Visiting Boston does not mean spending a lot of money. Boston is full of attractions and things to do, such as hiking, museums and restaurants, that do not cost you a dime. You just need to know when to go and what to look for to enjoy the free perks.
Boston is a historical city full of places with interesting pasts that will intrigue any history buff. If you'd like to experience the history of the United States, choose the Boston Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile long walk introduces 16 historical sites, including the location of the Boston Massacre and the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party started. Just follow the trail marked with red bricks and wear comfortable shoes for this two- to three-hour activity. Free maps are available at the Boston Common Visitors Center.
If you are traveling with kids, the New England Aquarium offers fun for the entire family without a cost. You can admire sharks and turtles in a huge tank or learn about whales through the Whale Conservation programs. Free general admission tickets are available through the Boston Public Library Museum Pass program. The passes are good for up to four people from September to June. Admission to the IMAX Theater, however, is not included.
Quincy Market is one of most popular places to eat lunch in Boston. With over one hundred food stalls, you can sample at the Fanueuil Hall marketplace on the first Wednesday of every month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 35 stalls featuring international foods.
Boston University organizes free stargazing events every Wednesday night at the Coit Observatory. Binoculars and university telescopes are supplied. Stargazing is a "weather permitting activity," so call (617) 353-2630 to confirm that the event is on and dress according to the weather. From October to March the stargazing begins after 7:30 p.m and from April to September after 8:30p.m. The event lasts about an hour, so be on time to fully enjoy it.
Boston is home for several museums. If you enjoy admiring artifacts and art, you know visiting several museums can be expensive. To attract more crowds, several museums in Boston offer opportunities to visit them for free during specific dates and times. You can visit Museum of Fine Arts for free on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m to 9:45 p.m, Harvard University Art Museums on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m to noon, the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Sundays from 9:00 a.m to noon and the Institute of Contemporary Art on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. In addition, the Museum of Science participates in the Boston Public Library Museum Pass program, and the Peabody Essex Museum offers free admission on the first Friday of the month from 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
