Welcome to Boston!
Throughout time, Boston and Massachusetts have played an important part of our country’s history. Founded in 1630, just ten years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth,
Boston grew as a harbor town and has always been strongly linked to the sea. Boston is unique as it is almost completely surrounded by water, with the Atlantic Ocean
on two sides and the Charles River which runs along the back of the city. Whale watches, harbor cruises, tours of the Boston Tea Party Ship, island hopping, sailing
and rowing on the Charles River, touring the U.S.S. Constitution, jogging, cycling or playing in one of the many parks along the waterways gives visitors plenty
to do to discover Boston's nautical history.
Surrounded by natural beauty, Boston’s 48 square miles are encircled by a bustling harbor, tranquil coastline and a strand of green parks designed by Frederick
Law Olmsted known as the Emerald Necklace. Two of the parks, the Boston Common and the Public Garden are back to back between the Back Bay and Downtown
neighborhoods in the heart of the city. The Boston Common, America's first public park, runs alongside the flower-filled Public Garden where Swan Boats,
propelled by human power, glide across the pond from April through September.
What to Visit in Boston?
Bargain lovers and big spenders alike relish in Boston’s shopping scene. From boutiques to designer brands, discount shops to artisan markets,
shopping is always an adventure in Boston. Find sought-after brands and runway-fresh fashions at Copley Place Shopping Galleries and The Shops
at Prudential Center. Browse jewelry, books and souvenirs at Downtown Crossing. Local artisans and vendors showcase more than 100 shops and carts
at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. CambridgeSide Galleria offers more than 120 stores & restaurants. Assembly Row offers outlet shops. Newbury Street
offers eight blocks of everything from moderately priced stores to high-end boutiques, all nestled into scenic brownstone buildings. The best part
of all is that Boston is America’s Walking City, so getting from store to store is a breeze.
A town of champions, Bostonian’s are always finding new ways to stay active. A three-mile trail runs along the Charles River offering a scenic route for walking,
running, and biking. Bike lanes hug the street and the Hubway, a bike sharing system, provides more than 1,500 bikes at 155 stations to rent throughout the
Greater Boston Area. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are all available along the Charles River.
What’s more, Boston is home to a grand tradition of sporting excellence. Numerous collegiate and professional sports teams make their home in the area and
storied franchises such as the Red Sox (2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 World Series Champions), the Celtics (2008 World Champions), the Bruins (2011 Stanley Cup Champions),
and the New England Patriots (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2017 and 2018 Super Bowl Champions) all play. Visiting sports fans can’t help getting caught up in the enthusiasm.
But Boston isn’t just home sports teams – it’s also home to several annual events that draw visitors from all over the world. These include, among others, the
Boston Marathon, the oldest annual city marathon in the world, which takes place on the third Monday of April every year, with the finish line by the Boston Public Library.
Other annual sporting events include the Head of the Charles Regatta in October, the largest rowing regatta in the world; and the Deutsche Bank Championship PGA Tour
that takes place every Labor Day Weekend.
Year round, the Boston restaurant scene is dynamic, distinctive and delicious. Boston chefs outdo themselves with signature specialties made from local ingredients.
New restaurants and old favorites cater to every palate and every pocketbook. Visitors to Boston will find quaint cafes, James Beard Award Winning chefs, waterfront
views and the freshest seafood on the East Coast.
In addition to fresh seafood there are many ethnic restaurants that can be found in the various neighborhoods of Boston and Cambridge. And visitors can find
everything from America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, the Union Oyster House, to the new Boston Public Market, which offers a wide selection of
fresh food from local growers and producers. There is also a large food truck scene that can be found throughout the city on a daily basis.
For after-hours entertainment, visitors can pick their pleasure: chic martini lounges, authentic Irish pubs, upscale billiards, comedy clubs, live music,
dance or theater. No matter where the evening takes them, visitors are bound to have an unforgettable night out on the town.
For those seeking a unique experience, Boston’s venues have a lot to offer as there are over 350 cultural organizations and programs that are offered within the city of Boston.
From the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has a special venue that is perfectly suited for every type of group.
Enjoy a clambake under the tent at the Aquarium or on one of Boston’s Harbor Islands. Relish a private performance from the Boston Ballet, Boston Symphony Orchestra
or Boston Pops or perhaps buy out Cheers for a fun night on the town. Plan a family friendly event at the Museum of Science, LEGOLAND or the Boston Children’s
Museum, the second oldest Children’s Museum in the country. Plan your event at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a 19th century Italian Palazzo located in the
historic Fens neighborhood, or on the waterfront at the very 21st century designed Institute of Contemporary Art. Or check out the majestic reading room at the
Boston Public Library (which also serves as the Presidential Library for John Adams, the second president of the United States). With so many great spaces to choose
from, the staff at the Greater Boston CVB can help you find the right venue to suit your needs.
