Between lodging, food, and travel expenses, the costs of vacationing can add up quickly. Luckily, Boston is a place full of opportunities to have a special time without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best ways to explore the city on a budget.
Freedom Trail
The 2.5-mile trail connecting 16 historically significant revolutionary sites across Boston is a must-see attraction. While there are many great paid tours that will teach you all about the history of the city and the individual stops around the trail, it is completely free to explore on your own. You can’t leave Boston without walking by places like the USS Constitution, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, or the Boston Massacre site. Some locations such as the Old State House, Old South Meeting House, and Old North Church require a ticket for entry, but you can be in presence of their history while enjoying the Freedom Trail on foot.
Boston Public Garden & Boston Common
These two adjoining green spaces offer iconic views, pretty foliage, and plenty of room to spread out, relax, and take in the scene. The Public Garden and the Common are the perfect places to have a picnic, read a book, or just people watch. For a small fee between April and September, the Swan Boat rides within the Garden are a great activity to engage the whole family and create a special memory.
Boston Public Library
Located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood, Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square is the main location of the Boston Public Library and one of the largest public libraries in the country. Built in 1895 and designated as a landmark in 2000, the stunning building is free to explore. From the marble lions and staircase in the grand entrance lobby to the outdoor central courtyard and the iconic reading room in Bates Hall, there is plenty to see indoors and out.
Boston Harborwalk and the Charles River Esplanade
Boston’s waterfront is one of the city’s most underrated features. Along 43 miles of shoreline, the Harborwalk connects some of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods: South Boston, the Seaport, the North End, Charlestown, East Boston, and much more.
The Esplanade offers a similar experience along the Charles River. Both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river offer great views of the river and the boaters sailing and rowing along it. On the Boston side, keep your eye out for the Hatch Shell. On select nights during the summer, you may even see a free concert or a movie screening there!
Harvard Museums and Low-Cost Museum Days
In neighboring Cambridge, you’ll find Harvard University and the Harvard museums, including the Harvard Art Museums the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture. The museums are free of charge. Don’t miss a stroll around Harvard’s grounds and the famous Harvard Yard.
Outside of Harvard, museums throughout the city offer low-cost and free entrance on specific days throughout the year. The Museum of Fine Arts is free to Massachusetts residents on Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth, and offers $5 minimum days on the third Thursday of each month. Additionally, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers free evenings on the first Thursday of each month. The Institute of Contemporary Art is free each Thursday evening.
Boston’s history, culture, and scenery make it the perfect place to visit at all times of year for all kinds of budgets.
