
ABOUT THE WHARF DISTRICT

Welcome to the Wharf District: a vibrant urban neighborhood located in the heart of Boston’s downtown waterfront.
THE WHARF DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD
from the historic downtown to the sea
Bounded by the North End neighborhood to the north, Chinatown and the Leather District to the south, Boston’s Financial District to the west, and Boston Harbor and Fort Point Channel to the east – the Wharf District holds its own unique character as a visitor destination and economic hub on historic Boston Harbor. It is also a desirable place to live: a vibrant neighborhood where residents, businesses and institutions work together for the betterment of the community.
Talk a Walk Around the Wharf District
Check out all there is to see and do on the wharves along Boston Harbor and Fort Point Channel, then walk across Atlantic Avenue and discover the Rose Kennedy Greenway and its neighborhood parks from Dewey Square to the Armenian Heritage Park.
Moving west from the Greenway, you experience a world of old streets, buildings and squares – now part of living and working in this 21st century neighborhood. Find old Boston architecture and charming small restaurants as you walk down State Street, Broad Street, Water Street, Batterymarch Street, Franklin Street or High Street, just to name a few.
Finally, move up Franklin Street to Post Office Square Park and then head over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace to get something to eat, do some shopping, or continue sightseeing




HISTORY
True to its name, the Wharf District is defined by its many historic wharves, as well as its streets and buildings that have welcomed people and goods to Boston’s shores since its establishment as one of America’s earliest port cities. Within the District are numerous historic buildings and sites – examples include Long Wharf, the Custom House Block, and the Custom House at 3 McKinley Square, which once served as the center of maritime trade for the region and are together a National Historic Landmark. Today, the neighborhood’s wharves and streets continue to serve as an economic and transportation hub for the city, featuring a diversity of businesses, cultural institutions, a thriving residential community, visitor attractions and public amenities.
BUSINESS & TOURISM
Some of Boston’s most-visited attractions – including Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and portions of the Freedom trail – lie within the Wharf District, along with numerous hotels and dining options that together make the neighborhood a bustling tourist destination. The Wharf District also serves as the center of Boston’s water transportation network, offering ferry connections to Logan Airport, Salem, the South Shore, Provincetown, and the Boston Harbor Islands. The New England Aquarium along with urban and historical tours with Old Town Trolleys and the Boston Duck Tours offer educational experiences that connect visitors to Boston’s history and future.
PUBLIC AMENITIES
Despite its density, the Wharf District is home to an abundance of public spaces and amenities that make it a highly livable and walkable neighborhood, welcoming to all. The Rose Kennedy Greenway and the Norman B. Leventhal Park at Post Office Square offer green space in the heart of the city. The Boston Harborwalk provides public access to the water’s edge, and is lined with amenities like public lobbies, restrooms, and viewing decks. The neighborhood’s public spaces are regularly programmed with activities intended for the enjoyment of people of all demographics: walking tours, artisan markets, cultural events, and other activities that bring vibrancy and community to the city’s waterfront.
TODAY
The residents, businesses, and institutions are committed to the Wharf District neighborhood – its historic streets, thriving green spaces, and bustling wharves. This commitment includes: working together for the betterment of the neighborhood; meeting the challenges of rising seas that will impact inland buildings as well as the waterfront; and ensuring that the Wharf District is committed to diversity and inclusion and remains welcoming to all.