Know Before You Go: Boston

The Silver Line (SL1) bus stops at all terminals at Boston Logan International Airport and goes directly to South Station in the city center, which is ideal for connecting to Amtrak and regional trains. Alternatively, the free on-airport shuttle bus takes travelers to Airport Station, where they can take the Blue Line to central subway stations, such as State Street and Government Center. The Logan Express provides direct, comfortable service to various parts of the city, particularly Back Bay. All of these connections are well-signed and easily accessible from the terminal.

Boston is a great city ​to explore on foot. The downtown area is compact and easy to navigate. For spontaneous outings or short trips, Bluebikes rental bikes are available at nearly 600 stations throughout the city.

Tipping is customary throughout the United States, including in Boston, and is expected in many situations. In ​restaurants, 15 to 20 percent of the bill is appropriate, while taxi drivers typically receive 10 to 15 percent. For services such as valet parking, it is customary to tip one to five dollars per service. Tipping shows appreciation for service providers while adhering to local customs.

Boston uses Type A and Type B outlets. Type A outlets have two flat, parallel prongs, while Type B outlets have two flat, parallel prongs and a round grounding prong. The mains voltage is 120 volts at 60 hertz, which is significantly lower than in many European countries. While this no longer matters for most modern electronic devices, travelers from Europe generally need an adapter to plug in their devices due to the different plug designs.

Exploring downtown Boston by car can quickly turn into quite an adventure. The streets wind through the city like a maze, one-way streets lurk around every corner, and free parking spots are scarce. To enjoy a relaxing day in Boston, leave the car behind and take the subway, rent a bike, or explore the city on foot. This allows you to discover the city without the stress and have plenty of time to enjoy its most beautiful spots.

Boston was one of the first U.S. cities to adopt gas streetlights. Public gas lighting was introduced here as early as the 1820s. In neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Charlestown, some of these lanterns still illuminate the streets today. Although many of today’s lamps are replicas, they serve as a reminder of the city’s early ​history and add a nostalgic touch to evening strolls.