About Boston
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Summer life in Boston
The BU campus is perfectly situated for students to enjoy both the charm and beauty of Boston as well as its cultural and recreational attractions. BU stretches along the banks of the Charles River, with many beautiful spots for jogging or just relaxing—yet it’s only minutes from downtown. A short ride on the train brings you to the elegant shops of Newbury Street and Copley Square, the sporting events and concerts at Fenway Park, or the endless diversions of the restored Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Below is a list of some activities you might enjoy.
Food
- Try some famous Boston clam chowder or enjoy a street magician’s show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
- Dine in the North End, Boston’s “Little Italy.”
- Indulge in something sweet at Mike’s Pastry in the North End and Harvard Square.
- I scream, you scream, go for some ice cream! Try J.P. Licks or Ben & Jerry’s on Newbury Street.
- Experience the sights, sounds, and fresh fruit at the open-air market at Haymarket.
Historic Boston
- Walk part or all of the historic Freedom Trail.
- Visit Paul Revere’s house, the last remaining 17th-century Boston house.
- Take a narrated Duck Boat Tour in a World War II amphibious vehicle, and make sure to quack.
- Ride a hop-on, hop-off trolley; disembark at interesting stops, explore the area, and then re-board at your convenience.
- Explore John F. Kennedy’s birthplace in Brookline.
- Take a free art and architecture tour of the Boston Public Library, the first major free city library in the United States.
- 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 at the Granary Burying Ground.
Museums
- Enjoy amazing artwork at the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Interact with the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science.
- Learn about marine life, including the amazing jellies, at the New England Aquarium.
- Take in the films and exhibits at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.
- Wonder at the Mapparium, a three-story, stained glass globe at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.
- Experience the beautiful, eclectic art and landscape architecture on display at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Visit the Museum of African American History, where you can see the Abiel Smith School, the African Meeting House, and the Black Heritage Trail.
- Explore the Boston Tea Party Ship & 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.
Outdoors
- Take a Boston Harbor Cruise or go on a whale watch.
- Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Boston Common Swan Boats.
- Go jogging, biking, or inline skating on car-free Memorial Drive in Cambridge (on Sundays during the summer, 1.5 miles are closed off for pedestrians).
- Walk along the Emerald Necklace, a scenic seven-mile stretch of green that connects nine Boston parks.
- See the stars during Public Open Night at the BU Coit Observatory.
Weather
Located in a region with distinct seasonal changes, Boston’s weather is rarely predictable. While summer is typically ruled by blue skies and warm coastal breezes, June can be more like spring than summer—temperatures can range from very hot to quite cool. July and August can be very hot and humid, with sudden thunderstorms bringing a bit of relief. Be sure to pack a light sweater and an umbrella along with your shorts and sandals.
The National Weather Service is a reliable source for current weather conditions and forecasts.
