Boston is a vibrant city, chock full of history. But if you're not a history buff there's still plenty to see and do.
Getting Around Boston
The best way to get around Boston is to use its transportation system.
Boston's most popular public transportation options include the subway (usually called the "T"), bus, commuter rail, water taxis, and ferries, all under the management/regulatory umbrella of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Don't forget too that Boston is beginning to go fare free public transportation!
Specifically, the MBTA has implemented a free bus program on routes 23, 28, and 29, which will remain free until March 2026. Additionally, the SL1 bus and Massport Shuttle from Logan Airport are also free.
If you're here just for a visit, you're most likely to use the T and water taxis, plus several other ways of getting around: rental cars, land taxis, Boston's bike-share program ("Hubway"), city tour trolleys, and of course the easiest and cheapest of all: walking.
Don't take an Uber from the airport if you're flying into Boston. In addition to Boston’s high Uber costs, you also have to pay a $3.25 “airport facility charge.
Instead, know that Boston provides free transportation from Logan Airport into the city via: The T, Silver Line.
The Silver Line (bus) picks up at all airport terminals and drops you off at South Station where you can transfer to the Red Line (subway) for free and use that to get everywhere else in the city.
Boston's compact size means you can walk to most tourist, cultural, and entertainment destinations in less time than retrieving your car from a hotel parking lot would require - not to speak of the hassle of navigating through Boston traffic and then finding and paying dearly for parking near your destination!
Trust me, you don't want to drive in Boston unless you absolutely have to! (I also bring my bike along)
Another option for arriving to Boston on a budget is to check with your hotel to see if they offer a free or reduced fare airport shuttle or other transportation options. Some Boston hotels I know offer free airport shuttles include:
Getting around Boston on public transportation saves you time, stress, and money.
I personally like combining sightseeing tours with exploring on my own. A fabulous way to do this is to utilize the Hop On Hop Off Trolley system.
See interesting places you want to explore along the way?
Just hop off - and then hop back on again once you're ready. You can do this as often as you like while your trolley pass is valid - typically for one or two days.
Viator had the cheapest tickets I found for $48 per day per adult for a 1 day pass, $78 for a 2 day pass. Discounted rates for children.
The best hop on hop off trolley tour is the Boston Old Town Trolley Tour.
Hop On Hop Off Trolley
If you want to walk Boston and are interested in some self-guided tours, here you go:
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Greenway Walking Tour - Explore diverse attractions along the Rose Kennedy Greenway
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Boston Walking Tour for a Rainy Day - Short walk around Boston's historic center
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Winter Walking Tour - See the most picturesque parts of the city under a blanket of snow
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Boston Victory Gardens - Historic community garden near Fenway Park, plus the Kellerher Rose Garden
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Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary - See 3 iconic Boston attractions, including Fenway Park
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Running the Charles River Loop - Best running loops around the river
Free Tours by Foot offers popular tours on a “pay-what-you-like” model, and where you pay after the tour is over (so you get to decide how much the tour was worth). This is Boston on a budget… where you get to decide the budget.
Before You Go...
Check into Boston City Pass to see if it's worth your while to get one.
Right now there's a 30% off code here
Check out the Go City pass as well.
The Go City Boston pass has two options:
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One where you choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions – This is great because you get to choose which attractions you visit.
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Another where you choose how long you’ll be in town–1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days–and you get to visit as many of the attractions as you like in that time.
The good news is that you don't have to have a big budget to make the most of your trip to Boston. The city is home to a variety of free or low-cost activities and attractions, including:
For more free things to do in Boston, click here.
CHECK OUT A MUSEUM PASS
If you live locally or know someone who does, you (or they) can check out a “museum pass” from the Boston-area network of local libraries. I have a friend who lives in Boston that got me one and it saved me a few bucks.
These passes are available for many of Boston’s best museums and attractions, are good for more than just one person, and all offer either free or reduced admission.
