THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR OVERNIGHT
GUEST
On-Campus
For things to do on campus, BU is the place to go. There are pool tables as
well as other video games. A very popular on-campus hang-out!
Stay in, rent a movie, or go to Late Night and grab a snack. Or just hang
out with your friends. It is a great way to share your BU experiences.
Check out events that are taking place on campus for that night. With
Daily Free Press, BU Today, and SAO’s events calendar. Whether it is a
play put on by one of the BU theater groups, an a cappella concert, an art
exhibit, a student sponsored coffee house event, poetry reading, or a
cultural event, there is always something interesting happening.
Into sports? Call 353-4141 for a schedule of the hours of the different
athletic facilities on campus. FitRec is always a cool place to show. The
pool at Case Gym is open most nights for free swimming. Also, look in the
Daily Free Press sports section for listings of game times.
In the mood to look at the stars? The BU Astronomy Observatory is open
to all students and it is free to the Boston community on Wednesday
nights. Call 353-2630 for more information.
And don’t forget, if you have work to do and can’t take your prospective
freshmen out, that’s okay too. They are here to see what college life is really
like.
Off-Campus
Walking & Sightseeing
The Boston Common & Public Garden - The Common is in the center of Boston, both
geographically and historically. Adjacent to the Common is the Public Garden, where
you can enjoy a summer ride on the pond in the famous swan boats. These two parks
were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park,
and represent the major links in the chain of Boston’s city parks that he conceived as
“The Emerald Necklace.” Located at Commonwealth Avenue and Arlington Street,
Boston. On the Green Line at Arlington Station.
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market - Between City Hall and the North End lies this
marketplace with a long roster of restaurants and shops. Eat at a patio cafe or hear the
Bells of Boston in the winter. Take a picture with Sam Adams (the historical figure).
On the Green and Blue Lines at Government Center.
The North End - One of the oldest areas of the city, with a maritime and commercial
history dating back to well before the Revolution. In this century, it became the
preferred location for immigrants from Italy to settle, and it retains its Italian flavor in
countless restaurants, shops, groceries, and boutiques. Near Commercial and Hanover
Streets, Boston. On the Green Line at Haymarket Station.
Museums & Exhibits
John Hancock Observatory - Atop the tallest building in New England, you can really
get a room and a deck with a view. They also have four permanent exhibits on the city
of Boston, including photographs, a light and sound show, and models of the cityscape.
200 Clarendon Street in the John Hancock Tower, Boston. On the Green Line at Copley.
617/247-1977.
Museum of Fine Arts - The largest collection of fine arts in Boston, with extensive
holdings in European Renaissance, nineteenth century French and American, and
twentieth century art. Free with BU ID. 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston. On the
Green Line “E Train” at Museum. 617/267-9300. www.mfa.org
New England Aquarium - The place to go see exotic fish in Boston. Its giant ocean tank
holds 200,000 gallons! Exhibits include dolphins and sea lions. Central Wharf, Boston.
On the Blue Line at Aquarium. 617/242-0543. www.neaq.org
The Museum of Science - Climb the musical staircase and discover the lightning show,
gigantic kaleidoscope, and botanical gardens. Get blown away by the Omni Theater
and laser shows choreographed to popular music artists. To get there, take the Green
Line to Science Park and be prepared to explore... 617/723-2500. www.mos.org
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The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Take a walk through this early 20th century
home/museum. Isabella Stewart Gardner had one of the finest collections of art in the
country, and she built this museum to house it...and herself. While she kept an
apartment upstairs, Mrs. Gardner’s guest would browse the works of Titian, Rembrant,
and many others. Come and see exactly what they say, as the house has remained the
same since 1903. $5 for college students, 18 and under free. 280 The Fenway. 617/5661401 www.gardnermuseum.org
The MIT Museum – Designed to display and interpret the work of MIT’s scientists, the
MIT Museum has the largest collection of holograms in the world. The exhibits cover
topics from science and technology to nautical history. $2. 265 Massachusetts Ave.
617/253-4444. http://web.mit.edu/museum/index2.html
Strictly Shopping
Copley Place - This shopping plaza is in the center of it all. In addition to the neverending shops, there are restaurants and a movie theater. Copley is known as one of the
rather upscale shopping areas in Boston. On the Green Line at Copley.
The Prudential Center - Lots of shops and places to grab a bite to eat. Take a trip to the
top and get a great view of the city. To get there, take the Green line and get off at the
Copley stop. The Prudential Center is connected to Copley Place with a sky bridge.
CambridgeSide Galleria - Three floors of any type of shopping you can imagine,
ranging from large department stores like Macy’s to small boutiques and carts. There is
also a food court and a nice outdoor area with tables for summer relaxing. At the end
of the Green Line at Lechmere.
Newbury Street - This street leads you from the Back Bay all the way up to the Boston
Common. People come here to see and be seen, to stop and to shop. Boston
brownstones, boutiques, galleries, and eateries line this street, and in the summer
outdoor cafes bring color and life to the sidewalks. Newbury Street runs from
Massachusetts Avenue to Arlington Street. On the Green Line at Hynes Convention
Center, Copley, and Arlington Street Stations.
Coolidge Corner – Located on the C-line, this quaint area of Brookline is home to many
shops and cafes. See a movie, eat a crepe, and browse the storefronts that line the
streets of Coolidge Corner. On the Green Line, at Coolidge Corner.
Movies
Call 617/333-FILM (3456) for instant information on all Metro Boston cinemas,
including show times, directions, and ticket prices.
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