The summer season is in full swing! It's a time of relaxation and recuperation for many college students all over the country. If you're looking for activities to do between shifts at your part-time job, or after a long day spent at the office, look no further. Savvy Student has created a list of 15 fun attractions in Boston that will help you have a blast without breaking the bank!
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that includes 16 historical sites of the Revolutionary War. The trail includes fascinating and authentic points of interest, such as the home of Paul Revere. There is a costume-guided tour available for purchase on the website. However, those looking for an inexpensive option will find it more appealing to download a map of the trail and follow their own itinerary. It doesn't cost a penny and it's a great deal of fun, especially for all of you history buffs!
Haymarket Square is an open-air fruit and vegetable market located near Government Center that has been serving as a source of affordable produce for the people of Boston since 1830. The market offers produce for half the price of the fruits and vegetables you will find in a super market, as well as a fun, frenzied environment. Haymarket Square is open every Friday and Saturday during daylight hours. Shopkeepers generally open up around dawn and close by dusk. Our inside source tells us the best time of day to visit Haymarket is around 11:00 AM. It is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the orange line or green line to the "Haymarket Square" subway station and shop away!
3. Don't be ashamed... try the Duck Tour.
The Boston Duck Tour definitely isn't for everyone. However, if you are interested in crossing this quintessential tourist attraction off of your Boston bucket list, Savvy Student has some tips for you. If you want to "quack" your way through Boston, do it on a student discount. You can purchase your Duck Tour ticket for a mere $27.99. If that's still too pricey for you, Savvy Student has found tickets for $21.43 available on Goldstar.com. Click here to take a look!
4. Spend some time window shopping on Newbury Street.
You don't often see the words "Newbury Street" and "budget" used in the same sentence. It's true! There are a ton of expensive stores and boutiques on Newbury Street. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the sites and some of the less expensive shopping options. Who knows what kind of store or cafe you may discover in a hidden crevice on this famous street!
5. Spend the weekend at St. Anthony's Feast.
St. Anthony's Feast is an annual Italian street festival that was established in 1919. This year's festival will take place from August 23-25 and will feature parades, live entertainment, souvenirs, contests, religious services, and, of course, authentic Italian food from over one hundred street vendors. If you're feeling adventurous, take some time to enjoy St. Anthony's Feast this year! It has become a staple of the Boston summer experience.
6. Stop by Fanueil Hall.
Like many of the attractions available on Newbury Street, Fanueil Hall features some more expensive options for shopping and dining. However, it is still a famous aspect of the city and features some inexpensive thrills and experiences. During the summer, Fanueil Hall features a number of street performers from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on a daily basis. The schedule of performers is available online. Fanueil Hall is also a lovely area to experience at night when all of the stores and restaurants are lit up from the outside. You don't need to spend any money to have a nice trip to Fanueil Hall! Additionally, it is easily accessible by taking the green line to the "Government Center" subway station.
7. Go out to eat in the North End.
The North End features many high-end, Italian restaurants that offer delicious, and often pricey, meals. However, those who are familiar with Groupon.com may be able to find some sensational steals! There are many North End restaurants that offer deals to make your experience with North End dining much more affordable. If you are still not able to find a deal that suits you, our research tells us that an affordable option in the North End can be found at Pizzerina Regina, a famous, independent restaurant that offers some of the best pizza in the Boston area. You can split a large cheese pizza between you and your friends for only $13.49.
8. Stop for a famous cannoli at Mike's Pastries.
After dinner in the North End, don't forget to stop by one of the most famous and popular places in Boston: Mike's Pastries. If the massive line that is always present doesn't convince you, Savvy Student is happy to assure you it's well worth the visit. Even if you're not interested in tempting your sweet tooth, we think it's fun to watch the employees swiftly packaging the pastry boxes!
9. Spend a night at the theater.
Boston has a large number of regional and professional theaters and theater companies that offer Student Rush tickets and many other discount opportunities. For a comprehensive list of local theaters and the deals that they offer, check out one of our most recent blogs: "Give My Regards to Boston, Remember Me to Harvard Square."
10. Set sail in a Boston Swan Boat at the Public Garden.
Just like the Duck Tour, this attraction is not for everyone. However, these swan boats have served Bostonians and tourists alike since the 1870s and can be a fun, relaxing activity during an afternoon in Boston. During the summer schedule (June 21 to Labor Day), the swan boats are available daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets are only $3.00 for adults. At that low price, why not take an afternoon off to relax and recuperate at the Public Garden?
11. Enjoy the aesthetics at the Boston Public Library.
While visiting a library may not be at the top of your bucket list, don't stop reading yet. The Boston Public Library, a landmark of the city, resides in the always impressive Copley Square and is quite a beautiful site to see. The library opened in 1895 and features several murals by celebrated artists, including work by John Singer Sargent. The library also has a lovely, Italian Renaissance-inspired courtyard, complete with beautiful architecture and bubbling fountains. Don't forget one of the biggest perks: you can enjoy all of this without spending a dime!
12. Check out the latest exhibitions at the Institute of Contemporary Art.
If you're an art lover, be sure to stop by the Institute of Contemporary Art. The ICA features exhibitions, performances, films and videos, and adult and family programs. Some of the most pivotal contemporary artists of the last century have had their work featured in the ICA, including Georges Braque and Andy Warhol. Tickets for general admission are $15. However, students can get tickets for $10. Be sure to bring your student ID if you plan to take advantage of that deal!
13. Take a stroll along Charles River Esplanade.
The Esplanade is a path that stretches approximately three miles along the Charles River. As you stroll down the path, you are sure to encounter places to rent sailboats, playgrounds, one or two lemonade stands, and, of course, swarms of joggers. Free of charge, you can enjoy the beauty of the Charles River on a beautiful summer afternoon. Just be sure to watch out for some easily agitated geese!
14. Don't forget to stop by the Boston Common Frog Pond.
The Boston Common Frog Pond offers a great deal of warm weather opportunities for you to explore this summer. Aside from sitting by the pond and enjoying the (hopefully) warm weather, there are many attractions located right next to the Frog Pond. One of newest attraction is the carousel. It is open Sunday-Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Friday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Frog Pond Cafe is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There are also FREE yoga classes on the lawn adjacent to the carousel every Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Stretch your body instead of stretching your dollar!
15. The heart of Boston is located at Fenway Park.
The last, but certainly not least, attraction on our bucket list is located in the center of the city of Boston: Fenway Park. If you visit the Fenway Park website, some of the tickets can be a bit pricey, especially for games with their rivals, the New York Yankees. However, other websites like StubHub.com and TicketNetwork.com offer tickets for discounted prices that can definitely fit into a summer budget. The Boston Red Sox are a quintessential aspect of Boston and New England life. It is definitely well worth it to experience a Red Sox game with some of the most dedicated baseball fans in the country.
No matter what your summer plans may be or what your interests are, Savvy Student hopes that this list has offered you some exciting new insights into the opportunities that await you this summer. Don't be fooled by first impressions! Some of the attractions that seem cliche or touristy may be more fun than you can imagine. Likewise, some of the places that seem too expensive may have hidden deals waiting to be discovered. Here's to a summer of relaxation, fun, and smartly managed money!
Happy summer!
~Savvy Student
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