Student Life
Summer Life in Boston
The BU campus is perfectly situated to enjoy both the charm and beauty of the city and its cultural and recreational attractions. Boston University stretches along the banks of the Charles River, making it easy to enjoy activities such as sailing, jogging, and sunning - yet it is only minutes from the downtown theatre, shopping, government, and financial districts. A short ride on the streetcar brings one to the elegant shops of Newbury Street and Copley Square, the sporting events at Fenway Park, or the endless diversions of the restored Faneuil Hall Market Place. Below, we've made a list of some activities you might enjoy while you're here.
Summer Life in Boston
Events and Festivals
- Attend one of the many festivals in and around Boston, such as the Boston Chocolate Festival, Scooper Bowl, Italian Festivals, Boston Harborfest, and Boston International Festival.
- Join the millions of people who have experienced the fireworks and free concerts that are part of the Fourth of July in Boston.
- Discover what a dragon boat is at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival of Boston.
Food
- Indulge in some famous Boston clam chowder or enjoy a street magician's show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
- Reminisce amongst the rock 'n roll memorabilia while enjoying a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe.
- Dine in the North End - Boston's "Little Italy."
- Indulge in something sweet at Mike's Pastries in the North End.
- I scream, you scream, go for some ice cream! Try J.P. Licks or Ben and Jerry's on Newbury Street.
- Experience the sights, sounds, and fresh fruit at the open-air market at Haymarket.
- Visit the inspiration for the place where "everybody knows your name."
Historic Boston
- Walk part or all of the historic Freedom Trail.
- View the city from atop the Prudential Center Skywalk.
- Visit Paul Revere's house, the last remaining seventeenth-century Boston house.
- Stroll along the Boston Harbor from Castle Island in South Boston to Shipyard Park in Charlestown.
- Take a narrated Duck Boat Tour in a World War II amphibious vehicle, and make sure to quack.
- Learn what all the construction is about at the Big Dig Visitor's Center located at 70 East India Row.
- Ride the Beantown Trolley that allows you to disembark at interesting stops, explore the area, and then re-board.
- Explore John F. Kennedy's birthplace in Brookline.
- Tour the USS Constitution, better known as "Old Ironsides."
- Take a free art and architecture tour of the Boston Public Library, the first major free city library in the United States.
- Climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument.
- Witness a Civil War reenactment at the Boston Harbor Islands State Park.
- Take a tour of the impressive State House on Beacon Hill.
- Visit the Old North Church, where two lanterns were hung to warn that the British were moving by sea on April 18, 1775.
- Find the gravestones for John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, Robert Treat Paine, and Samuel Adams.
Movies
- Catch the latest movies at the AMC Fenway 13 or the Loews Theatres Boston Common.
- Catch a classic double feature at the Brattle Theatre.
- Enjoy a free flick at the Hatch Shell, located on the Esplanade.
- Take in a film series at the Coolidge Corner Theater, a fully-restored Art Deco movie palace.
- Attend an IMAX movie at the Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium.
Museums
- Enjoy amazing artwork at the Museum of Fine Arts - admission is free with your Terrier Card (except for special exhibits).
- Join the Rush Ticket line the day of a Boston Symphony Orchestra performance for one of the best bargains around.
- Get interactive with the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science.
- Learn about marine life, like amazing jellies, at the New England Aquarium.
- Take in the films and exhibits at the John F. Kennedy Museum.
- Wonder at the Mapparium, a three-story, stained glass globe at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.
- See the intertwining of art and landscape at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Visit the Museum of Afro-American History, including the Abiel Smith School, the African Meeting House, and the Black Heritage Trail.
- Tour the Boston Globe's newsroom, composing room, and printing presses.
- Explore the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum. Dump your own bale of tea into the harbor, and then enjoy a cup tax-free.
- Cross the river and visit the MIT Museum.
Music
- Catch a concert at the TD Banknorth Garden.
- Experience a music laser show at the Mugar Omni Theatre, Museum of Science.
- Enjoy a concert at the Hatch Shell, located on the Esplanade.
Outdoors
- Get up close and personal with lions, camels, monkeys, and much more at the Franklin Park Zoo.
- Cool your heels in the Boston Common Frog Pond.
- Take a Boston Harbor Cruise or go on a whale watch.
- Stroll along the Boston Harbor from Castle Island in South Boston to Shipyard Park in Charlestown.
- Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Boston Common Swan Boats.
- Go jogging, biking, or in-line skating on car-free Memorial Drive (on Sundays during the summer, 1.5 miles are closed off for pedestrians).
- Canoe or kayak on the Charles River.
- Walk along the Emerald Necklace, a scenic seven-mile stretch of green that connects nine Boston parks.
- Learn to sail on the Charles River. Lessons and rentals are available at the dock near the Longfellow Bridge on the Esplanade.
- Play chess with a friend outdoors at Au Bon Pain at the Holyoke Center in Cambridge. Matt and Minnie made this spot famous in Good Will Hunting.
- See the stars during Public Open Night at the BU Coit Observatory.
Shopping
- Shop for yourself or your friends at Downtown Crossing, Copley Place, or Newbury Street.
- Watch a street performer in Harvard Square.
- Shop at Dollar-A-Pound in the Garment District.
- Check out the original Newbury Comics on Newbury Street.
Sports
- Sport a 2008 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION Boston Red Sox baseball cap at Fenway Park.
- Red Sox not in town or can't get a ticket to the game? Take a tour of Fenway Park instead.
- Scale the 30-foot climbing wall at Boston University's Fitness and Recreation Center at the John Hancock Student Village.
- Take a Jazz Funk or Ballroom Dancing dance class through BU's Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Department.
- Shout GO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-AL at a New England Revolution game.
- Cheer on the Boston Cannons at Harvard Stadium.
Theatre and the Arts
- Take in an off-Broadway show at the Huntington Theatre, Stuart Street Playhouse, or at any one of over 30 Boston theatres.
- Enjoy an outdoor play on the banks of the Charles River at The Publick Theatre or in the midst of the Boston Common with Shakespeare in the Park.
- Listen to an author's reading at Barnes and Noble at Boston University.
- See "Shear Madness" at the Charles Playhouse, the longest running play of all time!
