About Boston
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.
Events & festivals
- Attend one of the many festivals in and around Boston, such as the Italian festivals or Boston Harborfest.
- 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 Boston Dragon Boat Festival.
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.
Movies
- Catch the latest movies at the AMC Boston Common 19.
- 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 Theatre, 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.
- 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.
Music
- Catch a concert at the TD Garden or Fenway Park.
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.
Shopping
- Shop for yourself or for 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 on Fridays.
- Check out the original Newbury Comics on Newbury Street.
Sports
- Sport a 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 BU’s Fitness & Recreation Center.
- Check out one of the classes offered through BU’s Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Department.
- Cheer on the Boston Cannons at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy.
Theatre
- Take in an off-Broadway show at BU’s stunning, state-of-the-art Booth Theatre or at any one of over 30 Boston theaters.
- Enjoy an outdoor play on the Boston Common with Shakespeare in the Park.
- See the Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse.
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.
