{"id":178,"date":"2019-02-04T12:00:59","date_gmt":"2019-02-04T12:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=179"},"modified":"2019-02-04T12:00:59","modified_gmt":"2019-02-04T12:00:59","slug":"27-free-things-to-do-in-boston-in-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/2019\/02\/04\/27-free-things-to-do-in-boston-in-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"27 Free Things to do in Boston in 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A
\nPosted:<\/strong> 2\/4\/2019 | Febuary 4th, 2019 <\/p>\n

Boston<\/a> is the city of my birth.<\/p>\n

So, of course, I’m a diehard fan of the city. It holds a special place in my hearyt. <\/p>\n

Boston is a historic city with roots that stretch back to the founding of the country. To me, Boston is more a collection of small towns than a big metropolis city like LA or NYC or Miami. We’re really just a bunch of townies. (All those Boston based movies that show hardcode neighborhood allegiance are spot on!)<\/p>\n

As a city with a lot of students, recent graduates, and young people, Boston is a relatively cheap place to visit as it has a lot of free things to see and do. <\/p>\n

From music events to museums to walking tours to beer tours to parks and beaches, there are many ways to save during your visit.<\/p>\n

Here’s a list of 27 free things to do and see in Boston! <\/p>\n

Free Things to See and Do in Boston<\/h3>\n

\"The
\n1. Walk the Freedom Trail<\/strong>
\nEstablished in 1951, The Freedom Trail covers 16 historical sites and stretches 2.5 miles. This red-bricked trail will teach you almost all you need to know about Boston\u2019s history. You can download an audio podcast<\/a> to accompany your walk or you can go on an organized tour led by one of Boston’s many historic characters. Expect to spend a few couple hours walking the trail and much, much longer if you enter every site along the trail.<\/p>\n

It’s the best way to get a feel for the city and its history and hit a bunch of historical sites on the way. If you do one thing in Boston, do this. <\/p>\n

2. Eat in Faneuil Hall<\/strong>
\nEveryone should eat in Quincy Market at least once. Grab your meal from one of the many restaurants in the colonnade, head outside to watch the people go by, and enjoy a street performer\u2019s show. The hall has been a meeting place in the city since the 1740s, and many speeches were given here about American independence before the Revolutionary War. After you’re done eating, walk around and spend an afternoon here people-watching<\/p>\n

4 S Market St, +1 617-523-1300, faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Open Monday-Saturday from 10am-9pm and Sunday from 12pm-7pm.<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Lay Out in the Common<\/strong>
\nThis is essentially Boston’s version of Central Park, with the Common dating back to 1634, making it the country’s oldest park. (Fun fact: There used to be a lot more fences surrounding the park, but in WWII the iron fences were taken and scrapped for the war effort.) Lie out, read a book, play some sports, or just relax. Wander around to the nearby Public Gardens, or sit by Frog Pond. It\u2019s a fantastic way to enjoy your day without spending a dime. In the summer, you can even take in a free Shakespearean play. <\/p>\n

4. Catch a Concert at the Hatch Shell<\/strong>
\nBRelax by the Charles River as artists play shows at the Hatch Shell. Built in 1928, It\u2019s here you can see the famous Boston Pops play on July 4th as well as a plethora of free summertime concerts. Sometimes the Hatch Shell even plays movies at night.<\/p>\n

47 David G Mugar Way, +1 617-626-1250, hatchshell.com. See the website for an up-to-date list of events. <\/em><\/p>\n

5. Head to Castle Island<\/strong>
\nCastle Island is located in South Boston and is famous for the fort located on it, Fort Independence (The fort was actually used as the first state prison. Ironic, huh?). The 22-acre island (which is technically a peninsula) extends into the harbor and has excellent beaches as well as running trails that are popular with the locals. There\u2019s a picnic area here, and you can explore the old fort for free. The place gets pretty busy on the weekends during the summer and you can often see school groups exploring the fort during the spring.<\/p>\n

6. Take a Tour of Harvard<\/strong>
\nFounded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America. Head to its home in Cambridge (Harvard Square Red Line train stop) and join a free tour to learn more about it. Learn about the university\u2019s history, architecture, programs, and myths. When you\u2019re finished, wander around the eclectic offerings of Harvard Square. There are a lot of good street musicians here. (Fun fact: Tracy Chapman got her start playing on the streets here.)<\/p>\n

Harvard University, +1 617-495-1000, harvard.edu\/on-campus\/visit-harvard\/tours.<\/em><\/p>\n

