Things to Do in Boston for College Students: The Ultimate Guide

With rents creeping higher and happy hours off the table, frugal college students on the prowl for some fun should look no further than these special discounts. Think ballgames, museums and ballet for less, if you’re a college student. And, our lists of the best cheap eats and free things to do in Boston—all perfect for folks on an academic budget.

There are many restaurants and take out spots around the Hub where you can get a filling meal for under $20 (sometimes even less). Our picks are all satisfying dishes locally made with care, such as pupusas, empanadas, sandwiches and pizza.

If you’re looking for cheap drinks, late nights and fun party vibes, look no further than our list of the best college bars. Here, you’ll find everything from affordable PBR pulls to late-night clubbing (which are maybe not budget friendly but fun). We’ve also found the spots with free live music and some game day action!

No money? No problem. The city has you covered with free activities, including walking tours, deep local history to drink in, peaceful green spaces and more. Find out how to get all of this for free, and when you’re done, try the best cheap eats around town.

Dating in Boston can be expensive, whether you’re in a relationship and going on date nights, or are single and looking to mingle. Paying for nights out can really start to add up, but we’ve found some fun, romantic date ideas—including a chocolate tour—that are easy on the wallet, coming in at under $30.

This town runs on caffeine, and that’s even more true for the students in town. Whether you’re working on your undergrad, or cranking through law school or an M.B.A., coffee isn’t a want, it’s a need. Fortunately, there are dozens of excellent coffee shops in town, where you can grab a large cup of black coffee to go linger over a latte with your laptop.

“Happy hour” in Boston is kind of a misnomer, as deals on alcoholic drinks have been banned in Massachusetts since 1984. However, that hasn’t stopped local bars and restaurants from offering some creative deals between the hours of 4 and 6pm. The spots on this list offer bargain bites to take the sting out of regularly priced drinks.

Cambridge’s Harvard Square has evolved a lot over the past decade(s), from a place where tourists and punks hung out, to a more commercial, but still diverse street scene. There is much to see on the Square and nearby, such as Harvard’s lovely grounds and architecture, local bookstores, theaters and much more. When you’re done doing the Square, click over to our guides to the best restaurants in Boston, best live music in Boston and best museums in Boston, and you’ll spot several Harvard Square haunts.

One thing Boston loves is a fabulous drag show, and we’ve got so many excellent spots to enjoy them over brunch, drag bingo or even a late-night cabaret act. Here’s where to see these divas strut their stuff, lipsync like queens and add a ton of sparkle to any outing.

With a mix of students, post-grads and transplants, Allston’s fast become one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Greater Boston. You’ll find plenty to do, including some of Boston’s best cheap eats and lots of wallet-friendly vintage stores. And, once you’ve done everything you wanted to in Allston, keep the fun going by checking out our guides to the best restaurants in Boston and best museums in Boston.

Some of the best restaurants in Boston are actually on the other side of the Charles, in Cambridge. We won’t get into whether or not Cambridge is part of Greater Boston, we just know you can get there on the T, and we’ve found some amazing restaurants that will cure cravings including New England seafood classics, flavorful Italian and ramen so good you might shed a tear. When you’re done weeping, try the best free things to do in Boston or check out our guide to the best live music in Boston.

Boston has its fair share of divey bars all around the city—even though we’ve lost some greats to high rents—and in our list, you’ll likely find one near you that can serve as your home away from home, a cheap place to meet friends and a spot to possibly get a full Irish breakfast. While you’re out having fun, you can hit the best music venues in Boston, best comedy clubs in Boston or best sports bars in Boston.

Boston has burgers from the classic to inventive, and we’ve found the best across The Hub. The one thing they all have in common? They’re juicy and so delicious. Looking to get your hands on more local, hand-held specialties? Check out the best lobster rolls in Boston, the best sandwiches in Boston, and the best tacos in Boston.

In many regions of the world, smoking tobacco is a communal activity, and hookah bars have become more and more popular, with many outposts popping up in the Boston area. Here you’ll find the best spots to get in on the 21+ fun. For a less smoky outing, check out Boston's best college bars or Boston's best beer bars. Looking for a slightly more refined evening out? The best cocktail bars in Boston will do the trick.RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston

We’re emerging from what seems like the grayest, rainiest winter in years, and it’s finally time to get back outside and have some fun. Luckily for you, there’s so many things to do outside and in, like stroll the Greenway, eat clam chowder, see live music and much, much more.

It’s just a simple fact that Bostonians (and all of Massachusetts) love ice cream, no matter what the temperature is. Find the best ice cream shops in Boston, which satisfy adventurous eaters with gourmet concoctions while also churning out the classics for New England traditionalists. Pair an ice cream cone with the best burgers in Boston or the best pizzas in Boston for a fun night out!

Boston is no stranger to drinking culture, from perfect martinis to a properly poured Guinness, the city has it all. But if you’re looking for the best spot for all of your drinking moods, look no further than our guide to the best wine bars, speakeasies, pubs and more to get the evening started (or end on a high note). Find tried-and-true Irish pubs, dive bars, innovative cocktail destinations, swanky rooftop joints and craft beer emporiums.