‘I visited US city that’s better than New York’

Dynamic New York or historic Boston. Which exciting city should you pick for a US city break?

While both cities have grand museums, modern theatres, landmark buildings, and an extensive public park, they each have a unique vibe, attractions, history and culture. While there are similarities, there are many noticeable differences between these two urban metropolises, which are only five hours apart.

As a travel journalist, Lonely Planet author, and host of the Travel Goals Podcast, I’ve been lucky enough to visit both cities many times and finally decided on a favourite – Boston.

Having extensively travelled around Boston, I think it’s got a distinctive charm that often rivals—and even surpasses—New York.

Imagine a highly walkable and buzzing city where you can stroll through historic streets, enjoy some of the freshest seafood and catch a ball game in the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

Yes, NYC has iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, but it’s incredibly crowded and congested, with 8.5 million people crammed into 300 square miles of city. You’ll need to battle crowds, trash and packed public transport to get anywhere in this concrete jungle.

Meanwhile, compact Boston has a falling crime rate, highly walkable clean streets and excellent public transport.

The largest city in New England also has world-class sporting teams, autumn colours, an incredible harbour, and arguably the best accent in the States. Chowdah, anyone?

Here’s why I think you should pick Boston over NYC for your next city break.

Walkability

One of the most important aspects of a city break is how accessible and walkable a city is. From the moment I arrived, Boston’s walkability and cleanliness stood out.

The city feels intimate and accessible, a stark contrast to the sprawling chaos of New York with its crowded sidewalks.

In Boston, you can leisurely explore 26 different neighbourhoods, each with a distinct character and story. Whether it’s the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, or the dynamic cultural mix of the North End, every corner of Boston feels easy to reach.

The Freedom Trail

One of the standout features that significantly enhances Boston’s walkability is the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile-long path weaves through the city’s heart, connecting historic sites like Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.

The popular trail is marked by a red brick line, making it easy for first-time visitors to follow without getting lost.

This 2.5-mile linear trail is embedded into city sidewalks and supplemented by official brochures and descriptive audio guides. Running from Boston Common to Bunker Hill, it leads to 16 historically significant sites, weaving together the threads of the revolution and allowing you to follow in the footsteps of those who laid the foundation for a new nation.

With its focus on modern skyscrapers and fast-paced lifestyle, New York can’t quite replicate this tangible connection to America’s revolutionary past and lacks a rival historic trail.

Revolutionary history

Boston’s revolutionary history is another major draw. Two hundred fifty years ago, on a bitterly cold New England night of Thursday, December 16, 1773, the escalating tea crisis came to an extraordinary head when a large group of colonists, led by the Sons of Liberty, dumped 92,000 pounds of tea into Boston Harbour as a shocking act of protest against the loathed Tea Act of 1773.

This shocking tea dumping sparked a chain of events leading to the American War of Independence, as patriots across the colonies rallied behind the cause.

Visitors to Boston can learn more about Boston’s history and its significant role in the American Revolution on a Freedom Trail tour, or by visiting The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

Aboard a replica ship, you can gain a unique and theatrical insight into the tumultuous political climate, the controversial Tea Act, and the motivations behind the colonists’ revolutionary actions.

You can also visit the Bunker Hill Monument, a grandiose 221-foot-tall granite obelisk towering over Breed’s Hill, symbolising America’s early fight for independence.

Completed in 1843, this architectural marvel commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, a crucial chapter in the brutal Revolutionary War.

Thriving sports culture

Boston’s sports culture is another highlight that sets it apart. Home to legendary teams like the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins, the city has an impressive record of championships and a passionate fan base.

The city is currently ranked as one of the world’s best sports tourism sites and is the go-to place to watch football, baseball, hockey, basketball, and soccer in the thundering stadiums and parks packed with excited fans.

Here, you can watch baseball at retro Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, which has been the Red Sox’s home since 1912. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the Red Sox and the beloved team that plays there.

Hockey fans should head to TD Garden to watch the Boston Bruins play world-class hockey. Founded in 1924, the Bruins are the oldest NHL team in the United States and a member of the league’s Original Six. Over their long history, the Bruins have built a reputation for toughness and skill on the ice, coupled with a deep connection to the city of Boston and hockey fans.

With its larger population and multiple sports teams, New York certainly has a vibrant sports scene. However, the sheer number of teams and the diverse population mean the fanbase can often be fragmented. In contrast, Boston’s more concentrated sports culture fosters a tighter-knit community of fans who share a deep-rooted passion for their teams.

Additionally, Boston’s sports teams’ success in recent decades has contributed to a winning culture that further enhances the city’s buzzing sports environment.

Food

Boston’s incredible culinary scene is another reason to favour it over New York, especially if you’re a seafood lover.

