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Free things to do in Boston

80 places in Boston with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 80.

Free things to do in Boston

  1. SeeAllston-Brighton

    1767 Milestones

    Milestone #6

    Proclaiming six miles to Boston, this milestone was placed here in 1729 by Paul Dudley. Once a part of a colonial "superhighway" called Boston Post Road, which stretched from downtown Boston to Wall Street in New York City. The settlers copped the idea from Native Americans, who called the trail Pequot Path and had been using it long before Europeans arrived. Seven markers remain in the greater Boston area. This one has somehow escaped being mowed down by a fire truck or errant moving van over the years. Can you spot the other one nearby? Hint: check out the library in Lower Allston.

    24 hours dailyFree

  2. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    54th Regiment Memorial

    This monument serves as a reminder of the brave men who, as one of the first official African-American military units in the US, fought for the Union during the American Civil War. The sacrifice and fighting spirit displayed by these men was instrumental in encouraging the enlistment and acceptance of African-American troops in the north. Still, unfair treatment was institutional, and the men of the 54th would receive only $7 per month, in contrast with the $13 paid to their white brothers in arms. Refusing this monthly paycheck became a point of pride among the soldiers, who would wait about 18 months to see their wages paid in full.

    24 hours dailyFree

  3. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Acorn Street

    Spend a quick moment at one of the most photographed spots in the city. Your social media feeds will reward you.

    24 hours dailyFree

  4. SeeJamaica Plain-Mission Hill

    Arnold Arboretum

    Almost 15,000 different species of plant live in this gigantic park, covering 281 acres! Swing by the office for the particulars if you're interested, or just start exploring. Don't miss the bonsai collection, some are over 250 years old. If you want to have a picnic in this gorgeous place, make sure to do it on "Lilac Sunday", the only day picnics are allowed. It doesn't look it, but this is actually an active research facility, staffed by 20-30 people year round. Harvard University founded the Arboretum in 1872 by combining two large country estates after their owners passed. It's still owned by Harvard today. The land was deeded to the City of Boston in 1882, and leased back to the university for a thousand years. How's that for long-term planning?

    Visitor center: 10AM-4PM daily, grounds: sunrise-sunset dailyFree

  5. SeeEast Boston

    Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

    This protected Saltwater Marsh is Boston's last, and the perfect place to stroll and explore during fall, spring and summer months. The park itself is 241 acres, and 28 of them are available to the public.

    9AM-dusk dailyFree

  6. DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Berklee Performance Center

    Owned by the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this performance space has something going on about 200 days out of the year. The college uses the 1200 seats at this location to present its most popular events, mainly featuring current students and faculty. Musical offerings such as the Singers Showcase, International Folk Festival, and the Beantown Jazz Festival all take place here.

    Box office: Mon-Sat 10AM-6PMFree to $100 depending on the date and performer

  7. BuyJamaica Plain-Mission Hill

    Bikes Not Bombs

    Shop for a new bike, or pick up some spare parts for your current one. You could even volunteer at this charitable organization that helps get bikes to both local youths and people in developing nations.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PMfree

  8. SeeDowntown

    Boston City Hall

    City Hall Plaza

    This area used to be known as Scollay Square and was demolished in the 1960s to build a new city hall for the city of Boston. The Hall is a hulking Brutalist architecture and an expansive brick plaza, contrasting sharply with the Fanueil Hall facade directly behind it. Some people love the bold choice of color, form and materials. Everyone else hates it, and considers it to be an eyesore of the first degree. The windswept plaza was mostly deserted until the city began holding seasonal events, festivals, and sports viewings here. Life is slowly creeping back to the center after Government Center station was rebuilt, and plans to make the area more pedestrian friendly are ongoing.

    Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PMFree

  9. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Boston Common

    Founded in 1634, this is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years, the Common has been used for everything, from grazing cows and livestock, to British encampments in the revolutionary period, to modern protests during the 20th and 21st centuries. Early after the city was founded, this was also the site of a town gallows, responsible for executing Quakers and "witches" alike. Today the Common is a nice spot for walking around and people-watching at all times of year. The Frog Pond, Central Burying Ground, and various monuments are all worthy of investigation, and scattered throughout the park. If you're visiting in winter, the big Christmas tree near Brewer Fountain is donated by Halifax, Nova Scotia, in thanks for Boston's help after an explosion there in 1917.

    7AM-9PM dailyFree

  10. SeeSouth Boston

    Boston Fire Museum

    The history of firefighting in Boston on display. Mostly artifacts from the 20th century, but a few items are much older. Only open on Saturdays, this museum is often overlooked, so you're likely to receive more of a personal tour from the staff. They're not burned out from saying the same thing over and over.