For instance, currently the library’s museum pass offers:
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free admission to the USS Constitution Museum for up to 9 people
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½ off admission to the New England Aquarium for up to 4 people
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$10 admission for 2 people to the Museum of Fine Arts (typically $25 per person)
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$5 admission for up to 4 people to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (typically $20 per person)
And this is just a sampling of the many ways you can visit Boston’s attractions for less than full price. These passes can be “checked out” from your local library via the website with just a standard library card.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Likewise, many museums/attractions are free or reduced price on certain days or at certain times. For instance, you can get:
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$5 admission to the Museum of Fine Arts every Wednesday beginning at 3 pm (they close at 4:30)
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Free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art every Thursday from 5-9 pm
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$1 admission to the Boston Children’s Museum every Friday night from 5-9 pm and half price admission during the last hour of the day every other day of the week *both currently on pause
But be sure to check each attraction individually to be sure. Try searching for: “[name of attraction or museum] free days”
Accommodations
Hotels in Boston can be pricey, especially if you visit in the peak summer season. But there’s always the option of renting a VRBO instead. Get that “living like a local” feeling while visiting Boston on a budget at the same time.
Check this out...I stayed on a yacht in the marina! 2 bedrooms, could sleep 5, heat and AC, fully functioning galley with convection oven, salon with TV, both staterooms had their own attached bathrooms, a beautiful aft deck with furniture. I paid just a hair over $400 per night. A decent hotel room for 4 with a kitchen would've cost at least $2000 (if not more) in Boston.
VRBO is definitely the way to go in Boston and there are lots of different kinds of accommodations available that fall under that category: apartments, studios, condos. You can even rent a houseboat to stay on.
Attractions
For those on a budget, there are so many low cost or free things to see and do in Boston.
THE FREEDOM TRAIL
I first walked the Freedom Trail as a teenager (before we had apps) and it was soooo interesting. Now you hve a variety of ways to see the Freedom Trail. You can walk it without any kind of tour, although you'll miss the historical significance of what you're seeing; you can do a guided tour with guides in colonial period costumes or you can download the Freedom Trail Boston Guide. The app is “free” to download, but once in you’ll still have to purchase the Freedom Trail guided tour. But at just $6.99 for the full Freedom Trail tour, it’s much less than booking a guided tour.
Not to be missed on the Freedom Trail:
PAUL REVERE HOUSE
There is an admittance fee to tour the inside of the Revere house:
$17 Adult
$15 Senior/Student
$8 Child (Ages 6-12)
Free Child (Under 6)
Money $aving Tip: Check out ways to save on your tickets here
I've included some interior photos of the house so you can determine whether or not to spend the money to see the inside of Paul Revere's house:
USS CONSTITUTION & USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM
Photo credit: USS Constitution Museum
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The public can see “Old Ironsides” depart and return from the pier at Charlestown Navy Yard. Traditionally, the Ship departs at approximately 10:00 am and returns between 1 pm – 2 pm.
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South Boston’s Castle Island is the location of a 21-gun salute around 11-11:30 am. The public is welcome at this South Boston location where crowds traditionally gather.
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Additionally, the Ship can be seen from points along the Boston Harborwalk.
The museum is free to visit but because donations keep it open and running, the museum suggests the following donations:
The Museum has suggested admission tiers of:
Pay it Forward: $25 per person
Standard: $15 per person
Reduced: Free – $10 per person
Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, the Museum provides an immersive experience that highlights the legacy of “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and a wealth of artifacts, visitors can explore the ship’s storied past, its pivotal role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on USS Constitution.
I found the USS Constitution and its museum to be the most interesting part of the Freedom Trail, especially the museum.
Next 'don't miss' item on the Freedom Trail: OLD NORTH CHURCH
Photo credit: Natl. Park Service
Photo credit: Flickr
“One if by land, and two if by sea!” With two lanterns shining from its steeple on April 18, 1775, Old North Church lit the way for the American Revolution.
This is a beautiful old church with 300 years of history behind it - and a few surprises as of late! A mural that had remain hidden under layers and layers of white paint since 1912 was just discovered and restored, as was a crypt beneath Old North Church.
Enjoy our Crypt Combo Package for $10 or ONLY $9 when you book online! The package includes a self-guided tour of the crypt where 1,100 people are laid to rest, our immersive audio guide, and general admission to the new exhibit in the church’s sanctuary. Starting September 18, we’re also offering After-Hours Crypt Tours, a special 45-minute guided experience.
Old North Church is still a functioning Episcopal church that holds services Sundays at 11am. All are welcome to the inclusive religious services. Advanced reservations are welcome. Please click here to reserve.