Food forms a considerable part of Boston’s cultural and historical identity. While the city is well known for seafood, chowder, cream pie, and Italian dishes, the 26 neighbourhoods of Boson feature a vast array of local specialities and international cuisine.

Chinatown and the North End are probably the best-known foodie hotspots, but don’t miss Southern cooking in Roxbury, Vietnamese food in Dorchester and Caribbean food in Jamaica Plain.

Boston is probably best known for its fresh New England seafood, with lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters being local staples. For a slice of foodie history, visit Oyster House, America’s oldest restaurant and National Historic Landmark, established in 1826. This popular seafood spot is located on the Freedom Trail and is well known as a spot where the Kennedy clan loved to dine.

Outside of seafood, Boston has plenty of international cuisine and specialities. Wander the streets of Chinatown, New England’s only surviving ethnic Chinese enclave, for authentic Chinese and Cantonese dishes. This densely packed neighbourhood is bursting with food markets, supermarkets, restaurants, tea shops and bakeries.

Unofficially known as Boston’s “Little Italy,” the North End is where you’ll find Italian restaurants and pastry shops, like Mike’s Pastry, a wildly popular bakery that offers the best cannoli in Boston.

Proximity to nature

One of Boston’s most appealing aspects is its proximity to nature. Unlike New York, where escaping the urban jungle requires significant travel, Boston offers easy access to natural retreats.

Boston’s commitment to green spaces is evident in its numerous parks and recreational areas. The Emerald Necklace, a chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways in Boston and Brookline, provides over 1,100 acres of parkland for residents and visitors.

The Arnold Arboretum, part of the Emerald Necklace, offers a glorious collection of trees and plants and serves as a serene escape within the busy city.

The Boston Harbor Islands, just a short ferry ride from downtown, provide a perfect getaway for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying New England’s famous ‘fall colours.’

Pretty Charles River Esplanade is a historic riverfront park offering dreamy river views and recreational activities like kayaking and biking.You can also explore the river on a unique Duck Tour and enjoy a fully narrated and guided journey aboard a “DUCK”, a W.W.II-style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water.

The nearby Blue Hills Reservation also provides over 7,000 acres of natural beauty and hiking trails for outdoor lovers.

You’ll find diverse terrain here, including marshes, swamps, forests, meadows, and an Atlantic white cedar bog.

Whale watching

Boston’s coastal location makes it an excellent spot for whale watching. Excursions from Boston Harbor offer the chance to see these majestic creatures up close, an experience that’s hard to find in New York.

Boston’s whale-watching season typically runs from April through October, and the nearby Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a prime feeding ground for several species of whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, and the rare North Atlantic right whale. These nutrient-rich waters attract whales, dolphins, and seabirds, making each trip a rich and varied wildlife experience.

One of the highlights of these tours is the opportunity to see humpback whales, known for their acrobatic displays. Watching a humpback breach the water’s surface or slap its tail is awe-inspiring.

The knowledgeable naturalists onboard provide engaging commentary, helping passengers understand whale behaviours and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.

The tours often depart near the New England Aquarium in Boston’s waterfront district. This makes it easy to combine a day of whale watching with other activities, such as visiting the aquarium’s extensive exhibits or dining at an upscale seafood restaurant.

The accessibility and convenience of these nature tours are a significant advantage over urban New York, where marine wildlife experiences require much longer travel.

Film locations

Boston’s picturesque streets and historic landmarks have provided the backdrop for many iconic films and TV shows, making it a prime destination for film location tourism.

Fans of movies and television series can walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters and visit real-life locations where memorable scenes were filmed.

While New York is often celebrated for its iconic film and TV locations, Boston offers a more concentrated and accessible collection of sites that have become legendary in their own right.

One of the most celebrated films shot in Boston is Good Will Hunting. The movie, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, showcases several iconic Boston locations.

Fans can sit on the ‘Good Will Hunting bench’ in Boston Common, where the famous “it’s not your fault” scene between Will and his therapist, played by Robin Williams, occurs.

Another beloved TV show that has left its mark on Boston is Cheers. The exterior shots of the bar were filmed at the Bull & Finch Pub, now renamed Cheers Beacon Hill, located on Beacon Street. Fans of the show can visit the pub, which has become a tourist attraction, and enjoy a drink in the place where everybody knows your name.

The popular pub has recreated the show set inside, offering a nostalgic experience for fans who grew up watching Sam, Diane, and the rest of the Cheers gang.

Comparatively, New York City has an extensive history as a film location, with countless movies and TV shows set against its iconic skyline. From Friends to Sex and the City and films like Ghostbusters and The Avengers, New York offers many recognisable locations.

However, the sheer size and spread of New York can make visiting these sites more challenging and time-consuming.

With its compact layout, Boston allows film tourists to easily navigate between sites, making it a more walkable film location destination.