Tips on Boston Warnings or Dangers

Boston Warnings and Dangers

Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. If you plan on visiting, make sure you are aware of these potential warnings and dangers.

Crime

As is the case in any major city, crime can be a problem. With all of the tourist attractions, museums, and monuments, it’s best to not walk around with a camera. The same is true after dark and in poorly lit areas. Avoid walking in parks at night: This is probably the biggest problem for tourists. Crime and drug use increases around parks at night simply because it is easy to hide away amongst the trees and bushes. By staying in populated areas and avoiding the parks at night, you should be fine.

Parking and Driving

Parking and driving in Boston can be a nightmare. The streets are also confusing with a large amount of one-way roads. Unless you need a rental car to get around for work, it’s recommended to rely on public transportation, or the T, which is excellent.

Also, if you are not use to driving in the snow, do not rent a car in winter. It snows a good deal of the time during the winter, which means you’ll not only have to deal with the traffic but also parking and handling the vehicle on snow and ice.

Walking in Boston

As Boston is a historic city, some walkways, especially down by the water, still have the original cobblestone. If you plan on going out, watch where you step. It can become incredibly slippery (especially in the winter). It’s not recommended to wear heals on the cobblestone, but if you insist, be careful.

Smoking

If you are a smoker you can’t just light up anywhere you want: In fact, there are only a handful of locations where you can smoke. You can’t smoke inside any building, including hotels and restaurants. You also can’t smoke in public parks or by schools. There are specially designated areas for smoking, which if you need to light up is your only true option. If you are caught smoking outside of a designated area you may be fined with a $250 ticket. As a visiting tourist you may be able to get off with just a warning, but that is never a guarantee.

Weather

If you are not use to the cold, pack accordingly. Snowfall can occur at anytime during the winter months. It also can become rather slick because of it. If you are visiting during the winter, make sure you pack shoes with rubber soles. This will help avoid slipping and injuring yourself.

Locals Love Sports

If there is one thing you need to know about Boston, it is locals love their sports. They can even become rather aggressive, so just keep this in mind when discussing sports with locals at a sports bar (especially after a few drinks).

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Boston, Massachusetts.

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