7 Free Things to Do in Boston
Boston isn’t a cheap city. Hotels cost a lot, and dinner adds up fast. But some of the best things to do here don’t cost a cent, and you could easily fill a whole weekend without buying a single ticket.
In this guide
- 1. Walk the Freedom Trail
- 2. Relax in Boston Common and the Public Garden
- 3. Visit the Boston Public Library
- 4. Explore Harvard Yard
- 5. Wander Beacon Hill
- 6. Tour the Massachusetts State House
- 7. Watch the sunset on the Esplanade
- A few more free ideas
- How to save on the rest of your trip
- Is Boston good for a budget trip?
- A free day in Boston, start to finish
- Common questions
Here are seven free things to do in Boston, plus a few tips for keeping the rest of the trip affordable.
1. Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile line of red bricks and paint that links 16 historic sites, from Boston Common to the USS Constitution in Charlestown. Following it costs nothing.
Some stops, like the Old State House and Paul Revere’s House, charge to go inside. But you can see the outside of every site, read the plaques and walk through the old burying grounds for free. Download a free audio guide or grab a map at the visitor center on the Common.
The North End section is the most fun. It’s full of narrow streets and Italian bakeries, so budget a few dollars for a cannoli.
2. Relax in Boston Common and the Public Garden
Boston Common, founded in 1634, is the oldest public park in the country. Right next to it is the Public Garden, which is the prettier of the two, with a lagoon, weeping willows and a tiny suspension bridge.
Look for the Make Way for Ducklings statues, based on the classic children’s book. Kids climb all over them, and adults take selfies with them. Bring a picnic, find a bench and people-watch for an hour.
3. Visit the Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library in Copley Square is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, and it’s free. The original McKim Building, opened in 1895, has grand staircases, murals and a quiet courtyard with a fountain.
The highlight is Bates Hall, a huge reading room with green lamps and an arched ceiling. Walk in quietly and just look up. The library also runs free art and architecture tours most days, which are excellent.
4. Explore Harvard Yard
Take the Red Line across the river to Harvard Square, in Cambridge. Harvard Yard, the oldest part of the campus, is open to visitors and free to walk around.
Find the John Harvard statue, which has three famous “lies” on it, and see the old brick halls where students have lived for centuries. Harvard runs free student-led tours from the Smith Campus Center, but book ahead because they fill up. The T fare is the only cost.
5. Wander Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is Boston at its most charming. Gas lamps, brick sidewalks and old row houses with black shutters line the narrow streets.
Acorn Street is the most photographed street in the city, a short cobblestone lane that looks like it hasn’t changed in 200 years. Get there early in the morning to have it to yourself. Then walk down Charles Street to window-shop the antique stores.
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6. Tour the Massachusetts State House
You can’t miss the State House, with its shining gold dome at the top of Beacon Hill. What a lot of visitors don’t know is that you can go inside, for free.
Free guided tours run on weekdays, and you’ll see the House chamber, the famous “Sacred Cod” hanging from the ceiling and plenty of historic art. Bring a photo ID for security. It’s a short, interesting stop, and it’s right on the Freedom Trail.
7. Watch the sunset on the Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is a long park along the river, with paths for walking, running and biking. It’s where Boston goes to unwind.
Head there in the early evening and watch the sailboats and the sun set over Cambridge. In summer, there are often free concerts and movies at the Hatch Shell. It’s one of the nicest free evenings in the city.
A few more free ideas
Some museums run free evenings, so check before you go. The Institute of Contemporary Art, on the waterfront, is the best known for this. Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge is free and beautiful, especially in fall. And walking the Harborwalk along the waterfront costs nothing at all.
How to save on the rest of your trip
Get a CharlieCard or just tap your phone to ride the T, which is far cheaper than taxis. Eat a big lunch instead of a big dinner, since many restaurants have lunch specials. Quincy Market and the Boston Public Market have affordable food stalls.
For hotels, look at Cambridge or near a T stop outside downtown. Prices drop in winter, too, if you don’t mind the cold.
Is Boston good for a budget trip?
It can be. The city is small, so you can walk to most sights. The most expensive parts are hotels and dining. If you plan those carefully, the sightseeing itself can be almost free.
A free day in Boston, start to finish
Start early on Beacon Hill, when Acorn Street is empty and the light is soft. Walk down to the Public Garden, then cut across Boston Common to pick up the Freedom Trail. Follow it through downtown to the North End, and stop for a cheap slice or a cannoli for lunch.
In the afternoon, walk back through the city to Copley Square and join a free tour at the Boston Public Library. If it’s a weekday, swing past the State House first for its free tour. End the day on the Esplanade, watching the sun drop behind Cambridge.
That’s a full, memorable day, and the only thing you’ll have spent money on is food. Your feet will hurt, though, so don’t skip the comfy shoes.
Common questions
Is the Freedom Trail really free?
Yes. Walking it is free. A few sites charge for entry, but you don’t have to go inside.
Do I need a car in Boston?
No. Parking is expensive, and the T and your feet will get you everywhere.
Can you go inside Harvard buildings?
Most buildings are for students only, but the Yard is open, and the free tour shows you the highlights.
When is the best time to visit on a budget?
Late winter and early spring have the lowest hotel prices.
Is the Boston Public Library open on weekends?
Usually yes, but hours vary, so check before you go.
