Worcester

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Worcester
Worcester
Worcester
Worcester

This city, one of the largest in the New England region, has a family-friendly vibe with plenty of parks, museums and galleries.

Worcester is a safe, clean area with picturesque parks and intriguing art and history museums. The city has a generally pleasant ambiance with tree-lined streets, large green spaces and lakes. Scattered around the city are several universities and colleges as well as museums, art galleries and monuments.

The municipality is known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth” due to its central location in Massachusetts. The name comes from a city in the center of England and is similarly pronounced “Wooster,” rhyming with “rooster.” 

The Worcester Art Museum is one of the city’s most fascinating spots. Browse historic works of art dating back more than 5,000 years. See fascinating exhibits from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as well as contemporary art.

Drive south for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to watch a dramatic performance at the charming Hanover Theatre. Choose from Broadway shows and musicals. Several blocks east, look for Union Station on Washington Square. Note the railway station’s twin towers, marble walls and high ceilings.

A little east, beside Lake Quinsigamond, find the EcoTarium, a museum of science and nature aimed at children. See eagles, foxes, owls and turtles. Take the kids to the play area. 

Green parks play an important role in Worcester’s family-friendly atmosphere. Spend a sunny afternoon at Elm Park in the center of the city. Watch the geese, ducks and birds near the pond. Enjoy a picnic and take the young ones to the playground.

Try local foods, such as kielbasa sausages and pierogi dumplings, which both come from Eastern European immigrant cultures. Worcester is known for its abundance of apples, blueberries and dairy products. 

Buses and Amtrak rail serve Worcester. The city is about 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) west of Boston, which lies on Massachusetts’ eastern coast. The nearest international transportation hub is Boston’s Logan International Airport.

Worcester’s playgrounds, parks and kid-friendly museums make it a children’s, and grown-up’s, paradise.

Where to stay in Worcester

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Worcester Central Business District

If you're spending some time in Worcester Central Business District, DCU Center and Mechanics Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Worcester Central Business District
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Shrewsbury Street

Shrewsbury Street might not have many top sights, but Union Station and EcoTarium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shrewsbury Street
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Main South

Though Main South might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fitton Field and The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Main South
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Forest Grove

While Forest Grove isn't home to many top sights, Elm Park and Worcester Art Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Forest Grove
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Union HIll

While Union HIll isn't home to many top sights, Union Station and The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

Union HIll
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Webster Square

Though Webster Square might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and Mechanics Hall.

Webster Square
The Arcadian Hotel

The Arcadian Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1200 Beacon St, Brookline, MA
The price is P9,171 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P9,171
P12,193 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Brookline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,250 reviews)
"Staff was great the AC wasn’t working it was75 in room and maintenance came In quickly and did fix it. Showers could be a little bigger."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Arcadian Hotel
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge

4 out of 5
400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA
The price is P12,113 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P12,113
P14,105 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"If we are in the area again we'll definitely choose this hotel. It's very nice and in a good location next to the highway."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge
Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton

Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton

3.5 out of 5
320 Washington Street, Newton, MA
The price is P7,121 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,121
P7,955 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,858 reviews)
"Convenient location to get to Boston, walkable to some decent restaurants."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Home Near Skiing & Downtown Worcester

Home Near Skiing & Downtown Worcester

3 out of 5
Worcester
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Worcester. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions DCU Center and American Antiquarian ...
Home Near Skiing & Downtown Worcester
Worcester Home on Indian Lake w/ Shared Boat Dock!

Worcester Home on Indian Lake w/ Shared Boat Dock!

3 out of 5
Worcester
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Worcester. Enjoy free parking, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions DCU Center ...
Worcester Home on Indian Lake w/ Shared Boat Dock!
Crescent Suites Hotel

Crescent Suites Hotel

3 out of 5
287 Crescent Street, Waltham, MA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Waltham. Enjoy a fitness center, a business center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,054 reviews)
"Well maintained, great location. Really enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Crescent Suites Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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