This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

Welcome to Boston: 5 Places You Have to Visit Your First Time in the City

by Caroline Kohler

You’ve just moved in and you’re ready to tackle weekend one of college. Meeting friends, endless school-sponsored events, and your first football game – it’s safe to say your first weekend is going to be spent at BC. However, after the first week of classes comes weekend number two and a full Saturday with nothing to do, which is the perfect time to head into the beautiful city of Boston!

So, gather a couple of your friends that you met at Welcome Weekend and head to the T (B or D Green Line) and hit these “must see” spots in Boston for your first official visit to the city you now call home.

1. Newbury Street (located off the Green Line at either the Hynes Convention Center Station or the Copley Station)

Newbury Street is a great place to start at for your day in the city. Newbury Street has amazing restaurants and places to grab dessert (Georgetown Cupcake and Pinkberry), but it is best known for its premier shopping. Newbury Street offers shopping at large retail stores like H&M and Forever 21 as well as more boutique-style stores like Brandy Melville. Also, make sure you check out the classic Newbury Comics that sells everything from movies to posters – perfect decorations to put up in your dorm.

2. The Freedom Trail (located throughout Boston)

The Freedom Trail is the famous walking trail that runs throughout the city of Boston. Literally a trail of bricks that is set into the sidewalks of the city, the Freedom Trail brings walkers by famous historical Boston landmarks, like the site of the Boston Massacre and the Old North Church. You don’t have to walk the entire route your first time in the city. Instead, try picking up the trail in Boston Common and following it to the Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market area. (Visit the City of Boston’s website to pick the landmarks you want to see and print a map of the trail before you go!)

3. Boston Common/Public Garden (located off the Green Line at the Park Street Station)

Boston Common is a beautiful green space in the well-developed city of Boston. Located at the beginning of the Freedom Trail, the Common is a beautiful place to walk around, have a picnic, or just play a quick game of soccer or Frisbee. Additionally, across Charles Street is Boston’s Public Garden that is home to the famous Swan Boats. For $3 per person, you get to cruise around the Lagoon in the Public Garden and cross the Swan Boats off your Boston bucket list. (Try to get to the Swan Boats in the first couple of weeks though because they close for the season on September 15th!)

4. Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market (located off the Green Line at the Government Center Station)

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are absolute must-sees, especially for your first time in Boston. Whether you want to do a little shopping, check out a historical area of Boston, or just grab a bite to eat, this area has it all. The Hall/Market area is about two blocks long and is lined with stores like Urban Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret. Beyond shopping, there is also the historic Faneuil Hall building that is a stop on the Freedom Trail. Finally, Quincy Market is essentially a giant food market and a wonderful place to get dinner. A great place to literally “get a taste” of Boston, Quincy Market has a huge variety of food from gourmet macaroni and cheese to seafood.

5. The North End (located off the Green Line at the Government Center Station and then a short walk to Hanover Street)

An incredibly lively part of the city, the North End is your go-to area for all things Italian. Known for its food and charm, the North End has countless amazing restaurants. Your first time in the city, though, is not complete without a trip to Mike’s Pastry. Mike’s, a favorite Boston bakery, serves everything from cupcakes to classic Italian desserts including their famous cannolis. For just a few dollars you can end your day with a delicious cannoli as you stroll around a truly stunning portion of the city. (Be prepared though–on a nice night there is usually a fairly long line outside of Mike’s, but it moves quickly!)

Happy exploring!

Sources:

https://maps.google.com/

http://www.newbury-st.com/Boston/60/Womens_Fashion/1/20

http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/default.asp

http://www.cityofboston.gov/Parks/emerald/boston_common.asp

http://www.cityofboston.gov/Parks/emerald/public_garden.asp

http://www.swanboats.com/schedule-fares

http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/

http://www.mikespastry.com/

Photo Sources:

http://www.cabotandcompany.com/blog/files/2011/07/newbury-st-retail-space.jpg