20 Free & Fantastic Things to Do in the Greater Boston Area
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldest & most influential cities. For history buffs, there is no better destination. Home to The Freedom Trail, gorgeous old architecture, and numerous notable landmarks, the city is rich in historical significance. It’s always been one of my favorite cities to visit and since moving to the Providence metro, I have been exploring a lot.
In addition to top notch museums and historical landmarks, you will also find many beautiful parks and gardens. Fortunately, many activities in the city are free, so if you are short on cash you can still enjoy a wonderful trip to New England’s largest and most influential city. This is one of the things I love most about Boston (and many other Northeastern cities), is that there is always a free alternative when you need it. In fact, many of the best activities actually won’t cost you a dime including the famous Freedom Trail which takes you through a historical journey of important landmarks.
No matter which season you decide to visit, your eyes will get to feast on the most incredible architecture. Fall is a particularly scenic time to visit with every area surrounded with the tremendous colors of the season. I have really enjoyed leaf peeping in and around the city. There are also so many free hiking areas and year-round events to attend. No matter what time of the year you visit, you can expect a fun, scenic, educational, & relaxing experience, all rolled into one.
Take a look a look at my guide to my favorite freebies in and around the city. I have mostly included attractions right in the city and a few within a 30-45 min max drive.
1. The Freedom Trail
Boston’s scenic 2.5 mile route takes you along a fun & educational journey past the city’s most historic sites, including: Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, the Site of the Boston Massacre, the Bunker Hill Monument, and many more. The brick-lined path is easy to follow and the architecture along the way is absolutely gorgeous. Take this opportunity to learn more about the history of this beautiful city; you won’t regret it. This is definitely the must-do here, no matter what time of the year you visit. If I had to pick just one activity for new tourists, this is definitely it. Please check out my detailed guide and trail map to help guide you along on your journey.
Tip: Be sure to climb to the top of Bunker Hill Monument – the views are outstanding!
2. Blue Hills Reservation
There are so many gorgeous hiking areas located so close to the city. This is another thing that I really love about this area – you get to enjoy a great mix of urban and recreational activities. My favorite hiking destination, Blue Hills, is located a short 20 minute drive outside of the city. Take this opportunity to escape the crowds and traffic for a day of hiking or biking at this picturesque nature oasis. This 6000 acre rural escape is so close to the city, yet so far away. From the Skyline Trail (a rough, yet scenic 7 mile adventure adventure), you will hike up to an observation deck where you will be treated to top notch views of the city and even better views of the surrounding hilly landscapes.
Hiking through the heavily wooded trails at Blue Hills is so peaceful and relaxing that you will forget you are anywhere near a big city. This is a good thing when you need a break from the tourist congestion. With 100 miles of trails to choose from, there is something here for everyone, from the advanced hiker to the nature walker.
On a side note, this is a wonderful place to leaf peep – I like to hike the short Red Dot trail up to Elliott Tower to enjoy the red and orange leaves.
Tip: Visit during October and take a fall foliage chairlift ride at the Blue Hills Ski area.
3. Bunker Hill Monument
Your Boston experience is not complete until you climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. Trekking up the 294 steps to the top is a challenging, yet exhilarating experience. Don’t worry – your hard effort will pay off. After climbing up seemingly endless staircases, you will get to take in one of the best free views of the city. Your legs may be burning, however, your eyes will be enjoying the sky high view.
An amazing workout + tremendous views + free admission=an absolute must do in my opinion.
Tip: If you are not in the best of shape, plan your climb as a separate experience from walking the trail. Although Bunker can be easily accessed from the trail, the trail itself is an all day exhausting experience! Adding an intense climb after a 3 mile walk may not the best idea for everyone. If you are interested in history, you can take a stroll around the Bunker Hill museum.
4. Arnold Arboretum
The beautiful Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is America’s oldest public arboretum. It’s one of the most beautiful places near the city to take a relaxing walk away from big tourist crowds. As you tour the beautiful grounds, you will be able to explore over 14,000 plants from around the world. This arboretum is a beautiful escape from the city congestion: a place to stroll, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Best of all, unlike most arboretums, there is no admission fee! What I love most about this garden is the incredible bonsai collection.
Tip: There are great views of the Boston skyline from Peter’s Hill, located at the southern portion of the arboretum.
5. Boston Common
America’s oldest public park and the starting point of The Freedom Trail, is not only beautiful, but also alive with interesting events all year-round. During the fall season, this park is one of the best sites in the city to take in the amazing bright foliage. Frog Pond transforms into one of the country’s best ice rinks each winter. Spring and summertime means gorgeous greenery and blooming plants. Anytime of the year, this wonderful urban park offers the perfect ambiance for a leisurely stroll before heading out to other area activities. I love the city views here!
Tip: Be sure to visit during the annual tree lighting held at the end of November/beginning of December each year. This festive free event includes live music and a free ice skating show.
