Boston is on a small peninsula in the middle of Massachusetts' Atlantic Coast, a little over 320km (200mi) northeast of New York City. Most of the city's sights are contained in less than 8 sq km (5 sq mi). Cambridge (home of Harvard and MIT) is a short drive or subway ride north across the Charles River.

The North End, occupying the northeastern tip of the peninsula, is the historic city centre. The North End and the eastern waterfront used to be separated from the rest of the city by the John F Fitzgerald Expressway (I-93). The expressway is now underground as a result of the 'Big Dig', allowing easier access to this historic part of the city. Just south of the expressway are Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Government Center. The Financial District is a few blocks further south, Beacon Hill directly west, Boston Common (the city's main park) and Chinatown to the southwest. The Back Bay, South End and the Fenway are further to the southwest. Anyone in reasonable shape could walk from the North End to the Fenway - allowing for wandering, eating and shopping - in half a day or less.

Boston's 'T', one of the oldest subways in the country, is the best way to get around the the Boston-Cambridge area. If you're not in a rush, the city is made for walking, with urban heritage paths and lots of green. Ferries cross Boston Harbor, but it's more an excursion than an option for getting around. Cars are not really a great idea for within the city - it's a bit of a nightmare to navigate for out-of-towners.