The 15 best Airbnbs in Boston, from lofts to lighthouses

Faneuil Hall may be a hotspot for tourists, but it certainly doesn’t hurt being close to the center of the action. This Airbnb loft will let you live out your Boston main character dreams, with a backdrop of exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings and skylight windows. Throw in two levels and plenty of cozy places to lounge and you’ve got yourself one perfect getaway.

Beds? One king-size bed and one queen across two bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

The space? An authentic Boston loft, complete with exposed brick, an open floor plan and lots of sunlight streaming in

Location perks? In the heart of downtown, with proximity to Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the waterfront

Budget range? A solidly affordable stay for such a centrally located pad

This quaint 1860s carriage house Airbnb in Somerville is a little slice of heaven. Converted to suit modern living, the house was built with reclaimed, reused and upcycled materials. There’s a colorful modern kitchen, a sparkling updated bathroom, as well as a parking spot in the driveway—a coveted amenity among Bostonians. 

Beds? One queen bed and a sofa bed. Sleeps two guests

The space? An 1860s carriage house with all the bells and whistles to match

Location perks? In the sleepy suburban part of Somerville — perfect for a little peace from the bustling city center nearby

Budget range? A well-priced Airbnb considering its unique historic offering

The only thing better than savoring a couple of cannoli in Boston’s Italian enclave is staying within walking distance to all of the delicacies the North End has to offer. This “family villa” in the heart of the neighborhood offers three bedrooms and two living rooms, making it a prime spot for a group trip.

Beds? A queen, two sets of bunk beds and a king-size bed, spread across three bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests

The space? A stunning tri-level home with tasteful interior design. A fully stocked kitchen and spacious dining area allow you to eat in if you’d like, but we’d advise trying as many restaurants as possible

Location perks? Proximity to Boston’s best Italian restaurants, plus the charms of the waterfront

Budget range? With nice digs and prime location comes a hefty price tag. It becomes more manageable split among a larger group, though.

Touring Harvard or MIT and need a place to crash? (Or simply enjoying Cambridge’s impeccable vibes?) You’ll find this whimsical studio near Harvard Square inside a 19th-century Victorian. It’s ideal for a couple looking for a home base while exploring. 

Beds? One queen bed and one sofa bed. Sleeps four guests 

The space? A light and sunny studio apartment with an open floor plan

Location perks? Nestled between Harvard Square and Porter Square in Cambridge, meaning you’ll see some of the best of Cambridge’s shops and restaurants

Budget range? Affordable considering its size and location

New England wouldn’t be New England without its lighthouses. So what’s more quintessential than sleeping in one? Cook up a storm (while praying there are no actual storms) in this lighthouse’s neatly equipped kitchen before climbing the spiral staircase to the lantern room and dreamily admiring the vast Atlantic ocean. What's more? It's only a 75-minute drive from the city.

Beds? Two king-size beds and two single beds. Sleeps up to eight guests.

The space? A lighthouse overlooking the ocean. Honestly, what more could you ask for? It's as dreamy as it sounds—and looks.

Location perks? The ocean is directly in front of you from sunrise to sunset. Enough said.

Budget range? A mid-range accommodation option with high-end finishes and killer views

Across the street from a park, the top-floor apartment in this Victorian home is accessed through a private garden entrance. Step through the carved wooden door and you’ll find a miniature haven of stone fountains and lush plantings. Inside the apartment itself, you’ll enjoy a lofted bedroom with beamed ceilings and a vintage writing desk. 

The space? Has quirks in all the right places, plus a private deck with a grill

Location perks? Overlooks Fort Hill Tower, a strategic vantage point during the Revolutionary War

Budget range? Not bad for a space that really does sleep four

You’ll find exposed brick galore in this East Boston brownstone. Nestled in Jeffries Point, the two-bedroom unit is a stone’s throw from Piers Park, so you can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront and the Boston skyline. Parking is available for an additional fee.

Beds? One queen bed and one king-size bed. Sleeps four

The space? A recently renovated apartment in a charming brownstone, with a tastefully appointed kitchen and bathroom

Location perks? It’s a quick walk to the T, Piers Park, and the fun restaurants along the waterfront

Budget range? Middle of the road pricing on this gem

Care to sleep in Boston Harbor? This Charlestown Airbnb is on a houseboat-slash-yacht, so you can be lulled to sleep by gentle waves. The yacht is quite spacious, offering two staterooms and two bathrooms with toilets and hot showers. Enjoy a dozen oysters in the dinette or on the roomy deck.

Beds? Two queen-size beds in two bedrooms, plus a sofa bed in the living area. Sleeps five guests

The space? It’s a yacht docked in a harbor! Ahoy!

