Cities in Massachusetts are made up of a mix of old and new. Boston is the most popular destination, but there are so many other places in Massachusetts worth exploring. There are over 300 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts!
I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I know that visitors come from all over to experience this state’s incredible outdoor amenities, rich history, and renowned universities.
In this article, I share with you some of the best Massachusetts cities to visit and ideas for the best things to do around Massachusetts.
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17 Best Massachusetts Cities
Boston
The state capital is lively, historic, and the largest city in Massachusetts.
🏠 Population: 617,459 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Boston Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bostonon Booking
Boston is widely considered the best place to live in Massachusetts. It’s the state capital and the cultural and financial center for all of New England. Residents benefit from having the most incredible attractions right at their doorstep.
Boston is home to cobblestone streets, revolutionary war sites, lively nightlife, and thrilling sports events. Wander the Freedom Trail, relax in front of the scenic harborfront, visit world-class museums, or attend a Red Sox game with passionate fans. There are truly so many things to do in Boston.
Everett
This city north of Boston is home to a diverse community on the Mystic River.
🏠 Population: 47,667 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Everett | 👉 Browse Hotels in Everetton Booking
Everett is one of the cities that borders Boston. It is ideally located for both big industries and small businesses.
The city was once a formal industrial area on the water. It has since been replaced with a shopping center and a waterfront trail to walk. Old factories have been converted into breweries and a distillery.
Everett is home to Encore Boston Harbor Casino. A luxury retreat with beautiful hotel rooms, a spa, and several restaurants. Fun fact: there are even talks of Everett being the new home of the New England Revolution Soccer Stadium!
Cambridge
This city near Boston is a global hub for higher education institutions.
🏠 Population: 115,881 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Cambridge | 👉 Browse Hotels in Cambridgeon Booking
Cambridge is an intellectual center in Massachusetts. It is home to the prestigious universities of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Cambridge is located across the Charles River from Boston. It is considered one of the best cities for young professionals. Many start-ups have emerged from this innovative city.
Town life revolves around campus life. Tour the campuses, impressive libraries, old halls, and museums to get a taste of life in Cambridge. Kendall Square is known for being an innovation hub. It has a cool, dynamic vibe and diverse cultural makeup.
Lastly, just note that Cambridge is not a part of Boston.
Worcester
This coastal city is the second largest in Massachusetts.
🏠 Population: 205,272 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Worcester | 👉 Browse Hotels in Worcesteron Booking
Worcester is centrally located in Massachusetts and full of New England charm. It is known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth” and is the second-largest city in the state.
Worcester is a bustling college town home to 12 colleges and universities. The city also offers plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. This includes flowering gardens and green parks like Green Hill Park and Elm Park.
The city has a thriving art scene with many cultural museums. Visit the Worcester Art Museum. Some of the oldest works of art can be seen on display dating back to 3,000 B.C.
Salem
This city is best known for the Salem Witch Trials and scenic oceanfront views.
🏠 Population: 45,435 | 📍 Google Maps | Salem | 👉 Browse Hotels in Salemon Booking
Salem is a city that has a deep history. This seaside town is famous for the Witch Trials of 1692. Halloween is the busiest time to visit. Tourists from all over come to visit the Salem Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, and the Witch House.
Another popular Salem attraction is the Peabody Essex Museum. The world-renowned art museum has been continuously operating for 220 years.
Plymouth
This historic city was the site of the very first Thanksgiving in 1621.
🏠 Population: 63,739 | 📍 Google Maps | Plymouth | 👉 Browse Hotels in Plymouthon Booking
Plymouth is located about 40 miles from the state capital, Boston. This makes it a great day trip from Boston. Plymouth marks the place where the Mayflower ship landed in 1620. It’s also one of the first settlements by the pilgrims.
Learn about Plymouth’s unique history at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum. You can tour the historic Patuxet, the Mayflower II, and a charming English Village.
