This summer, our 24 hours in Wildcat country blog series is highlighting some of the many ways current students make the most of the University of New Hampshire’s middle-of-everywhere location, with inspiration for exploring our beautiful campus and favorite nearby destinations. Whether you are planning your campus visit to UNH or just learning about our incredible location, enjoy this guide to spending a great day in Boston, Massachusetts like a Wildcat.
Boston, Massachusetts is a major hub for everything from finance to history, sports to medicine – and it is located under 90 minutes from the UNH campus by train. UNH students benefit from accessible internship opportunities at big-name employers, from Fortune 500 companies to leading nonprofits. They also enjoy all the fun Boston has to offer, from free student admission to the Museum of Fine Arts to Red Sox games at Fenway Park.
Boston skyline
A day in Boston, MA
Under 90 minutes from campus
this day trip makes use of UNH's Downeaster service to connect you to boston's north station!
9 a.m.
Welcome aboard
Arrive at UNH’s Amtrak station. Located in a historic art deco station at the edge of campus, it is impossible to miss. The Downeaster offers several roundtrips between UNH Durham and Boston every day. You can find their most up-to-date service schedule and ticket prices here. Hungry? The train station is also home to the UNH Dairy Bar, a three-star green certified restaurant that serves up delicious breakfast options and coffee. Relax and enjoy the journey.
Wildcat tip: The Downeaster offers student ticket packs to make travel more affordable.
10:30 a.m.
Get your bearings and meet local artisans and farmers
Boston Public Market is a year-round indoor marketplace about a five-minute walk from Boston’s North Station. With more than 30 artisans and local food producers, it’s a great place to get your bearings – and maybe stop for a coffee, tea, kombucha, cider donut…you get the idea. From here, you are only a few minutes from both historic Faneuil Hall and Boston Common.
Wildcat Tip: Boston is an easy city to explore on foot, but you can also jump on public transit from North Station.
Boston Common
11 a.m.
Explore the oldest public park in America
Boston Common is situated right at the heart of the city on the Freedom Trail, a walking tour of historic sites. Grab a sunny bench to enjoy your recently acquired snacks or take in the Common’s significant public art. This includes Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial, a beautifully detailed brass sculpture commemorating the first all-black volunteer regiment in the Civil War, as well as “The Embrace,” a 22-foot-high bronze memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King.
Museum of Fine Arts
1 p.m.
See some masterpieces
Once you’re officially a UNH student, you’ll benefit from free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts. We recommend getting a preview of the world-class cultural institution you’ll have at your fingertips.
By foot: if you’re walking to the MFA from Boston Common, you will pass through the Boston Public Garden, home to the city’s famous Swan Boats and Make Way for Ducklings statue, and benefit from tons of lunch options on Newbury Street. May we recommend the café at Trident Booksellers?
By transit: There are a number of MBTA and bus lines with stops in proximity to the MFA.
Beacon Hill neighborhood
3 p.m.
Choose your own adventure
Once you’ve filled up on art, you’ll want to set your sights on dinner. This itinerary has you dining Italian in the historic North End neighborhood, unofficially known as Boston’s “Little Italy.” There are so many ways to make your way there. Wind your way through Beacon Hill’s narrow brick-lined streets full of gorgeous architecture. Pass by the Faneuil Hall Marketplace for history and shopping. Wander or bike along the Charles River Esplanade. Benefit from the MBTA stations around every corner. There is no wrong way to explore.
North End Italian dinner
4 p.m.
Italian for dinner
Time for an early dinner! We’d argue that no daytrip to Boston is complete without dinner in the North End neighborhood, where the narrow streets transport you to Europe and there are family-run Italian restaurants everywhere you look. You can learn more about the neighborhood’s dining options on one of the many online reservation sites. The North End is only a ten-minute walk from North Station, so be sure to grab a cannoli before catching your train home.
5:20 p.m.
Catch the train home (aka UNH’s campus)
We won’t blame you if you eat your cannoli on the way home.
This itinerary only scratches the surface of everything Boston has to offer. There are so many sights and neighborhoods to add to your visit if time allows, from dinner in the Chinatown neighborhood to gametime at Fenway Park. What would you add to your must-see list for a daytrip to Boston?
Imagine what it would be like to wake up in your residence hall, jump on the train and arrive in Boston for a day of adventure. That’s just part of life as a UNH student. Plan your visit to our beautiful New England campus.
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