Budget Activities in Boston
When Freedom Rings Free
Walking The Freedom Trail is free, as is entrance to 13 of its 16 attractions. For instance, the Massachusetts State House offers complimentary tours on weekdays. The spectacular views from the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, if you attempt to climb it, only depletes your energy, not your pocket change. In season (usually Memorial Day through Columbus Day), Boston National Historical Park hosts guided tours of portions of the trail for free—but you do need to reserve a ticket.
Walk Boston's Other Trails
The Freedom Trail’s success has spawned other no-cost, less formal pedestrian routes, including the Black Heritage Trail and the Norman B. Leventhal Walk to the Sea (www.walktothesea.com), which traces four centuries of civic development from Beacon Hill to the tip of Long Wharf. More niche options include Irish Heritage Trail (www.irishheritagetrail.com/boston) covering sites relating to Irish-American history in Boston, and the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail (www.bwht.org) that pays tribute to ladies who gained fame as suffragettes and artists.
Artsy Alternatives
Boston's cultural organizations consider the purse, especially for those who can be flexible. Most major museums waive admission during select time frames: the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on Wednesday after 4 pm, most times for ages 17 and under, and anytime for members of the military; the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston on Thursday after 5 pm, for ages 18 and under, and for families on the last Saturday of every month; the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for anyone named Isabella, and also for ages 17 and under; Harvard Art Museums on Saturday 10 am–noon for Massachusetts residents, and always for ages 18 and under, students, and military families. As for performing arts, Boston Symphony Orchestra hosts free, informative lectures on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm followed by a free tour of Symphony Hall; New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music both regularly offer free concerts and musical performances by rising stars. The Boston Public Library, filled with books, world-class art, and architecture, hosts free guided tours daily.
The Great Outdoors
When you’re ready for a rest, remember that the green in Boston’s parks comes from Mother Nature herself. If you've already spent time exploring the Public Garden and Boston Common, you can check out the Emerald Necklace, a 7-mile string of pocket parks designed in 1878 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted that includes gems like Jamaica Pond and Arnold Arboretum. Downtown, the Rose Kennedy Greenway features free diversions for the kids, including large-scale public art installations, interactive splash fountains, sitting areas, and a custom-made carousel. Boston HarborWalk offers visitors a bit of everything on its interconnected 43 miles of waterfront trails and pathways. Aside from scenic viewpoints (some with free binoculars), amenities range from interpretive panels to a pocket Maritime Museum at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel.
Holy Good Music
In Copley Square, the architectural marvel that is Trinity Church hosts free, 30-minute Friday lunchtime organ recitals at 12:15 pm. Along The Freedom Trail, King's Chapel presents free weekly recitals on Tuesday at 12:15 pm, where the music ranges from jazz to folk to medieval and classical.
