Top 10 Free Things to do in Boston
You don’t need a cent to enjoy what Boston has to offer! Check out these free things to do in Boston and have a rocking time on a dime – or less!
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Coit Observatory
- Self-Guided iPod Tours
- Boston Public Library
- U.S.S. Constitution Museum
- DCR Hatch Memorial Shell
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Castle Island & Fort Independence
- Bunker Hill Monument
Explore Faneuil Hall – the heart of Boston! You don’t need cash to stroll down Quincy Market’s packed streets. Gawk at vendors, street performers, and peddlers. Take in a magic show or watch a juggling act. Smell the aroma of local culinary favorites and relax on a bench with a book. For more about free things to do in Boston at Faneuil Hall go to: http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/.
On Wednesdays after 4pm, the MFA is free of charge. Soak in the culture of one of the country’s largest fine arts collections. Don’t miss the Japanese Art exhibits! The MFA’s Japanese Art collection is the finest – and most extensive – collection outside of Japan! For more about this free opportunity go to: http://www.mfa.org/.
Boston University’s astronomy department hosts free Public Open Nights at the Coit Observatory. Here you can see the stars, planets, meteor showers, and more! Learn about our sky from the experts while having a one of a kind astronomical experience! For more about free stuff in Boston at the Coit Observatory go to: http://www.bu.edu/dbin/astronomy/?q=AS_open.
Download a free MP3 tour and set off on your own personal audio tour of Boston! Choose from three in-depth and informative audio tours: Boston Harborwalk Tour, Fort Point Channel Tour, and Boston Public Garden Tour. Lose yourself in Boston area history set to original soundtrack background music. To download your free audio tour go to: http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/free.asp.
The Boston Public Library is an institution in Boston. The first public library in the country, the BPL owns over 6 million books. Browse the stacks, grab an intriguing paperback and relax in a cozy, overstuffed chair. For more about Boston free stuff at the Boston Public Library go to: http://www.bpl.org/.
Free, guided tours are available at the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. Step on board “Old Ironsides” and learn the history of this famous battleship and how it defended its country in the War of 1812! For more about this legendary warship – the oldest in America – go to: http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/.
Located on the Charles River Esplanade, the Hatch Shell features free outdoor concerts and events during the summer. Bring a blanket and a picnic meal and relax with your family! Take in a Boston Pops concert, or 4th of July fireworks! For more free stuff in Boston at the Hatch Memorial Shell go to: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/hatch_events.htm.
Thanks to Target, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission on Thursday nights. View the permanent collection that represents the best art being made today! Or, take a look at a number of temporary exhibits and installation pieces. For more about the ICA go to: http://www.icaboston.org/.
Tour this historic fort on Castle Island and learn about its role in Boston’s harbor defense. A beautiful locale – Castle Island features Carson Beach, a great location for family fun activities. Listed on the State and National Register for historic places, this 1834 fort is a great free destination for curious adventurers. For more about free things to do in Boston on Castle Island go to: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/castle.htm.
This 221-foot tall monument on the historic battle site of Breed’s Hill affords spectacular views of Boston from the summit. Climb the 294 steps to the top and see Boston spread out beneath you. To soak in the history of a major Revolutionary War site go to: http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/bunkerhill.asp.