Boston Tourism Statistics

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

Boston tourism statistics at a glance

• 38.7 million domestic visitors came to Boston in 2025.¹
• 2.2 million international visitors came to Boston in 2025.¹
• Domestic visitors spent $14.08 billion in the city in 2025.¹
• Boston Logan Airport handled 43.2 million passengers in 2025.¹
• More than 4 million people walk the Freedom Trail each year.²

Boston welcomed about 38.7 million domestic visitors and 2.2 million international visitors in 2025.¹

• Boston attracted 2.68 million international visitors in 2019.³ However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 82% to approximately 489,000.
• Around 478,000 international visitors came to Boston in 2021.³
• The total number of international visitors to Boston reached 1.47 million in 2022, then increased to 2.26 million in 2023.³
• In 2024, 2.46 million international visitors traveled to Boston, a 9% increase from 2023 and 8% below 2019.³
• In 2025, about 2.2 million international visitors traveled to Boston, according to Global City Travel.¹ That count comes from a different provider than the Tourism Economics figures for earlier years, so it isn't directly comparable with the 2.46 million recorded in 2024.³

How many people have visited Boston in 2026 so far?

Boston's travel numbers for 2026 are running slightly ahead of 2025 through August.

• Boston Logan handled 7.07 million international passengers from January to August 2026, up 1.5% from 6.97 million in the same months of 2025.⁴
• Traffic on Canada routes rebounded, with passengers up 10.2% to 571,615, while Middle East routes fell 27.1% to 398,375.⁴
• Total passenger traffic at Logan reached 29.09 million in the first eight months, almost level with 2025 (-0.1%).⁴
• Boston hotels were 89.7% full in July 2026, up from 84.5% in July 2025, and 87.4% full in August.¹

Airport counts include both arriving and departing passengers, residents as well as visitors, so they track travel demand rather than tourist numbers directly.

Boston welcomed 38.7 million domestic visitors in 2025, about 19 in every 20 of the city's visitors.¹

• Domestic visitors spent $14.08 billion in Boston in 2025.¹
• They stayed an average of 3.2 days, and 62% had visited before.¹
• Domestic visitors rated their trip 4.6 out of 5 for satisfaction.¹

In 2024, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China were 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.³
• The United Kingdom ranked second with $241.6 million.³
• China followed with $206.7 million.³
• India placed fourth at $163.8 million.³
• France, with $116.5 million in spending, rounded out the top five.³

Meet Boston has not yet published a 2025 breakdown by country, so 2024 is the latest year available.

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 colors 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.

Boston Logan International Airport handled 43.2 million passengers in 2025, including 10.03 million international passengers and 33.14 million domestic passengers, across 407,116 flights.¹

• From January to August 2026, Logan handled 29.09 million passengers, almost level with the same months of 2025, while international passengers rose 1.5% to 7.07 million.⁴
• Most visitors arriving by air can pick up a rental car at Logan Airport for trips beyond the city.

• Domestic visitors spent $14.08 billion in Boston in 2025,¹ and international travelers added about $2.72 billion in 2024.³
• Job Creation: The tourism sector supported around 153,000 jobs statewide, making it a vital part of the Massachusetts economy.⁷ In Boston itself, accommodation and food services, the sector that serves most visitors, employed 60,495 people in 2024, 8.8% of all jobs in the city.⁸

• 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.
• Take Day Trips by Car: Rent a car in Boston to explore Salem, Cape Cod and the New England coast, or drive on to New York City.

• The number one tourist attraction in Boston is the Freedom Trail, which draws more than 4 million people a year.² This historic 2.5-mile path leads visitors through 16 significant sites that showcase the city’s rich Revolutionary War history.