Ultimate Guide to Boston

1. Citymapper

If you’re visiting Boston, the first problem you’ll probably encounter (besides deciphering that famous accent) is how to get to where you’re staying. Try out Citymapper, an app and website that will route you to your destination and give you real-time updates on all of Boston’s public transit, including bikesharing, commuter rail, and ferries.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

2. Paintzen
SPONSORED

If you’re in Boston and need a paint job, look no further than Paintzen. Plug in a few details about what you need done, and get a price quote on the spot. Their expert, licensed painters take care of everything, from supplying paint all the way through to cleanup. Enter NETTED200 for $200 off.*

Labor costs must come to a minimum of $250 after credit is applied.

3. T-on-Time

If you live in or near Boston, you might feel like something of an MBTA expert. Not so fast—we’ve got an app for you, too. Designed for the daily commuter, T-on-Time will make your trip go smoothly by delivering you updates on train times, delays, and other info for MBTA Commuter Rail.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

4. MBTA mTicket

Do you like waiting in line for tickets? We didn’t think so, and now you don’t have to—just download mTicket, a handy app that allows you to look up schedules and purchase commuter rail tickets right on your phone. As an added bonus, purchasing through the app means you don’t have to worry about losing your ticket, either.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

5. CatchIt Mobile

Windows Phone users, we salute you, and we’d also like to draw your attention to CatchIt Mobile. It’s another app designed to be a commuter’s best friend, and it does so by pulling data directly from MassDOT to deliver you up-to-date service information on Boston’s buses, subways, and commuter rail.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

6. ParkBoston

Parking in any city can be a headache, but ParkBoston makes it much more convenient. It allows you to pay Boston’s parking meters right from your phone. Just sign up and enter your payment info, and you can pay and extend your stay in the app. Parking enforcement can check your payment by looking up your license plate, and you don’t even have to touch a parking meter.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

7. Freedom Trail

Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, that whole one-if-by-land-two-if-by-sea thing—there’s a ton of history to explore in Boston, and the Freedom Trail is a great way to do it. But you don’t need to hire a guide, just download this app, which will lead you along the route with maps and HD videos explaining the significance of each site.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

8. Boston Public Garden App

Chances are you didn’t come to Boston for the flowers, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop by the Boston Public Garden, which was the first public botanical garden built in America. Before you go, download this app to get a complete audio guide and map for all of the garden’s important plants, memorials, and other features.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

9. The Design Museum

Mom wants to see some art, Dad wants to walk around on foot, and little Johnny just wants to play Minecraft and not be bothered by his parents. How do you please everyone? Check out the Design Museum, a collection of exhibits scattered across Boston that explore design from nearly every angle, including architecture and video games.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

10. Chef Nightly

There’s nothing worse than being hungry in Boston. Ok, it’s probably not any worse than being hungry anywhere else, but only in Boston do you have access to Chef Nightly, an app and service that delivers you personalized meals from the city’s restaurants and learns your preferences the more you order. Choose an option, pay in the app, and dig in.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

11. BarUp

Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong resident, picking the right place to go out can be a tough decision, so why not let an app choose for you? Try BarUp, an app that scans bars all over Boston and features one bar each weeknight as the Bar of the Night, so you know it’ll be a good time before you even walk in the door.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

12. FitReserve

A stroll along the Charles River (a haven for joggers, bikers, sailors and more) shows that Bostonians really know how to break a sweat. But if you’re looking for something more structured, FitReserve will get you into one of the city’s many great fitness classes. Sign up for a membership and book thousands of classes with members-only savings and exclusive discounts.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

13. Spotcycle

Trains, buses, and ferries are nice, but sometimes you feel like getting around under your own power. If you’re going to try out Boston’s bike-sharing system, called Hubway, download Spotcycle, which will help you locate bike stations, display bike and dock availability near you, and even tell you where the bike paths are.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

14. Alfred

We’re going to let you in on a secret: you don’t have to be a celebrity to have your own personal assistant. You just need Alfred, a personal concierge service available in Boston and a few other cities. Sign up to have your own personal “Alfred” buy your groceries, tidy up your place, and more while you’re at work.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

15. Buttery

What’s better than a nice bottle of wine with dinner? A nice bottle of wine that was delivered to you from your favorite wine shop. Buttery will make it happen for you. Just download the app or visit their site, and you can get beer, wine, and liquor delivered from local stores or have them waiting for you to pick up when you’re ready. Netted subscribers get $5 off their first purchase with code NTTD (Code expired!).

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

16. BOS:311

The local hoodlums are up to their tricks again: they keep spray-painting Journey lyrics on the stop sign on your street (“Don’t STOP believin” was funny the first time, but not the third). Do something about it with this app, which lets you report damage, voice concerns, and get updates on city services right from your phone.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

17. Boston Trash App

Ah, another lovely morning in Boston: the sun is shining, and the garbage truck picked up all the trash on your street. Except yours, which you forgot to bring out to the curb. Make sure you’re ready for garbage day with this app, which tells you when your pickup days are, gives you info on recycling, and yes, even reminds you to take out the trash.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

18. DiscoverBPS (for parents)

Parenting involves facing a lot of big questions, like: Why does your baby stroller cost more than your car? How do you build a tree fort? Where should your kid go to school? Discover BPS will help you with that last one. This website tells you where your child is eligible to attend school and lets you compare schools so you can make an, ahem, educated decision.

For more news and information on all things Boston, visit Boston.com.

19. Creators Guide

Like what you see? Check out our other city guides (LA and Austin, with more to come!) and our guides for creators, getting stuff delivered to you, and more.