Visiting a major city in the US, including Boston, can mean spending more than average on hotels and meals. Fortunately, Boston has a TON of budget-friendly (admission under $15) activities, so you can fit it within your budget or save to splurge on other areas of your itinerary. Here are 12 of my favorites!
1. The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that takes visitors to 16 major historical sites throughout the city. You may feel a bit like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz following the red brick trail, but instead of Kansas, you will be transported back to the era of the American Revolution. The trail takes you to the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s House, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church, among others.
2. Boston Commons / Boston Public Garden
Boston Commons is America’s oldest park and a prime spot for people-watching. It is 50 acres and contains a variety of fountains and memorials. The Boston Commons Visitor Center starts the Freedom Trail where you can pick up a map and learn more about this famous park. The Boston Public Garden is adjacent to Boston Commons and is the first botanical garden in the United States. While there, see if you can spot the “Make Way for Ducks” sculpture or the bench made famous by Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting.
3. Boston Public Library
The motto above the entrance to the Boston Public Library reads: FREE TO ALL. Visitors can pick up a booklet in the lobby to identify the main points of interest. There are also guided tours available daily. For the most current tour schedule, check out the library’s website. If you have some extra time, grab a seat in the courtyard to enjoy the sun and sound of the fountain.
4. Sam Adams Brewery Tour ($10)
Sam Adams remains the most well-known independent craft brewery in the country. They are famous for their Boston Lager, Sam Summer, and Oktoberfest. On the 45-minute tour, visitors learn about the brewing process while sipping on a Boston Lager followed by a tasting of some of their new “R&D” beers. For the beer aficionados, there are upgraded and VIP tours available.
5. Harvard Art Museum
If you cannot make it to the Museum of Fine Art (or are looking for a free art museum option), check out the Harvard Art Museum. It houses 50 galleries on three floors and has various programs daily. On the last Thursday of the month, they host a free night program from 5 PM to 9 PM with a DJ and local food and drink for purchase.
6. Harvard Museum of Natural History ($15)
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the most-visited attraction on the Harvard University campus. The exhibits range from wildlife specimens to dinosaur skeletons to the latest scientific information on climate change. As a bonus, the entry fee into the Harvard Museum of Natural History also includes entry to the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology.
7. Harvard Square
Harvard Square is a popular shopping district with tons of dining options. During the summer months, there are daily events for the community In addition to window shopping. Grab a sandwich or salad to go and head over to Cambridge Common.
8. Cambridge Common
Cambridge Common is a 16-acre park located right outside Harvard Square. One of the main features is the Alexander Kemp Playground. The littles can explore and burn off some extra energy at this unique playground built to mimic a natural landscape. It is a great place to have a picnic and unwind for the afternoon.
9. USS Constitution
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy and continues to be operated by a Navy crew. It was used in the War of 1812 and is commonly known as “Old Ironsides.” Visitors can board the undefeated vessel for free and learn more about the ship’s history in the museum, which has a suggested donation of $15 for adults. It is also worth walking around the Navy Yard, one of the original six naval shipyards in the United States.
10. Museum of African American History ($15)
The Museum of African American History shares the stories of the Black communities in the 18th and 19th centuries in Boston, focusing primarily on the contributions to the abolitionist movement. It is New England’s largest museum dedicated to the African American Experience. Visitors can also obtain information on the Black Heritage Trail, which is a 1.6-mile walk through the Beacon Hill neighborhood.
11. Harborwalk (Seaport)
The Boston Harborwalk is actually a 43-mile long walk stretching from East Boston to the north and Dorchester to the south. While there are many unique segments, including parts of the Freedom Trail and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the section in the Seaport neighborhood is worth a stroll for its stunning views of the harbor. Visitors walk by the Boston Children’s Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, in addition to parks, piers, and waterside dining options.
12. Rose Kennedy Greenway
For visitors who were in Boston or visited during the “Big Dig” years, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is the public park project that resulted from relocating the elevated highway underground. It is similar to the Highline in Manhattan with its focus on greenspace and collection of public art, but you will also find food trucks, a beer garden, and a carousel.
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