Car

In a place where roads evolved from cow paths and colonial lanes, driving is not for the faint of heart. One-way streets, inconsistent signage, lack of parking, rotaries (traffic circles), and aggressive local drivers add to the confusion. When entering a rotary, the law states that cars entering traffic circles must yield to cars already in the circle, but don’t expect all drivers to obey this rule.

Parking

Parking on Boston streets is tricky. Some neighborhoods have strictly enforced commercial plate or residents-only rules, with just a handful of two-hour visitors' spaces; others have meters, which cost 25¢ for 12 minutes, with a two-hour limit. On-street parking is free before 8 am and after 8 pm, and all day Sunday and most major holidays. Keep $5 in quarters handy, as some city meters take nothing else. Newer meters accept credit cards and issue receipts that you leave on your dashboard, on the street side. You may also be able to pay with the ParkBoston app on your smartphone.

The parking police are watchful and ruthless—it's not unusual to find a ticket on your windshield five minutes after your meter expires. Repeat offenders who don't pay fines may find the "boot" (an immovable steel clamp) secured to a wheel.

Major public lots are at Government Center, Quincy Market, beneath Boston Common (entrance on Charles Street), beneath Post Office Square, at Prudential Center, at Copley Place, and off Clarendon Street near the John Hancock Tower. Smaller lots and garages are scattered throughout Downtown, especially around the Theater District and off Atlantic Avenue in the North End. Most are expensive; expect to pay up to $12 an hour. The few city garages are a comparative bargain, such as the large one beneath Boston Common. Theaters, restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions often provide patrons with discounted parking; ask your establishment to validate your receipt. Most Downtown restaurants offer valet parking.

Rental Cars

Rates in Boston begin at about $50 a day on a weekly rate for an economy car with unlimited mileage. This doesn't include gas, insurance, or the 6.25% tax and $10 surcharge. All major agencies have branches at Logan International Airport, even Zipcar.