Curator’s statement
For some parents, the college exploration process is an exciting milestone; for others, it can feel like a logistical puzzle. Given the high concentration of prestigious institutions in and around Boston, many families find themselves planning a visit to "Beantown." As a lifelong Massachusetts resident and a mother of three who attended schools in Boston and Cambridge, I’ve navigated these campuses many times. I’ve put together this guide to help you manage the ins and outs of a college tour vacation, ensuring you have time to explore the city’s historic sites while determining if these schools are the right fit for your child.
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Day 1: Boston/Fenway college focus
Campus tour and information session at Northeastern University or Boston University. Explore Fenway/Kenmore for lunch and visit the MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Enjoy dinner and entertainment in the Fenway area or catch a Red Sox game. Other colleges in the area include Berklee College of Music, Mass College of Art, and Simmons.
Time permitting, take a stroll through Boston Public Garden and Newbury Street.
Day 2: Cambridge college focus
MIT
Located on the Red Line, attend a campus tour and information session at Harvard University. Explore Harvard Square for lunch and visit the Museum of Natural History. In the afternoon, head over to MIT and do a college visit there. Take a walk along the Charles River and take in the view of Boston from this side of the river.
Have dinner in Cambridge before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3: Chestnut Hill
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Take the Green Line to Boston College and take a tour of the beautiful Gothic campus. This college is not technically in Boston, but it is so close that it is a worthwhile stop. If you are not taking an afternoon flight home, head back to Boston and visit any colleges that you haven’t made it to yet. If you are ready to explore more sites, head to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for lunch and then head to the Boston Harborwalk. Have a nice dinner in the Seaport before heading back to your hotel
Need to know
MBTA: Boston’s public transit (the “T”) is the most efficient way to navigate this itinerary; consider a multi-day pass.
Flexibility: Build in extra time between events for potential traffic or transit delays.
Lunch: Quick, casual lunches are recommended in Harvard Square or the Fenway/BU area to maximize touring time.
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