WELCOME TO BOSTON!
Dearest incoming students, young professionals and families - we are excited to have you as part of our community! As one of the most popular global destinations for education, healthcare, technology, and arts, Boston has constantly reside within the higher ranks of United States’ best cities to live, study, and work. From its rich history to being leaders in innovation, The following guide below - curated by our Boston City Blessing Church congregation - gives a brief overview to get yourself settled and getting to know the City better. We hope you’ll find it useful as you embark on this exciting new chapter and call Boston your new home.
getting around
One of the best things we love about Boston is its connectivity between neighborhoods - most districts can be conveniently reached by train or bus. Our subway system is more commonly known as MBTA - the “T,” as locals said. It consists of five major lines: Green (which branches into sublines B,C,D,and E,) Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver.
Local buses operated by MBTA also serves passengers to access locations further down from centralized stations. Click here to learn more about the service, as well as monthly subscription fares & schedules.
Here's a quick guide of closest T stops to some more commonly attended colleges around Greater Boston area. You will find mentioned stops on the Rapid Transit Map shown below:
Berklee College of Music: Green Line (Hynes Convention Center)
Boston Architectural College: Green Line (Hynes Convention Center)
Boston University - Main Campus: Green Line B: Boston University Central
Boston University - Medical Campus: Orange Line (Massachusetts Avenue)
Boston College: Green Line B: Boston College
Bunker Hill Community College: Orange Line (Community College)
Emerson College: Green Line (Boylston)
Harvard University: Red Line (Harvard)
HULT International Business School: Orange Line (Community College)
Massachusetts College of Art (MASSART): Green Line E (Museum of Fine Arts)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Red Line (Kendall/MIT)
Massachusetts College of Art (MASSArt): Green Line E (Northeastern University)
New England Conservatory: Green Line E (Northeastern University)
Northeastern University: Green Line E (Northeastern), Orange Line (Ruggles)
Suffolk University: Green Line (Government Center), Blue Line (Bowdoin), Orange Line (State)
Tufts University: Orange Line (Tufts Medical Center), Green Line (Medford/Tufts), Red Line (Davis)
University of Massachusetts, Boston: Red Line (UMass/JFK)
Wentworth Institute of Technology: Green Line E (Museum of Fine Arts)
Colleges not accessible by major MBTA lines, but may be reached via Commuter Rail: Babson College, Bentley University, Brandeis University, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Wellesley College
If you are attending colleges located outside of Downtown Boston, many of our students opted for a car as it enables them to commute to the city easily. In general, there are three options of purchasing a car: New, Used, or Lease. Learn the Pros & Cons of each here.
And thanks to technology, getting around is never easier than ever nowadays - popular ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are extensively used by Bostonians,
with average wait time on a regular workday ranging between just under a minute on Downtown to about 7 on suburban areas. Keep an eye on special discount and subscription programs - they often save a ton of money!
Last but not least, biking is also a great option to get around, especially in suburban college campuses and Harvard/MIT area! You do not need to get a bike necessarily - there are multiple bike-sharing facilities easily accessible throughout the city, with BlueBikes being the most popular.
housing options
While majority of colleges in Boston area require freshmen to live on-campus on their first year, a great portion of sophomore and above choose to be off-campus due to its flexibility, comfort, and proximity to newfound friends. Depending on budget and which school you attend, neighborhood choices for living will vary greatly. Apartments typically start from studio to three bedrooms, but some students opt for townhouse-style housing of 4-6 units per building with shared living & dining spaces. Here are some popular districts where most students reside and typical colleges they attend, as well as price level for a new 1-BR monthly rent. Our general observation is students tend to pick neighborhood closer to their campus on their early years, but might opt to move somewhere further from Downtown on their upperclassmen years due to lower rent and better feel on navigating around the city.
Allston-Brighton & Brookline (Boston University, Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, and Boston College): direct access to Green Line B (Packard Corner) and C (Brookline Village) - $
Cambridge-Somerville (MIT, Harvard, Tufts University, HULT International Business School, Tufts University): direct access to Red Line (MIT, Harvard, Davis) and Orange Line (Community College, Sullivan Square, Tufts Medical Center) - $$
Back Bay (Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, MassART, Wentworth Institute of Technology,
Boston Architectural College, Emerson College): direct access to Green Line (Back Bay) and Green Line (Hynes Convention Center) - $$$
Chinatown/Downtown/Financial District (Northeastern University, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, Emerson College, Suffolk University): direct access to Orange Line (Chinatown) and Green Line (Boylston) - $$$
Beacon Hill/West End/Charlestown (Suffolk University, Bunker Hill Community College, HULT International Business School): direct access to Green Line (Government Center,) Orange Line (State,) and Blue Line (Bowdoin) - $$
East Boston (Suffolk University, Emerson College)- $$
South Boston (University of Massachusetts - Boston Campus): direct access to Red Line (UMass/JFK) - $
Medford/Malden (Northeastern University, New England Conservatory): direct access to Orange Line (Malden Center) - $
Watertown/Waltham/Needham/Wellesley (popular among students of Babson College, Olin College, Wellesley College, Bentley University, and Brandeis University): close proximity to campus, however needs car for greater mobility. - $$
Here are some helpful resources for you to get the apartment search started:
GROCERIES & HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHOPPING
As one of the better connected major cities in the USA, there should be minimal problems for most people when it comes to getting their daily needs. Depending on where you reside, supermarket chains with multiple locations such as Stop & Shop (all across Greater Boston), Target (Fenway, Cambridge, Watertown, Somerville), Whole Foods Market (Back Bay, West End, Cambridge), Trader Joe's (Brookline, Back Bay, Somerville), Market Basket (Somerville), and Wegmans (Medford, Burlington) are easily accessible by foot, bus, or train. For more specialized Asian ingredients, Super 88 (in Allston/Brighton & Malden) and H Mart (Cambridge, Brookline & Burlington) are great resources to get your favorite Asian snacks, condiments, cooking sauces, and ingredients not commonly found at major grocery stores mentioned earlier. Of course, you can also opt for one of Amazon's 2-hour grocery delivery service Amazon Fresh, to get your shopping done on busier days.
For college supplies shopping on your first arrival, here are a few places to get you started:
Bed, Bath & Beyond (Bedding, Kitchen & Dining Utensils, Bathroom Equipment, Storage Boxes)
Target (Bedding, Kitchen & Dining Utensils, Bathroom Equipment, Home Decor, Task & Decorative Lighting)
IKEA (Furniture, Task & Decorative Lighting) *located in Stoughton, MA, about 30 minutes drive from Downtown Boston
The Container Store (Storage & Organization)
THINGS TO DO
Boston might be small in size compared to other major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, but it packs plenty of opportunities for great leisurely activities to do over the weekend or on your child send-off trip.
From strolling through the cobblestones of historic Beacon Hill area, Kayaking on the Charles River to discovering Boston's past, present and future through its vibrant neighborhoods, here are some things you opt to experience through your stay or short visit to Boston, as recommended by our church congregation and sorted by its type of activity:
for the quintessential boston experience
Take a stroll and shop at world famous Newbury Street, which today houses various tenants from local boutiques to international fashion powerhouses. Many hidden eateries along the street are worth trying as well! We recommend taking a break at Amorino Gelato for a delicious scoop of authentic Italian Gelato, or a slice of Mille Feuille cake at Lady M. Then continue your spree to Prudential Center, Boston's biggest shopping complex. It houses multiple department stores as well as other popular fashion chains. It is also home for the recently opened EATALY, an Italian-focused grocery store meets casual dining space. End your trip with a visit to Prudential Center’s 360-degree Observation Deck, View Boston, which offers views from the 52nd Floor.