Location perks? City skyline views and proximity to historical sites like the USS Constitution

Budget range? Somewhat pricier than stays on land, but worth it for the novelty

You’ll feel as snug as a bug in a rug in this pint-sized loft in Jamaica Plain. With a small kitchenette and books lining its shelves, it’s the launchpad for exploring one of Boston’s most bohemian neighborhoods. The place is a studio loft with an open floor plan, but offers a spacious bathroom.

Beds? One queen in the bedroom nook. Sleeps three guests

The space? A studio-style loft crash pad painted in soothing colors

Location perks? It’s a five-minute walk to the Green Street T stop, and just a bit further to the shops and restaurants lining Centre Street

Budget range? Very affordable, likely because of the lack of a full kitchen

Prefer to stay a bit further from the hustle and bustle? Opt for this apartment in Somerville’s hip Union Square neighborhood. Its calming color palette and design makes it a cozy spot to rest your head after a day of exploring. 

Beds? One queen bed in each of the two bedrooms, plus the couch in the living room. Sleeps five guests

The space? A chic, roomy apartment with lots of modern updates, including double sinks in one of the bathrooms and a small office area

Location perks? This place is in the heart of Union Square, which is home to Somerville’s best shops, restaurants and more.

Budget range? A little on the pricier end, but worth the money for what’s offered

Sample a true slice of Boston history with a stay in this 19th-century house in the South End. Along with once serving as a meeting place for civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph, the house is awash with historically accurate fixtures and fittings. Make yourself at home sipping bourbon in front of the huge, central fireplace, or enjoy some time with friends on the private roof deck.

Beds? Two queen-size beds in two bedrooms on offer. Home shared with the host

The space? An 1860 historic home in Boston, complete with skyline views, luxury amenities and a fully stocked bar for an evening tipple

Location perks? In the heart of the South End — a neighborhood rich in culture and history, ideal for learning about and exploring at your own leisure

Budget range? A pretty affordable stay considering the home's history, but you can bring a friend to share the cost

You’ll find this Airbnb next door to the second-oldest home in Beacon Hill, which is already an extremely historic neighborhood. But what makes this space so irresistible is that it feels like a secret: A jewel box of a basement studio with brick walls peeking out behind twee antique furniture. Plus, you’re within walking distance to the Boston Common and Public Garden.

Beds? One queen-size bed and one single bed. Sleeps three guests

The space? A modern studio apartment originally built in 1789, in the center of Beacon Hill

Location perks? The studio sits next to the oldest home in Beacon Hill, along with many other tourist attractions nearby

Budget range? A very affordable stay in the heart of Boston

Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood is chock full of colorful Victorians, but not all of those homes come with a tower. This two-bedroom apartment at the top of a 19th-century Queen Anne offers a fourth-story tower with views of Franklin Park and the rest of Jamaica Plain. Elsewhere, charming, minimal interiors make for comfortable places to hang out.

Beds? One queen bed for each of the two bedrooms, plus a sofa bed. Sleeps four guests

The space? A time-honored Queen Anne Victorian with quirks and historical charm

Location perks? A short walk to Boston’s T, as well as Southwest Corridor Park

Budget range? Solidly affordable for such a unique property

As centrally located as this Bay Village brownstone is, it’s going to be hard to get yourself out the door—the decor is just that arresting. A predominantly white canvas serves as a background to pristine mid-century lamps and furniture, plus some striking wall art. The modernist, angular kitchen feels like it belongs in a museum, and the intimate side patio is the perfect spot for a morning coffee (don’t miss neighborhood gem Mike & Patty’s) while you plot the day’s activities. 

Beds? One king-size bed, one queen-size bed, one single bed, and a cot. Sleeps up to eight guests

The space? A four-story dream of a home, just steps from Boston Common and filled to the brim with bespoke architecture and interior design

Location perks? Two blocks walking distance from Boston Common and other lovely spots in Bay Village

Budget range? On the higher end of the affordability spectrum but totally worth it—especially if you have seven other guests joining you

Just 15 minutes outside of the city, you can find this tranquil haven to call home for a few days. Set on an idyllic flower farm, it’s cozy enough for four weary travelers looking for some solace in nature. The farmhouse is as quaint as you'd expect: antique touches throughout accompanied by a woodstove and—to make matters even cozier—even a firepit area for a relaxing end to the evening. 

The space? A spacious two-bedroom farmhouse with a beautiful flower farm

Location perks? Set in the leafy suburbs of Weston—just a seven-minute drive to the T at Riverside, on Green Line D

Budget range? A moderately-priced getaway for four