It can be hard to motivate yourself to go out into the city during the winter. During the cold season, it’s uncomfortable to take a walk through the Boston Common or go shopping at Faneuil Hall. However, there’s more to winter Boston than meets the eye. Here is a list of 5 fun things to do in Boston when it’s too cold to go outside:
1. Spend a day at the MFA
Let the huge stone pillars and cavernous halls of the MFA shield you from the snow. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts boasts an enormous collection of artwork from Ancient Greek to performance art. You can easily spend a whole day (or more) wandering the museum. A visit to the MFA is an educational and relatively inexpensive way to spend a calm indoor day in Boston. Also, they offer student discounts!
2. Visit the New England Aquarium
There’s no better way to distract yourself from the below-freezing temperatures outside than looking at cute animals! At the New England Aquarium, you can watch penguins, sea lions, turtles, and sharks do their thing. They also have an IMAX movie theater, and if you don’t want to eat in the aquarium’s café, you can dine at any of the nearby restaurants on the Boston waterfront. The New England Aquarium is one of the pricier options on this list, but they do offer student discounts.
3. Fill up on Japanese food at the Shops at Porter
Forget the cold with a hot bowl of ramen. The Shops at Porter is a small mall in Cambridge full of tiny Japanese Restaurants. Inexpensive options are easy to find, and every restaurant is delicious.
4. Cuddle up with a book and a coffee at Trident Booksellers and Café
Trident Booksellers and Café is one of the hippest spots in Boston. They have a huge supply of books and a delicious coffee shop. Take your latte up to the second story for a view of pedestrians suffering outside in the cold. The café also makes an excellent study spot.
5. Explore the Institute of Contemporary Art
The Institute of Contemporary Art is the rebellious little brother of the MFA. If you’re a true art geek, you’ll adore this modern, quirky museum. Enjoy the gorgeous ocean view from indoors while looking at cool collections of contemporary art. Like any respectable Boston museum, they offer a student discount.