10 Best Free Things to Do in Boston

Boston Common and the neighboring Public Garden come high on any list of free things to do within in the city. One can easily be accessed through the other. Boston Common is America’s oldest park, and its history puts it on the Freedom Trail. The Garden boasts lush weeping willows that line a pond teeming with elegant swans. The sway of trees and its quaint suspension bridge helps to make the Garden one of the most idyllic places in the city. 

Both the Garden and the Common are visited by locals and travelers for picnics and relaxing within nature. As you walk around both grounds, look out for any historical monuments sitting between lines of trees.

The Massachusetts State House, located in the Beacon Hill area of downtown Boston, is one of the most recognizable and oldest buildings in the city. Adorned with white columns along the front and a 23-karat gold leaf dome, it's considered one of the most impressive public buildings in America. On a sunny day, the golden dome gleams as far as Boston Common. 

Part of the Freedom Trail, the State House holds an important place in the state’s history within America. Free state house tours are on weekdays from 10 am to 3.30 pm. Look out for the gilded, wooden pinecone which sits atop the dome; it’s meant to symbolize the significance of the lumber industry to Boston’s economy and wealth.

Faneuil Hall sits among a bustling complex located near the waterfront. Nicknamed “The Cradle of Liberty,” the Hall has seen countless historic protests and speeches by notable figures such as Samuel Adams and James Otis, who encouraged independence from Great Britain.

The Hall is pleasant to wander around, with a cobblestone promenade marking the center of a circle of markets. With over 40 vendors selling apparel, gifts, and accessories, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir. Head to Quincy Market for delectable street food including New England style chowder, hot dogs, and mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies. Don’t miss exciting street performances including acrobatics and concerts. Free historical tours of the hall are every Saturday at 11 am.

The site of the Boston Massacre marks a time in history that saw conflict and tension among the Bostonians and the British Redcoats who occupied the city in the 1700s. The site is marked by a circle of cobblestones embedded into the traffic island between Devonshire Street and State Street.

The site is an important place to visit if you want to understand Boston’s history, especially as the Boston Massacre is thought to be one of the pivotal events that spurred on the American Revolution. Part of the Freedom Trail, if you time your visit during March, you’ll get to watch reenactments of the battles that took place here, as well as the famous trials.

Located in the lovely Back Bay area, the Boston Public Library is the second largest library in America, housing over 22.7 million volumes. Peruse the endless shelves of tomes at your leisure, alongside guest art exhibits, children’s story time events, and various workshops and programs.

Take a moment to marvel at the grand McKim Building with its gorgeous courtyard, vaulted ceilings, and breathtaking Sargent Gallery. The art tour looks at the impressive architecture and vast collection of art treasures within, including murals by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes and works by sculptor Daniel Chester French. Tours take place daily but be sure to check timings before you visit. 

The USS Constitution is found in the Boston National Historical Park and allows you to explore the quarters of an original sailing warship. The oldest active commissioned warship in the US Navy, the ship and its museums offer insights into American maritime history with exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts.

For added, and totally free, entertainment, why not challenge your family and friends to a game of USS Constitution-themed minigolf or build your own impressive ship at the LEGO Brickyard? There are free daily tours but note that the ship itself is closed on Mondays and selected holidays. While the museums are open every day, they do have a suggested donation as an admission fee.

Boston's Old City Hall is a perfect example of the European atmosphere that Boston holds. Opened in 1865, the Hall is one of the first buildings in the French Second Empire style to be built in America. The building is remarkable, particularly during the spring and summer months when green sweeping trees swarm the front of the Hall. 

Be sure to check out the City Carpet, a hopscotch mosaic sidewalk which marks where Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Charles Bulfinch were educated at the Boston Latin School. Also, within the grounds are statues of Benjamin Franklin, Josiah Quincy, and, interestingly, a life-size replica of a donkey. Read the plaque to find out why it’s there.

Walk around the narrow little streets of Beacon Hill and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a time machine. This is especially so on Acorn Street where photographers from all over come to take pictures of this charming street, complete with its original cobblestones. 

In fall, green and golden hues frame the pathway that slopes upwards. The area’s attractiveness is perhaps owed to the fact that it has retained much of its original Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture. Visit historic places like the Charles Street Meeting House, catch a concert at the Charles River Esplanade, and study intriguing exhibits at the Museum of African American History, all for free.

The Charles River Esplanade, on the Boston side of the river, is a state-owned park which separates the city from Cambridge. The best way to take in the charm of the 3-mile esplanade is to start your walk from the Museum of Science and head toward Boston University for wonderful views of Cambridge. 

You’ll find plenty of green spaces for picnics and games, plus 3 separate playgrounds where little ones can scramble over climbing frames, zoom down slides, and soar on the swings. You’ll love the free guided tours, riverfront concerts, and fitness classes, too. Just make sure you check the website for timings in advance.

The walking tour of Harvard University takes you across its extraordinary campus where you can snap pictures of the incredible architecture and artifacts that have influenced the college’s history. The tour occurs outdoors where you can admire iconic grounds like the Harvard Yard, which is a lovely place to read, eat, or talk, with colored chairs available on the lawn. 

Your student guide might divulge amusing stories of the rivalry between Harvard and the city of Cambridge, as well as insights into the local history. Tours last up to 1 hour and take place most days but do reserve your spot in advance. Alternatively, download the Visit Harvard mobile app for a collection of self-guided tours.