10 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Boston

There are so many free things to do in Boston, especially  for history buffs. But if history isn’t your thing, don’t worry. With its numerous colleges and downtown streets that are pleasantly walkable, there’s plenty of options for free and nearly free activities.

Fun Things to Do in Boston that Won’t Break the Bank

1. Take a self-guided Freedom Trail Tour. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that leads you to 16 historically significant sites as  through the city. Explore museums and meetinghouses, churches, and burying grounds. Simply use the map in the link above or pick up a map at one of the Visitor Centers. For those who prefer an organized tour, The Freedom Trail Foundation offers daily public walking tours for $6.50-$12 per person. Purchase discounted tickets here.
2. Check out the USS Constitution Museum in nearby Charlestown. Learn about the history of Old Ironsides through artifacts, exhibits, and hands-on activities at this museum. Find out about life aboard a 19^th century naval ship. Admission to the museum is free with a suggested donation of suggested donation of $5-$10 for adults, $3-$5 for children
   
3. Tour the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill. This gold-domed landmark was designed by Charles Bulfinch and built in 1798. The building is open to the public for two tours: one that focuses on architecture and history, and another one that centers on the legislative process. 
4. See how beer is made. You can take a FREE (though a $2 donation is suggested) tour of the Sam Adams Brewery Sam Adams Brewery every day but Sunday. Plus those 21 and over can sample some of the offerings. Guided daily tours are also offered Harpoon Brewery o for $5 which includes samples of freshly brewed beer.
5. Tour the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. The nation’s first public library is full of incredibly beautiful art works and architecture which you can learn about through daily tours. Visitors are also free to explore the stacks and various rooms unaccompanied.  One highlight: The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center on the first floor.
6. See Stars at Boston University’s Coit Observatory. Every Wednesday is public open night beginning at 7:30 pm in the fall and winter and 8:30 pm in the spring and fall. weather dependent so be sure to check before you go.
7. Explore the 50-acre Boston Common. In addition to just enjoying the beauty and serenity of the country’s oldest park in the heart of downtown, the Common is home to frequent festivals, concerts, performances and of course protests. In summer, the Frog Pond is transformed into a wading pool and offers respite from the heat, while in winter the Frog Pond is a popular skating venue. Surrounded by great restaurants and shopping, the Common affords a convenient gateway to Newbury Street — where shopping and dining are decidedly neither free nor cheap. 
8. Walk through the Public Garden and enjoy the flowery beauty of the country’s first botanical garden. From April to September you can watch the Swan Boats float by or pay $2-$3.50 (kids under 2 are FREE) to enjoy a tradition dating back to 1877.
9. Paul Revere House in the North End.  Visit the house where, on the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere set out on a journey that would make him into a legend. It is downtown Boston’s oldest building and one of the few remaining from an early era in the history of colonial America.$3.50 for adults, $1.00 for kids 5-17. 
10. Take a stroll along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, dubbed “Boston’s ribbon of contemporary parks,” a mile-and-a-half stretch of green sanctuary  in the heart of Boston. The Greenway, sits atop the highway tunnel constructed during the Big Dig and hosts activities throughout the year. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy food trucks, carousel rides, zip lines and spray grounds. 

 

 

Looking for more Free & Cheap things to do in Boston check out:

• You don’t have to be going on a date to like these Free & Cheap Date ideas in Boston
• Half Price Entertainment–for discounted tickets to area shows
• Where and when Kids eat FREE–check out what restaurants will let your kids eat FREE on which night
• Birthday Freebies–Find out what restaurants, stores, and more will give you FREE food and more on your birthday
• Which museums offer FREE days and when
• Half Price Entertainment–for discounted tickets to area shows

If you know of more free things to domain Boston that I’ve missed, let me know.