Exploring Boston & Cambridge
Taken together, Cambridge and Boston constitute perhaps the greatest college town of all time. From September to May, greater Boston is home to literally hundreds of thousands of smart, interesting college students and all the bands, clubs, coffee shops, boutiques, bookstores, legendary sports teams and ice cream they require.
Perched on the edge of Cambridge, just a river bridge away from Boston, MIT is at the heart of it all.
Once you're here, it's easy to explore everything both cities have to offer, from their rich history, to their thriving arts and culture, to their die-hard devotion to a certain baseball team.
Getting around
Because Boston and Cambridge remain compact, walkable cities, the cheapest and easiest way to get around is on foot or by public transportation. Most of the local attractions are within a half-hour's walk from MIT, so often a map and your own two feet can get you where you want to go. The MBTA, known as the "T," includes Boston's subway, bus, and commuter rail lines, and is another great way to get from one place to another cheaply and quickly. Taxicabs may also be hailed easily on most main streets in Boston, and are easy to find in Cambridge's many "squares."
If you're driving around Boston, be prepared for winding streets, unexpected one-ways, difficult or expensive parking, and unyielding fellow drivers. Construction projects are ongoing, so don't be surprised if you run into a detour or confusing signage. The Big Dig has updates on the completion of the central artery tunnel. Construction updates for the city of Cambridge may be found at the Cambridge Department of Public Works.
Sightseeing
There's more to see and do in greater Boston than can be explored even during your undergraduate years, but you can cover a lot of interesting territory in a day or two as a tourist. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile self-guided walking tour of Boston's most historic sites, and is a great way to experience the highlights of the city. Here are some other quick ideas:
- Walk across the river
- Take a stroll up Newbury St., Boston's chic shopping thoroughfare
- Follow the historic mansions of Commonwealth Ave. to the Public Garden and Boston Common
- Enjoy a traditional Italian meal or indulge your sweet tooth with Italian pastries in the North End
- Revel in the bustle of Boston's Chinatown
- Explore the narrow cobbled streets of historic Beacon Hill
- Eat, shop, and experience Boston's rich history at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
If you want to play student for the day, Cambridge and nearby Somerville boast a string of vibrant squares (almost never quadrilateral) along Massachusetts Avenue and the T's Red Line. Try Central Square for live music, organic groceries, and all sorts of ethnic food; Harvard Square for shopping, dining, and beating Harvard students at outdoor chess; Porter Square for shops, restaurants, and little bars/music clubs; and Davis Square for funky coffeehouses, used book and CD stores, and its second-run cinema and concert hall.
Several good resources on the web can help you plan your visit:
Events
In addition to the constant stream of sporting events, concerts, and performances that keep the city humming, the Boston area hosts many big, exciting annual events. The Boston Marathon is held every April on Patriot's Day, and is the world's oldest annual marathon. Every Fourth of July, MIT has a front row seat along the Charles River for some of the most spectacular Independence Day celebrations you'll ever see. In October, the river is again overrun - this time with rowers and fans for the Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest two-day rowing event in the world.
Boston.com and the Boston Phoenix are good sources for the arts, entertainment, and music events in the area.
Weather
New England weather is notoriously fickle, so it's best to come prepared. The National Weather Service provides a good local forecast with regional weather summaries, so you can make an informed prediction. However, as we say in Boston, if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes.
