20 Fun Things to Do in Boston for Free

I have 4+ years of experience exploring Boston! I went to university in Boston and still visit the city occasionally, and have friends who live there. I’ve also returned for alumni events at my alma mater right in the heart of Boston. Because of that, I’ve been able to find lots of fun things to do in Boston for free – and am excited to share it with you all!

Boston is one of the United States’ oldest cities. With well-preserved architecture, brick and stone paved streets, and plenty of monuments and museums to visit, Boston is an ideal place to explore if you are a history buff, era enthusiast, or have 2-3 days to spare while in New England.

Best time to Visit Boston

I hated Boston’s windy and frigid winters, so I never wanted to visit during that time again. That said Boston’s other seasons are really quite nice. I find spring’s Cherry Blossoms and autumn’s comfortable temperatures to be an ideal time to visit Boston. Summer travel can get quite humid.

For one of my latest visits, I chose to visit at the end of September and scored great weather (though it can have cooler, gloomy days creeping into October). During a visit thereafter, I stopped by in early May and enjoyed sunny days and breezy evenings. Always have a shawl handy!

Is Boston Expensive?

While Boston may not be San Francisco or New York City-level expensive, it is not cheap. There are lots of costs to think about when visiting, including accommodations, transport, and meals.

For instance, rent is outrageous (which transfers to consumer costs), there isn’t much parking, and trolleys and tour buses cost a minimum $35 per person. This adds up if traveling as a couple of family.

But you can still visit on a tighter budget if necessary – which is why I created this guide. Being a college student and much later, a struggling young professional, I was determined to find as many free things as possible, and to my surprise: there is plenty!

1. Visit the Boston Common and watch swan boats circle the historical Boston Public Garden.

2. Tour the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill, weekdays from 10am-3:30pm (advance reservation required).

3. Join a National Parks ranger at the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center for a free walking tour of the Freedom Trail (30 tickets available per tour, arrive 30 minutes to one hour before to make sure you get a ticket).

4. Take a photo op in front of the Park Street church (or even attend a service).

5. Enjoy a performance in front of the Quincy Market (we saw jugglers and acrobats during our visit) and taste-test food samples at the market stands.

6. Climb 294 steps at the Bunker Hill Monument  (closes at 4:30pm).

7. Visit the MIT Museum in Cambridge on Saturdays, for free (Bank of America cardholders).

8. Roam through the theatre district and window shop along quaint pedestrian streets in Downtown Crossing.

9. Visit the Boston Public Library and explore the historic rooms and artwork.

10. Get a Boston Public Library Card and visit the New England Aquarium or the Museum of Science for free (applies to MA residents so find yourself a friend!)

11. Visit the Museum of African American History and join a free guided tour along the Black Heritage Trail (seasonal).  

12. In the summer, enjoy a free concert every Thursday night at 5:30pm on Copley Square.

13. Tour the USS Constitution (suggested donations apply; closed Mondays).

14. Take a free 45-minute tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery outside of Boston.  

15. Enjoy a run along the Charles River Esplanade. 

16. Visit Boston University on Wednesdays and enjoy free access to the Coit Observatory at 7:30pm (daylight savings time) / 8:30pm in the summer.

17. Tour the Commonwealth Museum and learn about Massachusetts history.

18. On Wednesdays, after 4pm, visit the Museum of Fine Arts. 

19. Get even more artsy and visit the Institute of Contemporary Art for free on Thursdays from 5pm-9pm, and the last Saturday of every month.

20. Take a classic Boston photo under the iconic CITGO sign at Kenmore Square.

Are you ready to Explore Boston with these free activities?

If you are loving these fun things to do in Boston for free, share this post with your friends and plan a fun getaway! It is a great city to visit on a weekend trip (similar to Philadelphia or DC) and, it is possible to enjoy good weather there too!

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