Dating back to 1630, Boston was one of the first settlements established in the United States. It is a city positively dripping with history, with Revolutionary War battlefields, historic buildings and streets, and the US’s oldest public park. While history buffs will love it, it’s also a haven for foodies, sports fans, and lovers of all things art and music.
With everything going on in Boston, it’s usually the go-to destination on any Massachusetts itinerary — so, you’ll need a place to stay. Rather than looking at hotels and hostels, you might want to check out vacation rentals in Boston — especially if you want a home away from home!
That’s where we come in. We’ve searched through the best Airbnbs in Boston and put together this list. Not only that, we’ll look at Airbnb Experiences too, so you can have a great time when you’re there. Strap yourself in — this is going to be fun!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Boston
Remodeled Studio in Back Bay
- > $$
- > Two guests
- > Awesome location
- > River views
Modern Studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- > $$$
- > 4 guests
- > Free street parking
- > Stone’s throw from Porter and Davis Squares
Centrally Located Luxurious Loft
- > $$$$$$
- > 8 guests
- > Chef’s kitchen
- > Industrial aesthetic
Ensuite Private Room
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Private bathroom
- > Access to kitchen and living room
Spacious and Modern Room
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Private room
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Boston
Backpacking Boston is an amazing experience, but only if you have the right accommodation. Luckily, there is a wide range of Airbnbs in Boston to choose from. From historic houses in the oldest neighbourhood, Charleston, to epic views of the skyline from South End and Roxbury, you won’t have trouble finding something to suit you.
Entire apartments are the most common kind of accommodation option you’d usually find on Airbnb — and these are best if you want to be close to all the action when you’re visiting Boston. Across the board, you’re sure to get a fully equipped kitchen, living area, and at least one queen or king bed. Some apartments may even have access to pools and gyms — or maybe roof terraces where you can admire views of the city!
Next, we have townhouses which are perfect for large gatherings of family and friends. With more than 90 townhouses in Boston to choose from, this is a more exclusive type of property than your entire apartment. Townhouses in Boston are a good option for budget or solo travellers, too. However, you won’t be booking an entire place. There are a lot of private rooms available in townhouses due to the huge number of students who call Boston home.
The last of the three — boats! — is certainly one of the most unique types of accommodation in the city. However, with such a large harbour and a love of seafood in Boston, it shouldn’t be such a surprise that you can stay on a boat! All of the boats are based around Boston Harbour, with the choice between yachts and houseboats. Pick between yachts and houseboats and indulge your inner (luxe) seafarer!
The 15 Best Airbnbs in Boston
There is such a variety of places to stay in Boston! Here is our list of the 15 best Airbnb rentals in Boston — arranged to suit your budget and travel style.
With so much to do in Boston, whether you want to be in the heart of downtown Boston or only a short distance from Logan Airport, there are holiday rentals for every style and budget.
Remodelled Studio in Back Bay | Overall Best-Value Airbnb in Boston
You’ll find this great little studio apartment looking out over the Charles River basin. This furnished Boston Airbnb is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Newbury Street, from where you can easily get around the city. Because it’s a studio, this option is best suited for either a couple or a solo traveller. There’s a small kitchen where you can prepare meals if you don’t fancy eating out. Enjoy your meals on the balcony overlooking the river that’s only a short distance away!
This cute little studio is the perfect place to stay for couples or solo travellers in Boston. Enjoy views over the Charles River basin from the balcony with your morning coffee, or cook lunch in the well-equipped kitchen.
Modern Studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts | Best Budget Airbnb in Boston
This completely renovated charming studio is located in a quiet neighbourhood, and is just around the corner from Porter and Davis Squares. Suitable for up to 4 guests, the well-designed property comes with a queen bed and a full-size sofa bed, and you will have access to a kitchenette and free street parking too!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REICentrally Located Luxurious Loft | Over-the-Top-Luxury Airbnb in Boston
One of the most beautiful and extravagant vacation rentals in Boston, this luxury Boston Airbnb is the stuff of dreams. Some of us might even be lucky enough to book one of the top-rated holiday rentals in Boston! Suitable for up to 8 guests, with a modern industrial aesthetic, the 4-bedroom home would be perfect for a family gathering or a group of friends to kick back in after exploring downtown Boston during the day.
The home has an amazing kitchen where you and your mates can cook up a storm. If you’re looking for an incredible entire rental unit that blows all other great holiday rentals out of the water, this is the one!
Ensuite Private Room | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers in Boston
If you’re travelling solo but have a little more flexibility in your budget, choose a private room in a homestay over a hostel. While there are many great hostel options in Boston, a private room is a great way to save on costs while getting the inside info on all the best things to see and do from your local host — so it’s not just a place to stay but an experience too. You’ve got access to the kitchen and dining room as well as a shared living room, so no need to eat out alone. This private room, with a private bathroom, is within walking distance of downtown Boston as well.
