Free or Cheap Things to do in Boston on a Budget 2024
As a former Boston resident, I can tell you one thing that I can say with 100% certainty-
Boston is EXPENSIVE!
Sometimes it blows me away at what I used to pay for rent in relation to the small, SUPER-cramped room that I co-inhabited with my roommate in the South End neighborhood.
All of that aside, let me assure you that as daunting as it may feel to find free or cheap things to do in Boston, it is possible. Let me walk you through some helpful tips and suggestions that you can use to save money and visit Boston on a budget.
Read on for ways that you can save money and travel to Boston on a budget.
( Some of the links in this post are probably affiliate links meaning I might make a small percentage of any purchases you make. All opinions remain my own. For my disclosure policy click here. )
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favorite Resources!
Accommodations – I recommend Booking.com
Rental Cars – I recommend Discover Cars
Travel Insurance – I recommend Travel Insurance Master
Flights – I recommend Skyscanner
Free or Cheap Things to do in Boston
So what exactly can you do for free? Or maybe you’re looking for something cheap or affordable. We’re giving you our best list of things to do while visiting Boston that won’t break the bank. Enjoy!
1. Walk the Freedom Trail
Probably one of the most visited spots in Boston due to its history. This is a 2.5-mile-long red line that runs by 16 various historically significant buildings or places in Boston. Following the red line is kind of equivalent to following the yellow brick road in Oz, in my opinion. Sites include the Boston Common, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and even the site of the Boston Massacre and many others.
It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for a historic tour, The Freedom Trail is a perfect way to see all of the most notable historic buildings and spots. And it’s free! Can’t beat free.
You might be interested: Best things to do in Boston alone
2. Explore the Black Heritage Trail
Did you know that Massachusetts was the first state to declare slavery illegal? If you didn’t, you do now! History lesson refresher, this happened in 1783. If you’re interested in a walking tour to learn more about African-American history, you’ll appreciate the Black Heritage Trail located around Beacon Hill.
There are 14 sites located along this route, where you can grab a free walking tour map at the Abiel Smith school if you’re interested in a self-guided tour. Otherwise, there are many options for paid tours that you can look into to learn more about the history of slavery and the African American experience.
3. Explore Fenway Park
Typically you can buy tickets for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park for as little as $20 (standing room only option). However, if you’re on a time crunch or the team isn’t in town when you are, you can still check out the infamous ballpark by taking a tour. Be sure to grab a drink at the Bleacher Bar, which is a bar that was built under the stands.
Read more: Check out other Things to do in Boston at Night
4. Newbury Street
This street is one of the most well-known here in Boston. Newbury Street is made up of 8 blocks worth of shops and restaurants. All types of shoppers will be happy as there is something for everyone, from Urban Outfitters and Zara to Lucky Jeans and Chanel.
5. Harvard Yard
Ahhhh, the infamous Harvard Yard. This enchanting green lawn area filled with trees and snuggled in between the historic and timeless buildings of Harvard is one that should not be missed. While this spot isn’t technically in Boston (it’s in Cambridge), it’s Boston’s next door neighbor. It’s free and such a calming spot to snap some pictures or walk around taking in the historic looking campus.
6. Reserve a Spot at Coit Observatory
Interested in star-gazing while you’re here? There’s a free observatory night on Thursdays at the Coit Observatory. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, though, as this fills up fast!
7. Walk Through the Boston Public Library
It might seem kind of strange to be headed to a library when you’re visiting Boston (or on vacation in general) but let me tell you: this is not your average library.
From the moment you lay eyes on the building to the first steps inside, you’ll be captivated by what you see! You’ll walk in and find lion statues, murals by prominent artists, an Italian Renaissance-inspired interior courtyard, and a beautiful marble staircase that you won’t be able to resist snapping a picture of.
Related: The most instagrammable spots in Boston
8. Check out Brattle Book Shop
This is one of the oldest bookstores in the country, originally opened in 1825. It’s a family run (used) bookstore that carries over 250,000 items. It’s a cute little bookstore near the Boston Common that you should pop into if you get a chance!
9. Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art
Check out Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art Museum, which offers several exhibits showcasing contemporary paintings, sculptures, architecture and film, and photography. The intricately designed building is located in the Seaport area, offering stunning views of the water. The museum is free on Thursdays from 5pm-9pm.
Check out our post on other museums with free days or nights in Boston.
10. Stroll Along the Charles River Esplanade
The Charles River. Wow. As a former Boston resident, I have absolutely nothing but great things to say about this beautiful river.
If you’re walking, it’s a peaceful and scenic stroll along the river. You’ll see views of Cambridge and, if you walk on the Cambridge side, you’ll also have amazing views of Boston.