    Sat 10AM-4PMFree, donations appreciated

  11. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Boston Public Library

    BPL

    This is the headquarters of the Boston Public Library (BPL). This branch is defined by its two buildings, the original McKim building from 1895, and the newer Boylston building, opened in 1972. They were built to similar scale and use similar materials, but the ornamentation–or lack thereof–clearly separates them. The Boylston building completed extensive renovations summer of 2016; featuring a new cafe, radio station, and other amenities for the people of Boston. Don't miss the beautifully quiet interior courtyard, a place to spend a solitary moment reflecting in the heart of the city.

    Mon-Thu 9AM-9PM, Fri Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 1-5PMFree

  12. SeeDowntown

    Boston Stone

    Imported from England in the 17th century by a painter, today you can see the Boston Stone embedded in the foundation of a building in the Historic Blackstone District. No one really knows its exact function, or why it was placed there. The current theory is that it's 18th-century advertising for the shops and stores along this historic street; or a sort of London Stone copycat.

    24 hours dailyFree

  13. SeeEast Boston

    Bremen Street Community Park

    This sprawling 18-acre park in the heart of the neighborhood has bocce courts, Asian themed public gardens, playgrounds for the kids, as well as walking and bike paths.

    8AM-8PM dailyFree

  14. SeeCharlestown

    Bunker Hill Monument

    For the history buffs in the family there is the Bunker Hill Monument. Even for those who are unfamiliar with history that dates back to 1775 will enjoy the history lesson given on the site of this revolutionary war landmark. Climbing to the top of the monument is free, but during the months of April, May, and June, a pass must first be obtained from the nearby Bunker Hill Museum, which are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Mid-Mar to Nov: 9AM-5PM daily; Dec to mid-Mar: Mon-Fri 1PM-5PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-5PMFree

  15. SeeCharlestown

    Charlestown Navy Yard

    Boston Navy Yard

    Another Historical landmark are the grounds of the Charlestown Navy Yard, which was established over 200 years ago. The navy yard is located in the Boston National Historical Park, and from here you can access a visitors center, museum, and of course the USS Constitution and the Cassin Young.

    24 hours dailyFree

  16. SeeDowntown

    Chinatown Gate

    Paifang Gate

    Found at the corner of Beach Street and Surface Road this is the most visible symbol of Chinatown for tourists. The urban plaza on the east side of the gate was built as part of the Big Dig highway project.

    24 hours dailyFree

  17. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Christian Science Center

    Christian Science Plaza

    This strikingly beautiful site stretches out over almost 15 of the most expensive acres of land Boston has to offer. Functioning as the center of Christian Science in America, which is a metaphysical belief system professing "sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer alone". The Mother Church (1894) and its enormous extension (1906), are architecturally significant, seeming to flow into one another with fantastic detail. The long reflecting pool is great to stroll around and people watch. You'll also find a giant water fountain to the north end of the pool, a real hit with the kids during sweltering summer days.

    24 hours dailyFree

  18. SeeDorchester

    Commonwealth Museum

    Massachusetts Archives

    Operated by the Massachusetts Archives, this often overlooked museum takes musty old documents and brings them to life. Several exhibits showcase the State's own copies of the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, the original Mass Bay Colony charter from 1629, and of course the requisite ephemera from Paul Revere and John Hancock. This place is not on a lot of to-do lists, but it's definitely worth stopping in if you're doing the JFK Museum already.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM; 9AM-3PM Memorial Day-Labor DayFree

  19. SeeNorth End

    Copp's Hill Burying Ground

    The city's second cemetery founded in 1659, Copp's Hill Burying Ground contains more than 1200 marked graves. The remains of notable early Bostonians are interred here, including much of the Mather family; Samuel, Increase, and Cotton. During the Revolutionary war occupying British forces would use the headstones of particularly hated patriots for target practice. Visitors can still see the impressions made by musket fire in the gravestones today.

    9AM-5PM dailyFree

  20. SeeSouth Boston

    Dorchester Heights

    This is the spot from where George Washington and Henry Knox aimed their guns at the British ships occupying Boston harbor, forcing them to leave and breaking the siege. Today you will find a quiet park space with some signage, a little tower, and locals walking their dogs.

    Sunrise-sunset dailyFree

  21. SeeDowntown

    Faneuil Hall

    The Cradle of Liberty

    It was built in 1742 as a market building adjacent to a busy waterfront dock. Town meetings held here between 1764 and 1774 heard Samuel Adams and others lead cries of protest against the imposition of taxes on the American colonies. The building was enlarged in 1806. Social justice leaders like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Lucy Stone brought their struggles for freedom here in the 19th century. A museum and gift shop dominate the first floor. Most people pronounce it with two syllables like "FAN-yull", while a minority prefer the three syllable "fan-YOU-ull" pronunciation. You'll be fine as long as you don't say anything crazy like "fa-KNEW-lee".