Quincy
This city south of Boston played an important role in American history.
🏠 Population: 100,152 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Quincy | 👉 Browse Hotels in Quincyon Booking
Quincy is filled with history and has been dubbed the “City of Presidents.” It is the birthplace of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and John Hancock—the signer of the Declaration of Independence.
History buffs will love a visit to the Adams National Historical Park. This site preserves the home of presidents John Quincy Adams and John Adams.
Quincy also offers a modern twist. It is a desirable city with a rising arts scene and delicious restaurants. You can enjoy 27 miles of beautiful coastline, too. The Nantucket-style boardwalk offers incredible views of Boston.
Gloucester
A coastal city best known for whale watching and its long history of fishing.
🏠 Population: 30,360 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Gloucester | 👉 Browse Hotels in Gloucester on Booking
Gloucester is a fishing harbor that has been active since the colonial era. There is plenty to do on the water in this area. My daughter and I love to go whale watching on the Atlantic Ocean and make a day of it. You can also go on harbor sightseeing cruises.
Another gem found in Gloucester is the Hammond Castle. Inventor John Hammon constructed the massive castle-style mansion in the 1920s. It is open for the public to tour. It can be seen by sea or on shore.
Burlington
This leafy suburb west of Boston is home to an upscale mall and historic sites.
🏠 Population: 26,234 | 📍 Google Maps | Burlington | 👉 Browse Hotels in Burlingtonon Booking
The Boston suburb of Burlington makes for a great place to rest after a day of exploring Boston. What draws most people to Burlington is the upscale Burlington Mall. The selection of retailers is on the higher end. Some brands include Michael Kors, Pottery Barn, and Nordstrom.
Burlington is also home to a Revolutionary site. There is a meetinghouse that still stands. This is where John Hancock and Samuel Adams escaped from the British the night before the Battle of Lexington.
Springfield
This is the largest city in Western New England.
🏠 Population: 153,267 | 📍 Google Maps | Springfield | 👉 Browse Hotels in Springfieldon Booking
Springfield is a cultural, economic, and media hub in Western Massachusetts. This city offers so much from museums to theme parks and casinos.
Springfield is known around the world as the birthplace of the famous children’s author and cartoonist, Dr. Seuss. Get to know this legendary author by visiting the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. Enjoy kid-friendly interactive exhibits that celebrate the work of Dr. Seuss.
Ipswich
This coastal town offers access to scenic natural beauty and outdoor activities.
🏠 Population: 4,659 | 📍 Google Maps | Ipswich | 👉 Browse Hotels in Ipswichon Booking
I love to visit Ipswich to breathe in the salty air and enjoy outdoor activities. Crane Beach is a popular destination in the summer. You can walk, ride a bike, or go horseback riding.
One of my favorite places to visit is the local gray wolf sanctuary, Wolf Hollow. They offer guided tours to educate the public on wolves and break stigmas.
I always stop at the famous Clam Box before leaving Ipswich. It is a world-renowned clam and seafood restaurant with some of the best fried clams and seafood I’ve ever had.
Medford
This city north of Boston is home to more than 300 acres of open spaces to explore.
🏠 Population: 65,584 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Medford | 👉 Browse Hotels in Medfordon Booking
Medford sits right on the Mystic River. There are giant recreational areas to explore here like Medford Lakes and the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Head to Spot Pond for rowboats, paddleboards, and more.
Medford is also home to the Chevalier Theater. The top-performing arts venue offers a diverse calendar of performances. There are musical acts and stand-up comedy performances by people such as Wanda Sykes.
Lowell
This Northeastern Massachusetts city played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.
🏠 Population: 11,496 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Lowell | 👉 Browse Hotels in Lowellon Booking
Lowell is a city located in Northeastern Massachusetts along the Merrimack River. It’s best known for being one of the first industrial cities in America during the 19th century.
