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Boston is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Am I biased because I live here? Maybe. But, that doesn't mean that I'm wrong. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is rich in history and culture.
A mix of old and new, this aesthetic metropolis is full of charming neighborhoods and picture-perfect views. With so many locations to choose from, I narrowed down the top places for you to take your Instagram-worthy shots in Boston below - so keep reading!
Location: Boston Common
What You Should Know Before Coming to Boston
If you are planning a trip to Boston, there are some important things that you should know before coming. First, Boston is an extremely walkable city and the most efficient way to get around is on foot or by public transportation. Secondly, parking in Boston can be expensive - and annoying - so it might be best to take public transit if possible. If you only take one thing from this entire post, let it be this advice from a local: avoid driving here at all costs.
Additionally, make sure to check the weather before visiting as Boston can be quite unpredictable. The best times to come are either in the spring or in the fall - especially for photos. Lastly, take advantage of all the incredible sights, sounds and flavors that the city has to offer!
With a range of attractions from historical landmarks and museums to delicious seafood restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Boston has plenty of surprises in store for you. Without further ado, here is our list of the best phot spots in Boston:
1. Boston Common - With a view of the Boston Skyline
I never really looked at the Boston Common as a great location for photos, and I've walked through it a million times. Typically, people choose the park next door as opposed to this one. But, I recently discovered this (not so new) location, where the Back Bay skyline lines up above the trees to make a perfect background.
After seeing how the photos came out with the city skyline, I can truly say that this location is definitely one of the best photo spots in Boston. To get to this exact location, walk up to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the Boston Common. Once you reach the monument, look directly southwest towards the Public Garden.
If the skies are clear, you will have no trouble finding this beautiful view. The best time to photograph here is earlier in the day during the summer, but you may also have some luck during the fall or spring. Avoid winter at all costs, when the Boston skies are usually grey.
Tip: Come before noon so you get great natural lighting hitting the buildings in the back. If there are people sitting on the grass (which is common here) directly where you want to take your shot, you can kindly ask them to move.
Location: Boston Public Garden - By the Pond
2. Boston Public Garden - Literally anywhere
There's a reason why the Boston Public Garden is always packed with tourists and professional photographers - it is just so beautiful. With 24 acres of land lined with vegetation, including flowers and weeping willow trees, you literally can't go wrong when taking pictures here.
Your pictures will come out great regardless of where you choose to take them at the Public Garden. Some of my favorite spots are by the pond, near a willow tree, and at the George Robert White Memorial Fountain.
Since this is probably the most popular spot to take wedding and graduation photos in Boston, you probably won't be the only person here trying to get that perfect Instagram shot. If you don't want to share your spotlight with anyone though, it's always recommended to come as early as you can.
Location: Boston Public Garden - George Robert White Memorial Fountain
The location above is lesser known to tourists, but still worthy of a picture. Located at the corner of the park, by the intersection of Beacon St. and Arlington St, it is more isolated than the other areas. If you have some extra time during your visit, definitely don't miss the chance to get a photo at this fountain.
The most crowded location in the entire park is the Boston Public Garden Foot Bridge - the blue one right in the center. Although this spot is beautiful, especially in the summer, it's always packed with tourists and locals.
However, it is the most iconic spot in the park. There are many places to photograph on the bridge itself - like positioning yourself in the center or by the rails overlooking the water. If you want to avoid crowds during peak hours, try getting one with the bride in the background instead of on it.
I promise the photo will still come out amazing and you'll get way less photobombers in your shot. If you're really adamant about getting a shot on the bridge, read the tip below on how to avoid crowds at this location.
Aside from these spots, there are so many other ways and locations to take pictures in the Public Garden - which is why it's one of the best photo spots in Boston. You should also try to get a photo with the swan boats if you have time. With that being said, you can easily spend hours just in this one area alone.
Before heading to the Boston Public Garden, I would do some research and plan out a few photo ideas. Pick a couple of locations and poses that you want to get at each spot, then make your way there. It will make your journey much quicker and you'll have an easier time getting a wide range of photos in just one stop.
Tip: If you plan on photographing at the blue bridge in the center of the park, be here before or by 6AM. I know it may sound a bit extra, but that bridge is always packed with pedestrians and tourists trying to get a picture. Unless you're great at Photoshop, try to avoid the crowds.
