Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall, and Boston’s Most Famous Bar

Through December 24, BU Today is looking back at the mostpopular stories of the year. We’ll be back with new stories for the newyear on Monday, January 5. Happy holidays!

If you’re like most seniors, you’ve seen and done only a fraction of what Boston has to offer during your four years at BU. But with Commencement five days away, there’s still time to check out some of the Hub’s best attractions. BU Today has compiled a list of things to do before you leave the city. If you can’t fit everything in, at least you’ll have a reason to return.

Tour Fenway Park
Home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912, Fenway Park is considered sacred ground by many Bostonians. Guided tours of the park, which are $12, include a visit to the Green Monster and the press box and a walk around the park. For more information, click here.

Window shop on Newbury Street
Do some window-shopping and people-watching along tony Newbury Street. The prices may be beyond the reach of a college senior, but looking costs nothing. And it’s always a fascinating stroll.

Take a Swan Boat ride
Since 1877, the Swan Boats have been cruising the Boston Public Garden lagoon from April to September, operated by the same family. The leisurely 15-minute ride on the paddleboats with the graceful swans takes you around the lagoon and costs a mere $2.75. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the lagoon’s most famous inhabitants, the swans Romeo and Juliet.

Eat an authentic New England meal
Boston’s oldest restaurant, the Union Oyster House, is just one block from Faneuil Hall. The lunch menu includes mussels, steamers, clam chowder, and a dish of fried fish, clams, oysters, scallops, shrimp, and calamari called — what else? — Ye Olde Seafood Platter. Click here for a menu and directions.

Or try a lobster dinner at Legal Sea Foods, another Boston landmark. (The clam chowder has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981). If you choose the location across from the New England Aquarium, you’ll be able to enjoy the ocean view. After your meal, visit the harbor seals, which are in a tank outside the aquarium. Viewing is free.

Walk along the Charles River
Visit the BU Beach one last time, and then take a walk down the Esplanade, which stretches three miles, from the BU Bridge to the Museum of Science. Stop for a picnic or just watch the sailboats glide by.

Check out one of the best views of Boston
The Longfellow Bridge offers a great view of the Boston skyline, particularly at sunset. The Red Line crosses the bridge, but walking is the best way to savor the view.

Watch street performers
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market, began as Boston’s public marketplace. Today, the thriving area is a great place to see street performers, among them musicians, jugglers, and magicians, and is full of restaurants and shops with Boston memorabilia, such as T-shirts and postcards.

Get a taste of Italy
Boston’s North End has some of the best Italian food in the city. Pizzeria Regina is a well-known chain, but the eatery on Thatcher Street is the original restaurant. After dinner, sample the Italian pastries and espresso at Mike’s Pastry.

Check out Boston’s most famous bar
You probably have a favorite haunt, but everyone from home will ask if you’ve visited Cheers, the bar that inspired the hit television sitcom. Founded as the Bull & Finch Pub, the establishment stopped using its original name because it was confusing to visitors looking for the bar made famous by the TV show. Stop by for a quick drink, or at the very least for a picture in front.

Order your yearbook
The Bostonian, BU’s official yearbook, includes senior portraits and hundreds of photographs of student organizations and sports and campus events. Order one before you leave — the University prints only as many copies as are ordered and does not reprint.

Amy Laskowski can be reached at amlaskow@bu.edu.

This story originally ran May 13, 2008.