Best places to visit in New York, Boston and Chicago

When it comes to thinking about where to visit in New York, Boston, or Chicago, it’s tempting to pick the obvious choices – the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, or the Empire State Building. Whilst these are fantastic landmarks and absolute must-sees for any traveler, the East Coast of America has so much more to offer than most people realize – and we want to make sure that your students get the most out of their study abroad experience. 

Here are some of the best places we think your students should explore in these fantastic cities: 

Freedom Trail 

As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is full of historical monuments and landmarks. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that features 16 significant locations all related to the country’s biggest historical event. Whilst it’s free to walk down (our school is along this path!), taking part in a guided tour will allow your students to understand all the pivotal events that made America what it is today. 

Museum of Science 

Most cities have a science museum, but not like Boston! Since it’s the home to the renowned MIT, this museum has more than 700 interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, live presentations, and 4-D films. They also host adult-only events, so your students can explore all the museum offers at a more leisurely pace. 

Harvard Museum of Natural History 

If all that knowledge wasn’t enough, then there’s also the Harvard Museum of Natural History! Since Boston is known for being such a scholarly city, it’s only right that we keep the theme going. Whilst your students might not be able to take classes at the world-famous Harvard University just yet, they can visit its museum, dedicated to showcasing the natural world. 

Millenium Park 

This iconic park in Chicago is unlike any other. Situated overlooking the city’s stunning skyline, the park is a homage to Chicago’s reputation for modern art and architecture. Not only can your students enjoy the views and relax, but they can also admire the sculptures that reside within the park, including the iconic ‘Cloud Gate’: a huge stainless-steel structure more commonly known as ‘the bean’. 

Chicago Cubs 

Head down to Wrigley Field and watch a baseball game starring one of the most famous baseball teams of all time: the Chicago Cubs. The atmosphere is unlike any other your students may have previously encountered and considering that the city is renowned for its love of sports, this is one game your students aren’t likely to forget. 

Deep-dish pizza 

You can’t go to Chicago and not try their famous deep-dish pizza or ‘pizza’. Let your students decide for themselves whether this thick, upside-down version of pizza is superior to the Italian or New York version. Our top picks for restaurants include Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza, Kitchen 17 (for a vegan option), and Bartoli’s.  

New York City cruise 

An unusual way to see iconic sights, a city cruise allows students to enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Hudson River, all while taking in the city’s most famous sights. Your students can feel the sea breeze in their hair as they admire the Statue of Liberty, the New York skyline, and Ellis Island. We can think of a more thrilling way to do some sightseeing. 

Greenwich Village food tour 

One of the best things about New York is its wide variety of really good food, and this is mostly thanks to the numerous neighborhoods filled with different cultures and ethnicities, each serving unique dishes. You can feel the passion with every bite, so a food tour is a must. Your students can choose from a selection of tours depending on their preferences, but we suggest the Greenwich Village food tour, as any New Yorker knows that it’s the place to go to for amazing food and an even better atmosphere. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art 

If your students have an affinity for fashion, art, or even celebrities, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art will blow their minds. Not only is this institute the largest museum in the city, featuring collections documenting the evolution of art and design throughout the ages, but it’s also the center of one of the year's biggest fashion events: The Met Gala. 

There are so many things to do and see on the East Coast, it’s truly impossible to put it all down in one article. But rest assured, your students will not be short of things to do during their study abroad experience we think they might have the adventure of a lifetime. Learn more about how you can help make that happen on our website.