Boston skyline photo courtesy of Emmanuel Huybrechts on Flickr
Travel geeks, rejoice! There’s certainly no shortage of educational things to see and do in Boston. As one of the oldest, most historic cities in the country, it offers a multitude of attractions for history buffs. But, beyond that, there’s plenty to see for nature lovers and self-proclaimed geeks as well. Here are just four of our favorite attractions:
Marvel at the Fishes at New England Aquarium
This mainstay of Boston attractions has long been the best aquarium in all of New England. Having recently undergone a massive renovation, it’s now even better! The centerpiece of the entire building – the Giant Ocean Tank – has been completely redesigned from the bottom up. The new exhibit is 40 feet wide, holds more than 200,000 gallons of water and 2,000 marine animals, making it one of the most advanced, complex structures of its kind in the world. The best part is that admission to New England Aquarium is less than $10!
Stargaze at Coit Observatory
On the roof of Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences building sits the city’s premier astronomical observatory. While it’s reserved almost exclusively for the school’s undergraduate and graduate students, public open nights are held every Wednesday, weather-permitting. It’s a great opportunity for the astronomically curious to catch a glimpse of our universe like they’ve never seen before. Staff are on hand to answer questions and provide talks about what to look for and what you’ll see.
Tour the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Campus
Just over the Charles River in Cambridge, the country’s leading technology university is just a stone’s throw from downtown Boston. Numerous sites throughout the campus have played a roll in Hollywood films, while the classic architecture alone is completely fascinating. Visitors are encouraged to tour the grounds on their own or, if you prefer a more in-depth look, a 90-minute tour is also offered. Here, a current student will take you through the campus, exploring noteworthy stops such as the Infinite Corridor, MIT Chapel and the Stata Center to name a few.
Step Back in Time Along The Freedom Trail
As one of Boston’s most well-known tourist attractions, The Freedom Trail is a history-lover’s dream. On a lovely summer or fall day, this self-guided tour takes visitors along a roughly 2.5-mile walk that passes numerous historic highlights from the city’s past. You’ll explore modern day hotspots such as Faneuil Hall and the Old Corner Bookstore, and touchstone points of interest like the USS Constitution Museum and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. The entire path is well-marked in red along the way, with clear directions to guide you from one stop to the next. Budget travelers, take note: it’s completely free!