Continue your walk to Boston Public Garden, which is always beautiful no matter what season you visit. Plenty of great photo opportunities here. You can also opt for a ride on their Swan Boats during Summer months, or ice skating on Winter!
Explore hidden alleys at historic Beacon Hill - go through the cobblestones and be part of Boston's long rich history as one of the oldest cities in the USA.
Spend your afternoon at Boston's essential gathering spot - the Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market! There is a big food court located inside the building, and although the food is pricier, it is definitely an iconic Boston experience. Another alternative is Boston Public Market, which also offers local produce and quick bites.
A short distance from Faneuil Hall is North End, or Little Italy of Boston. You can find some of the oldest and historical buildings, walk through the maze of the old streets, or take pictures of the 17th century architectures.
One of the less frequently visited spots by tourists, spend some time going through Harbor Walk at Fort Point/Seaport District area - the scenic views of Downtown Boston is unlike any other. For starters, begin your walk from Atlantic Wharf building and follow the nicely paved walk-able path along Fort Point Channel. It is especially gorgeous on a nice Summer day.
A short walk along the Charles River is never a bad idea. Stretching 17 miles long in total, the most popular spot is called "The Esplanade," which features an open concert stage called The Hatch Shell. If you're lucky to be around during warmer months, there are numerous free concerts and movie screenings to enjoy!
Cross the River and head to Boston's neighbor, Cambridge - famously known for being home to two of the best universities in the world: Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT.) At Harvard, spend some time exploring shops and restaurants at Harvard Square (we recommend the hot chocolate at La Burdick or quick burger bite at Bartley's Burger) before heading to the world famous Harvard Yard and taking a mandatory picture with John Harvard statue. Then head to MIT for another shot in front of its famous MIT Dome - and if you're up for a challenge, MIT has published a self-guided tour of their most architecturally important buildings. Download the file here.
As a city filled with innovation powerhouses, discover Boston’s contribution to many technological advancements by walking the Innovation Trail. The tour (available both scheduled and self-guided) provides a glimpse through world-changing breakthroughs and inventions that occurred in the city. If STEM is your thing, don’t miss this unique short trip around Cambridge area!
For the Sports fan
Kayak your way during Summer months on the famous Charles River.
Go to a Red Sox game (baseball) at historic Fenway Park on tournament season
Go to a Celtics (Basketball) or Bruins (Ice Hockey) game at TD Garden on tournament season
Go to a Patriots game (American Football/Rugby) at Gillette Stadium on tournament season - we live and breathe Patriots here in New England!
Do a morning run along the Charles River - the view is second to none.
*in general, game ticket prices vary depending on playing teams and proximity to center field.
for the arts, design & museum enthusiast
Check out the Museum of Fine Arts, fifth largest museum in the United States boasting more than 45,000 collections. The original building dates back to 1909, and recently received a major extension wing designed by world-renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster.
Spend a day at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - famous for its 1990 high profile art theft, this museum is home to some of the most important works in European, Asian and American art, and also benefited from a recent wing extension by world-class architect, Renzo Piano. Do not miss its none-like-other courtyard, which if you're lucky to be around on first Thursday of the month during Summer months, hosts monthly happy hour with impromptu performances of opera singers.
If you are not too much of a classical arts fan, Harvard's Museum of Natural History at Cambridge makes an excellent alternative when you just want to learn some good ol' knowledge. Among its permanent collections are dinosaur fossils, large invertebrates, mammals, and a systematic display of meteorites, minerals, and gemstones.
Experience Mapparium at The Mary Baker Eddy Library - often overshadowed by the former two museums stated above, Mapparium is an experience like no other. It is a world-famous, three-story, stained-glass globe—one of the key attractions at the Library. Its three-dimensional perspective of the world of 1935 is enhanced by rich orchestration of words, music, and LED lights to illustrate how ideas have traversed time and geography and changed the world. A must visit.
