State · Nova Inglaterra

Massachusetts

Massachusetts holds the beginning of United States history: Boston and the Freedom Trail, Harvard in Cambridge, Salem, Plymouth and the beaches of Cape Cod.

In the photo: Nauset Light, Cape Cod

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Massachusetts

Massachusetts is in New England, in the northeastern United States, on the Atlantic coast. The capital and largest city is Boston, one of the oldest in the country, founded in 1630 by English Puritans.

In Boston, the Freedom Trail is a path marked on the ground, about 4 km long, that links 16 sites from the independence era, from the Boston Common to the Old North Church and the USS Constitution ship. Quincy Market, the Italian neighborhood of the North End, the streets of Beacon Hill and Fenway Park stadium round out downtown.

Across the Charles River, Cambridge is home to Harvard University and MIT. Salem, to the north, is known for the 1692 witch trials and fills up in October with Halloween events; Plymouth, to the south, commemorates the arrival of the Mayflower pilgrims in 1620.

In the southeast, the Cape Cod peninsula and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are the region’s summer beach destinations, and in the west the Berkshires hills host music festivals. On the table, clam chowder, the lobster roll and seafood.

When to go

June to October is usually the best time: summer is warm and good for Cape Cod, and between late September and late October the leaves turn colors. Winter, from December to March, is usually cold with snow. In October, Salem draws many visitors because of Halloween.

Getting there

Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 5 km from downtown Boston, with subway and buses to the city. Connections with Brazil may be direct flights or with a stopover, depending on season and airline. Confirm before booking. Amtrak trains connect Boston to New York in about four hours. Cambridge has a subway; Salem has commuter rail and, in summer, ferries from Boston; Plymouth is about an hour by car.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Massachusetts

How many days to book for Boston?

Three days are usually enough for the Freedom Trail, the North End, Beacon Hill and Cambridge. With four or five days, you can fit trips to Salem and Plymouth.

How to do the Freedom Trail?

The route is marked by a line of red bricks in the sidewalk and begins at the Boston Common. It can be done independently in half a day, or with a costumed guide. Some sites, such as Paul Revere’s house, charge a separate admission.

Is it worth visiting Harvard?

Yes, to see Harvard Yard, the historic buildings and the bookstores in Harvard Square. The campus is open, and there are student-led tours. MIT is about 3 km away, on the same bank of the river.

When to see the fall colors in Massachusetts?

It is usually between late September and late October, first in the western hills, such as the Berkshires, and later near the coast. The peak changes every year depending on the weather.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.