Should we drive while in Boston? (Salem: for rent, hotel, taxis)

[tomvik]

My friend and I are coming to Boston next Friday for 3 days. Should we rent a car?

[brienzi]

It depends on what u plan on doing or seeing.

I wouldn't rent a car if just staying in Beantown as the MBTA will get you wherever u have to go and if from outta town, driving will just make u get lost as GPS and other devices don't work that well there.

Go with public transportation.

[495neighbor]

Not for a 3 day visit. Parking is scarce and expensive. Plenty to do and see in the city that is perfectly accessible by public transportation. You could even go by commuter rail to Salem and Cape Ann, if you were on a longer visit.

[dapeaz]

No.

[MikePRU]

I wouldn't. Public transportation will get you anywhere you want downtown and Boston is also a very walkable city.

[millerm277]

Originally Posted by tomvik

My friend and I are coming to Boston next Friday for 3 days. Should we rent a car?

There is very little that a tourist would want to do in Boston that isn't MUCH more easily accessed by the T than a car.

[maggiekate]

no way pay for rent a car for 3 days" get a hotel maybe outside boston and do the T!

[dbabyatskiy]

These other people are right in that you don't need to rent a car.

And if we're talking about staying within city limits for the entire time, I'll go a step further and advise that you don't waste your short three days in the MBTA stations and on the trains unless it's absolutely necessary.

Walk if you're physically able and unless that it's pouring rain and you probably won't regret it.

[flowbe202]

If you need to ask, you're not a good candidate for becoming a Boston city driver.

Save yourself the grief, expense and worry and use the T, taxis, biking and walking (if able).

Next week is also Head of the Charles--if you're attending that event and thought you could park nearby, think again.