Pro tip: rent a bike and go at your own pace. You can stop to enjoy the scenery, but you’ll also be able to cover all 3 miles worth of the path in no time.
Related: Day trip to Newport, RI
11. Head to the Lawn on D
Lawn on D is a relatively new addition to the city that offers an outdoor hangout spot in the warm months of Boston. This green lawn is quite lengthy, and there are usually plenty of free activities year round. You’ll find corn hole, bocce ball, free WiFi, and light-up colored O-shaped swings (perfect for a travel shot).
12. Walk along Commonwealth Avenue
When I think of Boston, I think of a street like Commonwealth Avenue (also called “Comm Ave” to the locals). This is one of the most scenic and beautiful tree-lined streets. It is both my favorite in the summer as well as the winter.
It’s located in Back Bay, a block or so north of Newbury Street. You’ll find plenty of stereotypical Victorian brownstones to drool over with gorgeous walk-ups and gardens. Aside from these brownstones, the middle of the street is my favorite. I adore walking along under the tree-lined archway.
13. Explore the Boston Common and Public Garden
The Boston Common is equivalent to New York’s Central Park. It was created in 1634 as America’s first public park. You’ll find several paths to walk along with plenty of energy and activities (in the summer months). The Common contains Frog Pond (with ice skating in the winter) and even a merry-go-round.
I love the Common, BUT the Public Garden is my true favorite! It was the first botanical garden in America, and all I can say is that everything is beautiful! The swan boats, the bridge, and views of the skyline. This is a great place to stop, picnic, read a book, or soak in the view.
Related: Cheap or free things to do in NYC!
14. Harbor Walk
This walk along the waterfront areas of Boston extends well beyond 40 miles! There are several areas that you can walk along in and near downtown Boston, the Seaport, South Boston, and many other areas.
One of my absolute favorite spots on this pathway is a little stretch in the Seaport that overlooks Boston’s Financial District skyline. Check out the full map on the official site here.
15. Go on a Samuel Adams Brewery Tour
If you’re a beer lover, then a Samuel Adams Brewery Tour is a must-do in Boston. You’ll be able to see how this world-famous beer is made and maybe even sample a few beers along the way. Tours typically last about 45 minutes and are offered daily.
They offer several different tours or experiences, so you can choose the one that sounds most interesting to you. The Signature Tour is their most popular option and takes you through the brewing process from start to finish. You’ll also get to sample three different beers at the end of the tour.
Best of all, it’s close to free – it’ll put you back $10 for the tour. You’ll also need to make a reservation in advance, as space is limited. So if you’re looking for free or cheap things to do in Boston, this is it! You’ll get to learn more about one of America’s most iconic beers and enjoy tastings as well.
💎 Planning to visit multiple places in Boston and want to save 💰💰 on entrance fees? Check pricing on the Boston Go City pass for an incredible deal!
Map of Where to Stay in Boston
Where to Stay in Boston on a Budget
As Boston is known and listed to be one of the most expensive cities to live in here in the U.S., and not to mention the booming tourism industry, it comes with no surprise that its hotels can often come with this high price tag as well.
Good news: there is a way to avoid overpaying for a hotel while you’re here.
You do have to do your research and be smart about where you stay. But, since you’re here reading this post, you’re in luck as I’ve already done the research for you.
Here’s a brief list of the cheapest or most affordable hotels in Boston that you should book for your next visit:
YOTEL Boston (Seaport)
YOTEL Boston has an incredible rooftop with views of the Boston skyline! Not a bad place to stay even if just for that.
Rooms run small (but hey, which ones don’t at this price?) but with YOTEL Boston there are a lot of great perks included in your stay. You won’t even realize how small your hotel room is when you realize you have a 12th floor terrace with panoramic views of the Harbor and heated towel racks.
This spot is a little off the beaten path though, but offers one of the most affordable rates per night. If you’re willing to Uber or try your hand at public transit, I’d definitely recommend.
🏠 Check availability at YOTEL Boston
Boston Park Plaza (Back Bay)
A favorite hotel for visitors, the Boston Park Plaza is located in the Back Bay (Bay Village) area next the Boston Public Garden. It’s also a very short stroll to the Boston Common, restaurants and theaters nearby making it the perfect hotel for anyone needing a central and walkable location.
In my opinion, this is the perfect location for a Boston visitor since you’re straddling several different neighborhoods and a walk or quick Uber ride from anywhere.
Extra amenities include access to Lynx Fitness, a 24/7 very helpful concierge willing to point you in the right direction, and it’s pet friendly for those who might have a fur baby. The hotel website offers pretty cool specials for activities in and around Boston.