Browse through modern art at ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) Boston - situated in the recently developed Seaport district, the building - designed by renowned Architecture firm Diller+Scofidio is beautifully located by the Boston Harbor. It houses some of the nation's most influential contemporary artworks, ranging from print, photography, to intriguing installations.
Last but not least, make your inner geek happy by visiting the also less known, locals-recommended MIT Museum! Conveniently located at Kendall Square, their vast collection features heavily rotating STEAM-based exhibitions, as well as a section dedicated to exemplary MIT students' projects.
DINING OPTIONS
With great diversity in town, the food options can be overwhelming for anybody new to Boston. But, worry not! Our Boston City Blessing Church congregations are happy to share a list of our favorite eateries to help you during your visit or early years at college while you continue to discover your go-to restaurants; be it your daily go-to spots, weekend get-together, special places, or restaurants that define Boston.
Most of these restaurants are located in Downtown, and easily accessible by major MBTA trains. While there is a plethora of great restaurants throughout the city, here are some of our recommendations - places we tried and keep coming back for a great dining experience. You can click the restaurant names below to learn more about their offering.
*it is worth noting that we might be missing out on most current restaurant openings/closings, so be sure to check before you’re going!
Steak: Grill 23 (an old time steakhouse), Ruth Chris, Smith & Wollensky.
Other historical spot: Omni Parker House Restaurant (located inside a historic hotel and claimed to be the inventor of Boston Cream Pie,) Union Oyster House (one of the oldest restaurant in America.)
Desserts: Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry (North End area),
for QUINTESSENTIAL RESTAURANTS AND THE DEFINITION OF NEW ENGLAND
Seafood: Neptune Oyster (again!), Daily Catch (in several locations), Eventide (born in Maine), Saltie Girl (staple New England style raw seafood-style bistro), Luke’s Lobster.
With a nice view: The Beacon (located on 52nd floor, top of Prudential Center with a nice view of Boston), Legal Sea Foods near the Aquarium (to see the Boston harbor while enjoying dinner).
FOR WHEN YOU JUST DON'T HAVE TIME TO MAKE DINNER
Allston: BonChon (Korean fried chicken & comfort food,) Dolphin Bay (Taiwanese home-cooked style rice dishes & noodle soups - we LOVE the Popcorn Chicken here!) there are numerous hole-in-wall spots around the area as well.
Back Bay: Pad Thai Cafe (Amazing selection of classic Thai dishes,) Love Art Sushi (Hawaiian-style Sushi, Poke Bowls and Salads,) Pho Basil (another delicious Thai joint very popular among students of Downtown colleges.)
Brookline & Fenway: Rod D by Sitti (our favorite dishes include their signature Khao Moo Daeng, which is heavily reminiscent of Indonesian Chinese-style "Nasi Campur", and delicious Pad Thai creations. They also have a sister location in Cambridge!)
Watertown/Waltham: Craving for Dim Sum? Our favorite, Joyful Garden, is a staple and offers Dim Sum dishes on weekends. Plenty of parking is also a big plus for parties with large groups.
Chinatown: Taiwan Cafe is also one of Boston's most favorite to-go Chinese joint, and we think they have the best Xiao Long Bao in town! If hot pot is more of your preference, the area offers a variety of options, with Liuyishou being our favorite for its Sichuan-style fiery broth.
Cambridge: Royal East is MIT student's all-time favorite, serving Asian Fusion favorites and comfort food selections. Other options include Bon Me, Vietnamese-style vermicelli or rice bowl dish with fresh selections of toppings, dressings and seasonal drinks. We'd also recommend Cafe Mami, a small Japanese neighborhood joint that serves superb curry rice dishes. Those seeking healthier options can also go to Pokeworks at Davis Square for fresh salad & rice-based Poke-style bowls.
