Biking in Boston: Yes, You Can—and You Should

Boston is a city built for walking—but let’s not forget about the other great way to get around: biking.

It’s fast, it’s fun, and let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about gliding past traffic with the wind in your face and a latte in your backpack. Whether you’re a daily commuter at home or someone who only touches a bike on vacation when it’s part of a scenic photo op, Boston is an excellent place to explore by bike.

And the good news? You don’t have to pack your own wheels to do it.

So… Can I Really Bike in Boston on Vacation?

Absolutely. And you won’t be alone.

Biking in Boston has been a thing for over a century, dating all the way back to the late 1800s when cycling clubs wore wool suits and rode fixed-gear bikes with comically large front wheels (true story). These days, you’ll see students, commuters, tourists, and weekend warriors all cruising the city—especially around the Charles River, the Esplanade, and through the green-lined streets of Back Bay.

In fact, if you’re staying at Newbury Guest House, you’re already halfway there. Our location in Back Bay is a prime jumping-off point for some of the city’s best biking routes.

How to Rent a Bike in Boston (It’s Super Easy)

You’ve got options.

Bluebikes

This is Boston’s official bike-share system. The bikes are sturdy, bright blue, and available all over the city—there are stations every few blocks, including a few just around the corner from us on Newbury Street.

• How it works: Download the Bluebikes app, buy a day pass (or a single ride), and unlock a bike. Ride it anywhere, drop it off at another dock. Easy.
• Pro tip: You get 45 minutes per ride with a day pass. If you’re planning a longer ride, dock it mid-trip and grab a new one to reset the clock.

Bike Rental Shops

If you’re looking for something with a basket, gears, or a bit more comfort, check out local shops like:

• Urban AdvenTours – Offers hourly and daily rentals, plus guided bike tours if you want someone else to do the route planning.
• Back Bay Bicycles – A neighborhood shop with solid rentals and gear.
• Landry’s Bicycles – A Boston staple with good bikes and even better advice.

Some rental shops even offer e-bikes if you want a little help tackling the city’s infamous “heartbreak hills.”

Where to Ride (And What’s the Vibe?)

Not every street in Boston is a bike lane dream, but there’s a growing network of paths and protected lanes that make cycling easier—and much safer—than it used to be.

The Charles River Bike Path

This one’s the superstar. A 23-mile loop that runs along both sides of the Charles River with scenic views of Cambridge, Boston skyline cameos, and plenty of space to ride without dodging cars.

Great for: Leisure riders, sunset seekers, anyone who wants to get their daily steps in… on wheels.

The Emerald Necklace

This series of connected parks and greenways links Back Bay to Jamaica Plain and beyond. Think winding paths, tree cover, and that perfect combination of urban-meets-nature.

Great for: A peaceful ride with minimal car interaction. Bring snacks. Take your time.

The Southwest Corridor

A hidden gem running through the South End and Roxbury—less crowded than the river paths and a great way to explore lesser-known parts of the city.

Great for: Local flavor and low-stress pedaling.

Is It Safe to Bike in Boston?

Mostly, yes—with a few caveats.

Boston has come a long way with bike infrastructure in the last decade. There are more protected lanes, better signage, and a lot more awareness from drivers than there used to be.

Tips for staying safe:

• Stick to bike paths and dedicated lanes when you can.
• Always wear a helmet (some rental shops will give you one for free).
• Use lights if you’re biking early or late.
• Be extra cautious in high-traffic zones like Downtown Crossing or near Fenway.

Truthfully, Boston’s not perfect yet, but it’s improving every year—and in neighborhoods like Back Bay, Cambridge, and the Seaport, biking feels downright breezy.

Biking Around Campuses = Peak Boston

If you want to see Boston the way locals do, head toward the universities. The areas around Harvard, MIT, BU, and Northeastern are packed with bike traffic, student energy, and streets designed to handle both.

Plus, where there are students, there’s usually great coffee, bagels, bookstores, and random outdoor concerts. So if your ride “accidentally” turns into a café crawl, we fully support that decision.

Make It a Moment

One of the best things about biking in Boston? You get to see the city differently. You’ll find tucked-away gardens, riverfront benches, and murals you’d totally miss in a car. You’ll cover more ground than walking, but still feel fully connected to the rhythm of the city.

And if you’re staying at Newbury Guest House, your perfect Boston bike day starts right outside our front door.

Pedal to the Charles. Loop through the Common. Stop for lunch on the patio at a Back Bay café. End the ride with a cannoli from the North End.

That’s not exercise. That’s a vacation with excellent taste.