Free Things To Do In Boston
- Helen
- Apr 10, 2019
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 21, 2019
Boston, Massachusetts in the US of A is a city with rich history and heritage, world class universities, a strong political influence and economic power.
The city today is also one of the most expensive in America in which to live.
For the visitor to Boston, all of this makes for a city with a lot to offer in terms of things to see and do...
The city sits on the east coast and is surrounded by water, with harbour-side spaces, alongside inner parks and greenery, city sky-scrapers and gentrified houses.
There are a large number of historic buildings and landmarks to see, as well as much of what you would expect from a wealthy city, such as theatres, a large selection of bars and restaurants, galleries and museums.
However, with Boston being one of the richest cities in America, how much of what there is to do in Boston is budget friendly I hear you ask!
Well... let me tell you, there is more than you might think to keep you occupied for many a happy day in Boston without needing to pay...
So, as you prepare to visit Boston, put these free things to see and do in the city on your itinerary!
Free Things To See & Do When You Visit Boston
The Freedom Trail
Boston was founded in 1630, making it one of the oldest cities in the States.
The city was a key location in the fight for American independence in the 1700s and much of this rich history and heritage is very evident in Boston today... no more so than if you explore Boston's Freedom Trail!
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile route through downtown Boston that leads you to 16 historic sites which were key at the start of the American Revolution.
The sites that are part of the trail include the old and new State Houses, significant churches and burial grounds, the site of the first public school in America, significant statues and monuments, alongside key meeting houses and more!
To follow the Freedom Trail is relatively simple as you can do so self guided.
Just pick up or download a map of the sites and follow the red brick line in the pavement (sidewalk!) that guides you around the city and along the trail!
You might choose to do the trail in one go or in sections as you explore other offerings within Boston.
If you do want to undertake a more in depth tour of the Freedom Trail then various options are available for guided walks (although these are largely paid for, or by heavily suggested 'donations'!).
The Black Heritage Trail
A second trail worth doing in Boston is the Black Heritage Trail.
Massachusetts was the first US state to make slavery illegal in 1783 and subsequently Boston became a favoured destination for free black people and escaped slaves to flee to and set up communities.
The Black Heritage Trail takes you through the Beacon Hill area of Boston (worth seeing anyway!) and along the way you discover significant houses, schools, churches and other establishments that were key to the abolitionist movement.
One key site along the way is the African Meeting House, established in 1806, which is America's oldest surviving black church.
Grab a free map of the sites and route and explore the Black Heritage Trail!
Official Harvard Tour
Harvard University lies a short train ride from downtown Boston in Cambridge.
Harvard is the oldest university in the USA (founded in 1636) and one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Harvard graduates include 8 US Presidents, Nobel prize winners, Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize Winners, alongside many other famous and important names.
As would be expected from a University of this age and prestige, Harvard has some rich history, great architecture and is a fascinating place to learn about.
Central to the Harvard Campus is Harvard Yard and current students run free walking tours most days of this part of the university, relaying fun stories and anecdotes as you explore and sharing a little of what it is like to be a student at Harvard today.
To join a free tour just show up at Harvard Information Centre which is located at the front desk of the Smith Campus Center building on Massachusetts Street. They will book you onto a tour, give you a sticker and away you go!
To check the tour schedule: www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours
Boston Public Library Tour
Another fascinating and important building in the city of Boston with rich architecture is Boston's Public Library... and happily they also run excellent free tours each day!
Boston Public Library was founded in 1848 and was the first large public library in the USA. Today, with around 24 million volumes and resources, the library is still the third largest in the States.
The architecture of the building is certainly worth seeing, even if books are not your thing!
The older part of the library, the McKim building, contains murals by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes.
The library also hides an oasis of calm from the city in a peaceful inner courtyard and an incredible 'Reading Hall' which leaves you feeling you have stepped back in time and where you can sit quietly reading or studying at your leisure.
To walk into the library and look around is free for anybody, but I would recommend the hour long, free 'art and architecture tour' that the library run each day.
These focus on the art and architecture of the building, as well as the overall history of the library. Run by volunteers, the guide when I visited was entertaining and knew his stuff!
The times of the tour depend on the day of the week...
Turn up on your chosen day at the appropriate time at the meeting point just inside the entrance on Dartmouth Street and your guide will greet you (no need to book!).
Website for more details and tour times: www.bpl.org/visit-central-library/art-tours/
Massachusetts State House Tour
The Massachusetts State House, built in 1798, with it's gold dome, is the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and one of the oldest State Capitols in continuous use in the country.
The State House features on the Freedom Trail but people often do not realise that entry to the building is open to all and free.... you just have to navigate a bag check and security!
Once inside the building you can explore the building yourself, with it's ceremonial halls, significant artwork and the House of Representatives and Senate Chamber.
There is an information desk which has self guided tour literature.
Alternatively the State House also runs regular guided tours for free throughout the day which ensure you see all the areas of significance and hear fun stories of the building and it's history.
Information about State House tours: www.malegislature.gov/StateHouse/Tour
Christian Science Church Tour
Christian Science was founded in Massachusetts in the 19th century by Mary Baker Eddy when she published her book, 'Science and Health'.
Within Boston today you will find the Christian Science Center, which includes the original 'Mother Church' alongside it's later extension and the Mary Baker Eddy Library.
The full Christian Science Plaza, with large outdoor reflection pool is worth visiting alone but also while there why not take the time to see within these historic churches and their detailed and intricate decoration?
The original Mother Church was built in 1894 in a Romanesque Revival stone but the congregation soon outgrew this and so a larger extension that now seats more than 3,000 was added in 1904-6.
Viewing the inside of these churches is certainly fascinating and worthwhile, and it is only through free guided tour that you can visit the old church.
