10 Best Free Things to Do in Boston

Boston Common and the neighbouring Public Garden comes high on any list of things to do within in the city. One can easily be accessed through the other. Boston Common is America’s oldest park and its history puts it on the Freedom Trail. The Garden is a sight in itself with lush weeping willows lining a pond that swans call home. The sway of the trees and its quaint suspension bridge helps to make the Garden one of the most relaxing and idyllic places in the city. Both the Garden and the Common are visited by locals and travellers to picnic or simply lie in the grass. As you walk around both grounds, look out for any historical monuments sitting between lines of trees. 

The Massachusetts State House, located in the Beacon Hill area of downtown Boston, is one of the most recognisable and oldest buildings in the city. Adorned with white columns along the front and a 23-karat gold leaf dome, it's considered one of the most impressive public buildings in America. On a sunny day, the golden dome gleams as far as Boston Common. Part of the Freedom Trail, the State House holds an important place in the state’s history within America. Free state house tours are on weekdays from 10am to 3.30pm. Look out for the gilded, wooden pine cone which sits atop the dome; it’s meant to symbolise the significance of the lumber industry to Boston’s economy and wealth.

Faneuil Hall sits among a bustling complex located near the waterfront. Nicknamed “The Cradle of Liberty”, the Hall has seen countless historic protests and speeches by notable figures such as Samuel Adams and James Otis, who encouraged independence from Great Britain.

The Hall is pleasant to wander around, with a cobblestone promenade marking the centre of a circle of markets. Quincy Market, South Market and North Market all sit along this arrangement and are filled with lively atmosphere. There's always something happening around Faneuil Hall, with many referring to it as “the hub of the hub”. Free historical tours of the hall are every Saturday at 11am.

The site of the Boston Massacre marks a time in history that saw conflict and tension amongst the Bostonians and the British Redcoats who occupied the city in the 1700s. The site is marked by a circle of cobblestones embedded into the traffic island between Devonshire Street and State Street. 

Although not as much of an attraction than other historical parts of the city, the site is definitely an important place to see in order to understand the full history of Boston. Especially since the Boston Massacre is thought to be one of the pivotal events that spurred on the American Revolution. 

Located in the lovely Back Bay area, the Boston Public Library is the second largest library in America, housing 19 million volumes. The Library consists of two main buildings, the McKim Building and the Johnson Building. The McKim Building is arguably the more attractive of the two with a gorgeous courtyard complete with a central fountain and lined with tall archways - reminiscent of European courtyards. Its magnificent Bates Hall boasts a coffered ceiling that stretches far over the green-lit lampshades and hushed readers. The Johnson Building was a late modernist addition and has been likened to a mausoleum. 

The art tour looks at the impressive collection of art treasures within both buildings, including works by Daniel Chester French and John Singer Sargent. There is one tour every day. Check the website for exact tour timings.

The USS Constitution is found in the Boston National Historical Park and allows visitors to feel what it’s really like to be in the quarters of an original sailing warship. As the oldest active commissioned warship in the US Navy, the ship and its museum has been very well maintained throughout the years. The ship is impressive in nature with its looming wooden posts and tightly stretched black rope and wooden base, which works to give the ship an image of authority. 

The interactive exhibits in the museum and the friendly staff enhance the experience even more by giving visitors an informative insight to life on the USS Constitution. There are free tours of the ship every 30 minutes every day except on Mondays.

The Old City Hall is a perfect example of the 'European' atmosphere that Boston holds. Opened in 1865, the Hall is one of the first buildings in the French Second Empire style to be built in America. The building is remarkable, particularly during the spring and summer months when green sweeping trees swarm the front of the Hall. Be sure to check out the City Carpet, a hopscotch mosaic sidewalk which marks where Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Charles Bulfinch were educated at the Boston Latin School. Also, within the grounds are statues of Benjamin Franklin, Josiah Quincy, and, interestingly, a life-size replica of a donkey. Read the plaque to find out why it’s there.

Beacon Hill is prestigious in nature – whether it be its architecture or the people who live there – Bostonians know this area as the little neighbourhood with a big history. Walking around the narrow little streets of Beacon Hill allow visitors to feel like they’ve entered a time machine. This is especially so on Acorn Street where photographers from all over come to take pictures of this charming cobblestoned street. It is one of the last places to actually have its original cobblestones in place. In fall, green and golden hues frame the pathway that slopes upwards. The area’s attractiveness is perhaps owed to the fact that it has retained much of its original Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture.

The Charles River Esplanade is found on the Boston side of the river, which separates the city from Cambridge. This 3-mile leafy path is littered with joggers at all times of day as well as flocks of wild geese. Whilst the geese are pretty to look at, be wary of them as they are easily riled up.

The best way to take in the charm of the esplanade is to start your walk from the Museum of Science and head towards Boston University. Along the way, you’ll come across playgrounds, marshes, places to rent sailings boats and buy refreshments (and ice cream!). A walk in this urban oasis also allows great views of Cambridge and a nice place to end your day.

The walking tour of Harvard University takes you across its extraordinary campus where hundreds of students go about their daily routine. The tour occurs outdoors where you can admire the university’s gorgeous green grounds; the Harvard Yard is a lovely place to read, eat or talk with coloured chairs available on the lawn. As you sit and people watch, get your sneak peek into life as a Harvard student. The tours last one hour and guides often tell amusing stories of the rivalry between Harvard and the city of Cambridge.