New England Conservatory

“Arrive before 5 PM to minimize the wait (which can reach 90 minutes on weekends). The hot lobster roll (drawn butter, toasted roll — NOT cold with mayo) is the New England version and is the right choice. The raw bar menu is seasonal and serious.”

“No cover — ever. The music starts around 9 PM and runs until close. Berklee students, NEC jazz faculty, and working professionals share the same small stage. Arrive early for a seat.”

“Arrive before 9 AM for the full pastry selection. The symphony neighborhood location is 5 minutes from Symphony Hall. The sticky bun — caramelized, warm, not overly sweet — is worth the visit alone.”

“Open rehearsal tickets are available and significantly less expensive than regular tickets. The rehearsal setting reveals how the hall sounds from different positions. The BSO musicians' performances in the hall on any given night represent some of the finest ensemble playing in America.”

“OBERON (2 Arrow St, Cambridge) hosts the ART's most experimental programming and late-night events. Check both venues' calendars. The ART developmental workshops sometimes have limited public attendance — check the website for 'in-development' programming.”

“Lawn tickets (generally $25) allow attendance at 10,000-person BSO concerts under the stars. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and something warm for after sunset. The Tanglewood Music Center (TMC) training academy has open concerts.”

“The NEC public performance calendar lists dozens of free and low-cost concerts by faculty, students, and visiting artists. The quality is consistently high. The hall's proximity to Symphony Hall makes the Symphony neighborhood a single destination for an evening of music.”

“The Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts (539 Tremont St, South End) hosts the Huntington's smaller productions. The two-venue model means the company presents 8+ productions per season. Auditions are held separately for each.”

“The NEC public performance calendar is a resource for performers at every level. Faculty recitals, student concerts, and guest artist performances happen year-round. Many are free. The library's score collection is accessible with a student or alumni ID.”

“The garden is at its most spectacular in April and May (tulip season) and October (fall foliage). The swan boats run from mid-April to mid-September. The George Washington equestrian statue at the Arlington Street entrance is the finest public sculpture in Boston.”

“The Charles River Esplanade is the best outdoor running and walking route in Boston — flat, scenic, and away from car traffic. The spring and fall views across the river to Cambridge are spectacular.”

“The Green Line is above-ground on most of its route, running as a surface streetcar through Back Bay and Fenway. Service during peak hours is frequent; late-night service ends by 12:30 AM. The CharlieCard gives the fastest boarding.”