25 free things to do in Boston

31.08.2024 - 00:29 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 30, 2024 • 6 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The 1.6-mile Black