For the kids, the church has a scavenger hunt as well as a fun exhibit on childhood in its North End.
Old North Church is open for tourism Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and on Sunday from 12:30 – 5pm.
Here's a free downloadable app to help you explore Old North Church.
Old North Church offers a variety of admission packages, starting at only $5.
BOSTON MASSACRE SITE
The Boston Massacre Site charges a small admission fee, but you can
gain free entry with a GoBoston Card. Additionally, all National Park Service sites, including the Boston Massacre Site, offer free admission to everyone, although other fees may apply.
Photo credit: Freedom Trail
OLD CORNER BOOKSTORE
Photo credit: Freedom Trail
Constructed in 1718, the Old Corner Bookstore is downtown Boston’s oldest commercial building and was home to the 19th-century publishing giant Ticknor and Fields, producer of many venerable American titles including Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Longfellow's Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, and the Atlantic Monthly including Ward Howe's Battle Hymn of the Republic.
For cyclists:
Plan on taking a full day to walk the Freedom Trail, especially if you have little ones in tow.
BOSTON COMMONS
Photo credit: Get Your Guide
Boston Commons is the oldest park in the U.S. and it's totally free to visit. It's along the lines of NY's Central Park but much prettier.
The park includes ballfields, a tot lot and the Frog Pond, which provides skating in winter and a spray pool for children in the summer.
There's also a carousel for the kids to ride. $4 per ride.
Friends of the Garden offer free guided tours of the garden, all you need do is show up for the tour.
Tours convene at the Ducklings statue. Please plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to your tour.
Tours last about one hour and cover approximately one-half of the Public Garden (from Beacon Street to the bridge). Your tour guide will be wearing a green apron. You may want to bring a hat, sunblock, and water on warm days.
Money $aving Tips: Free August Adventures is a special program hosted by the Highland Street Foundation that offers free admissions to selected attractions in Boston on Fridays.
Pick up a Boston or New England guidebook for the rest of your visit. (Save money by getting the e-book!)
BUNKER HILL MONUMENT & MUSEUM
The Bunker Hill Monument and Grounds commemorates the Revolution's first major battle.
On June 17, 1775, New England soldiers faced the British army for the first time in a pitched battle. Popularly known as "The Battle of Bunker Hill," bloody fighting took place throughout a hilly landscape of fenced pastures that were situated across the Charles River from Boston. Though the British forces claimed the field, the casualties inflicted by the Provincial solders
from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire were staggering. Of the some 2,400 British soldiers and Marines engaged, some 1,000 were wounded or killed.
To climb the Monument, enter the Bunker Hill Lodge. Last climb is 30 minutes before closure.
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Only 20 people are allowed in the Monument at a time.
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The Monument may close for climbing due to weather conditions and/or other safety considerations.
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Standard Hours:
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Sunday: Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
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Monday - Tuesday: Closed.
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Wednesday - Saturday: Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Museum Hours
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Standard Hours:
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Sunday: Open 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
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Monday - Tuesday: Closed.
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Wednesday - Saturday: Open 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
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Admission is free to both the monument and the park.
MINUTEMAN NATIONAL PARK
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
I suggest you start your tour of Minuteman Park with the 27 minute multimedia show, "The Road to Revolution".
The show gives you the background of the park and what you'll see there.
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
Located at the Minute Man Visitor Center, this award winning, multimedia theater program gives an excellent introduction to the historic events of April 19, 1775.
"The Road to Revolution" multimedia presentation shows during their open season of May - October each year. It runs every 30 minutes starting at 9:00 a.m. The last show runs at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. The show runs 27 minutes in duration.
This show runs when Minute Man Visitor Center is open. For specific days and times check the Minute Man Visitor Center page.
Minute Man offers a variety of ranger programs to the visiting public. These programs run from Memorial Day weekend in May through the end of October.
Hike the Battle Road Trail.
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775.
In some areas the trail leaves the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests.
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Visit the Maps and Directions page for more parking information and pick up a park map at the Minute Man Visitor Center.
Visit Hartwell Tavern.
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. The tavern sits on a beautifully restored section of the battlefield and is the heart of our Living History operations at Minute Man. The grounds around Hartwell remain open sunrise to sunset.
If you visit during the operational season, you will have an opportunity to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about popular drinks consumed in the 18th tavern room!
