Explore Northeastern University Campus: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Boston, Northeastern University is a vibrant campus that offers a wide range of attractions and activities. This travel guide will help you navigate the campus and discover the top sights and experiences.
Top Attractions
Krentzman Quad
This beautiful green space is the heart of campus and the perfect spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee. During the summer, the quad hosts outdoor concerts and festivals.
Curry Student Center
The hub of student life, the Curry Student Center is home to dining options, a bookstore, and a game room. Be sure to check out the art gallery on the second floor.
Matthews Arena
This historic arena is the oldest in the country and home to Northeastern’s hockey and basketball teams. Catch a game and experience the school spirit.
Hidden Gems
Snell Library
Not just a place to study, Snell Library is a stunning architectural marvel with a soaring atrium and a vast collection of books and resources.
Marino Recreation Center
Get your sweat on at the Marino Recreation Center, which offers a full gym, pool, and rock climbing wall.
Northeastern University Art Gallery
Located in the Curry Student Center, this small gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world.
Food Scene
Rebecca’s Cafe
A campus institution, Rebecca’s Cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. Don’t miss their famous chocolate chip cookies.
Chicken Lou’s
A local favorite, Chicken Lou’s serves up mouthwatering fried chicken sandwiches and other comfort food classics.
Tatte Bakery
Indulge in some delicious pastries and baked goods at Tatte Bakery, which also offers a selection of sandwiches and salads.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Tours
Take advantage of the free campus tours offered by the admissions office to learn more about Northeastern’s history and architecture.
Student Discounts
Many local businesses offer discounts to Northeastern students, so be sure to bring your student ID with you.
On-Campus Events
From concerts to comedy shows, Northeastern offers a variety of free and low-cost events throughout the year.
Outdoor Adventures
The Fens
A beautiful park just steps from campus, the Fens offers walking trails, a rose garden, and a pond full of wildlife.
Charles River Esplanade
A short walk or bike ride from campus, the Charles River Esplanade is a popular spot for running, biking, and picnicking.
Harbor Islands
A short ferry ride from Boston, the Harbor Islands offer hiking trails, beaches, and historic sites.
Historical Landmarks
John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute
Northeastern’s commitment to diversity and social justice is exemplified by the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute, which offers resources and programming for students of color.
International Village
This striking building houses Northeastern’s international programs and reflects the school’s global perspective.
Robinson Hall
A National Historic Landmark, Robinson Hall was originally built as a hotel in 1891 and has since housed classrooms and administrative offices.
Family-Friendly Activities
Children’s Center
For families with young children, Northeastern’s Children’s Center offers high-quality childcare and educational programs.
Museum of Science
A short subway ride away, the Museum of Science offers interactive exhibits and shows on topics ranging from space to dinosaurs.
Franklin Park Zoo
A fun day trip, the Franklin Park Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including lions, gorillas, and kangaroos.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
A short walk from campus, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a must-see for art lovers, with a stunning collection of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.
Boston Public Library
Just a few stops on the subway, the Boston Public Library is a beautiful and historic building with a vast collection of books and resources.
Arnold Arboretum
Part of Harvard University, the Arnold Arboretum is a peaceful oasis with over 14,000 plants and trees.
Natural Wonders
Emerald Necklace
A system of parks and green spaces that stretches from Boston Common to Franklin Park, the Emerald Necklace is a beautiful place to go for a walk or a bike ride.
World’s End
A short drive from campus, World’s End is a stunning nature reserve with hiking trails and views of the Boston skyline.
Mount Auburn Cemetery
A National Historic Landmark, Mount Auburn Cemetery is a peaceful and picturesque place to explore on foot.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Hawthorne
A chic cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe, the Hawthorne is the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
The Middle East
A beloved Cambridge institution, the Middle East offers live music, dance parties, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
The Sinclair
This trendy venue hosts a variety of acts, from up-and-coming indie bands to established comedians.
Local Markets
Haymarket
Every Friday and Saturday, Haymarket hosts a bustling outdoor market where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods at discounted prices.
Quincy Market
A popular tourist destination, Quincy Market offers a variety of food vendors, artisanal goods, and street performers.
Union Square Farmers Market
Located in nearby Somerville, the Union Square Farmers Market is a great place to stock up on locally grown produce and handmade goods.
Beaches and Mountains
Crane Beach
About an hour’s drive from campus, Crane Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand on the North Shore.
Blue Hills Reservation
A short drive from campus, the Blue Hills Reservation offers hiking trails with stunning views of the Boston skyline.
Cape Cod
A popular summer destination, Cape Cod offers beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and fresh seafood.
Cultural Immersion
Museum of Fine Arts
One of the largest art museums in the country, the Museum of Fine Arts has an extensive collection of art from around the world.
Chinatown
Just a short walk from campus, Boston’s Chinatown offers a vibrant and bustling cultural experience, with shops, restaurants, and festivals.
Freedom Trail
A two-and-a-half-mile walk through historic Boston, the Freedom Trail takes you past 16 sites that played a key role in the American Revolution.
Art and Music Scene
Boston Symphony Orchestra
One of the world’s premier orchestras, the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs at Symphony Hall, just a few stops on the subway from campus.
Institute of Contemporary Art
A stunning waterfront museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art showcases cutting-edge art from around the world.
The Paradise Rock Club
This legendary venue has hosted everyone from U2 to Nirvana and continues to be a popular spot for live music.
Walking Tours
Freedom Trail
See above for more information on this historic walking tour.
Black Heritage Trail
A two-mile walking tour that explores the history of Boston’s African-American community, the Black Heritage Trail takes you past sites like the African Meeting House and the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial.
Public Art Walk
Explore Northeastern’s impressive collection of public art on this self-guided walking tour, which includes works by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, and Pablo Picasso.
Architectural Marvels
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
See above for more information on this stunning building.
Christian Science Center
A modernist masterpiece designed