Somerville/Malden: Chili Garden (for some serious spicy SzeChuan dishes,) and Crying Thaiger (Authentic Thai comfort food with some options we can't find in other establishments - we love their fried egg omelette with crab or pork meat of your choice! )
for entertaining visiting family & friends
Seafood: Neptune Oyster (possibly the most famous seafood bar place in town. The line is always challenging but we promise the wait will be worth it!), Island Creek Oyster Bar (a good alternative when you cannot secure a table at Neptune!) We’d also recommend The Banks Fish House, a family-friendly spot serving New England-style seafood dishesright in the heart of Back Bay area, making it easily accessible.
Japanese: Gyu-Kaku (for some good ol' Japanese BBQ,) Santouka Ramen (Hokkaido Style Ramen with two outposts in Back Bay and Harvard Square.)
Italian: TERRA (Located inside Prudential Center's EATALY, this restaurant sits below a massive skylight that is gorgeous during daytime and serves family-style classic Italian dishes we really fancy for!,) Daily Catch (two locations in North End and Seaport - do not miss their famous Squid Ink Pasta!) and Sportello (one of Boston's most well-known Pasta joint. Try their Rabbit Strozzapetti if you dare.)
Korean: Kaju Tofu (two outlets at Allston and Kenmore Square, their Korean Tofu Stew is surely the best in town!)
Shabu/Hot Pot: Spring Shabu (Indonesian Shaburi fans rejoice! This is probably the closest to what we have back home. Great lunch AYCE deals!) and Shabu Zen (multiple locations at Chinatown and Allston.)
Chinese: Sichuan Gourmet (possibly the best Chinese restaurant in Boston area. They are great for big groups!)
Dessert: Zinneken's Waffle (Cambridge's favorite for Belgian-style waffles,) and Toscanini's (also at Cambridge, our church agrees they have the BEST ice cream in town!)
*Reservations are generally recommended, particularly for groups larger than 6.
for that special OCCASIONS (the reasons are up to you!)
American: Puritan & Co. (This Cambridge spot is our favorite when it comes to innovative farm-to-table new American food,) Chickadee (Recently opened at Seaport area, they serve a unique take on Mediterranean meets New England style cuisine that are truly memorable.)
Japanese: Oishii (A classic high end Japanese spot and a favorite among Bostonians, we love their refined offerings on classic Japanese dishes with a twist. Very high quality ingredients as well!) For those looking for a more intimate, authentic Japanese Omakase experience might also want to check out MatsuNori Handroll Bar, a small bespoke joint tucked in the heart of Downtown.
Steakhouses: Ruth Chris (Located inside a historic Downtown building, this renowned institution serves classic steakhouses that are cooked to perfection,) Fleming's Steakhouse, and Fogo de Chao (All you can eat Brazilian-style steakhouse.)
Spanish: Barcelona Wine & Tapas Bar (with two locations in Brookline and South End, our congregation love their rendition of fresh, shareable Tapas Plates, and amazing meat selections!,) TORO (a classic Boston joint, this place serves Spanish regional tapas that locals would line up for.)
Seafood: Bar Mezzana (the recently opened joint at South End offers fresh seafood selections in a casual, Sicilian-inspired setting that we all love,) Atlantic Fish Co. (conveniently located at Back Bay area, this historic joint serves classic American take on fresh New England seafood,) OSTRA (possibly one of the finest seafood establishments in town, bring your loved ones here for a special treat of highest quality of seafood offerings!)
French: Mistral (Also one of Boston's favorite Brunch joints, local loves Mistral's unfailing take on classsic French dishes, and for its sleek, yet rich interiors suited for special celebrations.)
*Reservations are strongly recommended, and most places can accommodate special requests to make your special celebration an even memorable one!
We hope our quick guide to Boston helps you to get started and going upon your arrival. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you'd like to learn more about the city, as well as other services that you might have in question by clicking HERE. Our team will be in touch with you as soon as we can.
Look forward to see you soon in town!
- Boston City Blessing Church team