As the home of the American Revolution, Boston has been hosting groundbreaking meetings from the beginning of nation’s history. Why not honor that tradition by
hosting your meeting in a historical landmark? Boston’s role in shaping American history is unique among all other US cities so it’s not hard to find history in
Boston. Simply follow the red brick road of the Freedom Trail, which spans two and a half miles with landmarks significant to the American Revolution.
COVID-19
In the U.S., Covid-19 travel restrictions have now been lifted. Beginning May 12, 2023, non-U.S. residents and citizens can visit the United States
without being fully vaccinated. International travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination when entering the U.S.
Passport
Travelers to the US must have a valid passport which will not expire until at least 6 months after departing from the US, unless otherwise specified in
Country-Specific agreements. For families traveling together all members of the family, including children and infants, must have valid a passport.
Visas
Who needs a visa?
A visitor, or temporary, visa is required of all visitors seeking to enter the USA with the exception of nationals of Canada and countries that are part of
the Visa Waiver Program. Currently, 37 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Waiver Program(VWP):
37 countries participating in the VWP - Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
What does the VWP allow?:
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without having to obtain a visa, for stays of no more
than 90 days for the purposes of business, tourism, visiting or pleasure. Transiting or traveling through the United States to Canada or Mexico is generally
permitted for VWP travelers.
What does the VWP NOT allow?:
To qualify to travel to the United States with no visa one must not receive any payment for business activities, other that expenses and incidentals.
Travelers may not work or study in the US. And travelers may not spend more than 90 days.
What do citizens of VWP countries require to enter the USA?
To enter the US citizens of VWP countries must still receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding any US bound flight.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):
ESTA is an automated web based system used by the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine the eligibility of
prospective visitors to travel with no visa to the US. While an ESTA can be submitted at any time prior to travel to the US it is recommended that travelers
apply as soon as planning begins for their trip, or before the purchase of airline tickets.
How to apply for a Visa:
There are several steps included in applying for a temporary visa. The exact order in which these steps are completed may vary slightly depending on a
traveler's country of origin, and which embassy or consulate they go to. Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form DS-160 must first be completed and then
the confirmation page will need to be printed out to be brought to the applicant interview. While filling out the DS-160 form applicants will be required
to upload their picture to the application. Not all applicants are interviewed; generally children under the age of 13 and senior citizens over the age of 80
do not need to interview. However consular officers have the discretion to require interviews from any applicant regardless of how old or you they are.
All interviews must be scheduled at a US embassy or consulate in the country where you live, a prospective traveler can schedule his or her interview at any
US embassy or consulate it will likely be more difficult to qualify outside of your home country. Before the interview a non-refundable visa application
fee must be paid. In some cases there will be other fees that must be paid as well including but not limited to a visa insurance fee. To the interview visa
applicants will need to bring several documents. A passport which must be valid for at least 6 months following the end of the trip to the US,
their Nonimmigrant Visa Application form DS-160 confirmation page, application fee payment receipt, and finally if the photo upload fails on the DS-160 then
the applicant must bring their photo to the interview. During the interview a consular will determine if the applicant is qualified for a visa and if so what
visa type they qualify for based on their travel plans. Also they will take inkless digital fingerprints as a part of the application process.
Following the interview applications may require further administrative processing. Once a visa has been approved the passport and visa will be returned.
Approval of visa application is not guaranteed as such final travel arrangements should not be made until visa has been issued.
Foreign Consulates in the Boston area:
Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Columbia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany,Greece, Haiti, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru,
Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela. Cambridge:United Kingdom, Switzerland. Newton: South Korea. Honorary consulates in Boston: Bolivia, Denmark, Finland,
Hungary, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Norway Pakistan, Poland,Romania, Sweden, Turkey. Non-sovereign:Taiwan.
Additional Information:
tsa.gov
*Information provided on this webpage regarding visas and passports, is supplied as a courtesy. ISAKOS is NOT responsible for any errors, changes or
omissions in the information listed above. Please contact your consulate when planning your travel.
Boston Travel Tips
Traveling by plane, bus, train, or car? Boston offers the largest and most valuable attendee base within a two-hour travel radius of any city in the country.
Air
EASIER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE TO FLY.
