Best Boston Massachusetts Travel Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Boston, Massachusetts is a city steeped in history and culture, and what better way to explore it than with a travel guide? There are a variety of Boston travel books available, each offering a unique perspective on the city. From the classic Fodor's Boston guide to the more offbeat "Secret Boston" by Kim Foley MacKinnon, there is something for everyone. For those interested in the city's rich literary history, "Walking Boston" by Robert Todd Felton provides a walking tour of the city's literary landmarks. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, a Boston travel book can help you discover all that this vibrant city has to offer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader's Circle) Cover #TOP 1
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader's Circle)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Moon Baseball Road Trips: The Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, with Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Moon Baseball Road Trips: The Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, with Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fodor's Boston (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 3
Fodor's Boston (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Boston Massachusetts Travel Books

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader's Circle)

Kidder, Tracy
Random House Trade Paperbacks
Aug 25, 2009
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader's Circle) Cover
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader's Circle)

"Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder is a thought-provoking, inspiring book about Dr. Paul Farmer's quest to cure infectious diseases and bring modern medicine to those who need it. Kidder's account takes the reader on a journey from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia, as Farmer advocates for global health and the philosophy that "the only real nation is humanity." The book is a masterpiece that will leave readers questioning their own lives and political views. It is a true-to-life fairy tale that inspires one to believe in happy endings. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in medical professional biographies and global health issues."

Moon Baseball Road Trips: The Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, with Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby (Travel Guide)

Malcolm, Timothy
Moon Travel
May 4, 2021
Moon Baseball Road Trips: The Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, with Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Baseball Road Trips: The Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, with Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby (Travel Guide)

Moon Baseball Road Trips is an ultimate guide for baseball enthusiasts. This travel guidebook by Timothy Malcolm offers flexible itineraries to explore the 30 major league cities in the US and Canada, along with valuable tips for snagging tickets, finding the best places to park or catch public transit, and events like music festivals. It also includes full chapters on each city to get to know the MLB hometowns, with recommendations for local craft breweries and foodie specialties. With practical tips, local expertise, and flexible itineraries, Moon Baseball Road Trips is an essential guide for planning the perfect baseball road trip.

#TOP 3

Fodor's Boston (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel Guides
Jan 24, 2023
Fodor's Boston (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Boston (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Boston (Full-color Travel Guide) is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Boston. The guidebook features multiple itineraries, detailed maps, and beautiful color photos to help visitors make the most out of their time in the city. The book also includes honest recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, and more. Additionally, the historical and cultural insights provide rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography, and more. Overall, Fodor's Boston is a must-have for anyone visiting the city for the first time or returning for a repeat visit.

#TOP 4

Lonely Planet USA Planning Map 1

Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet
Jun 20, 2017
Lonely Planet USA Planning Map 1 Cover
Lonely Planet USA Planning Map 1

Lonely Planet USA Planning Map 1 is a durable and waterproof map guide to the USA, covering some of the best attractions in the country. It includes itinerary suggestions, transport guides, planning information, and practical travel tips. This easy-to-use full-color map is a great navigation tool that fits in your pocket. The map also features tailored itineraries, regional highlights, and a detailed town index. This map is a must-have for travelers who want to explore the USA with ease. Overall, Lonely Planet USA Planning Map 1 is an excellent guidebook that provides valuable information to travelers and helps them to get the most out of their travel experience.

The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA (Travel Guide)

Dunham, Jessica
Moon Travel
Oct 20, 2020
The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA (Travel Guide) Cover
The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA (Travel Guide)

The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA is an ultimate guide for anyone planning to hit the road. It features 50 different road trips organized by region with flexible itineraries, can't-miss stops, and the best local flavors. The book also provides expert advice and comprehensive planning resources, including maps, lodging, dining, and tips for minimizing your environmental impact. With gorgeous, full-color photos and a fold-out map, this book is a must-have for any road trip enthusiast. Overall, it's an excellent reference book for travelers seeking adventure on the open road.

