On campus and looking for something to do in the last days of spring break? Want to be an aspiring photographer or looking for a great way to get acquainted with the Hub? Boston is a beautiful city, with more than three centuries of architecture and a spectacular natural setting. Here are some of the best views of the city:

Airplane

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This view is easily the most dramatic of Boston, but also requires the greatest degree of luck, because there are multiple runways and approaches that pilots can take flying into Logan Airport, and you have to be sitting on the correct side of the plane to get a view (which side of the plane that is depends on the approach). Still, if you are lucky enough to be on the correct side of the plane, you can get what is arguably the best view of Boston.

Boston Common
1311 Tremont Street, Boston

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The United States’s oldest park and the start of the Boston Freedom Trail, Boston Common is situated in the heart of Boston, nestled between some of Beantown’s most famous neighborhoods - Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, and Downtown Crossing. This large, grassy expanse offers a great place to go for a walk, play frisbee, or just read in this oasis of tranquility. It also offers great views of the Boston skyline and the Massachusetts State House, which is located just across Beacon Street.

Nearest T stop: Park Street (Red Line)

Charles River Esplanade
47 David G Mugar Way, Boston

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Located along the banks of the Charles River in the Back Bay and West End neighborhoods of Boston, the Charles River Esplanade is a wonderful park to go jogging and to take in views of the Back Bay skyline (Back Bay is home to Boston’s two tallest buildings - the John Hancock Tower and the Prudential Center). It is also home to the Hatch Memorial Shell, which is an outdoor concert venue. The best spot to get a skyline view is just south of the Longfellow Bridge, while the part north of the Longfellow Bridge offers great views of Kendall Square and the bridge itself.

Nearest T stops: Charles/MGH, Park Street (Red Line)

Memorial Drive
575 Memorial Dr, Cambridge

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