After months of crafting cover letters, editing your resume and applying and waiting, you’ve nailed the interview and now the perfect summer internship awaits you! Only problem is, your dream company is in a city you know nothing about. Don’t sweat it. Whether it’s Boston, New York or Washington D.C., we’ve done the work for you and found the must-dos, must-sees and must-eats for a summer in each of these amazing cities!
Boston:
In this walkable city brimming with history, amazing seafood, passionate sports fans and people who don’t pronounce their r’s, innumerable ways exist to experience them all. We’ve narrowed down the list to the top five summer musts that won’t hurt your wallet!
1. Fenway Park
No stay in Boston is truly complete without visiting baseball’s oldest Major League stadium to watch a Red Sox game. Even if you’re not a Sox fan you can try a Fenway Frank, sing “Sweet Caroline” at the top of your lungs, and see the Green “Monstah” in person! Bleacher tickets are usually cheap, but if midsummer prices spike you can always tour “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” for $20 and under.
Also called Faneuil Hall, this marketplace is home to great shopping and delicious food. Right on the Freedom Trail, we highly recommend strolling and sampling your way through the Hall and trying everything — but we’re partial to the clam chowder in a bread bowl!
3. North End
If you love food, then you have to visit the North End, Boston’s own Little Italy. Walk the narrow streets and you’ll find an Italian restaurant that makes your mouth water – there are plenty. We haven’t forgotten about dessert either. Mike’s Pastry is a hot spot for tourists, with a consistent line out the door. For a shorter wait, and pastries just as delicious, we recommend Modern Pastry. Also, the neighborhood packs some major history and while enjoying that cannoli, be sure to check out the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House.
For the 21+ crowd, the Harpoon Brewery tour is an incredibly popular way to taste test some of Boston’s great beer. For only $5 you can tour the brewery on weekdays or weekends. Beware: Weekends fill up fast, so we recommend getting there early and enjoying a drink and pretzel in the beer hall while you wait. In addition, Harpoon Fest is held every May and for $20 you can enjoy good music, great beer, and excellent authentic Boston.
Blue Man Group is a popular show in Boston, but for a night out that’s more intern-budget friendly, the Improv Asylum is a must-do. Located in the heart of Boston’s North End, this comedy theater features improvisation, sketch comedy and guaranteed laughs. We highly recommend the Main Stage Show that runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If you’re looking for something more intense, try their Raunch show on Saturdays only! Ticket prices range from $10 – $25 and can be purchased online.
Washington, D.C.:
Home to our nation’s capital, political hot spots, great shopping and good food, this city has so much to offer all summer long. When you’re not in the office, get outside and check out these city hotspots!
Currently tours of the White House are not available, but an even better way to soak up some history is to visit the monuments at night. Avoid the crowds, beat the heat and get a unique view of these beautiful places by taking one of the multiple tours geared towards these nighttime visits!
Visit D.C.’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market! This treasure is located in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and has everything from fresh food and produce to arts and crafts, antiques and community events. Hint: It;s less crowded on weekdays, but if you want to try the famous blueberry pancakes arrive early on a Saturday or Sunday morning!
3. Stay Active Along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Keep in shape this summer while spending some quality time with nature. Hike, bike and kayak along the canal at this national historic park!
We know we caught your eye with shopping, and Georgetown has some amazing food, shops and neighborhoods. Even if you’re not in the mood for spending money, it is an excellent place to visit with good atmosphere and beautiful old houses. Parking is a challenge, so we recommend taking public transportation.
5. Visit the Smithsonian
As the world’s largest museum and research complex, boasting over 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park, the Smithsonian has something for everyone. There’s always something new to see; rumor has it that if you spent a minute at each exhibit it would take 80 years to see it all!
New York City:
Get excited to spend a whole summer in New York, New York – a city so nice they say it twice. Home to bright lights, fast cabs, strong accents and die-hard Yankee fans there is so much to do here. We want to help you keep up with the city that never sleeps with our top five recommendations below!
1. Central Park
This may seem a bit obvious, but it can’t go unmentioned on our list. Central Park is a green oasis inside the bustling city and is filled with baseball diamonds, pathways, gardens, a zoo, ponds and beautiful sights of the New York City skyline.
For a 3-hour tour for your taste buds we recommend going on a food tour with Ahoy. Not only do you get to eat, it’s also a fun and different way to see the neighborhoods of New York City and includes stops at historical sites and hidden gems of the city.
Once home to the New York Central Railroad, this abandoned railway is now a city park above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side. Repurposed and inspired by the vegetation that was growing rampant, this park is perfect for walking, jogging or people watching.
4. Create Your Own New York-style Pizza
Most people come to the city and want a taste of the famous New York-style pizza. For more than a taste, Pizza a Casa offers classes that teach the art of preparing this world-renowned pizza. Check the website for class schedules and pricing.
5. Times Square
Times Square is one of the reasons people say New York never sleeps. This colorful square is packed with bright billboards, stores, cinemas and theaters. If Broadway isn’t it in the budget, we love catching a taping of “Saturday Night Live” (although you need reservations well in advance). There are also plenty of incredible restaurants to try.