Boston, Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the United States. If you’re visiting Boston for the first time and want to save some money, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of 10 free things to do in Boston for some inspiration while you’re in Beantown.
1. Check out the Observation Deck at Independence Wharf
If you want to get the chance to see a view of Boston from a different perspective and not have to pay for it, this is the place for you. The Observation Deck, located right on the Boston Harborwalk will give you a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor and the Seaport area. All you have to do is enter the Independence Wharf building and show the front desk your ID. From there, you can go right up to the fourteenth floor where signs will point you in the right direction. You can stay as long as you like taking in views of the city.
2. Walk the Boston Freedom Trail
Experience almost all of Boston at once by exploring the historic Freedom Trail. This trail gives you the chance to walk along a 2.5 mile route and learn about 16 historic sites along the way. You can download a free app on your phone to guide you through the sites and sometimes you can overhear bits of information from nearby formal tours – just look for people dressed in colonial garb talking to a crowd. You’ll learn about the Boston Massacre, see Paul Revere’s House and experience Faneuil Hall. By the end of the trail, you’ll be an expert Bostonian!
3. Hang out at the Lawn on D
Not what you typically think of when you think of historic Boston, this modern green space is a place to go for lively entertainment, free Wi-Fi and games. This park is situated in the Waterfront District and is a place to go in the summer if you’re looking for free festivals, movies or concerts. The lawn also offers swings that will make you feel like you’re a kid again. What could be better than that?
4. Plan a Picnic at the Boston Common
If you’re planning a relaxing trip, taking a stroll through the Boston Common is definitely a must. This park is the oldest in the country and dates back to 1634! It’s a great place to go if you’re looking to take a step back from the bustling city life and plan a picnic near Frog Pond or enjoy a free play. The summer months are perfect for hanging out here in the warm weather.
5. Enjoy a Concert at the Hatch Memorial Shell
The summer months are a great time to grab a group of friends and enjoy a free concert at the Hatch. This outdoor concert venue is located on the Charles River Esplanade and is most famous for hosting the Boston Pops Orchestra every Fourth of July. If you’re not around on the Fourth for free music and fireworks, definitely stop by the Hatch during the week and on weekends for free concerts, movies and performances throughout the summer!
6. Run Along the Charles River
If you want a classic Boston experience, then you definitely have to check out the Charles River. With the Boston city skyline on one side, and MIT on the other, taking a beautiful run along the Charles River will help start your day off right. Or grab a friend and go on a bike ride or have a picnic along the Esplanade. Don’t miss out on seeing this famous river, it’s a completely free Boston hotspot!
7. Grab a Partner for Swing Dancing at MIT
If you’re looking to try something new, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has just the thing. The University offers swing dancing every Wednesday night from 9:00-11:30 PM. At times, there are also lessons that are held before the open dance starting at 7:30 PM. It’s a great place to meet locals or other college students in the Greater Boston Area. The classes are held in the Walker Memorial Building 50 on the first floor.
8. Visit Boston’s Art Museums
Many of Boston’s art museums offer discounts and deals for specific days of the week. You can also get student discounts with a valid Student ID at certain museums. If you go to the Museum of Fine Arts on Wednesday nights after 4 PM admission is free! The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers free admission on your birthday, if your name is Isabella or if you attend certain universities in the area. No matter where you choose to go, Boston has some of the finest art museums that will spark your creative side.
9. Stop by the Boston University Coit Observatory
Always wanted a place in the city to look up at the stars? Boston University can make your dreams come true with this observatory located right in the city. Admission is free, but it is recommended you reserve your spot ahead of time online. It’s open Wednesday nights throughout the year and the program opens at 8:30 PM during the summer months. Although there is always the chance of cancellations due to the New England weather, the observatory offers an amazing view of the stars on a clear night.
10. Take a stroll through the Kelleher Rose Garden
This gorgeous hidden garden right near Fenway Park and Back Bay Fens, is a sight to see. The park has over 1,500 roses and is a secluded secret garden that not many tourists know about. It’s a nice place for a walk especially in the spring and summer months. It’s open from mid-April to October so make sure you stop by during this time to take in the garden’s beautiful roses.
Excited to start exploring all that Boston has to offer? Check out these amazing deals on flights to Boston so that you can experience all these free things to do in this historic city!
