Explore Boston.
A visitor's guide for the New England McNair Undergraduate Research & Creative Scholarship Conference.
Discover the city. Connect with scholars. Make the most of your visit.
Get to know Boston ↓Welcome to Boston.
Four centuries of ideas, red brick, and harbor light are packed into a downtown you can explore between conference sessions. Whether you have an hour to spare or a full day to discover the city, this guide will help you find historic landmarks, neighborhood favorites, good food, and a few new places to explore.
Take what fits your schedule—and leave room for a walk without a destination.
Boston Highlights
Five places to start. Each offers a different glimpse of the city, and all are accessible from downtown.
Boston Common & Public Garden
Founded in 1634, Boston Common is America's oldest public park. Just across Charles Street, the Public Garden offers a lagoon, seasonal plantings, and its famous suspension footbridge.
The Freedom Trail
Follow the red-brick route linking 16 historic sites, from the Common to Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church. You can walk the entire route or choose a few stops along the way.
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
A historic meeting hall and a lively marketplace, with food stalls, shops, street performers, and plenty of places to pause between sightseeing stops.
Boston Public Market
This year-round indoor market brings together New England growers, bakers, makers, and prepared-food vendors. It's a useful stop for a casual lunch or a taste of the region.
The Waterfront & Harborwalk
Follow the Harborwalk beside the water, watch ferries cross the harbor, and explore the waterfront around Fort Point Channel. For an interactive look at Revolutionary history, visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Neighborhoods Worth Wandering
Boston's personality changes from block to block. These four neighborhoods offer an easy way to see more of the city around your conference schedule.
Beacon Hill
Gaslit streets, red-brick row houses, and uneven cobblestones make this one of Boston's most recognizable neighborhoods. Acorn Street is the classic photo stop; the surrounding lanes are worth exploring, too.
The North End
Boston's oldest residential neighborhood is known for its Italian restaurants, pastry shops along Hanover Street, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church.
Back Bay & Newbury Street
Victorian brownstones, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, independent boutiques, galleries, and cafés make Back Bay an inviting place to spend an unhurried afternoon.
Seaport
Glass towers, public art, restaurants, and waterfront walkways show off a newer side of Boston. Fan Pier and the Institute of Contemporary Art are good places to begin.
A Taste of Boston
Part of getting to know a place is figuring out what to eat. Fortunately, Boston gives you plenty of options.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
Boston cream pie · Cannoli · New England clam chowder · Lobster roll · Oysters
Try a bowl of chowder on a cool November afternoon, stop for a cannoli in the North End, or order a lobster roll if you're in the mood for a New England staple. Boston cream pie deserves a place on the list, too.
North End
Italian restaurants, espresso, and pastry shops line Hanover Street and the surrounding streets. Leave a little room for dessert.
Quincy Market
A range of food stalls under one roof makes this a practical choice for conference friends who want different things for lunch.
Boston Public Market
Local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and regional specialties in a casual indoor setting.
Seaport
Waterfront dining, seafood, and harbor views. A good option for a relaxed meal after a day of presentations.
Museums & Culture
Have a free afternoon? Consider one of these museums and cultural sites. Check opening hours, current exhibitions, and ticket availability before visiting.
Getting Around
Downtown Boston is compact enough to explore on foot, and public transit can help with the longer trips.
The T — MBTA
Boston's subway, buses, ferries, and commuter rail connect downtown with neighborhoods across the region. Use the trip planner to find a route from your hotel or Logan Airport to Suffolk University.
CharlieCard & Fare Options
Review current subway and bus payment options before traveling. CharlieCards, contactless payments, and other fare options may be available depending on the service.
Bluebikes
The regional bike-share system offers another way to explore Boston, Cambridge, and neighboring communities. Check station availability, pricing, and cycling conditions before setting out.
Logan International Airport
Travel between Logan and downtown by public transit, taxi, rideshare, or water transportation. Your best option will depend on your terminal, arrival time, and luggage.
A few things to know.
Typical temperatures are around 52°F (11°C) for highs and 38°F (3°C) for lows. Bring layers and a jacket that can handle rain.
Sunset comes early in November. Save outdoor sightseeing for earlier in the day and consider museums for late afternoon.
Boston is a walking city, and Beacon Hill's cobblestones can be uneven.
Bring photo identification for conference check-in and any venue that requires it.
Confirm opening hours, tickets, transit schedules, and closures on official websites.
Our NE-MURCS volunteers can help you find your way around the conference venue and nearby neighborhoods.
Weather reference: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. For the forecast, visit the National Weather Service Boston website.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Your conference schedule comes first. Here's how to fit a little Boston into whatever free time you have.
A Quick Break
Walk from Suffolk toward Boston Common and the Public Garden, or head to Quincy Market for a coffee and a look around the historic marketplace.
History & Cannoli
Walk part of the Freedom Trail from the Common toward Faneuil Hall, then continue into the North End for a pastry and a waterfront stroll.
The Boston Sampler
Explore Beacon Hill, stop at Boston Public Market, and finish along the Harborwalk. If time allows, add a museum or an unhurried meal by the water.
Keep the NE-MURCS Conversation Going.
For conference program details, announcements, and updates, visit our official website.
Visit newenglandmurcs.org