First timers heading to Boston!
 

Hello,

I'm heading to Boston for the first time in August and am looking for suggestions of things to do.

I'll be going with some of my friends... we're all college age girls but not 21. We're really into music and I've heard that Boston has a good music scene. Pretty much looking to do be the typical tourists.... major points of interest, good tours, beaches, etc. Also, what is the best part of town to stay in (close by to things, etc) since we'll probably be taking cabs around.

Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!! :)

What is your budget for hotel? If you can afford it, the tourist type areas are either within walk of most everything or an easy MBTA ride - probably not necessary to take a cab unless you are staying in an area more distant from sites. If you can afford it, look at Back Bay, Faneuil Hall, Downtown as words used to describe hotel locations.

Music scene - as the mother of a 20 year old - we live in the Boston area - I have learned that much of the "music scene" is in places where you must be 21.

Check out some threads here on what to do in Boston - do a search on Fodors - including several threads of lower cost things to do, since I expect that as college students you are not millionaires. Usual things are Freedom Trail, Harvard Square, and several of the museums. There are Harbor Cruises, whale watches, shuttles to Harbor Islands.

You won't need to use a cab in Boston, ever, unless you are returning to your hotel after 1 AM.

Google "Boston Phoenix" or "Stuff @Night" for listings of what is going on, and I think they have sections for under 21.

Gail is right about most stuff being for over 21's unless the place also does a lot of food business.

The main areas for young people are Davis Square, Somerville; Harvard Square, Cambridge (both on Red Line); Kenmore Square, Boston; and Comm Ave in Allston/Brighton (both on Green Line).
There are dance clubs near Quincy Market, downtown and on Lansdowne Street near Fenway Park, but I think they will require ID. Boston is a college town, and they have seen pretty much all the fake id's in the world, so be cautious.

Good advice so far. I can only add that you should definitely do a forum search here, as you'll get a ton of great info that way -- Boston is very well covered here.

A brief rundown of sightseeing, depending on what you like & your budget:

Freedom Trail
Duck Tours
Walk through Boston Commons
Boston Public Gardens (with a swan boat ride)
Walk through Beacon Hill (very picturesque)
Shopping/window shopping on Newbury Street
Museums: Museum of Science, Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Cambridge & Harvard Square
Davis Square, Somerville
Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market

Because I'm much older than you, can't help you out with nightlife. But I do agree with above posters about under 21 & needing ID's to get into 21 & over clubs.

The Middle East in Cambridge is a bar/restaurant and music venue that has nights for all ages, 18+ and 21+. www.mideastclub.com

My son (20) is in a local band called Orcat that played here last weekend and we went along to watch.

Incidentally, I hadn't thought about it until now but many of his friends were there and they're mostly aged 20, not 21. The gig was 21+ so either they were lax carding on the door or the fake ID's passed... but I don't recommend using a fake id

My kid can get into a lot of shows as they are 18+. They just give you a different type of wristband or stamp to show whether you can drink or not. Have a good time!