Free things to do in Boston

Especially in times when the dollar is expensive, it pays to know a list of "free things to do in Boston". But not only then. Because traveling to big cities in the US is usually not cheap. So it's good to know what you can do without spending a lot of money.

In the 17 years that I have been traveling as a tour guide in the USA, I have visited Boston countless times. Since then, we have been back several times, as we are big fans of Boston and New England.

Things to do for free in Boston

I've always had time to look for exciting places and activities in the city that cost nothing or very little. I hope my list of "Free Things to Do in Boston" helps you with your trip planning. There's no better way to spend a few days in Boston than trying out new places and activities. Check out these free tips for Boston and the surrounding area!

Top 20 free things to do in Boston

Here we present what you can do in Boston without spending a lot of money.

The Freedom Trail through Boston

First and foremost is the Freedom Trail. This is a walk through Boston's city center where you'll discover the most important sights from the American Revolution and Boston's history. You can do this walk on your own and it's completely free.

If you follow our step-by-step guide for the Freedom Trail You can find out everything you need to know about it. You can also take a guided tour with a guide who will give you lots of information about the history of the city and the revolution along the way.

The Public Garden, one of the free things to do in Boston

A walk through the Public Garden is worthwhile. Here you can stroll through the park, watch Bostonians enjoying their lunch break, or take a break yourself. My tip: buy some snacks and fruit for a picnic before your visit, sit on a park bench, and enjoy the beautiful views in this park, which dates back to 1837.

Swan Boat Tour of the Public Garden

A tour of the Public Garden on the Swan Boat is not entirely free. But it only costs a few dollars. So we're adding the tour to our list of free things to do in Boston. It's definitely a leisurely way to take in the park's greenery and skyscrapers towering above. There are many photo opportunities along the way.

The Boston Back Bay and its highlights are Free Things to Do in Boston

This neighborhood was built on reclaimed land and stands entirely on polders. Stroll along the elegant Commonwealth Avenue or go shopping at the Prudential Center and Copley Place. On Newbury Street, you can relax at one of the sidewalk cafes or visit the elegant boutiques.

Trinity Church

This church is the masterpiece of architect Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-86). It inspired the Romanesque Revival architectural style known as Richardsonian Romanesque. Noteworthy are the west portal with its statues and friezes depicting biblical scenes, as well as the rich paintings in the church interior by John La Farge.

Copley Square, Tel. (617) 536 0944, www.trinitychurchboston.org/

Boston Public Library

Check out its impressive architecture. This building was built in 1895 according to plans by the New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White in the Neo-Renaissance style.

Dartmouth Street, Tel. (617) 536 5400, public tours are available a few times a week (Information about this can be found here.). You can also explore the library on your own. Guidebooks are available on-site.

Relax on the Boston Common

Only Charles Street separates the Public Garden from Boston Common, the city's large urban park. Here you can stroll around Frog Pond, check out the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, or sit on one of the park benches at the Parkman Bandstand for a sandwich or wrap from Earl of Sandwich right next door before continuing to explore Boston. You might be lucky enough to catch a Shakespeare play in the summer.

Tour of the Boston State House

It's worth it: A tour of the Boston State House is one of the free things to do in Boston, which we highly recommend. Volunteers also offer a 45-minute tour of the State House, where visitors can learn a wealth of interesting information about the architecture, history, and functions of the State House.

The meeting point is Doric Hall on the first floor. The State House is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tours are available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 24 Beacon St., Tel. +1 617-727-3676, statehouse.gov. Admission is free.

Beacon Hill

Join a free tour with a National Park Ranger on the Black Heritage Trail® through the Beacon Hill neighborhood. This area was once home to Boston's elite. It also boasted the city's first Black community. Over the past two centuries, this neighborhood has changed little. It remains a highly desirable residential area today.

A stroll through the cobbled streets and to the pretty little parks like the private Louisbourg Square is a must for any visit to Boston.

The Black Heritage Trail follows a similar route to the Freedom Trail, but offers a much deeper look into the city's African-American heritage. On this tour, you will explore important sites such as Beacon Hill, Crispus Attucks Square and Harold O. Miles Park to better understand how people of color have thrived despite the biased laws of the in Massachusetts of the 17th century and built communities.

Explore Dorchester Heights National Historic Site

On your journey along the Black Heritage Trail, one of the must-see stops is the Dorchester Heights National Historic Site. This South Boston site is best known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution.

A 300-foot-high hill offers visitors magnificent views of Boston and Dorchester Bay. It also houses various military artifacts to further illustrate its unique place in history. A trip to Dorchester Heights promises to be both educational and inspiring!

Visiting historic cemeteries is one of the free things to do in Boston

It may sound a bit macabre, but it's actually quite interesting. When visiting Boston's historic cemeteries, you'll come across the names of famous people from Boston's and the United States' history.

The parents of Benjamin Franklin are buried in these cemeteries, as is Samuel Adams, one of the leading revolutionaries of the American Revolution. You'll find John Hancock, the first person to sign the American Declaration of Independence. Paul Revere, the goldsmith who warned the American militia of the advancing British troops, is also buried there.

