Boston

Boston a gay friendly destination close to New York with lots of heritage.

City Overview

The city of Boston is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cultural and financial centre of the New England region of the United States.

Boston is sometimes called a "city of neighbourhoods" because it has officially 23 neighbourhoods.

Boston is one of the oldest municipalities in America having be in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England. It has been the scene of several key historical events such as American Revolution Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the siege of Boston.

Boston's many firsts include the United States' first public park (Boston Common, 1634), first public or state school (Boston Latin School, 1635), the first subway system (Tremont Street subway, 1897), and first large public library (Boston Public Library, 1848).

Boston leads the nation in its LGBTQ rights movement and still remains at the forefront of the fight today.

Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, and the nation’s first openly gay state representative, Elaine Noble, was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives back in 1974.

Getting Around

Downtown Boston's streets grew organically, so they do not form a planned grid, unlike the other neighbourhoods of the city such as Back Bay, East Boston, the South End, and South Boston.

With nearly a third of Bostonians using public transit for their commute to work, Boston has the fourth-highest rate of public transit usage in the country.

The MBTA also operates busy bus and commuter rail networks, and water shuttles.

Nicknamed "The Walking City", Boston hosts more pedestrian commuters than do other comparably populated cities owing to the compactness of the city so walking is great way to get around.

Airport Transfer

Logan International Airport, in East Boston, is Boston's principal airport.

When it comes to the cheapest method to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston, you can't beat free. The Silver Line of the bus system, or SL1, picks up from all terminals of the airport and brings passengers directly to South Station in central Boston. The ride is free for trips that start in Logan Airport, but if you're heading from the city center to the airport you'll need to pay the standard bus fare.

The Silver Line is also one of the fastest ways to get to the city centre, as the ride only takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

For those traveling with lots of luggage, taking the bus to South Station may not be the most convenient option. Going by taxi takes almost the same amount of time as the bus, but with the advantage that it will take you directly to the door of your final destination. Taxis are available directly outside of the terminal $30 not including a tip for your driver.

Places to stay

Downtown Boston is the tourist centre, which makes it ideal for first-time visitors. The city’s most prominent tourist area is around Boston Common and Faneuil Hall, with many historic sights and waterfront attractions.

Downtown offers also has easy access to the surrounding neighbourhoods, including the North End’s restaurants, the boutiques on Beacon Hill, the Seaport District’s waterfront dining, and the Back Bay’s chic boulevards.

So, the truth is there is no one “best” place to stay, but rather many excellent options.

Bars, Cafes, Clubs & Parties

Boston is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. All depending on your mood, you can have a relaxed cocktail in an upscale bar or go to an all-night dance party surrounded by your LGBTQ family. 

Most gay bars and clubs start to get busy after 10 pm and go on until into the early morning, with a mix of locals, college students, and out-of-state tourists. Most of the gay nightlife spaces are located in South End, which is the unofficial gaybourhood of Boston.

Cathedral Station is a gay sports bar\neighbourhood pub that welcomes everyone in the South End. Expect minimal campness or gay flare.  They have an outdoor patio area and free parking in the back, pub food, and fun weekend brunches.

Open since 2014, Trophy Room is a neighbourhood favourite in Boston’s South End. Live performances from local artists bring in the crowd during weeknights. A gay-popular hangout.

Club Cafes is a leader in Boston nightlife as a local gay landmark operating as a fun restaurant with cabaret performances and happening dance club.

Midway cafes a cash-only dive bar in Jamaica Plains known for its draught beers, quirky shows, and pumping Thursday night Queer-aoke parties, perfect for a night of fun & debauchery!

Cruise Bars

There is also plenty of cruise or dive bars with sexy go-go boys to cater for most tastes!

The Alley is a sizeable gay bear and leather cruise bar in the downtown area with two levels and plenty of theme parties. Drinks are strong, there is a large selection of beers on draft. Downstairs is more of a bar with tables for conversations, and upstairs is a second bar, and more of a club feel with dancing after 10 pm on busier nights. The first Saturday of every month is generally the wildly popular Underbear party, and the Mr. Boston Bear contest is held here in September.

Saunas

It appears Boston City Hall isn’t exactly a fan of gay saunas so you will not find a single-sex club or sauna.

Main LGBT Events

Boston with large LGBTQ community has a wonderful line-up of annual events for gays, lesbians and transgenders, and anyone else who wants to be involved!

Boston Pride takes place on the second Saturday of June every year with an epic parade that stands for equality, justice, and love.

It starts on Tremont Street and ends in front of City Hall filled with glitter, colour, pride, and a queer spirit.

Boston is one hour from Provincetown which hold a Bear Week every year in July. It is an event with days and nights events such as pool parties, beach outings, dance parties, and leather events.

The Rhode Island Pride Festival is Providence’s Pride celebration which is a unique Illuminated night parade that draws people from across Rhode Island and beyond. This is New England’s only illuminated night Pride parade.

Other

Currency – United States Dollar (USD)

Language – English

Visas – Most visitors from Europe do not need a visa. ESTA permits citizens of 40 countries to enter the US without a visa.

Best Time To Visit – March - November

Timezone – Varies per state. Check per destination.

Homosexual Activity – Legal but attitudes vary per state