Maintaining its trend for revolution and transformation, Boston is still one of the most exciting cities in the US to explore thanks to its history and famous universities.
It might be an expensive place to visit, but if you follow these tips and check out these things to know before traveling to Boston, you can enjoy some of Beantown’s top activities without spending a dime. Here’s a great Boston weekend itinerary filled with free things to do in Massachusetts that are still lots of fun.
1. Visit historic Faneuil Hall
Take a look around the Great Hall and listen to a ranger talk about historic Faneuil Hall and its role as a market and meeting place. To continue the tour of Boston’s historic marketplaces and load up for lunch, take the short walk to Quincy Market to take your pick from dozens of food stalls. It’s one of the best places to eat in Boston. The Great Hall is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
2. Walk around Boston Common
Take a stroll in Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States. In summer, you can picnic or catch a free Shakespeare performance. In winter, there are Christmas festivities, sledding down Flagstaff Hill and ice skaters on Frog Pond. Admission charges for skaters on Frog Pond are based on height, so it’s a great winter activity with kids. It costs $8 if you have your own skates, but is free for those under 58 inches tall.
3. Tour Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library was built as a “shrine of letters,” but it’s also a temple of art and architecture. Free guided tours depart from the main entrance, or you can pick up a brochure and guide yourself around the stunning, mural-painted halls. The BPL also hosts author talks, musical performances and other free events. The guided tours schedule is subject to change so check online in advance. Tours last around an hour.
4. See politics in action at the Massachusetts State House
Visit the Massachusetts State House to learn about the state insect (the ladybug) and to pay your respects to the Sacred Cod that hangs in the House of Representatives chambers. Materials for self-guided tours can be found at the second-floor information desk. Free guided tours can be booked in advance by phone (617-727-3676).
5. Follow the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is the best introduction to Revolutionary War-era Boston and is one of the top Boston attractions. This 2.5-mile red-brick path winds its way past 16 sites that earned this town its status as the Cradle of Liberty. The National Park Service has free audio tours and you can download a map. Many, but not all, of the sites along the trail are free to enter.
6. Climb up the Bunker Hill Monument
The landmark obelisk marks the site of the fateful battle in June 1775 that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. Climb the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument to the top for an impressive panorama of city, bay and sky. You’ll expend nothing but energy.
7. Get to know Boston’s Black history along the Black Heritage Trail
The 1.6-mile Black Heritage Trail on Beacon Hill explores the history of abolitionism and homes of important African American historical figures in Boston, concluding at the Museum of African American History. Download a map for a self-guided walking tour or take a tour led by a ranger from the National Parks Service. Ranger-led tours take place in summer months and last around 90 minutes. Register in advance for your free place through Eventbrite.
8. Discover the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments
Science-lovers and history buffs can geek out at the fascinating Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. Located inside the Harvard Science Center, it showcases a selection of 20,000 items in the university collection, some of which date to the 15th century. Look for the geometric sector (a military compass) designed by Galileo, and the clocks illustrating the development of modern timekeeping.
9. Tour Harvard University with a student
Students lead free historical tours of Harvard Yard, sharing their perspectives on student life. The one-hour tours depart from the Smith Campus Center. Register in advance for a place on a student-led tour. If you can’t get a place, download the Visit Harvard app, which has information for self-guided tours.
10. Find your inner poet at the Longfellow National Historic Site
For 45 years, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived and wrote poetry in this stately Georgian manor near Harvard Square. The mansion contains many of the poet’s personal belongings, and is surrounded by lush period gardens. Entrance to the house is by guided tour only; check the online schedule before you go.
11. Go aboard the USS Constitution
The USS Constitution is the US Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, and it is docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Navy officers lead free tours of the upper decks, where you’ll learn about the ship’s exploits in the country’s earliest naval battles. Reservations cannot be made in advance, and all visitors over 18 need a photo ID.
12. Explore Castle Island
Castle Island isn’t really an island; it’s actually a vast, green waterside park with amazing skyline views. The massive Fort Independence located on Castle Island is open for exploration and free tours, otherwise, you can relax on the beach, fish from the pier or dip your toes into the chilly harbor waters.