Today, Lowell’s historic factories and water-powered textile mills still stand. These historic sites have been turned into Lowell National Historical Park. This park guides you through the history of textile mills, worker housing, and more. It also includes a 5.6-mile trail along Lowell’s canals.
Downtown Lowell has also been transformed. Some of the old mills have been converted into modern loft apartments. The downtown area is brimming with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Grab a latte at the eclectic Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus.
Lexington
This city outside of Boston is the “Birthplace of American Liberty.”
🏠 Population: 34,235 | 📍 Google Maps | Lexington | 👉 Browse Hotels in Lexingtonon Booking
Lexington was once a farming community. Today, this small town is home to historic parks and buildings that date back to revolutionary times.
Many people visit Lexington to tour the battlefields. Head to Minuteman National Historical Park to see the Lexington Battle Green. This is the site where the first shots were fired during the American Revolution.
Lawrence
This city is a multicultural hub with a large Dominican community.
🏠 Population: 87,485 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Lawrence | 👉 Browse Hotels in Lawrenceon Booking
Lawrence is a city located an hour north of Boston. It’s home to the largest Dominican community in Massachusetts.
Grab freshly brewed Dominican coffee and a bite at La Grekka Cafe & Art. It’s a space to enjoy strong espresso coffee along with art, music, and Caribbean culture.
Visit the Artworks Essex Art Centre to see rotating exhibits featuring work by local artists. There’s even an onsite pottery studio that holds frequent classes and workshops.
Malden
A diverse city and suburb of Boston, home to multicultural restaurants and shops.
🏠 Population: 63,042 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Malden | 👉 Browse Hotels in Maldenon Booking
Malden is a northern suburb of Boston. The city has undergone massive development and is home to a diverse population. There is a large Asian community in Malden. This is reflected in a downtown that is brimming with bubble tea shops, and pho and ramen restaurants.
The city’s first mayor was shoemaking industrialist and philanthropist Elisha S. Converse. One of his many philanthropic deeds was Fellsmere Park. It was a former swamp purchased by Converse in 1875. Today, it’s a beautiful urban park that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Braintree
This town is home to the Great Blue Hill which offers skyline views of Boston.
🏠 Population: 38,567 | 📍 Google Maps | Braintree | 👉 Browse Hotels in Braintreeon Booking
Braintree is a charming town with a vibrant community. It boasts an array of recreational activities and natural landscapes. You can enjoy picturesque spots for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Braintree is home to the Blue Hills Reservation. The Reservation is a 7,000-acre state park. You can explore long chains of peaks that reach its highest point at Great Blue Hill. Take in several summits along this trail with some of the best skyline views of Boston.
Haverhill
This scenic city is located near the New Hampshire border.
🏠 Population: 66,708 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Haverhill | 👉 Browse Hotels in Haverhill on Booking
Haverhill is a city located on the border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This is the city I was raised in. Historic Haverhill is filled with interesting things to do and sights to see. Explore numerous historical sites that date back to the 1600s.
Growing up, I loved going to Winnekenni Castle. It is one of Haverhill’s most popular landmarks. The medieval-style castle was built for local chemist Dr. James R. Nichols.
The castle is open to the public for weekend events during the summer. You can also enjoy the grounds with a picnic, playground, and walking trails.
FAQs About Cities in Massachusetts
What are the largest cities in Massachusetts by population?
The largest cities in Massachusetts are Boston,Worcester,Springfield,Lowell,Cambridge, and Quincy. These are the biggest cities by population.
How many cities does Massachusetts have?
Massachusetts has about 351 cities and towns. Many of these cities are nestled amongst towering mountains or along the coastline.
What are the best cities in Massachusetts?
The best cities in Massachusetts are Boston and Cambridge. These are the most desirable cities to live in and visit. Boston and Cambridge have lively city life and incredible university campuses.
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Thanks for reading my guide on the top cities in Massachusetts! Check out my guide on the best places to visit in Massachusetts for more ideas and tips on where to go next.