It's worth walking through the rows of weathered gravestones and looking for names you might recognize from history books. Cemeteries worth a visit:

• Granary Burying Ground, 95 Tremont St., Boston MA 02108
• King's Chapel Burying Ground, 58 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02108
• Central Burying Ground, Boylston Street on Boston Common, MA 02116

Concerts at the Hatchshell are Free Things to Do in Boston

During the summer, concerts are regularly held at the Hatchshell on the Charles River. The Boston Pops perform here on the Fourth of July, the US national holiday. There are also free concerts and other events throughout the summer months.

47 David G Mugar Way, +1 617-626-1250, hatchshell.com. You can also find current events on the website.

National Park Ranger lectures at Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall on the Freedom Trail isn't just worth seeing from the outside. Check out the inside, too. During the American Revolution, revolutionaries met in this assembly hall and heatedly debated the latest actions of the British colonial power.

National Park Rangers also give 15- to 20-minute talks about the events of that time. 4 S Market St, +1 617-523-1300, faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Open Mon. – Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sun. 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Quincy Market for lunch

While you can't eat for free at Quincy Market, it's home to a food market with stalls selling everything from sandwiches and hot meals to fruit, desserts, and cakes. Everyone is guaranteed to find something to their liking.

Quincy Market, 206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109

Alternatively, you can also get a hot dog, sandwich or donut at one of the food kiosks in front of the market hall and eat it while strolling through Quincy Market Square.

The Lawn on D – Things to do in Boston for free

This new meeting place for the summer months has emerged in the heart of the waterfront. This is where people meet from May to October to have fun on the swings, lawn games or free concerts. Pack a picnic and join us.

The Lawn on D, 420 D Street, Boston, MA 02210. Current events can also be found on the Website.

Discover the North End – Free Things to Do in Boston

Boston's North End is a residential area separated from downtown by the expressway. A striking feature are the Italian restaurants, which testify to the fact that this urban area has been almost entirely populated by Italian immigrants since around 1940.

Previously, Jews, Irish, and—even longer ago—British people lived in the North End. The first thatched wooden huts of the English settlers were built here. You'll also find Boston's oldest house in this neighborhood.

Visit the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is anchored in Charlestown on the opposite bank of the Charles River. You can tour America's oldest warship on a free tour. The sailing ship was used in the War of 1812 and in the American Civil War.

Charlestown Navy Yard, +1 617-426-1812. The ship is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (longer hours in the summer), and the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer hours in the summer). Admission is free, but the museum suggests a donation of between $10 and $15.

Climb the Bunker Hill Monument

In 1775, the first major battle between the British and American revolutionaries took place on Bunker Hill. The British won, but the victory proved much more difficult than expected. The Bunker Hill Monument was erected in commemoration. The monument can also be climbed.

There is also a museum nearby, which is also free. Monument Square, +1617-242-5601. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Free Beer Tour - Free things to do in Boston

The Sam Adams Brewery offers free tours of the brewery with beer tastings throughout the week. They last approximately 45 minutes. There's also a beer tasting at the end for anyone over 21. 30 Germania St, +1 617-368-5080, samueladams.com.

Guided tours are available Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Fridays, guided tours are also available between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Visit a museum for free – Things to do for free in Boston

There are numerous world-renowned museums in and around Boston. Some of them also offer their visitors free access on certain days.

• The Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston MA 02210, is accessible free of charge on Thursdays from 17.00 p.m. to 21.00 p.m.
• Harvard Art Museum, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, are free for all visitors on Sundays. Open 10.00 a.m. – 17.00 p.m.

Harvard University - Free things to do in Boston

One is definitely interesting free guided tour of Harvard University. You will learn a lot about the history, architecture and legends of America's oldest university. Students will show you their university. Harvard University, +1 617-495-1000.

All tours last between 35 and 60 minutes. Registration is also required. You can sign up for a tour once a week on Fridays. Registration is possible here.

Conclusion on the Free Things to Do in Boston:

There are a wealth of free activities and attractions to discover in Boston. From walking the Freedom Trail to visiting historic cemeteries, there's plenty to experience. The city's impressive architecture and trendy neighborhoods are also a must-see.

With numerous museums and affordable dining options, the city has something for everyone. A tour of the Boston State House or a boat cruise on the Charles River are other worthwhile activities. Get out there and discover what Boston has to offer for yourself!

FAQs

What is the best way to get from the airport to downtown Boston?

There are several ways to get from the airport to downtown Boston. The fastest and most convenient option is to use public transportation, either by subway or bus. An alternative option is to book a private transfer or taxi.

Which neighborhoods in Boston should you visit?

Numerous neighborhoods in Boston are worth visiting. In addition to the city center and the historic district, there is also the trendy South End, the artistic community of Jamaica Plain, and the Italian North End.

How to eat cheaply in Boston?

Cheap dining options in Boston are common. One option is to visit one of the many food trucks scattered throughout the city. Or you can visit one of the many food courts, where you can find a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

Which Boston Museums Are Free?

Many museums in Boston offer free admission, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum, the Harvard Art Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts. It's worth researching in advance which museums offer free days or hours.

Where is the best place to shop in Boston?

Boston offers great shopping opportunities, including at the Prudential Center and Copley Place in the Back Bay. Other popular shopping centers include the Cambridgeside Galleria, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and Newbury Street, which is home to many unique boutiques and shops.

Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

How to Arrive

Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, United and British Airways fly to Boston. You can then rent a car there.

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Boston Hotels:

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Source Free Things to Do in Boston: own research on site. In any case, we financed this trip ourselves.

Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, Pixabay, Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline