Looks like I may be going back for a business meeting. The last time we stayed at the Hyatt.

Do you think it's safe to walk around downtown Boston at night? A co-worker has never been to the Bull and Finch so we'll probably head that way after meetings. Any recommendations for restaurants nearby?

The Financial District and the area along Washington Street between Downtown Crossing and Chinatown can be a little sketchy if there are no events in the area, but otherwise, any part of Boston you are likely to visit is very safe.

You mean the original Cheers? Yes, it's perfectly safe to walk to/from the Hyatt in Downtown Crossing, assuming you're not doing this at 3am.

If you're coming in the Fall, chances are there will be musicals, plays, and ballets going on in the Theatre District, which is very near the Hyatt. There will be TONS of people pouring out on the streets when these shows end (10-11pm).

I work very closely with the Boston Police and will tell you that Downtown Crossing can be rather dangerous at night. I never walk through that area myself after two people I know were robbed. It is one of those places that is fine as long as the sun is up but changes abruptly when the businesses close. A taxi will be easy to find and will not cost you too much money and it will be a very small price to pay for the peace of mind.

Boston really is one of the safest cities I spend time in and a fabulous walking city by day and night. Unfortunately, however, Downtown Crossing is one of those areas where you can't assume you are safe at night.

Where are you staying this trip? At the Hyatt again? Did you feel unsafe there? Since you've been to Boston before, I'm a little puzzled by your concern.

You can take a cab but I wouldn't hesitate to walk from there to the Bull and Finch (Cheers). It's just not a very direct walk at night since you would walk around part of the Boston Common. But Boston is full of people walking around as well. Walk from the Hyatt, if you're staying there, directly up to Tremont St. and go around the Common to Beacon. I've walked all around there at every time of the year--though not after midnight or so. Usual precautions apply--stay on the well-lit main roads, don't walk down small dark streets when no one is around.

Loads of nearby restaurants--any preference for type? Teatro--Italian on Tremont St.; Lala Rohk--Persian on Beacon Hill; and Scollay Square--solid American food; are three of many that come to mind.

Agreed with Ackislander and yk here -- they have the safety circumstance well sized up. Can only add that it's wise to avoid walking through the Boston Common and Public Garden after dark -- but that's generally true of parks anywhere in the urban US.