Boston St. Patrick's Day parade guide: The route, the best views and more

Bostonians are bringing the bagpipes to Southie next Sunday for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Why it matters: The parade, one of the city's oldest Irish traditions, celebrates both the Patron Saint of Ireland and the evacuation of British troops from Boston on March 17, 1776.

The intrigue: The South Boston parade returned in full force last year, bringing an estimated 1 million people from around the world to the Irish neighborhood.

State of play: The 2024 route begins at 1pm Sunday near Broadway Station.

• The parade heads down West and East Broadway before coming back around and ending at Andrew Station.
• The parade route is filled with Irish dancing, green confetti and Irish flags.

How to get there: Take the Red Line to Broadway Station to catch the start of the parade or Andrew Station to watch from the end of the route.

• If for some Godforsaken reason you want to drive into the city, you could find a parking garage in the South End or Fort Point.
• Or you could leave your car in Alewife or Braintree like a sensible spectator.

Where to watch: The best spot is somewhere along Broadway.

• For views with easy access to Guinness and food, pop in early to a restaurant on the route like Rosa Lyons or Amrheins. (Better yet, make a reservation.)
• If you want a slightly less crowded spot, head over to Medal of Honor Park or Thomas Park.

If you want nothing to do with the parade crowds, make like the Brits and get out of the city.

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