    9AM-5PM dailyFree

  22. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    First Baptist Church

    Brattle Square Church

    Admittedly a "deep cut" of Back Bay churches, this building houses a congregation formed all the way back in 1665, during a time when being Baptist was a punishable offense. The current building was opened in 1872 and designed by H. H. Richardson, the very same architect of the more famous Trinity church anchoring Copley square. Another notable element here are the friezes seen ringing the top of the tower. These were carved on site by Frédéric Bartholdi, who would later create the Statue of Liberty in New York.

    24 hours daily, services Sun 11AM-noonFree

  23. SeeOuter Neighborhoods

    Forest Hills Cemetery

    Take in a festival, light lanterns, or visit the grave of E.E. Cummings in this 275 acre greenspace.

    7AM-dusk dailyfree

  24. SeeSouth Boston

    Fort Independence

    A star fort built around 1850 to provide defenses for Boston harbor. Today, the guns are long gone, and it's a great place to go exploring. Fantastic views are rewarded to those who scale its granite walls. Even if the fort is closed, the grounds are always open. It's a great place to see families picnicking, going for a stroll around Pleasure Bay, or out flying kites in the brisk wind blowing in from the water. Kids love seeing (and hearing!) the planes up close, as they make their final approach to Logan Airport.

    Thu 7PM-dusk, Sat Sun noon-3:30PMFree

  25. SeeRoxbury

    Franklin Park

    The crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace system of parks, Franklin Park brings together rural scenery, a woodland preserve, and areas for recreation and sports. Although funding for upkeep has been inconsistent over the years, the park's 485 acres provide thousands of city dwellers with unmatched green space. Take your time and investigate the old stone bridges and ruins scattered along the 15+ miles of rustic walking/hiking paths. Urban explorers shouldn't miss the Long Crouch Woods, site of Boston's first zoo, or the historic White Stadium, built in 1949, home of nearby public high school Boston Latin School's football team, and host of a large Black Panther rally back in 1969. A grand staircase, deteriorating for a century, arcs up to reveal a long arcade lined with giant bear cages built of iron. If you're looking for a more focused undertaking, check out the entries for the golf course and modern zoo below.

    24 hours dailyFree

  26. SeeDowntown

    Governor’s Alley

    Walk up these oddly placed steps just as British Royal Governors would have done 300 years ago. At one time they led up to a sumptuous governor's mansion, although George Washington put a stop to that in 1775. Today you'll find the Marliave's al fresco dining patio awaiting you in summer, and an unsightly dumpster or two when it's cold. Check the plaques for more information.

    24 hours dailyFree

  27. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Granary Burying Ground

    Founded in 1660, the Old Granary Burying Ground is Boston's third cemetery, and the final resting place for many members of the Revolutionary War. American patriots Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are all interred here, as well as Crispus Attucks and the four other victims of the Boston Massacre. Benjamin Franklin does not rest here, but he was born nearby, which is the reason for the obelisk you'll see bearing his name. The graves have been repositioned from time to time, but the remains below are usually still correlated with the names above.

    9AM-5PM dailyFree

  28. DoDorchester

    HallSpace

    A contemporary art gallery exhibiting work by both emerging artists and established but under-recognized artists. View the website to see the current exhibition.

    Fri–Sat noon–5PMFree

  29. DoAllston-Brighton

    Harvard Stadium

    Soldiers Field

    This historic stadium was actually where football's forward pass was invented, and modern field dimensions were defined. Buy your tickets way in advance for the big Harvard-Yale game. Root for them to lose, if only to hear the cruel Crimson chant: "It's alright, it's OK, you're gonna work for us some day!" The stadium and grounds will also occasionally play host to concerts and music festivals, like Boston Calling for example. When there aren't games or other events planned, get here early to run up and down the 1000+ steps with the rest of the post docs.

    Gates open dawn-duskFree-$50

  30. SeeRoxbury

    Highland Park

    Roxbury High Fort

    This site once contained earthwork fortifications built by the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston, and its clearly defendable location still offers sweeping views of downtown Boston. Fort Hill, the neighborhood's modern name, was inspired by these earthworks. The small park contains the Cochituate Standpipe, also known as Fort Hill Tower, built in 1869. It was once used to provide water pressure to area residents, but was only in use for a few decades. The tower makes a good point of reference when navigating Roxbury. Keep checking its location when you're worried about getting turned around.

