Free Things To Do In Boston

Did you know that the city of Boston in Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the United States?

It’s clear to see therefore, why it’s home to so many incredible free activities and attractions.

Whether you’re looking to soak up some American history and culture, or you’d prefer to explore some of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, we’ve got something for everyone in our detailed guides below.

You’ll find the top 10 best free attractions in Boston, as well as all the top-rated paid activities in Boston in our extensive guide to the city!

Free Attractions in Boston

Top Rated Boston Attractions

Free

The Esplanade

The Boston Esplanade is a 17-mile stretch of bank along the Charles River and is most famously known for hosting the annual Fourth of July Gala.

A stroll along the Esplanade makes for a great way to spend an afternoon in Boston, or for keen runners, you’ll find plenty of pathways dedicated to getting your steps in and meeting your daily running goal!

There’s even a kids’ playground at the end of Storrow Drive...

New England Aquarium Admission Ticket in Boston

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Discover thousands of marine animals at the New England Aquarium! Meet green sea turtles and penguins, and watch seals and sea lions at play. See the new 200k-gallon Giant Ocean Tank with a vibrant Caribbean coral reef teeming with hundreds of tropical fish. You can also catch a film on the largest screen in New England!

    Exhibits:...read more
Free

Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library is one of the best free attractions in the city as there’s so much to enjoy there!

Take a free tour of the art collections and exhibits, or just make your own way around and admire all the fascinating historic books, as well as the various sculptures and paintings located throughout the Library.

The Boston Public Library is an attraction that’s better suited to those interested in contemporary...

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum which unlocks the experience of how the Boston Tea Party made huge impact on the American History. Visit the Museum and check out the artefacts stored from ancient times and also visit the theatre to watch films, while quenching your taste with Tea at Abigail's Tea room.
read more
Free

Walk the Freedom Trail

Did you know that there are 16 stops along the Boston Freedom Trail It’s often said to be the very best way to see Boston and as it’s completely free, it’s a perfect activity that the whole family can enjoy!

You usually begin the walk in the Boston Common, but you can easily pick up the Freedom Trail at any point along the 2.5-mile path.

Each of the 16 locations are significant to the history of the United...

The Art of Paul Pedulla

clock Duration: 60 to 90 m
  • This tour is an opportunity to explore the bubbling creativity of the SoWa art and Design district in the company of an experienced guide, and a small group
  • An hour or 1hour 30minutes long tour that allows tourists to explore the district independently, and interact with an acclaimed local artist
  • A chance to learn and
read more
Free

Harborwalk

The Harborwalk is one of the best free activities in Boston as it takes you along the city’s waterfront and through many popular neighbourhoods.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Charlestown, Downtown, South Boston, Dorchester and more, and if you walked the entire route from East Boston to Neponset River, it’d take you across a total distance of 47 miles!

There’s plenty of things to enjoy along the...

Immersive Klimt Revolution Boston

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Immersive Klimt was created by the world-renowned Master of Digital Art, Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi, whose block-buster Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit has been seen by almost 5 million visitors across North America.

    A rebel, genius and legend – Gustav Klimt explored and expressed colors, shapes and patterns without inhibition or...read more
Free

Sam Adams Brewery Tour

For beer fanatics, there’s really no better place to visit in Boston than the Sam Adams Brewery!

You can enjoy a free tour where you’ll get to see first-hand how the beers are brewed and learn all about the incredible and humble beginnings of the highly popular Sam Adams beer!

You can even try a few samples in the Tasting Room and while you do have to show proof of age-appropriate ID to sample the goods, the Brewery...

View Boston Observation Deck Admission Tickets

clock Duration: 1 to 2 hou
  • Experience Boston's most breathtaking skyline from the top floors of the Prudential Tower. Enjoy outdoor and indoor panoramic views, dining destinations and immersive exhibits - all in one place. Choose between 3 options when...read more
Free

Arnold Arboretum

Set upon an incredible 260 acres in Jamaica Plain in Boston, the Arnold Arboretum is a top free attraction to visit while in the city.

The vast expanse of free public space can be experienced from sunrise to sunset and you can enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens and open lawns.

Runners can also enjoy the numerous running trails located throughout the Arboretum, so even though you’re on vacation, you can still...

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

clock Duration: 1 hour 20
  • Explore Boston in the most comprehensive and interesting way using a Duck boat to travel through Boston (land and water). Do not miss any aspect of the city. Have an overview of what Boston looks like from the ocean view, and also enter deep into the streets of the city and explore its beauty from within.
read more

The Art of Paul Pedulla

clock Duration: 60 to 90 m
  • This tour is an opportunity to explore the bubbling creativity of the SoWa art and Design district in the company of an experienced guide, and a small group
  • An hour or 1hour 30minutes long tour that allows tourists to explore the district independently, and interact with an acclaimed local artist
  • A chance to learn and
read more

Immersive Klimt Revolution Boston

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Immersive Klimt was created by the world-renowned Master of Digital Art, Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi, whose block-buster Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit has been seen by almost 5 million visitors across North America.

    A rebel, genius and legend – Gustav Klimt explored and expressed colors, shapes and patterns without inhibition or...read more

View Boston Observation Deck Admission Tickets

clock Duration: 1 to 2 hou
  • Experience Boston's most breathtaking skyline from the top floors of the Prudential Tower. Enjoy outdoor and indoor panoramic views, dining destinations and immersive exhibits - all in one place. Choose between 3 options when...read more

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

clock Duration: 1 hour 20
  • Explore Boston in the most comprehensive and interesting way using a Duck boat to travel through Boston (land and water). Do not miss any aspect of the city. Have an overview of what Boston looks like from the ocean view, and also enter deep into the streets of the city and explore its beauty from within.
read more

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

clock Duration: 3 hours 30
  • This tour is specially designed to give all lovers of sea creatures. A mind blowing and memorable experience viewing some of the rarest sea creatures all in one tour. Get full commentaries from a professional naturalist who will tell you interesting stories about the characteristics of some of these creatures and help you appreciate nature
read more

Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • Are you looking for a brief refreshing and recreation tour? Then this trip is just perfectly right for you. Rest from the hassle of the day's work on this tour, take your partner along for the charming experience this tour unravels. Get the chance to ignite intimacy with your partner on this tour and enjoy the foods and beverages available on
read more

90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • A tour specially designed for you to relax and rest through while being entertained by live musical band and viewing the sun set on the harbour of Boston.
read more
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