#TOP 6

Streetwise Boston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Boston, Massachusetts (Michelin Streetwise Maps)

Michelin
Michelin
Aug 12, 2018
Streetwise Boston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Boston, Massachusetts (Michelin Streetwise Maps) Cover
Streetwise Boston Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Boston, Massachusetts (Michelin Streetwise Maps)

The Streetwise Boston Map is a must-have for anyone visiting the city. This laminated city center map covers the whole city, including the MBTA subway and trolley stations. The map is easy to use, with an accordion-fold design and a manageable yet detailed layout of the city. It is also durable, making it perfect for those who enjoy exploring the city on foot. The Michelin Travel Publications brand ensures that the Streetwise Boston Map is of high quality and a reliable resource for navigating Boston's streets.

#TOP 7

The Ultimate Boston Red Sox Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard BoSox Fans!

Walker, Ray
HRP House
Oct 18, 2020
The Ultimate Boston Red Sox Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard BoSox Fans! Cover
The Ultimate Boston Red Sox Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard BoSox Fans!

The Ultimate Boston Red Sox Trivia Book is a must-have for die-hard fans of the Red Sox. This book covers everything about one of the most famous baseball teams in the AL and MLB. From the 86-year-long “Curse of the Bambino” to Fenway Park, the book is full of interesting trivia and fun facts. The book is divided into 15 chapters, each with questions, answer pages, and factoids. It's the perfect companion for trivia night with friends or family. Overall, this book is a great addition to any Red Sox fan's collection.

Frommer's Boston day by day

Brokaw, Leslie
Trahan, Erin
FrommerMedia
Oct 2, 2018
Frommer's Boston day by day Cover
Frommer's Boston day by day

Frommer's Boston day by day is an excellent guide for travelers who want to maximize their time in Boston. The book offers numerous itineraries that cater to different interests, including those with kids, history buffs, and foodies. The guide also includes star ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it easier for readers to identify the best options. The tear-resistant foldout map is a useful addition to the book, ensuring that travelers can navigate the city with ease. Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Boston.

The Ultimate Boston Bruins Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard Bruins Fans!

Walker, Ray
HRP House
Aug 20, 2020
The Ultimate Boston Bruins Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard Bruins Fans! Cover
The Ultimate Boston Bruins Trivia Book: A Collection of Amazing Trivia Quizzes and Fun Facts for Die-Hard Bruins Fans!

The Ultimate Boston Bruins Trivia Book is a must-have for any die-hard Bruins fan. This book is full of incredible trivia, covering all aspects of the team's history, including their heated rivalries, ingenious nicknames earned by the players, and records set by some of the best athletes Boston has ever seen. The book is a page-turning dive into the world of the oldest American team in the NHL, from Orr to Chara, Espo to Bergeron, and Brimsek to Rask. The multiple choice questions, true or false factoids, and quirky anecdotes make it a fun and engaging read. Overall, this book is a great way to impress your family and friends with your die-hard knowledge of the Boston Bruins.

Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1

Lonely Planet
Jun 7, 2022
Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1 Cover
Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1

The Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the Americas 1 is an excellent addition to the series of hiking books. With stunning photography, detailed maps, and practical information, this book explores 50 of the most rewarding treks and trails across the Americas. From one-day walks to multi-day treks, this book covers a wide range of themes and experiences. Each hike is accompanied by a first-person account, challenge level grading, and expert travel advice. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice, this book will inspire you to embark on an epic journey on foot. Overall, this book is a great guide for adventure seekers and hiking enthusiasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Boston MA worth visiting?

Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Known as the “Cradle of Modern America,” the birthplace of the American Revolution can still be felt at every cobblestone corner. The Freedom Trail is an excellent way to see 16 historical sites placed all across the city.

2. How many days is enough to visit Boston?

So how many days do you need to visit Boston? Most people visit for three to four days, and I think that's a perfect amount of time. As someone who's lived there, I can say that, since Boston is so small, you won't waste a lot of time “in transit,” so you can pack a lot into your days.

3. Is 2 days enough in Boston?

Even with just 2 days in Boston, you can cover some serious ground and get a good feel for the city. Read on for a detailed itinerary for how to make the most out of a weekend stay in the Massachusetts capital.

Editor's Notes

During our boston massachusetts travel book research, we found 1,000+ boston massachusetts travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,251 customer reviews through our big data system to write the boston massachusetts travel books list. We found that most customers choose boston massachusetts travel books with an average price of $11.45.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.