Boston is widely celebrated as a premier global hub for innovation and intellectual growth. As the capital of Massachusetts, this historic city offers a unique blend of world-class universities, storied landmarks, and diverse, character-filled neighborhoods that every student should experience.
Navigating such a dynamic city can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to the top attractions in Boston. Explore our recommendations to uncover both famous landmarks and hidden gems that make Boston a truly fascinating destination.
Boston’s academic excellence
Boston is a global epicenter for higher education, home to prestigious institutions like Boston University. The city’s academic fabric is further enriched by renowned schools such as Northeastern University, Boston College, and Emerson College. Just across the river in Cambridge, students have access to the world-famous Harvard University and MIT, both pillars of modern research and innovation.
Beyond its world-class academic institutions, Boston attracts students with its vibrant social atmosphere, deep-rooted historical significance, and diverse cultural scene. The city is a living classroom, packed with top-tier libraries, engaging museums, and constant educational events.
Moreover, Boston serves as an ideal launchpad for professional development. Students benefit from access to competitive internships, co-op programs, and industry networking events. With a robust economy centered in technology, finance, healthcare, and biotech, major industry leaders like IBM, Gillette, and Wayfair provide significant career opportunities for graduates.
The unique synergy between elite universities and thriving professional sectors makes Boston the premier destination for students who prioritize both academic achievement and long-term career growth.
Things to see in Boston
In the following sections, we will explore the best places to visit and things to do in Boston. Whether you are looking for historical landmarks, scenic outdoor spaces, or popular student hangouts, we have everything you need to plan your perfect trip.
Get to know Boston through The Freedom Trail
Boston is a city where history comes alive. The iconic 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a must-see, guiding visitors past 16 of the nation’s most significant historical monuments. This famous red-brick path offers a unique, immersive walk through the revolutionary events that helped shape the United States.
The Freedom Trail encompasses several world-renowned landmarks, including:
- the Old North Church, where Paul Revere's signal lanterns were hung;
- the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party was planned;
- and the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of influential figures like Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.
While some historical sites require an entrance fee, the Freedom Trail itself is one of the top free activities in Boston. You can easily download a map listing all the monuments and explore the route at your leisure. For those who want a deeper dive, booking a guided tour for about $15 provides a structured, expert-led experience.
Explore nature in the city
Sometimes you need an escape from the urban hustle. Fortunately, Boston features a variety of beautiful parks and green spaces perfect for relaxing. Here are our top picks for enjoying nature in the city:
- See the oldest public park in America - Boston Common. Big green spaces, calm ponds and seasonal activities, such as ice skating in winter, are guaranteed when you come to this park.
- Discover The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, a 281-acre living museum that showcases a diverse collection of trees and plants. This peaceful oasis is perfect for walking around and exploring nature. And the best part - it’s free to enter.
- Combine a park visit with a zoo. Come to an urban Franklin Park to explore woodlands and meadows, and then visit a zoo located within the park. Admission to the zoo starts from about $20, meanwhile, the entrance to the park itself is free.
- Check out the iconic Public Garden downtown. It’s a beautifully landscaped park known for its iconic Swan Boats, stunning floral displays, and a calm lagoon, ideal for walks and relaxing picnics.
- And if you’re up for something different, go to Spectacle Island. It is one of the Boston Harbor Islands, known for its sandy beaches, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the city and the harbour. You’ll need to take a ferry to the island, so don’t forget to check the departure schedule in advance!
- Finally, take on a challenge and walk The Emerald Necklace. It’s a chain of interconnected parks, including Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, and the Back Bay Fens, offering scenic trails and boating opportunities. Grab comfortable shoes and prepare to walk about 7 miles.
Visit Boston’s museums and galleries
Boston offers an incredible selection of museums and galleries, ensuring there is always something engaging to discover. From deep dives into American history to cutting-edge contemporary art and science exhibits, here are the must-visit cultural institutions in the city:
- Museum of Fine Arts. A world-renowned institution housing a collection of artworks from various periods and cultures, including masterpieces by renowned artists like Claude Monet, Zhou Zhi, and Paul Cézanne. The admission fee to the gallery is $27, but students from participating universities can enjoy free entrance.
- Harvard Art Museums. With three museums under one roof, this institution offers a diverse choice of art from around the world, including ancient artefacts and modern masterpieces. Another great news is that the entrance to all three museums is free.
- USS Constitution Museum. Located near the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, this museum celebrates the history of the USS Constitution while exploring the ship's legacy and naval heritage. It’s an important museum in Boston, and admission is voluntary, ranging from $10 to $15.
- Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Take part in the iconic event that sparked the American Revolution. Enjoy interactive exhibits, live actors, and the opportunity to participate in a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party when visiting this museum. This museum is pricier and starts from $34 for general admission.
- The MIT Museum. Ready for a modern take on museums? Explore art, science, and technology through engaging exhibits at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovation. With a valid student ID card, the entrance is only $10.
Make sure to visit the library!
A visit to Boston isn't complete without spending time in one of its stunning libraries. These architectural masterpieces offer more than just books—they are tranquil sanctuaries perfect for study or reflection. We highly recommend visiting at least one of these iconic locations:
- Boston Public Library - it was the first large free municipal library in the United States. This iconic central library of Boston is known for its stunning architecture and huge collection of books, manuscripts, and rare documents. This library attracts millions of visitors yearly and has a free entrance throughout the week.
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum - in addition to its museum exhibits, the library houses a big collection of books, photographs, and documents related to the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy. With a student ID card, entrance to the museum is $12.
- The Mary Baker Eddy Library - dedicated to the life and ideas of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. This library showcases her writings and provides insight into her spiritual teachings.
- The Houghton Library - although it’s located in Cambridge, this library has an American academic feel to it. It houses rare books, manuscripts, and literary archives, including works by authors such as Emily Dickinson and T.S. Eliot.
Hangout in student popular places in Boston
Boston is renowned as a student city, featuring many neighborhoods where local students live, study, and socialize. To experience the authentic local vibe and explore areas favored by students, here are some top neighborhood recommendations:
- Cambridge - home to prestigious institutions like Harvard University and MIT, offering a lively student atmosphere with bookstores, coffee shops, and cultural venues. And while you’re in Cambridge, visit a popular student hangout place called A4cade for arcade games and many food and drink choices.
- Allston-Brighton - known for its affordable housing options, this neighbourhood is just 30 minutes outside of the town and has a youthful vibe with a variety of eateries, bars, and live music venues.
- Jamaica Plain - abbreviated “JP”, this neighbourhood is another popular area for students to live and hang out since it has easy access to universities like . If you manage to get to Jamaica Plain, visit Sam Adams Brewery to taste some cool Boston beers.
If you are looking for more fun ways to spend your time, check out these popular student-frequented hangouts and highly-rated local eateries:
- Food trucks in Boston are a popular option for some delicious takeout. They are located all around the city and offer meals from different world cuisines. Navigate with this map to find the best food trucks all around Boston.
- Newbury Street, a bustling street located in the Back Bay area is known for many boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, and is perfect for shopping, or grabbing a bite.
- The Lawn on D is a modern outdoor space in the Waterfront District. It’s an open and social space with swings, lawn games, and live entertainment, such as concerts. This open space is a perfect place to be after a long day of sightseeing.
- Quincy Market is a huge food hall placed in a historic building. Here you can find 50+ different food stalls, restaurants, kiosks and vendors offering diverse culinary options to satisfy any craving.
- The North End is the little Italy of Boston, filled with charming narrow streets and some of the city's most iconic buildings. It's a place where you can fulfil all your Italian cravings, with an array of options to choose from. Whether you visit the indoor Boston Public Market or decide to dine at one of the many delightful Italian eateries, you're in for an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Boston.
Budget tips for students in Boston
Managing your budget while traveling is key to a stress-free experience. Utilizing student discounts and smart planning can help you enjoy everything Boston has to offer without overspending. We have compiled a list of budget-friendly tips to help you maximize your visit:
- Many attractions, museums, and even transportation services offer discounted rates for students, so it's important to have your student ID card with you to take advantage of these savings.
- Boston offers discounted rates for students on public transportation, such as the subway (known as the "T") and buses. Look for student passes or discounted fares to save on transportation costs.
- And if you decide to take private transport when travelling around the city or exploring nearby areas, consider sharing rides or using ride-sharing services to split costs with friends or fellow students. This makes private transportation more affordable.
- Stay updated on free or discounted events happening in Boston, such as festivals, concerts, or art exhibitions. These events can provide entertainment and cultural experiences without a big price tag.
- If you plan to visit many museums, art galleries and other city attractions, consider buying a city pass that offers discounted or free entrances to many popular destinations in Boston. City passes like this one are a great way to save some money and, at the same time, visit many different locations around the city.
- If you want to check out a sports game in Boston, explore this Student9s ticket programme that has offers for students wanting to see the Boston Red Sox games.
- And finally, don’t forget to visit one of the many free things to do in Boston that have been listed in this article.
Boston’s unique combination of academic prestige and rich historical depth creates an atmosphere like no other. Make the most of your trip by planning ahead and experiencing the very best that this incredible city has to offer.