Walking

Downtown Boston is a walkers’ paradise—but don’t just take our word for it: according to the popular Walk Score website, our area rates a 98 out of 100 for its walkability. Start walking around in our district and it’s easy to see why.

A 2-minute walk starting from the middle of Downtown Crossing encompasses a supermarket, several major department stores, two hotels, and the start of Downtown’s Theater District. Expand the radius to a 5-minute walk and you can reach several more theaters, an array of inviting parks, plazas, and squares, Boston City Hall, and the Massachusetts State House.

Feeling more ambitious? How about a 10-minute stroll beginning in the heart of Downtown? You can reach all seven of our district’s hotels, hundreds of dining options, adjacent neighborhoods such as the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, and the North End, and popular destinations such as the Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, and the Public Gardens.   

Intimidated at the prospect of navigating Downtown’s famously twisty street grid? Don’t be! Our numerous wayfinding pillars help pedestrians stay oriented throughout the DBA area. In addition, our Hospitality Ambassadors provide a warm and friendly presence distributing maps, providing directions, and giving recommendations at the information carts they operate. Head to Summer Street Plaza or the Irish Famine Memorial Plaza to find them!

Finally, for info about regional pedestrian advocacy initiatives, check-out the WalkMassachusetts page.