New England's largest transportation center, Logan International Airport, recently completed a $4-billion major expansion and modernization.
All four passenger terminals were renovated and upgraded with additional parking, easy access, expanded retail options and additional restaurants.
Learn more about Boston Logan International Airport.
With nonstop international service from 56 destinations and nonstop domestic service from 77 destinations, getting to Boston has never been easier.
Logan Airport is located a convenient two miles from the city center, with several public airport transportation options from downtown and suburban locations.
There are approximately 40 airlines that serve Boston and three hotels located on the airport premises. Learn more about Logan and find information about airlines,
flights, security and directions to the airport.
Toll-free: 800 - 23 - LOGAN (800-235-6426)
Massport.com
Boston is also serviced by these regional airports:
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Manchester, NH)
T.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI)
Worcester Regional Airport (Worcester, MA)
Rail
RIDE THE RAILS TO BOSTON.
Both Amtrak and Boston's Commuter Rail service make it easy to get in and out of the city.
AMTRAK
Amtrak is a passenger rail service that connects Boston, New York, Washington,D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Portland (ME) and other points nationwide.
Amtrak trains depart from South Station (Red Line), Back BayStation (Orange Line) and North Station (Green and/or Orange Line).
Amtrak Acela
Created with business travelers in mind, Amtrak's high-speed train Acela provides fast service along the Northeast Corridor High-Speed Rail between Washington,
New York and Boston.
Traveling at speeds up to 150 miles per hour, each Acela is fully equipped with power outlets and audio entertainment in-seat, bistro cars, elegant first-class cars,
wide seats, conference and meeting areas and other amenities.
Phone: 800-872-7245
Toll-free: 800-USA-RAIL
amtrak.com
MBTA Commuter Rail
Operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston's Commuter Rail services the outlying Boston suburbs. Service is available from several "T"
stations, but most departures take place at North Station, South Station and Back Bay Station.
Phone: 617-722-3200
mbta.com
Bus
Bus Service is widely available throughout Massachusetts. All intercity/interstate buses depart from South Station. Ticket counters are located on the third level
of the Transportation Center. For information, call the South Station Bus Terminal at 617-737-8040
Car
DIRECTIONS
Boston's location on the Eastern Seaboard makes it easy to get here. For specific directions to your hotel, please inquire with your hotel.
From the West
The Massachusetts Turnpike, or Masspike, is Interstate Highway 90, and 90 East runs directly into downtown Boston from the west.
From the North
From the northwest, Interstate 93 South enters downtown Boston from Canada through Vermont, New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. For downtown Boston
from Maine and points northeast, take Interstate 95 South to Interstate 93 South.
From the South
Take Interstate 95 North to Interstate 93 North to enter downtown Boston from the south.
For detailed driving directions, we recommend Googlemaps.com.
With over 35,000 hotel rooms in the Greater Boston area, and more coming on line every day, it’s simple to find the right accommodations for your meeting.
Boston is home to many familiar names including Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, all of which have multiple properties in Boston and allow attendees the
flexibility they deserve when traveling. Properties can be found in all shapes and sizes for those who prefer boutiques or a bed and breakfast.
From Kimpton to Intercontinental, Fairmont to Langham, Boston has it all. Luxury accommodations can be found at the five diamond Mandarin Oriental,
Four Seasons, or Ritz Carlton. Properties such as the Liberty Hotel or historic Omni Parker House embrace the historical profile of Boston and are one-of-a-kind,
just like the city they belong to.
Bostonians dress smartly and simply. Prepare for hot and humid days and cool nights. Average highs in June are 77° F (25°C) with lows averaging 59° F (15° C).
Day: If you're touring, wear comfy sneakers or sandals. Shorts and T-shirts are common. Bring sunglasses or a hat. Most tourist venues don't have dress codes, but check to be sure.
Evening: Consider your agenda; the theater tends to be dressier.
Travel Advisory
ISAKOS would like to remind all conference attendees that it is your responsibility to exercise increased caution when traveling abroad.
As a first step in planning any trip, please check the Travel Advisories issued by your home country for your destination.
For example, you may access the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel Advisories.
Conditions can change rapidly and at any time. Be sure to note country-specific details that could affect your travel, including entry/exit requirements,
local laws and customs, required vaccinations, health conditions, transportation information, and other travel tips. In general, please be vigilant
whenever leaving a hotel. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded public areas, at large events, and when using public transportation
(including taxis). ISAKOS encourages all attendees to travel with increased caution and to always exercise good, common sense.
Official Tourism Links
Looking for more Boston Travel Information?