• 40 Free Things To Do

40 Free But Fantastic Things To Do In Boston


If you are considering visiting Boston for your next holiday, then you’ve made a very good choice. This city is bursting with culture and has a wealth of attractions to make sure you’ll never run out of things to do.

However, for the majority of us, money can limit the attractions and events we visit when we plan a break, and with this in mind, it makes thing much easier knowing there are also free attractions and events available too.

Thankfully, Boston is crammed full of exciting tours, events, museums, attractions and activities which don’t cost anything at all, ensuring that you can have a great time regardless of budget. Take a look at these 40 fantastic and free things to do in Boston.

Walks & Tours

The Boston Freedom Trail

Follow the red line which runs 2.5 miles around the city that leads you to 16 of the most historically significant sites in Boston.

The Black Heritage Trail

A free guided tour around culturally significant locations which were central in the movement which ended slavery in America.

Harborwalk MP3 Tour

Download the free MP3 tour guide and stroll along this fantastic waterfront whilst learning about its past.

Kennedy and Boston Irish Tour

Find out all about the routes of Irish culture in Boston and the rise of the powerful and influential Kennedy Family.

Beacon Hill Crime Tour

The beautiful area of Boston was host to a chain of brutal murders in the early 1960s, attributed to a still unknown ‘Boston Strangler’. Take a tour of the most important sites of this grizzly tale.

Cambridge and Harvard Tour

Home to one of the most influential centres of learning in the world, take a tour round this impressive location.

Fort Point Audio Tour

Explore this landmark neighbourhood with an MP3 tour guide. Take in important locations from history and pop culture which this area is rich in. 

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Sightseeing

Bunker Hill Monument

The location of the first major battle of the American War of Independence.The Monument and Lodge is a great reminder of this bloody battle. 

The State House

The oldest and possibly most important building in America prior to the revolution, this building is packed with intriguing history.

King’s Chapel

One of the locations on the Freedom Trail, this chapel is rich in history and is well worth a walk around.

Castle Island

This impressive structure has stood for hundreds of years and has been the location for a number of important military operations in America’s past.

USS Constitution

The oldest commissioned warship which is still in the water has plenty of stories to tell, fun for the whole family.

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Food & Drink

Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

See how one of the world’s most popular craft beers is brewed and even enjoy a few samples.

Central Bottle

Up to four nights a week, pop into this wine store and enjoy free tasting sessions and even a nibble of delicious cheese on the side.

The Urban Grape

Three night’s a week you can enjoy free wine tasting events at this store, perfect for wine connoisseurs and novices alike.

Play Pool at Flat Top Johnny’s

This great pool hall in Cambridge offers select free pool nights as well as other enticing deals.

Faneuil Hall (Replica Set of Cheers TV Show)

Enjoy a beer and some food in the bar “where everybody knows your name”.

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Culture & Entertainment

Colt Observatory

Enjoy looking at the wonders of space whilst learning a little about astronomy at the public open nights.

Shakespeare on the Common

Each summer the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company put on fantastic free productions of some of the playwright’s most famous works.

Symphony Hall

For lovers of music and performance, take a fee tour around America’s premier concert hall, providing an insider’s perspective of this great venue.

Massachusetts Historical Society

Lovers of history can fill their boots by taking a look around at brilliant collections of information and memorabilia from the history of the area.

Catch a Movie at the Hatch Shell

The famous outdoor venue shows free films on Friday evenings in the summer. Keep an eye on this year’s lineup.

Boston Green Fest

An annual three-day festival in Boston which showcases earth-friendly products and lots of arts and entertainment.

Boston College Arts Festival

Held annually in the spring, over 1,000 students present theatre, dance, poetry, film, art and more.

Beantown Jazz Festival

Every year thousands of people descend on Columbus Avenue to get their free dose of exceptional jazz, go take a look for yourself.

Dragon Boat Festival

This annual celebration of Asian culture centres around a rowing tournament and is accompanied with excellent, live music, dancing and martial arts demonstrations.

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Outdoor Activities

Pics in the Park

This fun program places professional photographers in parks around Boston who can give you informal tips to take better snaps.

Salsa in the Park

Enjoy a free 30-minute salsa lesson in the company of lots of passionate and energetic locals.

Arnold Arboretum

Part of Harvard University, it’s the oldest public arboretum in the US and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Parkland Games along the Charles

Get the blood flowing by partaking in some of the many park games available including paddleball, bocce ladder golf and more.

Revere Beach

If you visit in the summer and fancy catching some sunshine, look no further than this great beach.

Magazine Beach Bath House & Pool

If you fancy cooling off during the summer, head to the large public outdoor pool in Cambridge.

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Museums

Museum of Bad Art

Whether you love or hate art, this free museum will certainly put a smile on your face.

Museum of Fine Arts

For true lovers of art and history, this museum is an enchanting and thought provoking attraction not to be missed.

Russell Museum of Medical History

This presents exhibitions on 200 years of medical history and innovations Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Boston Fire Museum

Based in the old firehouse building, you can gaze at fascinating fire-fighting memorabilia. 

Museum of African American History

A fantastic collection of exhibitions detailing the difficult and thought-provoking history of black people in America.

Museum of Science

The museum runs Free Film Fridays at select times of the year where you can experience brilliant cinema on their IMAX screen.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A mesmerising collection of contemporary art, music and more, there’s something to enjoy for everyone. Is actually only free if your name is Isabella.

Children’s Museum

A Perfect way to keep the kids happy for hours on end, this museum is full of interactive exhibitions it intrigue and delight children of all ages. (technically not free, admission is $1 on Fridays).

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At the end of the day, Boston offers something for everyone and it’s great to know that you don’t need to spend money to have a great time. Of course, there’s just as many paid attractions and things to do, however why spend when you don’t need to?