The Official Simmons Guide To Boston

We're right in the heart of Boston, and there's so much to do and see in this city. We rounded up some of our favorite things in different Boston neighborhoods, so consider it your official guide to the city.

Within Walking Distance

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There's tons to do right around the corner from the Simmons campus. Just steps from our front door, you can take in some of the greatest pieces of art in the world at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Just down Huntington Avenue, you can head to the Mary Baker Eddy Library, take in a concert at Symphony Hall or the New England Conservatory, and catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park!

Travel Time: Five to 15 minutes walking.

North End

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The North End is Boston's oldest residential community, and people have continuously lived there since it was settled in the 1630s. It's distinctly known for its Italian community, with restaurants like Bacco, Fiore and the original Regina's Pizzeria. There are also plenty of pastries to try, and Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry have you covered. You can learn some history by visiting the Paul Revere House or check out a show at the Improv Asylum Theater. Oh, and if you're around in the summer make sure you check out the St. Anthony's Feast, which includes marching bands, food and live music!

Travel Time: 20 minutes on the Green Line.

West End

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The West End is a mix of commercial and residential areas and is home to the third oldest hospital in the U.S., Massachusetts General Hospital. You can learn a little more about the history of this area by visiting the West End Museum and cheer on the Celtics or the Bruins at the TD Garden. Science comes alive at the Museum of Science and you can pay a visit the old Charles Street Jail, now the Liberty Hotel.

Travel Time: 20 to 25 minutes on the Green Line.

South End

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The South End is one of Boston's main restaurant districts and features Tremont Street, which is often called "Restaurant Row." Restaurants like The Beehive, Toro, The Gallows, Myers and Chang and way more will keep you coming back time again. You can get in touch with your artistic side by visiting the Boston Center for the Arts and the SoWa Art Galleries. It's also just a good place to go and walk around because everything is so pretty and Instagrammable.

Travel Time: 12 minutes on the Green Line, and then five to 10 minutes walking.

Back Bay

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Back Bay is famous for its brownstone homes, but it's also home to some of the most recognizable places in Boston, including the Boston Public Library and Hynes Convention Center. It also includes the best shopping spots in the city, from Newbury Street, Prudential Center and Copley Place. Want some of the best views of Boston? Hit up the Skywalk Observatory at the top of the Prudential Building for the city's only sky-high vantage point. Looking for more culture? Visit Trinity Church, regarded as one of the finest buildings in America, or the Old South Church, just across the street from the library. And don't miss the Boston Marathon finish line, or cheer on the runners if you're here in April!

Travel Time: 15 minutes on the Green Line.

Seaport/Waterfront

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If you couldn't tell by the names, you'll be right on the water when you visit the Waterfront and Seaport. Say hello to the sea creatures at the New England Aquarium or embrace your inner child at the Children's Museum. You can also head over to the Boston Harbor, home to the historic Boston Tea Party and the Boston Tea Party Museum. You definitely won't go hungry over here, with spots like Legal Harborside, Strega and Ming Tsai's new restaurant Blue Dragon! Rather catch a concert? The Blue Hills Bank Pavilion is one of the city's most popular outdoor amphitheaters, with great views of the water and some memorable concerts. Oh, and if you're looking to get out on the water, make sure you check out Codzilla, Boston's very own high-speed thrill ride boat!

Travel time: 40 minutes (train time and walking).

Theatre District

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Are you a fan of broadway shows, ballets or even operas? You'll feel right at home in the Theatre District, where you can see everything from the Boston Ballet perform some of the world's most famous ballets to Blue Man Group perform their innovative and amazing performance you just have to see for yourself. Laugh at Shear Madness or catch the latest great show at the Boston Opera House, the Charles Playhouse, the Colonial Theatre, the Cutler Majestic Theatre, the Modern Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, the Paramount Theatre, the Citi Performing Arts Center or the Wilbur Theatre (phew). Chinatown is also close by, so you can grab some of the best Asian cuisine just around the corner.

Travel time: 20 minutes on the Green Line.

Cambridge

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Just across the river is Cambridge, which has its own collection of neighborhoods, but we're giving you the highlights. Harvard Square is home to Harvard University, but it also holds food, shopping and even some great music venues. There's a farmer's market, a skating rink in the winter, and tons of outdoor seating for the warmer months. The MIT Museum and Harvard Art Museum will keep you cultured, while The Sinclair, Club Passim and The Plough & Stars (and much much more!) will keep you entertained with live music.

Travel time: 35 to 40 minutes on the train.