Lowell(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For history enthusiasts, Lowell Riverside Hotel is a top choice, located along the Merrimack River and steps from Lowell National Historical Park. The hotel blends 19th-century industrial architecture with modern comfort, featuring rooms adorned with period textiles and works by local artists. Guests can enjoy morning coffee with views of the Boston Canal Ruins, while the hotel hosts regular hands-on workshops, such as demonstrations of vintage looms, offering immersive insight into New England's textile heritage. It’s an ideal base for exploring America’s early industrial revolution.

Downtown Lowell offers the most convenient hotel options, situated near Lowell National Historical Park, Merrimack Riverwalk, and major cultural venues. Stay at Old Town Apartments, which preserves original 19th-century brick façades while providing modern amenities. From here, you can easily walk to cultural centers, public libraries, and authentic New England seafood restaurants on Washington Street. Evening strolls along the river reveal historic landmarks illuminated by soft lights, making it perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

Visitors should not miss the Lowell Festival of the Arts, held annually in autumn, showcasing over 200 local and international artists along the Merrimack River with installations, live performances, and craft markets. For deeper historical immersion, the Lowell Textile Museum features interactive exhibits that recreate 1850s factory operations through projection and sound. History buffs can also join guided tours of the Irish Immigrant House, a preserved community site where stories of 19th-century Irish laborers are shared through personal narratives and archival materials.

Yes, Lowell Family Retreat is a dedicated family destination in South Lowell, adjacent to the Children’s Nature Exploration Park. The hotel offers spacious suites with game rooms, mini slides, and story corners. Daily activities include river scavenger hunts and pottery workshops. Nearby attractions like Lowell Zoo and the Science Center are just a 10-minute walk away. The hotel also provides kid-friendly meal plans with nutritious, locally sourced dishes, ensuring a fun, educational, and stress-free vacation for all ages.

Lowell’s nightlife thrives around The Old Mill Bar, a former textile mill turned underground jazz club on Washington Street, featuring nightly live music from local bands. For dining, Kaplan's Kitchen stands out with innovative American cuisine, particularly its signature Merrimack Bay Lobster Burger paired with house-made sauerkraut. For authentic flavors, visit Doni's Ristorante in the Italian-American neighborhood, serving handmade pasta and family-recipe tomato sauce—perfect for experiencing the city’s rich cultural tapestry through food.

Key photo locations in Lowell include the Merrimack Riverwalk, where sculptures and reflective installations mirror the George Washington Bridge and Old Loom Monument at golden hour. The Lowell City Hall’s Gothic spires and stained-glass windows offer striking architectural shots. Don’t miss the Old Mill Garden, with its iron arch bridge and centuries-old ivy-covered walls—frequently used for film shoots. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the serene contrast between industrial ruins and lush greenery during early morning mist.

Yes, Lowell Regional Transit provides extensive coverage across the city, including frequent Red Line buses connecting downtown to Lowell National Historical Park and university campuses. The system operates 24/7, and bike-sharing stations link key areas like the Riverwalk and Downtown Square. For trips to Boston, the Northeast Corridor Rail offers fast, scheduled service—just 30 minutes away. Tourists can purchase a One-Day Pass for unlimited rides on buses and select sightseeing boats, making travel easy and cost-effective.

Absolutely. The Merrimack River Loop Trail (approx. 6 km) is ideal for urban hiking, winding past abandoned factories, wetlands, and century-old oak groves. Highlights include the Old Pump Station Viewing Platform, offering panoramic views of hydroelectric ruins. Informational plaques explain historical events like the 1840s women’s labor strikes. Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and enjoy peaceful, atmospheric walks with fellow hikers and photographers.

Couples can enjoy a Riverfront Dinner Cruise aboard a Merrimack Riverboat company vessel, gliding past lit-up bridges and reed-filled banks while savoring local wine and Maine blue crab tartare. Afterward, catch a short show at the Lowell Theater. For privacy, book Starlight Cottage, a boutique retreat nestled in North Lowell Forest, featuring a private hot tub, star-gazing deck, and personalized touches like handwritten love letters and scented candles—ideal for a quiet, intimate getaway.

Must-attend events include the Lowell Lantern Festival in October, when thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminate Washington Street and the riverbanks, honoring immigrant heritage. The Spring Bloom Festival at the City Botanical Garden features rare native plants and kid-friendly gardening workshops. During winter, the Holiday Market brings together local artisans selling mulled wine, gingerbread, and hand-knit scarves. These events highlight Lowell’s vibrant community spirit and deep cultural roots.