Things to Do Before You Leave Boston
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You know all the words to “Dirty Water,’’ have been singing the lyrics “Boston you’re my home’’ for the past four years, but how well do you really know your city? We put together a list of the absolute must-sees in Boston before you graduate and move away. So get out your student ID and take advantage of some student discounts (where available) while you still can.
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1. Take a Duck Tour
Experience Boston by land and by sea, all in one ride. The best part of the tour? You may even have a chance to drive the “Duck.’’ Use your student ID for discounted ticket prices.
$31.99-$34.99 for adults; $25.99-$28 .99 for students over 12, seniors 62+, and military personel; $20.99-$23.99 for children ages 3-11; and $10.50 for children under 3, including infants. Tours depart from The Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston; The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay, 1 Huntington Ave., Boston; The New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston.
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2. Tour Fenway Park
Red Sox fan or not, this is a Boston must-see. Don’t forget to bring your student ID for a discounted price.
$17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for students, children, and military. Tours run 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, every hour on the hour. 4 Yawkey Way, Boston. 617-226-6666.
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3. Tour Sam Adams Brewery
Quench your thirst for history at the Sam Adams brewery. Have you drank Sam Adams all throughout college and never visited the brewery? See the brewing process, taste the malts, and smell the hops — all for a suggested donation of $2.
30 Germania St., Boston. 617-368-5080.
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4. Visit the Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Islands are one of Boston’s best kept secrets. Starting May 11, grab some friends, pack a cooler, and spend the day fishing, swimming, kayaking, or just soaking up the scenery.
$15 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for children; ferry departs from Long Wharf-North Pier, 66 Long Wharf, Boston. 617-223-8666.
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5. See the Blue Man Group
This long-running show at Boston’s Charles Playhouse combines music, comedy, and multimedia. These guys may not say much (OK, they don’t say anything) but they certainly know how to entertain. Student rush tickets to see the Blue Man Group can be purchased one hour before a performance, based on availability, for $30 each.
$65-$125; Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. 617-426-6912.
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6. Kayak on the Charles River
We love that dirty water! Rent a single or tandem kayak and explore the Charles River Esplanade while getting in a great workout and enjoying a unique view of the city.
$15-$30 per hour, $60-$120 per day; Charles River Canoe & Kayak, 1071 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston. 617-462-2513.
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7. See the penguins at the New England Aquarium
If you don’t already love penguins, you will after you see this exhibit. The New England Aquarium houses more than 80 birds of all different species, including the smallest penguins in the world. College students get a discount on admission.
$24.95 for adults, $22.95 for students; Central Wharf, Boston. 617-973-5200.
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8. Take a ride on the Swan Boats
These family-owned boats are famed for their appearances in “Make Way for Ducklings’’ and “The Trumpet of the Swan,’’ and aren’t found anywhere but Boston. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a Boston tradition that is more than 130 years old.
$3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, $1.50 for children; the Swan Boats are open seven days a week, weather permitting. Located in the Boston Public Garden.
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9. Go on a whale watch
You won’t feel like you’re still in Boston when you’re aboard this high-speed catamaran. And the best part is, whale sightings are guaranteed. If you don’t see any whales, you will get a free ticket for another trip. Stay for a drink after the cruise at The Landing, the outdoor patio bar located right on Long Wharf.
$47 for adults, $36 for children; Boston Harbor Cruises, 1 Long Wharf, Boston. 617-227-4321.
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10. See a concert at the Bank of America Pavilion
Take in a show while enjoying the ocean breeze. Located on Boston’s Harbor, this open air venue overlooks the city skyline and offers state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting.
290 Northern Ave., Boston. 617-728-1600.
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11. Get a drink at the Top of the Hub
See Boston in a whole new way when you take in the view from 52 stories above the ground. If student loans have you balking at the dinner prices, don’t fret. Instead of a full meal, split some apps with friends and raise a glass to graduation.
800 Boylston St., Boston. 617-536-1775.
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12. Take a trolley tour through Boston
Do your best impression of a tourist aboard Old Town Trolley, where you’ll get a guided tour of the city and learn about Boston’s unique history. Hop on and off all day as you visit major areas including Downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Theatre District, and the Waterfront District.
Visit their website for ticket pricing and location information.
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13. See a movie at the Mugar Omni Theater
The Omni Theater at the Museum of Science boasts a 180-degree IMAX dome, creating a larger-than-life movie experience. Now showing on the five-story-tall screen are films “Gran Canyon Adventure: River at Risk,’’ “Jerusalem,’’ and “Journey to the South Pacific.’’
$10 for adults, $8 for children; 1 Science Park, Boston. 617-723-2500.
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14. See a show at the Improv Asylum
It’s just what it sounds like it is – a show based entirely off of improvisation. The cast of actors takes suggestions from the audience and welcomes volunteers. No two shows are ever the same so make sure to bring your rowdiest group of friends and get ready for a night of laughs.
216 Hanover St., Boston. 617-263-6887.
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15. Get a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry
Now that you are already in the North End, you can’t leave without stopping at Mike’s Pastry. We suggest the cannoli, but there are plenty of treats to choose from. Trust us, the line is worth the wait.
300 Hanover St., Boston. 617-742-3050.
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16. Visit a museum
Now that you are graduating, it is finally time to visit that museum you have been meaning to see for the past four years. Choose between the Museum of Fine Arts, the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, the New England Sports Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art (pictured), the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and many more.
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17. Picnic on Boston Common
Celebrate spring (and graduation) by heading to the Boston Common for a picnic. Pack a blanket, pick up something to eat from a local vendor, and enjoy the nice weather.
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18. Visit Boston’s oldest restaurant
Founded in 1826, the Union Oyster House is Boston’s oldest restaurant and has been designated as a national historic landmark. The restaurant, located right on the Freedom Trail, offers lunch, dinner, and dessert and their bar is open until midnight.
41 Union St., Boston. 617-227-2750.
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19. Visit a farmers’ market
Boston is home to many farmers’ markets including Copley Square Farmers’ Market, South Station/Dewey Square Farmers’ Market, City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market, South End Farmers’ Market, and more.
See massnrc.org/farmlocator for a complete listing of Boston’s Farmers’ Markets.
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20. Go to the Rooftop Pool at the Colonnade Hotel
If you’re staying around Boston for the summer, there’s no better way to beat the heat than visiting the Colonnade’s rooftop pool. The pool will open on or around May 29.
Fee TBA; 120 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-424-7000.
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