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Coming to Boston as an international student is like stepping into a whole new world, there’s history on every corner, an atmosphere that’s both fast-paced and laid-back, and so much to check out. 

But with classes, settling in, and maybe a tight budget, picking what to do on a weekend can feel tricky. 

This blog’s got you covered with 4 student-friendly things to do in Boston that’ll let you explore, and relax without draining your wallet.

• Stroll the Freedom Trail and Boston Common

Location: Starts at Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA.

The Freedom Trail is this 2.5-mile red-brick path that winds through Boston’s oldest spots, tying you straight into the American Revolution era; it’s been around since the 1950s to display the city’s past. 

Boston Common, where it starts, is the country’s oldest public park, dating back to 1634, and it’s this green space where locals and students just hang out. 

What to Do:

• Follow the red bricks from the Common to spots like the Old State House, takes about 2-3 hours if you’re casual walking.
• Relax back on the Common’s grass with a snack, perfect for people-watching or a quick novel read.
• Click some instagram pictures at the Paul Revere statue or the golden-domed State House.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t carry a ton of stuff, keep it light since you’ll be walking a lot.
• Skip feeding the squirrels, they’re cute but bold, and you don’t need their ‘give me more food’ drama.
• Don’t rush the experience, half the fun is taking in the old-school charm.

Cost:
It’s free to walk the Trail and hang in the Common, no tickets needed. 

Metro from student housing spots like BU or Northeastern (Green or Orange Line) is $2-$6 round-trip, depending on where your student housing in Boston is.

If you’re near downtown, just walk over and save the fare.

• Dig into History at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Location: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA, down by the waterfront in the Seaport area.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is this hands-on spot that brings you back to 1773, when colonists chucked tea into the harbor to show the British their power, it’s a big moment in U.S. history. 

They’ve got replica ships and actors playing out the drama, all set up since 2012 to make it feel real. 

It’s less boring than a textbook and way more fun, especially if you’re new to the story.

What to Do:

• Join the reenactment, toss some (fake) tea overboard and feel like a rebel for a minute.
• Check out the ships, like the Beaver, and imagine squeezing onto one back in the past.
• Sip some tea in the onsite tea room, five flavors, and it’s a nice moment after the action.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t skip the guided part, wandering solo means missing the best stories.
• Avoid showing up late; they run on a schedule, and you’ll get stuck waiting.
• Don’t bring big bags, they’ll slow you down on the tight ship decks.

Cost:
Tickets are $35 for adults, but students with ID can get it for $32. 

Metro from downtown (Red Line to South Station) is $2-$6 round-trip, or it’s a 15-minute walk if you’re close.

• Grab a Bite at Quincy Market

Location: 4 South Market St, Boston, MA—smack in the middle of Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Quincy Market’s been a food hub since 1826, this big hall where you can smell the chowder and fresh bread from a mile away. 

It’s part of the Faneuil Hall area, a spot that’s been feeding locals and travelers forever. 

What to Do:

• Get a bowl of clam chowder from Boston Chowda Co., it’s creamy, warm, and very good.
• Take a look at the stalls and try a lobster roll or a cannoli.
• Just relax on the steps outside with your food, enjoying the street performers.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t come starving from your off-campus housing at peak lunch hours, lines get really long, and you’ll be hangry waiting.
• Skip overspending; stick to one or two items since it adds up quickly.
• Don’t toss trash anywhere but the bins, it’s crowded, and no one likes a mess.

Cost:
No entry fee, it’s free to walk in. Food’s about $8-$15 per item—chowder’s around $8, lobster rolls closer to $15. 

Metro from Blue Line and Government Center is $2-$6 round-trip, or it’s walkable from downtown.

• Chill Out at the Boston Public Garden

Location: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA—right next to Boston Common in the heart of the city.

The Boston Public Garden is this gorgeous park that’s been around since 1837, the first public botanical garden in the U.S., full of flowers, trees, and those famous swan boats. 

It’s quieter than the Common, with a fancy Victorian atmosphere that makes it perfect for unwinding.

What to Do:

• Take a spin on the swan boats, 15 minutes of pure fun on the lagoon.
• Sit down on a bench with a book or just watch the ducks waddle by.
• Walk the paths to see the little statues, like the Make Way for Ducklings.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t jump in the water, it’s not for swimming, and you’ll regret the splash.
• Skip feeding the birds bread; it’s not great for them, and there’s signs saying no.

Cost:
Entry’s free, zero cost to sit and walk. Swan boat rides are $4.50 for adults, but check for student discounts at the dock.

 Metro from Green Line and Arlington is $2-$6 round-trip, or it’s a short walk from downtown.

Conclusion

A weekend in Boston can be as easy as picking a few cool things to do, and you’ll still catch that history that makes it special. 

Go visit a couple of these and you’ll feel like you’ve gotten the real deal of the city in just a weekend.

How can amber help you?

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About the author:

Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro and then questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.