Spacious and Modern Room | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads in Boston
For digital nomads, it’s essential to have a laptop-friendly workspace, a private room, and fast Wi-Fi. It’s also nice to have a queen bed and friendly hosts who provide complimentary snacks! You’re welcome to use the kitchen here, too, so make a quick tea or coffee to get your mind working just that little bit quicker! When you’re not working in this Boston Airbnb, chill out in the cosy living room or head out to explore East Boston and Central Square.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Boston
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Boston!
Unique Apartment Behind Harvard
Ideal for 4 people, this beautifully decorated 1900s Victorian home brings together vintage elegance with modern convenience. Located just North of Harvard Yard and behind Harvard Law and Lesley University, you will also be within easy reach of Star Market, cafes and restaurants. There is a spacious living room as well as access to a kitchen and free parking on the premises!
Sanitized Modern 3BD Private Home
With 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, and room for up to 6, this is a wonderful Boston Airbnb if you’re travelling with the family. The easy self-check-in process is flexible, so it doesn’t matter if your flight arrives late — you’ll still get in! Once you’re inside, it’s a beautiful and contemporary apartment. There’s a comfy living space where you can catch a movie, and if you don’t want to eat out, cook a family favourite in the fully equipped kitchen. This entire rental unit is one of the most incredible properties in the city and is within walking distance of many Boston sights. It also includes high-speed internet so you can keep connected.
Beacon Hill Studio with Patio and Parking
It’s rare that you’d get access to such a large backyard in a central city location, but this place is the exception to that rule. Shared with an upstairs apartment, the yard is one of the most exciting things about this entire apartment — you’ve got a dining table out there and a BBQ! Thankfully, the interior is just as stunning, with a rocking chair, a comfortable sofa, and a queen bed. Another perfect entire rental unit for a couple.
If you’re looking for an entire guest suite that comes with free parking on the premises, then look no further than what is one of the top-rated Boston Airbnbs.
Boston Harbour Waterfront House
If you’re looking for more than just a place to stay and want to instead base yourself at one of the top-rated Airbnbs in Boston, then how about this whole freaking house! Leave your house, down the cobblestone alleyway, and walk up to see the whole Boston Harbour neighbourhood on your doorstep.
This waterfront heritage property still has touches of its original architecture, with a classic American homely feel. The house comes with a TV and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s also got a beautiful garden, which is a wonderful place to hang out with family or friends in the summer months, making it one of the most wonderful Boston holiday rentals.
Fun Houseboat
If you’re disappointed that none of the other great holiday rentals we’ve shown you so far is floating in Boston Harbour, then, well, this houseboat might just be for you! You get all of the mod cons of an apartment or a townhouse — but it’s on the water! We did say there were holiday rentals for every style!
The boat is completely safe too, located in a gated marina just a stone’s throw from North End and its attractions, like the New England Aquarium. There are 2 beds in a loft, a queen-sized sofa in the living room, as well as a stateroom. This has got to be one of the most unique Boston Airbnbs for sure!
Park St Station | Apartment in Boston Common
If you have a jam-packed Boston itinerary and are on the prowl for one of the most incredible Boston Airbnbs, then look no further! This lovely modern apartment is a 3-minute walk to Boston Common, and can sleep 4 guests. You will have access to a washer/dryer, as well as a fully stocked kitchen to help you rustle up a meal!
Comfy 1BR, Minutes to Boston Common
Chinatown is one of the most popular areas for travellers to Boston — it’s also known as the Theatre District. With flexible check-in and a king-sized bed, this entire 1-bedroom guest suite is a wonderful place to enjoy for a couple or a small group of friends. For a small fee, you can even bring a pet, making this Boston Airbnb a compelling option!
Apartment in the Heart of Beacon Hill
Historic Beacon Hill is another excellent neighbourhood if you want to be close to all of the action for a weekend in Boston. Next to Acorn Street, you also have Boston Public Park, Boston Public Library, and the Faneuil Hall marketplace within walking distance. Or you can just hop on some public transport if you want to save your legs! At this lovely Boston Airbnb, there’s a queen bed, an indoor fireplace, and high-speed Wi-Fi. You even get a complimentary breakfast!
Light-Filled Gorgeous Apartment
There’s room for 4 people in this Boston Airbnb, and you can choose between spending quality time together in the spacious living room or out in your own private garden. There is also a historic park right around the corner, so head out there for a walk or to play some sports! Enjoy a night in with a movie on the 40-inch TV and a meal cooked up in the fully equipped kitchen.
FAQs about Airbnbs in Boston
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation rentals and homes in Boston.
What To Pack For Boston
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Boston Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Boston Airbnbs
So, there you have it. We have taken you on a tour of the best Airbnbs in Boston, topped off with some pretty awesome things to do when you arrive here. Whether you want to be in a cool studio in Beacon Hill, a house outside of Boston’s busy Downtown, or even on a boat in the harbour, there’s an Airbnb in Boston for you!
If you’re still struggling to decide where to stay when you visit Boston, just go for our overall favourite Airbnb in Boston — that’s the Remodelled Studio in Back Bay. It not only offers a top location but also great value for money — plus it’s really stylish, too!
Wherever you choose to stay, we hope you enjoy your vacation in Boston.
- Check out our Backpacking Boston guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Boston guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Boston too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
Updated April 2023
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