🏠 Check availability at Boston Park Plaza
The Charlesmark Hotel (Back Bay)
The Charlesmark is another hotel in the Back Bay neighborhood and also featuring very “cozy” rooms, if you catch my drift. From personal experience, this is such a great location and one that I walk near every single day.
It’s located on a main street that’s lined with stores, restaurants and more. Plus, it’s near Newbury Street, Commonwealth Avenue, the Boston Public Library, and Copley Square.
The prices for the location are unbeatable. You might be getting a small and basic room with fewer amenities than other hotels, but it’s worth it.
Services include: an outdoor patio, a lounge and martini bar, free luggage storage, along with a gym pass for $15.
🏠 Check availability at The Charlesmark
The Revolution Hotel (South End)
With a trendy upscale hostel vibe, the Revolution Hotel is located in the heart of the South End neighborhood, which is another great central location. The hotel features small rooms with the option to save money by choosing a room without a private bathroom. Bathrooms are easily accessible down the hall on your floor.
The lobby ambiance is both traditional and eclectic and has a high Instagram appeal. The staff here is very friendly and helpful and ready to help with your planning. The hotel is also pet friendly if you’re looking to bring your pet with you on your trip. Oh, and you’re a 10 minute walk to the Boston Common.
The idea of not having a private bathroom but one down the hall might be a little weird for you, so if you’re opposed to this idea, this hotel is probably not for you. If this sounds like a good way to save money, then this is a great hotel option here in Boston!
🏠 Check availability at The Revolution Hotel
Best Boston Travel Deals and Discounts
If you check out some of the admission costs for several museums and hot spots in Boston, you’ll find that maybe they aren’t expensive on their own. But, if you go to more than one attraction, these prices begin to really add up.
If you’re ready to check out some of the best spots here in Boston and you’re looking to go to at least 3 or 4 major spots, I highly recommend grabbing one of these visitor passes that can you save you upwards of 30%+ depending on which pass you decide works best for your trip.
I can’t recommend having some sort of city pass enough. In all of the cities I’ve visited, where I want to visit several ticketed places, I’ve gotten a discounted pass that saves money and (sometimes) even saves you time from waiting in line!
Keep in mind: if you’re not planning on visiting any of these ticketed places or you don’t plan on visiting more than 1 or 2, this pass might not be for you. However, if you are, read on.
There are two major deals for city passes offered in Boston as follows:
The Boston Go City Pass
Another popular option. There are 45+ attractions that participate with the Go City Pass of Boston. Even better, you can choose from 3 variations of passes if you’re interested in this program.
- #1 is ALL inclusive of all of the participating attractions
- #2 is a more customized option where you can select 3-5 attractions from the participating spots.
- #3 is a BYO (build your own) where you can select as many or as few attractions as you’d like for a fully customized discount package that works best for you.
Some of the most popular attractions participating on this pass include:
- Boston Duck Tours
- Freedom Trail History Guide
- CityView Hop on Hop Off Trolley
- Skywalk Observatory
- New England Aquarium Whale Watch
🔑 Check pricing on the Boston Go City Pass
Boston’s CityPASS
The Boston CityPASS offers a package that includes 4 top attractions in the city. Comparing what you spend on the pass to what you’d pay individually for each attraction, you save 45%, which is crazy good!
The CityPASS admission includes the following attractions:
- New England Aquarium
- Museum of Science
- Skywalk Observatory
- Boston Harbor Cruises -OR- Harvard Museum of Natural History
Depending on your trip, these attractions may or may not be at the top of your bucket list for Boston, so you’ll have to weigh that in your decision on choosing a discount pass. Personally, as much as I love the above options, I’d 100% opt for the second pass as it includes FAR more options for varied hobbies and interests.
The Boston CityPASS is a fantastic option for you IF you are not sure what attractions you would want to visit and would like to have four picked for you. If the above four listed sound super fun for you, then I’d say go for it as you save 45% off ticketed prices.
The CityPASS is NOT for you if you’d like to see other popular spots in Boston that aren’t listed above. Or, you want more flexibility in choosing which sights you get to see on your discount pass.
Walking Tours
If you’re not interested in the above discount packages, you can also look into Boston walking tours that cost as little as $25. If you’re more interested in a faster and less expensive way to see Boston, this is the best option for you!
No overpriced admissions prices, just a more economical and simple way to see the city. If I were in a crunch for time or didn’t want to spend a lot on attractions, I would personally opt for this.
👟 Check out a list of walking tours in Boston!
How to Travel to Boston on a Budget
When is the Best Time to Visit Boston?
