Quick Summary:

  • Boston is filled with New England charm, a diverse culture, beautiful parks, and historic legacy.
  • This list of free things to do in Boston includes a wide variety of what the city has to offer.
  • Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Boston's Freedom Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Boston's Freedom Trail | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Bokicbo - Fotolia.com

2. USS Constitution ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

USS Constitution | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Chris - Fotolia.com

3. Boston Esplanade

Boston Esplanade | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of jStock - Fotolia.com

4. Commonwealth Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Commonwealth Museum | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Enrico Della Pietra - Fotolia.com

5. Edgar Allan Poe Square

Edgar Allan Poe Square | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Aleksandrs - Fotolia.com

6. Massachusetts Historical Society

Category: Attractions
Massachusetts Historical Society | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Massachusetts Historical Society

7. Massachusetts State House

Massachusetts State House | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of skylarkstudio - Fotolia.com

8. Boston Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
Boston Public Library | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Papa Bravo - Fotolia.com

9. The Bunker Hill Monument

Category: Activities
The Bunker Hill Monument | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of jStock - Fotolia.com

10. The Boston HarborWalk

Category: Activities
The Boston HarborWalk | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Tupungato - Fotolia.com

11. Emerald Necklace

Emerald Necklace | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of finnegan - Fotolia.com

12. Forest Hills Cemetery

Category: Activities
Forest Hills Cemetery | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Enrico Della Pietra - Fotolia.com

13. Black Heritage Trail

Category: Activities
Black Heritage Trail | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of travelview - Fotolia.com

14. Boston University's Coit Observatory

Category: Attractions
Boston University's Coit Observatory | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of passmil198216 - Fotolia.com

15. Blue Hills Reservation

Category: Activities
Blue Hills Reservation | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of k_samurkas - Fotolia.com

16. Boston Common and Public Gardens

Category: Activities
Boston Common and Public Gardens | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Dmitrii - Fotolia.com

17. Boston Harborfest

Category: Activities
Boston Harborfest | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of nd700 - Fotolia.com

18. Irish Heritage Trail

Category: Activities
Irish Heritage Trail | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of rusty elliott - Fotolia.com

19. Sam Adams Brewery

Category: Food & Drink
Sam Adams Brewery | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Sam Adams Brewery

20. St. Anthony’s Feast

St. Anthony’s Feast | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Olga - Fotolia.com

21. St. Patrick's Day Parade

St. Patrick's Day Parade | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of Savvapanf Photo - Fotolia.com

22. Street Performers Festival

Category: Entertainment
Street Performers Festival | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of johnalexandr - Fotolia.com

23. The Hatch Shell

The Hatch Shell | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of twinsterphoto - Fotolia.com

24. The Rose Kennedy Rose Garden

Category: Activities
The Rose Kennedy Rose Garden | Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston
© Courtesy of ket68g - Fotolia.com

Summary & FAQ Boston's Freedom Trail USS Constitution Boston Esplanade Commonwealth Museum Edgar Allan Poe Square Massachusetts Historical Society Massachusetts State House Boston Public Library The Bunker Hill Monument The Boston HarborWalk Emerald Necklace Forest Hills Cemetery Black Heritage Trail Boston University's Coit Observatory Blue Hills Reservation Boston Common and Public Gardens Boston Harborfest Irish Heritage Trail Sam Adams Brewery St. Anthony’s Feast St. Patrick's Day Parade Street Performers Festival The Hatch Shell The Rose Kennedy Rose Garden

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