Boston Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 7 November 2025

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is a key destination for tourism, recognised for its historical landmarks, educational institutions, and cultural attractions.

How many tourists visit Boston each year?

Boston welcomes over 2 million international arrivals each year.

• Boston attracted 2.68 million international visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 82% to approximately 489,000.
  
• Around 478,000 tourists visited Boston in 2021.¹

• The total number of international visitors to Boston reached 1.47 million in 2022, then increase to 2.26 million in 2023. ²

• In 2024, 2.46 million visitors traveled to Boston, a 9% increase from 2023 and 8% below 2019.

How many people visited Boston in 2024?

• Boston welcomed 2.46 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 9% increase from the previous year, while still 8% below the pre-pandemic level.

How many people visited Boston in 2023?

• In 2023, Boston saw 2.26 million international travelers, marking a 53.9% increase from the previous year,

How much do tourists spend in Boston every year?

International visitors spent $2.72 billion in 2024.

• They spent $2.95 billion in 2019, but this dropped by 84% to just $456.1 million in 2020 when the pandemic hit.
  
• In 2021, spending amounted to $328.7 million.
  
• International visitor expenditure rebounded to $1.19 billion in 2022, climbing again to $2.41 billion in 2023.

• In 2024, $2.72 billion was spent by international visitors in Boston, a 13% increase from 2023 and 8% below 2019.

How much do tourists spend in Boston?

• In 2024, international visitors spent a total of $2.72 billion across Boston, up 13% from the previous year, but 8% below the pre-pandemic level.³

How much does it cost to visit Boston?

• Tourists to Boston spent an average of $1,066 per trip. This spending includes expenses on dining, lodging, shopping, and leisure activities, reflecting the overall economic impact of tourism on the city.

Top Inbound Tourist Markets of Boston

In 2024, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China are the top international markets for Boston tourism. While exact visitor counts were not published, spending data clearly highlights Boston’s strong international draw and its reputation as one of the best U.S. destinations for global travelers.

• Canadian visitors accounted for the highest spending volume at $620.7 million, underscoring Boston’s accessibility and popularity for short-haul North American travel.
  
  
• The United Kingdom ranked second with $241.6 million, reflecting continued strength in transatlantic tourism fueled by historical, cultural, and educational ties.
  
  
• China followed with $206.7 million, supported by increasing long-haul travel and interest in Boston’s world-class universities, shopping, and medical facilities.
  
  
• India placed fourth at $163.8 million, driven by educational tourism and a rapidly growing outbound travel market.
  
  
• France, with $116.5 million in spending, rounded out the top five, showcasing Boston’s appeal among European travelers seeking culture, cuisine, and history.

Where is Boston?

• Boston is located in the northeastern United States and serves as the capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  
  
• It is situated on the Shawmut Peninsula, bordered by Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
  
  
• The city’s geographic coordinates are approximately 42.361145° N latitude and 71.057083° W longitude.

How long do tourists stay in Boston?

• Tourists stay an average of 3.7 nights in Boston, traveling through its historic streets and enjoying top attractions like the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and the Boston Common. 

When is the best time to visit Boston?

The best time to visit Boston is generally considered to be late September through mid-October. When the weather is pleasant and the fall foliage is at its peak.

• Ideal Seasons: Fall (September to October)
  
  
• Weather: Mild temperatures and beautiful autumn colours make this season particularly appealing. Early October is often highlighted for its stunning foliage.
  
  
• Activities: This period is perfect for outdoor activities, walking the Freedom Trail, and enjoying local festivals.

Economic Impact  – Boston Tourism Statistics 2024

• The tourism industry in Boston generated about $2.72 billion in economic output from international travelers.
  
  
• Job Creation: The tourism sector supported around 153,000 jobs statewide, making it a vital part of the Massachusetts economy. In Boston alone, approximately 60,000-65,000 jobs in the Accommodation and Food Services sector were supported by tourism in 2024.

How popular is Boston as a tourist destination?

Boston continues to shine as one of the most celebrated travel destinations in the U.S. and worldwide.

Awards & Rankings (2025 to 2024)

• 2025: New England Travel Awards (Boston magazine): Honored among the top destinations for lodging, tourism experiences, and hospitality across New England.

• 2024: Resonance Consultancy “Top 100 Cities” Report: Ranked #24 globally, praised for culture, safety, connectivity, and livability.

• 2024: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards: Ranked #7 Best Large City in the U.S., ahead of New York City.

• 2024: Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Featured among the Top U.S. Food Destinations for its diverse dining and culinary scene.

• 2024: Travel + Leisure “Best U.S. Cities” List: Recognized for its architecture, sports culture, and world-class museums.

Boston & USA Travel Resources

What should tourists do in Boston?

• Explore History: Walk the Freedom Trail, visit Faneuil Hall, and tour the North End for iconic landmarks like Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.
  
  
• Relax in Green Spaces: Enjoy Boston Common and the Public Garden, including a ride on the famous swan boats.
  
  
• Experience Sports and Culture: Catch a game or tour Fenway Park, visit world-class museums, or see a show in the Theatre District.
  
  
• Discover Unique Activities: Stroll through Harvard University or visit the Cheers Bar on Beacon Hill.
  
  
• Take Themed Tours: Dive deeper into Boston’s history with options like the Black Heritage Trail or ghost tours.

Is Boston safe for tourists?

Boston’s overall crime rates, including violent crime (216.1 per 100,000) and property crime (800.6 per 100,000), are considered lower than the national averages for large U.S. cities.

• Popular destinations like the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Faneuil Hall are in safer neighbourhoods, such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill, and are generally safe during the day and early evening.
  
  

Common Crimes in Boston

• Petty Theft: Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in crowded areas; secure your belongings and stay alert.
  
  
• Nighttime Safety: While many areas are safe at night, avoid poorly lit or isolated spots. Neighbourhoods like Roxbury and Mattapan have higher crime rates and require caution.
  

General Advice: Stick to well-travelled areas, especially during evening hours, and follow basic safety precautions for a secure visit.

Top Tourist Attractions Boston 2025

• The number one tourist attraction in Boston is the Freedom Trail. This historic 2.5-mile path leads visitors through 16 significant sites that showcase the city’s rich Revolutionary War history.

USA Travel Statistics Resources

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Reference

1. B: Tourists Statistics ↩︎
2. MB: Oversea Visitation ↩︎
3. MB: Boston Direct Tourist Spending ↩︎