Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's best to leave the car in a garage or
lot and walk, but be aware that Boston's
parking is the second most expensive in
the country (after Manhattan's). A full
day at most garages costs no more than
$30, but some downtown facilities charge
as much as $45, and hourly rates can be
exorbitant. Many lots charge a lower flat
rate if you enter and exit before certain
times or if you park in the evening. Some
restaurants offer reduced rates at nearby
garages; ask when you call for reserva-
tions. Regardless of where you park, visit
the attendant's booth as you exit on foot
to ask whether any local businesses offer
discounted parking with a purchase and
validation; you may get lucky.
The city-run garage under
Boston
Common
(
&
617/954-2096
) accepts
vehicles less than 6 feet, 3 inches tall.
Enter from Charles Street between Boyl-
ston and Beacon streets. Enter the garage
in the state
Transportation Building,
10
Park Plaza (
&
617/973-7054
), from
Charles Street South. The
Prudential
Center
garage (
&
617/236-3060
) has
entrances on Boylston Street, Hunting-
ton Avenue, and Exeter Street, and at the
Sheraton Boston Hotel. Parking is dis-
counted if you buy something at the
Shops at Prudential Center and have your
ticket validated. The garage at
Copley
Place
(
&
617/375-4488
), off Hunting-
ton Avenue, offers a similar deal. Many
businesses in Faneuil Hall Marketplace
validate parking at the
75 State St.
Garage
(
&
617/742-7275
).
Good-size garages downtown are at
Government Center
off Congress Street
(
&
617/227-0385
),
Sudbury Street
off
Congress Street (
&
617/973-6954
), the
New England Aquarium
(
&
617/367-
3847
), and
Zero Post Office Square
in
the Financial District (
&
617/423-
1500
). In the Back Bay, there's a large
facility near the Hynes Convention
Center on
Dalton Street
(
&
617/421-
9484
). The lots off
Northern Avenue
in
the Seaport District are among the cheap-
est in town, but downtown proper is
some distance away. Allow time for the
walk or Silver Line bus ride.
Driving Rules
When traffic permits, drivers may turn
right at a red light after stopping, unless a
sign is posted saying otherwise (as it often
is downtown). The speed limit on most
city streets is 30mph.
Seat belts are mandatory for adults and
children, children under 12 may not ride
in the front seat, and infants and children
under 5 must be strapped into car seats in
the back seat. You can't be stopped just
for having an unbelted adult in the car,
but a youngster on the loose is reason
enough to pull you over.
Legislation pending at press time
would outlaw operating a vehicle while
talking on a hand-held cellphone. Visit
www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx
for an update.
And be aware of two state laws, if only
because drivers break them so frequently
it'll take your breath away: Pedestrians in
the crosswalk have the right of way (most
suburbs actually enforce this one), and
vehicles already in a rotary (traffic circle
or roundabout) have the right of way.
BY BICYCLE
This is not a good option unless you're a
real pro or plan to visit Cambridge,
which has bike lanes. The streets of
Boston proper, with their bloodthirsty
drivers and oblivious pedestrians, are
notoriously inhospitable to two-wheelers.
For information about renting a bike
and about recreational biking, see “Bik-
ing” on p. 181. If you bring or rent a
bike, be sure to lock it securely when leav-
ing it unattended, even for a short time.
