iit’s not all cannoli and home-rolled pasta. In the North End, you’ll be in the good company of century-old buildings and some of  The Freedom Trail’s most popular stops — the Old North Church, Paul Revere House, and Copp’s Burying Ground.

Fenway-Kenmore

You know the name, but do know the neighborhood? Fenway-Kenmore’s claim to fame is none other than Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Even if you’re not a sports fan, America’s most beloved ballpark will have you singing “Sweet Caroline” in no time. If you’re visiting in the off-season, Fenway also offers hour-long tours where you’ll see some of the venue’s most famous quirks, like the Green Monster, The Red Seat, and its impeccably preserved original scoreboard.

There’s so much to explore beyond the ballpark. This neighborhood bustles with students year-round as one of the city’s academic hubs, home to 17 colleges and universities — including Boston Latin School, America’s first public school. You’ll find a lively stretch of bars and nightlife on nearby Landsdowne Street, from sports bars to clubs and gaming rooms. And if your idea of a big night out involves an exciting new exhibition or rich harmonies and evocative melodies, Fenway-Kenmore is also home to cultural gems like Symphony Hall and Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Boston Beckons

Pair your adventure through Boston’s charming neighborhoods with the perfect offer. Our Curiosity & Reflection package includes day passes for two to the Boston Athenaeum — one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States — a Dagny-branded Moleskine journal, two Dagny-branded mugs, and a box of Boston Harbor tea with five tea bags.