13. See a show at the Hatch Memorial Shell
The Charles River Esplanade is Boston’s backyard and a fine venue for picnics, bike rides and leisurely strolls. Even better, all summer long, the Hatch Memorial Shell hosts free events like live music concerts, family movies and Dancing in the Park. There’s no permanent seating, so bring a picnic blanket and some food, and join the locals on the lawn.
14. Peek inside artists’ studios on SoWa Sundays and First Fridays
From the former factories and warehouses in the South End, artists have carved out studios and gallery space. The SoWa Artists Guild hosts an open studio event every Sunday (11am to 4pm) and on the first Friday of every month (5 to 9pm). Come view the art and mingle with local creatives.
15. Watch a Fenway Park game from the bar
If you don’t want to shell out for tickets to a Boston Red Sox baseball game, you can still sneak a peek inside Fenway Park. The public Bleacher Bar is under the bleachers and has a window looking onto center field. The bar gets packed during games, when there’s usually a waiting list for window seating.
16. Admire the Arnold Arboretum
The 265-acre Arnold Arboretum is planted with more than 15,000 exotic trees and flowering shrubs. This gem is pleasant year-round, but it’s particularly beautiful in the bloom of spring. Dog walking, Frisbee throwing, bicycling, sledding and general contemplation are encouraged, but picnicking and tree-climbing are not allowed.
17. Check out JFK’s birthplace
John F. Kennedy was born and raised in a modest clapboard house in Brookline, now listed as the JFK National Historic Site. Guided tours allow visitors to see furnishings, photographs and mementos that have been preserved since the Kennedys lived here.
18. Relax at the Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the natural side of the Boston area at this 67-acre wildlife preserve run by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The wetlands, woods and meadows at the Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary are teeming with 150 different bird species, more than 300 plants, and about 40 kinds of butterflies. Walk the 2-mile trail, taking a break at the Nature Play Area. If you’re in need of family friendly things to do, the kids will love running through the maze, hopping on a giant xylophone or digging in the dirt. But plan to leave Fido at home, since no pets are allowed.
19. Stroll by the Charles River
If you find it relaxing to walk by water then be sure to make time for a stroll by the Charles River. You’ll have prime views of both Boston and its sister city Cambridge on this 3.5 mile course. And you’ll also be delighted by the parks designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Start at Kendall Pavilion and end up at Mass Avenue Bridge.
20. Window shop on Newbury Street
Newbury Street is the main thoroughfare through the chic Back Bay neighborhood. Even if your budget is tight, you’ll love window-shopping at designer boutiques, checking out the pristine brownstones and people watching as you soak in the neighborhood’s vibe.
21. Appreciate the architecture
There’s no shortage of colonial and neo-classic architecture in Boston. Faneuil Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts are prime examples. But Boston has significant modernist buildings too. Go to MIT to see Frank Gehry’s Stata Building, Eero Saarinen’s Kresge Auditorium and I.M. Pei’s Weisinger Building.
22. Watch a boat race
Boating is a big deal in Boston, and as you walk along the Charles River you’ll see the Boston University Boathouse which hosts the Head of Charles Regatta each October. The city’s other big race is the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival held every June. It’s exciting to watch as long boats each filled with 22 rowers race along the 500-meter course.
23. Show your love at the David Ortiz Bridge
One of Boston’s newest interactive public art spots is the David Ortiz Bridge. It was inspired by the padlocks that were once on the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris. Perhaps a pair of lovers were the first to leave a lock on the fence covering the David Ortiz Bridge—no one knows for sure. But now it’s a thing. Take some pics and maybe leave your own lock.
24. Chill at Public Garden
While Boston has no shortage of beautiful gardens and parks, the Public Garden is unique. It was the first botanical garden in the United States. With its benches, ponds, paths and fanciful plant selections, it’s designed for lingering and enjoying the view.
25. Learn the Glory backstory
The movie Glory starring Denzel Washington told the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, a pioneering all Black fighting unit in the Civil War. Col. Robert Gould Shaw led the men, who fought bravely even though they were outmatched. Shaw and many of his men died at Fort Wagner. Movie scenes were filmed on Boston Common. That’s also where you’ll find a bronze monument to Shaw and the 54th by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
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This article was first published Jun 17, 2019 and updated Aug 30, 2024.