8. Free Beer Tours<\/strong>
\nSam Adams, a major Boston brewery named after the famous statesman and Founding Father Samuel Adams, offers free tours. They occur midafternoon and depart every 45 minutes. You get a few free samples along the way, too. If you\u2019re not over 21, don’t worry. You can still go and learn about how they make their beer and the history of the brewery. You just can’t sample it at the end.<\/p>\n

30 Germania St, +1 617-368-5080, samueladams.com. Tours are available Monday-Thursday and on Saturdays from 10am-3pm. On Friday, tours are available between 10am-5:30pm.<\/em><\/p>\n

9. Explore the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain<\/strong>
\nOver 260 acres of free public space is open here from sunrise to sunset. There are running trails, gardens, open lawns, and tons of flowers from all over the world. Relax among the plants and take a step back from the fast pace of the city. This place is much quieter than the Public Gardens and offers a bit more variety in plant life. They also have a huge Bonsai tree collection.<\/p>\n

125 Arborway, +1 617-524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu. Open daily from 7am-7pm.<\/em><\/p>\n

10. Tour the Massachusetts State House<\/strong>
\nIf history is your cup of tea, take a tour of the State House. You’ll learn about the building’s history, architecture, and how the state works. Built in 1798, this National Historic Landmark is well worth taking the time to see. Guided tours organized by volunteers and are available weekdays between 10am-3:30pm and last around 30-45 minutes (though you can also take a self-guided tour but its less fun).<\/p>\n

24 Beacon St, +1 617-727-3676, malegislature.gov. Open weekdays from 8am-6pm, but tours are only available from 10am-3:30pm. Admission is free.<\/em><\/p>\n

11. Climb the Bunker Hill Monument<\/strong>
\nThe Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was one of the first major battles during the American Revolutionary War. While the British eventually took the field, the American’s wore the British forces down much more than was expected. After the battle, the British were much more cautious in their advance, which gave the American forces much more time to prepare for the coming war. The monument stands 221-feet, and you can climb to the top free of charge. There is also a nearby museum which is also free.<\/p>\n

Monument Square, +1617-242-5601, nps.gov\/bost\/learn\/historyculture\/bhm.htm. Open daily from 9:30am-5pm. Admission is free.<\/em><\/p>\n

12. Visit the USS Constitution<\/strong>
\nCommissioned in 1797 and named by George Washington, “Old Ironsides” is a heavy frigate that was used in the War of 1812 and later in the Civil War. It’s the oldest ship in the world that is still afloat, and its popularity has stopped it from being scrapped on multiple occasions. The ship is permanently docked in the harbor and free tours are offered every 30 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to get a sense of what life at sea was life over 200 years ago!<\/p>\n

Charlestown Navy Yard, +1 617-426-1812, ussconstitutionmuseum.org. The ship is open daily from 10am-4pm (with extended hours in the summer) and the museum is open 10am-5pm (with extended hours in the summer as well). Admission is free, though the museum has a suggested donation of $10-15.<\/em><\/p>\n

13. Take a Tour of MIT<\/strong>
\nThe Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most famous universities in the world, known for its expertise in engineering and research. The campus, located in Cambridge, is a mass of buildings that are worth exploring to get a sense of what campus life is like and to see some very interesting art and architecture. You can pick up a free map from the information office and take a self-guided tour to explore this historic campus.<\/p>\n

77 Massachusetts Ave, +1 617-253-1000, mit.edu. <\/em><\/p>\n

14. Explore the Black Heritage Trail<\/strong>
\nThere are 14 sites located around Beacon Hill that make up this walking tour, covering important parts of African-American history. Massachusetts was the first state to declare slavery illegal (in 1783) and you can learn a lot about the history of slavery and the African-American experience by taking this tour. Free maps are available at the Abiel Smith School if you want to do a self-guided tour, though there are several companies that also arrange guided tours (with the map it’s very simple to do yourself though).<\/p>\n

15. Go Stargazing<\/strong>
\nThe Coit Observatory at Boston University offers free stargazing with telescopes and binoculars every Wednesday evening (weather permitting). It takes place outside (obviously) so just make sure to dress for the weather. There is limited space so you need to reserve your spot in advance.<\/p>\n

725 Commonwealth Avenue, +1 617-353-2630, bu.edu\/astronomy\/events\/public-open-night-at-the-observatory. Viewings are Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the autumn and winter and 8:30pm in the spring and summer. <\/em><\/p>\n

16. Visit a Free Museum or Art Gallery<\/strong>
\nBoston has a lot of world-class galleries and museums, with many offering free entry. Here are a few museums and galleries that offer free entry on certain days:<\/p>\n