Location: Acorn Street
3. Acorn Street & Mt. Vernon Street
If you're planning a trip to Beantown, you've probably already heard of Acorn Street. This little alleyway in Beacon Hill is the most Instagram-famous photo location in the city of Boston. After it was made famous by influencers, people started flocking here to take pictures. And once you actually see it, you understand why.
Its cobble stone road and iconic architecture will transport you back to the 1800's. This street became such a popular spot, that the city had to place "No Trespassing" signs at both ends of the road. Unknown to a lot of tourist, this street is located in a residential area and people actually live here.
If you're disappointed thinking that you missed your chance to get a picture here, don't fret. I actually found a way that you can still get your shot, without getting caught trespassing. Since the street is located on a hill, you don't actually have to cross Acorn in order to get a good picture.
All you have to do is choose whether you'd like your shot to be facing up or down the hill, and then pose within the intersecting streets. For example, the photo above was taken at the intersection of Acorn Street and Willow Street. I didn't even have to go in the alleyway to get a great photo.
Location: Mt. Vernon Street
As always, be mindful that you're in a residential area and nobody likes noisy tourists. If you're respectful and quiet, no one will give you any trouble if you do decide you want to trespass. If breaking the rules isn't for you (I get it), there are many other picturesque streets on Beacon Hill that you can wander around in for as long as you please.
The photo above was taken on Mt. Vernon Street, just before its intersection with Willow Street. I recommend exploring the area by foot and discovering new spots (there are many) along the way.
Tip: For Acorn Street, take your shot at the intersection of Acorn Street and Willow Street to get a photo with the hill sloping down.
Location: Quincy Market
4. Quincy Market
Located within the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Quincy market is one of the most visited Boston landmark. The entire marketplace itself is also incredibly aesthetic, with stone streets and historic buildings. The roads located within the market are only open to pedestrians, so you won't have to dodge cars to get a picture.
Although there are four total buildings in the marketplace, the Quincy Market is probably the most popular. It is a working food hall lined with local vendors, so the area is usually busy throughout the day. This is a can't - miss spot when you visit Boston.
Typically, people like to linger outside the building and sit on the steps. But, if you come early in the day, you should have no trouble avoiding photobombers. If you go inside the building, the dome in the center of the building is one of the best indoor photo spots in Boston.
Tip: If you are here during the week, come before the stores open. This is a popular lunch spot for people working in the area.
Location: Long Wharf
5. Boston Harbor
From Faneuil Hall, you can head on over to the Boston Harbor. All you have to do is cross the street to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. From the park, you'll have a picture-perfect view of the sea and the boats that are typically docked here. There are so many possible photo locations at the Boston Harbor, that it can take hours to shoot at each one.
Since everyone else will also be taking pictures at the pergola in the center of the park, I recommend going to less popular (but equally beautiful) locations. If you walk from the park towards the back of the Boston Marriot Long Wharf, you'll eventually get to the location above.
I was there in the middle of the day and the place was completely empty, until other people saw me and decided to get a photo as well. Long Wharf is very picturesque, and you can find several good spots here if you wander around for long enough.
Tip: Head over to the end of Long Wharf, where there is a building with several archways. Take your phot from inside this building and looking out towards the sea. Trust me, it will come out great.
Best Places to Stay in Boston
There is no shortage of great places to stay while you're in town, depending on your budget and what kind of experience you are looking for. For those seeking luxury accommodations, hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental or The Ritz-Carl are excellent choices.
Those looking for a more home-like atmosphere can opt for an Airbnb, or even a bed and breakfast on the outskirts of town. For those that want to stay in the heart of the city, there are many trendy boutique hotels located near shopping districts, historical landmarks and entertainment arenas.
If this is your first time visiting Boston, I recommend that you stay in the Downtown or Back Bay area for convenience and to save on transportation. These are both central neighborhoods that link to other parts of the city - making it easier to walk everywhere.
No matter what kind of experience you are looking for, there are plenty of places to stay in Boston that will meet your needs. Check out these top hotels in the area:
Thank you for reading about the top places to capture the perfect Instagram shot in Boston. Have fun exploring this beautiful, historic city! If you want to enhance your travel photography skills, be sure to check out our blog post: "How to Take and Edit Jaw-Dropping Travel Photos." Until next time!
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