Downtown Boston

Timing and Safety

This section of Boston has a generous share of attractions, so it's wise to save a full day, spending the bulk of it at either the New England Aquarium or the Children's Museum. There are optimum times to catch some sights: the only tours to the top of the U.S. Custom House are at 10 and 4 on sunny days, and a stroll along the waterfront at Rowes Wharf is most romantic at dusk. No need to visit the aquarium at a special hour to catch feeding time—there are five of them throughout the day.

Downtown Boston is a safe area, but the Financial District empties out after 6, so choose well-lighted streets when walking alone at night.