During the summer and fall National Park Service staff will also conduct musket firing demonstrations outside the tavern.
Park at 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA, walk dirt path 1/4 mile north to Tavern.
Visit the Meriam House
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl Park
Built around 1705, the Meriam House has seen significant change in its 300 year history. From sustainable agriculture to bloody battles, this home has witnessed incredible events. We invite you to come explore the house and learn about the fateful events of April 19, 1775, and the generations of 3 families that once lived here.
Parking is located at 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742
The Nathan Meriam house is located roughly 700 feet west along the Battle Road Trail.
For the kids, join the Junior Ranger Program
Photo credit: Minuteman Natl. Park
The park welcomes interest in Minute Man National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger Program. It is a seasonal program run in the park annually from May 7 to October 31st.
The Junior Ranger program at Minute Man was designed as an in-person experience for Junior Rangers and their families to complete onsite. As a result, booklets are only available at the park; they are unable to mail them, so be sure to complete the activities before you leave the park to be eligible for a badge.
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to guide your exploration of the park at Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington or North Bridge Visitor Center in Concord. Complete the activities as you visit different sites in the park. Before you leave, show your work to a park ranger at either visitor center to get your Junior Ranger badge!
Admission to the park and everything in it is free.
BOSTON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Photo credit: Boston Children's Museum
The Boston Children's Museum is a great place to take the kids. Heck, even I enjoyed it as an adult.
You can take a virtual tour of the museum here.
The Museum is open Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesdays. Advance tickets/reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, school vacation weeks, and TJX $1 Sunday Afternoons.
On the first Saturday of each month, the Museum opens at 10:00. Hours are subject to change, please check calendar on ticket purchase pages.
If you wish to redeem Museum passes, Go City passes, or to pay in cash, please call 617- 426-6500 option 0
or e-mail Orders@BostonChildrensMuseum.org to make a reservation.
Regular admission for adults or children is $24. There is no admission fee for infants under 1 year old.
Money $aving Tip: $1 admission to the Boston Children’s Museum every Friday night from 5-9 pm and half price admission during the last hour of the day every other day of the week.
*This offer was on pause during the government shut down so call first to see if the offer has resumed. 617- 426-6500 option 0.
BOSTON TEA PARTY SHIPS & MUSEUM
Photo credit: Heroes of Adventure
At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, you can be a part of the famous event that forever changed the course of American history through a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels!
Storm Aboard the 18th Century sailing vessels Brig Beaver and Eleanor!
Experience life at sea aboard an 18th-century sailing vessel as you join a Son of Liberty and take part in the “Destruction of the Tea”! Throw tea into the very same body of water where the Boston Tea Party took place over 250 years ago. (Yep, you'll really throw tea into the harbor!)
Griffin's Wharf is ocated on the same body of water where the Boston tea Party occurred over two centuries ago. Explore the open air deck and full-scale replica 18th century sailing vessels, as well as the other cargoes that accompanied the fated tea to America. Meet the Sons and Daughters of Liberty and learn about the Boston Tea Party of 1773!
Protected and preserved for more than two centuries, the Robinson Tea Chest is the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Experience the compelling history of this significant artifact from its humble beginnings in China through the Boston Tea Party and being handed down through the generations. The Robinson Tea Chest is proudly displayed at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum from the permanent collections of Historic Tours of America, Inc.
Our multi-sensory film, “Let It Begin Here®”, dramatically depicts the events of April 19, 1775, including Paul Revere’s famous “Midnight Ride” and the beginning of the American Revolution.
Barely 16 months after the tea was destroyed in Boston Harbor, militiamen rallied on Lexington Green as the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. The theater’s panoramic movie screen places you in the middle of the battle action as you see, hear, and feel the sensations of horses galloping, soldiers marching and muskets firing through the countryside. Join the ranks of the militiamen as they stand against the British Regulars.
[Note: The film can be loud and intense for some. Museum tour Hosts will remain present should guests require assistance or exit.]
Admission varies by day so check here for what admission would cost and to purchase tickets.
General admission to the ships and museum is between $35 and $40.
Tour Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Discounted Parking Located at:
The museum is located at 306 Congress St.
BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN
Yes, Boston Public Garden is home to the infamous swan boats...
