Why Boston belongs on your U.S. bucket List

In Boston, history and modernity intersect in a distinctive way. Once the revolutionary birthplace of the American independence movement, the city today prides itself on its progressiveness and diversity — a message underscored during a recent press briefing in Zurich.

The city’s tourism offering is equally diverse: the vibrant metropolis boasts a rich cultural scene, an award-winning culinary landscape, and — as one of the greenest cities in the U.S., located near the Atlantic — countless outdoor activities. Sports fans are also well catered for. Whether basketball, ice hockey, or baseball, Boston is home to eight professional teams guaranteed to quicken the pulse of any sports enthusiast.

The city’s European flair is unmistakable. The North End, with its narrow streets and historic brick buildings, is known as «Little Italy.» Italian restaurants and cafés invite visitors to pause and unwind. It is also the city’s oldest residential neighborhood and the heart of Italian-American culture. The districts of Beacon Hill and Back Bay likewise evoke a European atmosphere, with cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture shaping their character.

Boston from above

The New England metropolis is ideal for a city break or as a gateway to a broader tour through New England or along the East Coast. Also known as «America’s Walking City,» Boston is best explored on foot — a rental car is unnecessary, especially given the high parking fees.

For a memorable introduction, the Boston Observation Deck offers sweeping views across the city and helps visitors set their priorities for exploring it. The 360-degree viewing platform spans the top three floors of the Prudential Tower. Whether travelers want to enjoy a cocktail with a breathtaking panorama or map out their itinerary, the deck provides the perfect vantage point.

From the observation deck, it becomes clear just how green the metropolis is. Numerous parks, along with proximity to the Atlantic and the Charles River, offer recreation within walking distance. The city also includes 34 islands, many of which are open for tourists to explore.

Highly recommended experiences include the «Boston Duck Tours» — an 80-minute sightseeing excursion combining historic landmarks on land with a cruise on the Charles River — as well as walks along the «Freedom Trail» or the «Black Heritage Trail». Art lovers should not miss the «Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum», home to works by masters such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

Boston’s eventful history is also told through its food. While modern restaurants in the Seaport District serve fresh seafood, Italian classics dominate in the North End. In the South End, visitors can expect cozy charm alongside a diverse culinary offering.

A year of major events

This year is shaped by world-class sporting events. Boston is one of the U.S. host cities for the FIFA World Cup, and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough — 48 kilometers southwest of the city — will host seven matches, including five group-stage games and a quarterfinal. Fans can look forward to fixtures such as England vs. Ghana on June 23 and Norway vs. France on June 26. With some luck, Germany’s national team could also appear at the stadium for a round-of-16 match on June 29.

Immediately following the World Cup, «Sail Boston» will return to the city’s harbor as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. More than 100 tall ships and naval vessels are expected to dock between July 11 and 16, 2026, for this international parade of peace.

Annual highlights such as the «Boston Marathon» (April 20, 2026) and the newly launched «Boston Frostival», currently underway, provide further reasons to visit.

Best time to visit

Thanks to its wide range of attractions, Boston is a year-round destination. September and October are especially popular, when the leaves blaze with color during the Indian Summer. Winter tends to offer the best prices and is particularly exciting for sports fans due to the many NBA and NHL games — though good deals can still be found even during peak tourist months.

Budget-conscious travelers will find better value accommodations in the outer districts. The city’s well-developed public transportation network makes it easy to move between neighborhoods.

Boston Logan Airport provides quick access, with a direct connection to downtown. Located just five kilometers away, it is one of the closest major airports to a U.S. city center. Swiss operates daily flights to Boston with its new Airbus A350.