Like any other city, there are peak tourism times in the year that are typically more expensive to visit than other times of the year. Typically most traveling occurs between May and October for the area making these months more expensive automatically.
If you’re willing to come during the winter (don’t recommend it). Boston is meant to be a walking city, and I doubt you’ll want to walk when it’s FREEZING out. If you’re willing to brave it, November or “spring” months might work, but the weather is much too sporadic to predict.
I’d suggest booking a flight well in advance (or at a random time of the week) or taking the train (Amtrak).
How to Travel from the Boston Airport
Getting from the airport to the downtown area is a lot easier than you might imagine considering how very close the airport is to the city. Of course, there are the conventional ways of navigating- taking an Uber or a Lyft. There’s also public transportation which is what I would suggest if you can handle it. It’ll save you lots of money.
I’d suggest taking the free Massport Shuttle to the Airport Center station on the blue line (the T, remember) and taking it downtown and getting off at Government Center to make the transfer to whichever line is closest to where you’re staying.
In my opinion, the absolute best way to get from the airport to downtown (the Back Bay area) is to take the Logan Express shuttle. You won’t have to transfer, so you can just sit tight until the bus is dropping you off. It’s FREE to take downtown, but you’ll pay $3 if you use it to head to the airport.
How to Get Around Boston on a Budget
Put on your walking shoes! Welcome to a compact-sized city that you can easily walk, but you’ll be tired by the end of the day, wondering how on earth you managed to walk 12 miles in one day.
You know how they say in Manhattan, the residents walk off the food that they eat (i.e, bagels, pizza, pasta, etc.)? It’s the same here. Side note, go ahead and enjoy that heavenly garlic-saturated pasta you’re likely to order in the north end. 🙂
Parking in Boston
Not sure if you’ve ever driven around a city desperately searching for open parking spaces or garages that don’t put you out over $50 or more for the day, but I have. And it’s truly miserable. There’s honestly nothing worse than having your stress levels rise so much from something that shouldn’t be the focus of your trip.
If you have to park, just note that the garage prices can be extremely high. I’d check out sites like SpotHero to see if you can find any good deals.
Take Public Transit – the “T”
As a former in-the-know Boston resident, I would HIGHLY recommend taking public transportation (if you like that kind of thing) or using Uber or Lyft to get around. Boston’s transportation is pretty simple once you get the hang of it, and I think parking can be a bear with all of the tourists and small, winding, and CRAZY streets. You can thank me later.
You have a few options with public transportation. The MBTA consists of Boston’s subway system (called “the T” to local residents), ferry systems, buses, and commuter rails. Depending on what part of the city you want to visit, you’ll more than likely take the T. Find a map of the T and commuter rail lines here, along with pricing and schedules.
Best Cheap Eats in Boston
I’m sure that you’ve seen a list of all of the really expensive places to eat in Boston, right? You might be thinking it’s time just to pack a Ziploc bagged sandwich for the day, but I can assure you that there are more options for you!
Cheap Boston eats that you can grab while visiting that won’t make you run through your bank activity asking why on earth did I order a $20 salad?
- Thinking Cup – One of my favorite coffee shops; pastries & sandwiches (Gluten free options). They have breakfast sandwiches ALL DAY.
- Tasty Burger – Classic burger & fries kind of place with milkshakes (Gluten free options). So yummy!
- Santarpio’s – Cash only pizza spot with fantastic thin crust style pizza (non Gluten free). Grab a slice.
- Mike’s City Diner – well-known all day breakfast spot. Great food and great prices!
- Saloniki Greek – Greek food at a great price in the Fenway area.
- Boloco – A variation of Chipotle but not quite. Offers several sizes of bowls and burritos for a good price. I love “the summer” bowl which comes with mango salsa!
- Mike & Patty’s – Known for their sandwiches, located in the Bay Village neighborhood area.
My biggest travel tip for finding cheap food also consists of looking on Groupon for restaurant specials that might be going on when you’re visiting. You never know what you might find!
Boston Food Crawls by Neighborhood
While I could go on and on about great cheap restaurants or foods in Boston, I’ll spare you for now.
I’ll most likely end up creating another post specifically about cheap eats for Boston. Sign up for my newsletter to make sure you’re notified when I publish this, as you won’t want to miss out!
Summary: Free or Cheap Things to do in Boston
Boston can be an expensive city to visit, but if you know where all of the good spots are it can be pretty affordable. There are so many free or cheap things to do in Boston that it’s almost impossible to capture in one post.
So whether you’re interested in exploring Boston history, its culture and arts, or even its sports, there’s plenty of fun to be had on a budget.
—-
What are your favorite budget travel tips? Have you seen or done any of these in Boston?