In 1634 the Common was created as America’s first public park; it was practical and pastoral with walkways built for crosstown travel. In contrast, the Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. It was decorative and flowery from its inception, featuring meandering pathways for strolling. Two centuries separate the Boston Common and the Public Garden, which was established in 1837.
Admire the rich and unusual plants, the Lagoon, the monuments and fountains, and the Swan Boats created and operated for over 100 years by the Paget family.
Boston Parks and Recreation Department grows all the plants used in bedding-out the Public Garden in their greenhouses. Over 80 species of plants are cultivated there for future plantings in the Garden and more than 50 other locations around the city.
CHARLES RIVER ESPLANADE
Photo credit: TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova
Just over a bridge from Beacon Hill is the Charles River Esplanade, a three-mile, 64-acre park that runs along the Charles River. This area is a Boston staple and where you'll find runners, boaters and families spending time outdoors, whether it's doing fitness activities, going to the playground or attending an event. The Esplanade is found between the Boston University bridge and the Museum of Science. Here you can rent kayaks, grab a beer at the pop-up Night Shift Brewery Owl's Nest (seasonal) or spend your 4th of July experiencing the annual Boston Pops Independence Day Concert and fireworks at the DCR Hatch Shell.
(If you've never heard the Boston Pops play that alone is worth a trip to the Esplanade!)
The Esplanade Association offers free guided walking tours on the Esplanade to share the park’s amazing stories, plants, and wildlife. Guided walking tours will last about an hour-and-a-half and cover roughly a mile of the Esplanade and over 150 years of history.
The Esplanade features several recreation areas as well as 3 different playgrounds for kids.
The park is free to visit and is open year round. Storrow Dr,, Boston
BOSTON HAYMARKET
Photo credit: Paul Marotta
The Haymarket is one of our country’s oldest open-air markets. It’s the perfect spot to stop by for fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and flowers of all kinds. It's also a station on the MBTA Green and Orange lines.
There are more than 40 independent vendors at Haymarket offering some of the best deals in the city on fresh fruit and vegetables, chicken and seafood, and even eggs and spices. These stands are all side-by-side along Blackstone Street. Many people claim that if you were to buy the exact items in a traditional grocery store that you’d pay three to four times the price. And if you go late in the day on a Saturday, it’s common that you can score deals even better than that.
Great place to go but be sure to read HAYMARKET TIPS before going!
Aside from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Haymarket is open on Fridays and Saturdays year-round. Most of the grocers within the Blackstone building are also open during the week. Haymarket has no official hours, so most know it as being open from dawn to dusk, typically from around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., though the timeframe can be later during the longer summer months.
Admission is free. 100 Hanover St, Boston
By the way...The name “Haymarket” comes from the fact that in its early years, many of the merchants were farmers selling hay out of wagons, not only to feed horses but also to stuff mattresses. Over time, the marketplace mainly sold produce, but the name has remained to this day. The market is over 300 years old.
TAKE A DUCK BOAT TOUR
Photo credit: TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova
You'll see these funny looking vehicles driving around Boston. These are called Duck Boats.
Duck Tours are a unique experience that combines sightseeing and history while also getting to go out on the Charles River in the vehicle you just drove around the city in. If you want to see Boston via a Duck Boat, late-spring through early-fall is the perfect time to do so. They run from late March through late November, though peak season for all things related to tourism in the city is certainly during the summer months when the weather is nice and warm.
However, there are only 3 places you can pick them up for a tour:
The Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the Prudential Center.
All are near major tourist attractions, MBTA stations and dining.
Money $aving Tips:
Make an online reservation for the 9 or 9:30 a.m. tours from either the Museum of Science or Prudential stops and get an Early Duck discount. (Remember that online-only stipulation: If you show up in person to buy tickets for the early tours, you won't get the discount.) It's also worth noting that only a portion of tickets are released online, so it's still worth checking one of the ticket booths if tickets for the date you want to go are sold out online.
There's also the Ride & Save program for those also planning to visit the Museum of Science and New England Aquarium: Show your Duck Boats ticket and get discounts off the museums' admission, café, gift shop, and theaters. You can also get a free tour of Harvard Square with your Duck Boats ticket, plus numerous discounts at the Prudential Center and other Boston restaurants and gift shops. So save that ticket stub and put it to work – you can save quite a lot!