Boston/South Boston
Discover Boston/South Boston
Honor. Tradition. Loyalty. If you're familiar with South Boston as presented on the silver screen, these values might spring foremost to your mind. You wouldn't be wrong, but a lot has changed since mob boss Whitey Bulger controlled his criminal underworld from here during the 1970s. The identity of "Southie", as it's known to locals, is being reshaped. Originally, South Boston was known as "Dorchester Neck", a small isthmus in northern Dorchester. Once all but disconnected from downtown, acres of land were created throughout the 19th century physically bringing the two towns together. This was a burgeoning area for maritime industries, and was first annexed by Boston in 1804, and then again in 1870. Southie really distinguished itself with the arrival of the Irish after the Great Famine in the mid 19th century.
What to Experience in Boston/South Boston
Taste of Boston/South Boston...
Due to the current state of gentrification, the amount and variety of price points in South Boston is immense. You will find the more expensive, trendier bistros in the seaport district to the north. As you get away from the T stations and further into the center of the neighborhood, prices begin to decrease. Get your wallet out! South Boston is a desirable location to spend the night due to its closeness to downtown and the convention center located here. If an event is in town, hotel prices will be correspondingly astronomical. The city is aware of this issue and they are trying to reduce costs by increasing supply. There are a few hotels under construction (as of Nov 2016) with more on the drawing boards, but unfortunately for you they are not available yet. The best way of mitigating the damage is to book far in advance, and to coordinate your calendar with the convention center's. You can also look at hotels in other areas of the city or try booking online with popular room-rental services. There are several chain coffee shops in Southie that offer free wi-fi facilities, they may restrict access during peak hours however.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Boston/South Boston.
Southie is not the city's premier shopping destination. No matter what changes it has undergone, at its heart, the neighborhood exists to serve its residents. The missing tourist shops and places to find goofy t-shirts speak volumes about the character of this locale. Due to the current state of gentrification, the amount and variety of price points in South Boston is immense. You will find the more expensive, trendier bistros in the seaport district to the north. As you get away from the T stations and further into the center of the neighborhood, prices begin to decrease. Get your wallet out! South Boston is a desirable location to spend the night due to its closeness to downtown and the convention center located here. If an event is in town, hotel prices will be correspondingly astronomical. The city is aware of this issue and they are trying to reduce costs by increasing supply.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsRed Line stations in the area are Broadway and Andrew. JFK/UMass station is in neighboring Dorchester, but is very close as well. Silver Line bus routes SL1 and SL2 run rapid transit service run between South Station and through the seaport district. The Courthouse, World Trade Center, and Silver Line Way stations are served by both routes. The SL2 route continues its loop through South Boston stopping at Harbor St, Tide St, 23 Dry Dock Ave, 88 Black Falcon Ave, and Design Center. While the SL1 branch veers off and heads away to Logan airport. For those trying to get deeper into South Boston, you'll need to ride the bus. Routes #5, #7, #9, #10, and #11 all start near City Point and connect to Red Line stops: South Station, Broadway, and Andrew. It's hard to overstate the impact of all the construction, and the neighborhood has been welcoming scores of new residents every month for years....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Southie is not the city's premier shopping destination. No matter what changes it has undergone, at its heart, the neighborhood exists to serve its residents. The missing tourist shops and places to find goofy t-shirts speak volumes about the character of this locale. Due to the current state of gentrification, the amount and variety of price points in South Boston is immense. You will find the more expensive, trendier bistros in the seaport district to the north. As you get away from the T stations and further into the center of the neighborhood, prices begin to decrease. Get your wallet out! South Boston is a desirable location to spend the night due to its closeness to downtown and the convention center located here. If an event is in town, hotel prices will be correspondingly astronomical. The city is aware of this issue and they are trying to reduce costs by increasing supply.
Where to Stay
Get your wallet out! South Boston is a desirable location to spend the night due to its closeness to downtown and the convention center located here. If an event is in town, hotel prices will be correspondingly astronomical. The city is aware of this issue and they are trying to reduce costs by increasing supply. There are a few hotels under construction (as of Nov 2016) with more on the drawing boards, but unfortunately for you they are not available yet. The best way of mitigating the damage is to book far in advance, and to coordinate your calendar with the convention center's. You can also look at hotels in other areas of the city or try booking online with popular room-rental services. There are several chain coffee shops in Southie that offer free wi-fi facilities, they may restrict access during peak hours however.
Money & Budget
Southie is not the city's premier shopping destination. No matter what changes it has undergone, at its heart, the neighborhood exists to serve its residents. The missing tourist shops and places to find goofy t-shirts speak volumes about the character of this locale. Due to the current state of gentrification, the amount and variety of price points in South Boston is immense. You will find the more expensive, trendier bistros in the seaport district to the north. As you get away from the T stations and further into the center of the neighborhood, prices begin to decrease. Get your wallet out! South Boston is a desirable location to spend the night due to its closeness to downtown and the convention center located here.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Boston/South Boston
Drone photo of buildings over 95 South highway in Back Bay, South Boston, MA near orange line station
Drone photo of buildings in Back Bay, South Boston, MA near orange line station
Drone photo of buildings in Back Bay, South Boston, MA near orange line station
Une autre perspective de la Old South Meeting House.
A view of downtown Boston's business district from the 33 Arch Street high-rise. The urban architecture is a mix of traditional building, 70s and 80s design, as well as modern styles.
Title: At Old Bridge on Northern Avenue - new apartment towers on waterfront Photographer: Halberstadt, Ernst, 1910-1987 Date: May 30, 1973 https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:2f75ts318
Clocher de la Old South Meeting House.
A golden-hour aerial view of Boston’s historic architecture, featuring the striking Cathedral of the Holy Cross illuminated by the setting sun. The intricate Gothic Revival details of this landmark contrast beautifully against the surrounding brownstones of the South End and the modern cityscape beyond. The warm light enhances the textures of the cathedral’s stone facade, while shadows add depth to the dense urban landscape. This image captures Boston’s rich architectural heritage, blending old and new in a dynamic city setting.
A stunning Boston sunrise bathes the city in warm hues, with the early morning light reflecting off the historic rooftops and buildings dusted in fresh snow. The towering presence of Cathedral of the Holy Cross stands out in the South End, while the distant glow of Boston Harbor adds depth to the skyline. The urban landscape transitions from shadow to golden illumination, capturing the serene beauty of winter in the city.
a church with a steeple and a clock tower
Drone photo of buildings over 95 South highway in Back Bay, South Boston, MA near orange line station
Drone photo of buildings in Back Bay, South Boston, MA near orange line station
Drone photo of buildings in Back Bay, South Boston, MA near orange line station