    24 hours dailyFree

  31. SeeDowntown

    Irish Famine Memorial

    Two statues commemorate the 1845 Irish Famine, depicting a starving Irish family on their knees, and a well fed family walking away. The natural rise of the land here is used to great effect by the sculptor. As you walk up or down from the statues, it's easy to empathize with the predicament of either family. The physical pain of starvation and the emotional pain of leaving loved ones behind are each masterfully rendered in bronze.

    24 hours dailyFree

  32. SeeJamaica Plain-Mission Hill

    Jamaica Pond

    The jewel of Jamaica Plain, Jamaica Pond is the largest body of fresh water in Boston. Surrounded by 1½ miles of footpath, and connected to a series of other parks and ponds known collectively as "the Emerald Necklace." It's an extremely popular destination for walking, jogging, fishing, rowing, and sailing. Investigate the boathouse, where boats are available for rent during the Spring and Summer months. Due to the incident in 1929, ice skating is no longer permitted on the pond.

    Sunrise-sunsetFree

  33. SeeDorchester

    James Blake House

    Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition.

    3rd Sun of Each Month: 11AM–4PMFree

  34. SeeDowntown

    King's Chapel Burying Ground

    Predating King's Chapel, this cemetery was founded in 1630, and is the oldest in Boston. Notable figures buried here include: John Winthrop, first governor of Massachusetts, Mary Chilton the first European woman to step ashore in New England, and Elizabeth Pain, whose headstone supposedly inspired the book The Scarlet Letter.

    10AM-4:30PM dailyFree

  35. DoSouth Boston

    Lawn on D

    A fun outdoor space with food trucks, adult beverages, musicians and other performances. It was dreamed up as a temporary event spot to "build community" while awaiting the necessary permitting to build another luxury condo. The Lawn on D has proven popular enough that it has become a permanent fixture in the neighborhood.

    Sun-Thu 7AM-10PM, Fri Sat 7AM-11PMFree entrance, food $8-10, drinks $6-10

  36. SeeDowntown

    Liberty Tree Site

    Until August 1775, a beautiful old elm tree graced this spot. During the Revolutionary era, Bostonians met in the shelter of the tree, or as they called it: "Liberty Hall". Here they discussed new ways to flummox, humiliate, and resist the British at every opportunity. The tree—and the events that transpired here—became so popular in the minds of colonists that folks from Rhode Island to South Carolina soon christened liberty trees of their own. This particular tree was so hated by the British that it was quickly chopped down and used for firewood once the Redcoats captured Boston. Over the centuries the importance of this rebellious symbol has waned, and today it's been all but forgotten. The site's primary theme of overthrowing the government was deemed too incendiary for inclusion with the popular Freedom Trail. There is, however, a bronze plaque fixed in the ground nearby. You can also look above the Chinatown station entrance, as there's another marker for the Liberty Tree embedded within the brickwork. It's not much of a remembrance considering the site's import, but it's there and always worth a visit.

    24 hours dailyFree

  37. SeeEast Boston

    Lo Presti Park

    Shoot some hoops while taking in some of the best views of Boston's downtown skyline. The city made nearby luxury condo developers install this nicely appointed free park.

    Sunrise-sunset dailyFree

  38. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Louisburg Square

    Why should you visit this small private square fenced in by wrought iron? Well, its gorgeously preserved federalist architecture is unique to the country for one. These magnificent townhouses rarely trade hands, but when they do they command upwards of $11 million! Famous residents include, architect Charles Bulfinch, painter John Singleton Copley, and author Louisa May Alcott. Former Secretary of State John Kerry is a contemporary resident of the square.

    24 hours dailyFree

  39. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Marathon Finish Line

    Quite easy to visit 364 days of the year, this is the endpoint for one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world. The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1897, making it the world's oldest. On race day, streets are barricaded and lined with bleacher seating, and first aid tents spring up like mushrooms in Copley Square. If you like, pay your respects to the victims of the ghastly 2013 terrorist attacks here, but there is no permanent memorial at this site.

    24 hours dailyFree

  40. BuySouth Boston

    Market Stalls

    Boston Design Center

    The Boston Design Center is at the center of Boston's glossy new Innovation District. Similar to Merchandise Mart in Chicago, picture a variety of cavernous showrooms focused on every imaginable design discipline. For visitors, make sure to check out the Market Stalls area on the second floor. This eclectic 10,000 square foot marketplace features furniture, lighting, and art from the 17th to 20th centuries. Plan a little extra time for your visit, as there may be an event going on featuring prominent architects, chefs, interior or furniture designers.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMFree to look

Browse all 621 places in Boston

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0).