Tours are run regularly throughout the day and generally on demand (even if you are the only one!) rather than at fixed times, with length of tour also adapted to the visitors.
Website for more information: www.christianscience.com
Faneuil Hall & Marketplace
Built in 1742, Faneuil Hall is another significant stop on the Freedom Trail.
The building was built as a marketplace and meeting hall and continues to serve this purpose to this day.
Faneuil Hall was the first town hall in Boston and the Great Hall on it's second floor was the setting for many meetings during the American Revolution discussing the oppressive policies enforced by the British.
Today the first floor of Faneuil Hall is an informaton centre and 'marketplace' with tourist souvenir style offerings, while the second floor continues to house the impressive Great Hall (which is still used for meetings) and a small exhibition, all free to visit.
Faneuil Hall also sits within a larger marketplace hub, which includes Quincy Market opposite Faneuil Hall and North and South Markets running either side of Quincy.
The four buildings are set within cobbled pedestrianised promenades, where street performers regularly entertain.
Quincy Market is home to a number of food stalls offering hot, cold, sweet and savoury cuisines and the north and south markets house a number of other stores and boutiques.
Faneuil Hall & Marketplace Information: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
USS Constitution
To Boston's north side and further along the Freedom Trail is the USS Constitution Museum.
The USS Constitution is in fact a wooden frigate of the US Navy that was named by George Washington after the United States Constitution.
Launched in 1797, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.
The ship, USS Constitution, can be seen in full splendour in the shipyard in which the museum is also located.
The museum is free to enter here (although voluntary donations are appreciated!) and explores the history of the US Navy and the USS Constitution ship amongst much more, with interactive exhibitions kids will also love.
Website for more: www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org
Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument is found at the end of the Freedom Trail in Charlestown on the northern side of the city.
The Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. The obelisk monument was built to commemorate the battle and completed in 1843.
It is possible to climb to the top (for free) of the monument to an observation level and enjoy the surrounding views of Boston.
It is 294 steps to the top and quite a narrow staircase in places though so a certain fitness level is needed. However, the views from the top are worth enjoying when you get there!
Opposite the monument there is also a small museum and exhibition about the Monument you might also like to pop into!
Information about visiting Bunker Hill: www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/bhm.htm
Independence Wharf
Another option if you want a free view of Boston from above (and one few seem to know about!) is Independence Wharf.
Independence Wharf is located on Atlantic Avenue next to the water.
The building is largely used as offices for businesses but on the 14th floor is an outside observation deck that anyone can visit 7 days a week. The deck has great views across the water and back to the city skyscrapers.
To enjoy the views you need to just check in with security on the ground floor (at the weekend the door is locked but they will give you access), show them some identity (bank card is sufficient) and they will show you to the elevator for the 14th floor...
If, like me, you are lucky you will find that so few know about this hidden gem that you might have the whole deck to yourself to experience at your leisure.
Location of Independence Wharf: www.google.com/maps/place/Independence+Wharf/
The next few free things to do in Boston feature some of Boston's incredible museums which have free days or times to visit (when they are usually otherwise by paid admission).
Museum Of Fine Arts Free Entry Every Wednesday Afternoon
Boston's Museum of Fine Arts claims to be the fifth largest museum in the USA and with 450,000 works of art, one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world.
Exhibitions include works of art from famous artists from all corners of the world, alongside changing temporary exhibitions, such as a Frida Kahlo exhibition when I visited.
Usually admission to the museum is not cheap at $25 for an adult, but happily every Wednesday after 4 pm entry is free to anyone (and they stay open until 9 pm).
MFA Visitor Information: www.mfa.org/visit
Institute Of Contemporary Art Free Entry Every Thursday Afternoon
Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) was first established in 1936 as the sister museum to New York's Museum of Modern Art. The two museums went their separate ways in the 1940s and the ICA has independently evolved and grown since then.
In 2006 the ICA moved to it's current waterside location with permanent collections of 20th and 21st century art.
Today, to visit the ICA would usually be $15 for an adult but on a Thursday afternoon between 5-9 pm entry is free for everyone.
For more information: www.icaboston.org/visit
Boston Children's Museum $1 Entry Every Friday Afternoon
Another museum with a waterside setting is Boston's Children's Museum, which as it's name suggests is a museum dedicated to the education and entertainment of children!
Founded in 1913, the museum is the second oldest children's museum in the world and one of the largest.
The exhibits are largely hands on, interactive, colourful and fun - appealing to young minds and hearts. Throughout the vast museum, exhibitions include something about every subject you can think of, including sciences, history, the world, the arts, technology and more!
Technically this museum is not free on a Friday but their entry is reduced to $1 between 5pm and 9pm every Friday afternoon.... which when the cost is usually $17 per adult and child for admission, is a considerable saving!
For more information: www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/visit/
Above then you will see there are many important and fascinating sites to visit in Boston, without opening your wallet...
Many blog posts about 'free things to do' in a destination include other, often outdoor, options which are usually quite obvious....
Therefore, I am not going to go into much detail on these - you will find them as you peruse the city!
However, as an idea -
Other areas for fun leisure time in Boston (weather dependent) include:
- Boston Common & Boston Public Garden
(where you will also find the bronze duck statues, 'Make Way For Ducklings').
- Harbourside Walk - stretching all along Boston's water.
- Newbury Street - the place to go for shopping in Boston in a fun, funky and vibrant location!
- Beacon Hill - enjoy the main street and the surrounding rich homes.
Boston is certainly a great city to explore and enjoy.
Visiting Boston you will find a city rich in American history, culture and art as well as a chance to get down with the kids in being 'wicked smaht'!
Want free things to do in Boston? There are plenty!!
**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**
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