A New Student’s Guide to Boston: Explore, Eat, and Experience the City 

Welcome to Boston—a city full of history, culture, great eats, and even better views. Whether you’re here for your first semester or just getting your bearings, Boston is one of the most exciting places to be a student. It has something for every mood: cozy cafes for study days, museums for rainy afternoons, and skyline rooftops for unforgettable nights. 

Ready to make the most of your college experience? Here’s your Boston student guide to exploring, eating, and experiencing Boston like a local—from campus favorites to can’t-miss city adventures. 

Welcome to Boston: Tips for New Students 

Your college journey starts here—but Boston is more than just the campus. It’s your new home base, your neighborhood, and your launchpad for everything to come. Here’s what you should know from day one. 

Getting Around: MBTA, Walking, and Rideshare 

Boston’s compact layout means you don’t need a car to get around. The MBTA (aka “The T”) includes subway lines, buses, and commuter rail. Get a CharlieCard for discounted fares, and you’ll quickly learn the difference between the Red, Green, Blue, and Orange lines. 

You’ll also do a lot of walking, so comfy shoes = essential. And for late nights or long days, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available. 

Pro tip: Always check if your college offers student T passes or free shuttle services around campus. 

Student ID = Discounts Galore 

Never leave your student ID behind. From museum entry and movie tickets to gym memberships and local boutiques, student discounts are everywhere in Boston. 

Even some of the city’s top attractions (including View Boston) offer reduced rates for students. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience more while spending less. 

City Layout: Neighborhoods, Landmarks & Hotspots 

Boston is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. A quick cheat sheet: 

• Back Bay: Stroll past brownstones, shop Newbury Street, and take in the skyline from above at View Boston 
• Fenway: Home runs, late-night eats, and vibrant student life 
• Cambridge: Just across the Charles—Harvard, MIT, and a great food scene  
• North End: Boston’s little slice of Italy, packed with pasta, pastries, and history. 
• Seaport: Sleek waterfront vibes with dining, art, and harbor views. 
• Allston/Brighton: Student central—where studying, music, and nightlife all collide. 

The more you explore, the more connected you’ll feel. 

Fun Things to Do Around Campus and Beyond 

Boston is packed with student-friendly activities—many of which are free or low-cost. Whether you’re solo, with roommates, or planning a weekend activity with friends in Boston, there’s no shortage of things to do. 

Free or Low-Cost Outings 

• Museums: Check out the Museum of Fine Arts (free for many students) or the ICA. 
• Parks & Trails: Walk along the Charles River Esplanade, have a picnic at the Boston Common, or rent a Bluebike and cruise around. 
• Live Music & Events: Boston is full of unique venues that host small concerts, especially in the Allston area 

Where to Hang Out: Bookstores, Cafes & Events 

Need a cozy corner to study (or just vibe)? Boston’s got plenty of student-friendly spots and View Boston’s itinerary builder, ViewPrint can help you find these and over 400 other Boston must-visit destinations: 

• Trident Booksellers & Café (Back Bay): Books, food, and free WiFi 
• Tatte Bakery: For coffee dates or long study days  
• SoWa Open Market (Sundays): Food trucks, art vendors, and live DJs 
• Brattle Book Shop (Downtown): One of the oldest used bookstores in the U.S. 

Don’t forget to check out your school’s events calendar—student organizations throw movie nights, festivals, food fairs, and networking events all semester long. 

Day Ideas with Visiting Family or Roommates 

If your parents are in town or you’re entertaining out-of-town friends, here’s the perfect itinerary: 

• Morning: Visit View Boston for a panoramic intro to the city  
• Lunch: Grab a bite on Newbury Street and explore the shops  
• Afternoon: Hop on the Old Town Trolley to explore Boston’s neighborhoods 
• Evening: Hop off at Trolley stop #2 and enjoy dinner in the North End  

Where to Take Your Parents (or Impress Your Friends) 

Some spots in Boston are just crowd-pleasers—perfect for showing off your new city to anyone visiting. 

Classic City Views (Yes, View Boston Belongs Here) 

If there’s one spot to show off the entire city, it’s View Boston, located at the top of the Prudential Tower. You’ll get 360° views of the skyline, the Charles River, and your new college stomping grounds. 

It’s part observation deck, part interactive experience—with digital displays, immersive exhibits, and the ultimate photo ops. And yes, there’s a student discount. 

👉 View Boston Student Discount: Save $5 on general admission tickets with our college student discount by showing a valid student ID at the box office! 

Fun Group Activities 

• See Boston by land and sea on the Boston Duck Tours
• Catch a game at America’s most beloved ballpark- Fenway Park! 
• Enjoy a concert at MGM Music Hall or The House of Blues 

Nice Restaurants or Casual Bites 

Looking to upgrade your usual meal plan? Check out: 

• Eataly at the Prudential Center for pasta or pizza 
• Lolita, Saltie Girl or Bricco for a fancier night out 
• Food trucks on the Greenway or at SoWa for casual hangs 

The Best Views in Boston (Yes, You Need a Pic Here) 

You’re going to want some iconic Boston backdrops for your feed—and maybe a few quiet spots for solo study breaks too. 

Boston’s Best Photo Ops  

• View Boston – Best overall skyline shot 
• Longfellow Bridge – Views of the Charles and Back Bay 
• BU Bridge – Ideal for river photos 
• Acorn Street- Boston’s most photographed spot known for its charm and history  

Study Breaks & Fall Sunsets 

Step away from the library and take a scenic walk around the neighborhood. Grab a coffee and head to the Esplanade or walk Memorial Drive to enjoy a beautiful fall sunset. 

Planning Your Semester: What’s Coming Up 

Boston is a year-round city, but the fall is packed with events—many of them walkable from campus. 

Seasonal Events to Look Forward To 

• CollegeFest on the Common – Free samples, games, music 
• Open Newbury Street – No cars, just food, music, and shopping 
• Head of the Charles Regatta – Major fall rowing event 
• Boston Book Festival, film fests, and cultural fairs 
• And don’t forget to plan a few repeat visits to places like View Boston throughout the semester—morning views, sunset vibes, and late-night city lights all give a different feel. 

Your Boston Adventure Starts Now 

From cobblestone streets to rooftop views, Boston is ready to be explored. Whether you’re between classes or celebrating the weekend, you’ll always find something new to discover. 

Use your student perks, step outside the classroom, and take in the city one neighborhood, one bite, and one skyline view at a time. 

Plan Your View Boston Visit → Hours, directions, and FAQs