TD;LR

I love Boston. It has become one of my favorite US cities because it is so diverse, historically rich, and accessible. And it serves amazing coffee. However, Boston's reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. can be daunting, especially for budget-conscious travelers.

But don't worry. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to experience Boston’s best without spending a single dollar. Read on to learn more about my seven favorite free activities that showcase Boston's unique character, history, and natural beauty, completely for free.

Take A Walk Through the Boston Public Garden

Founded in 1837, the Boston Public Garden is America's first public botanical garden and a beloved green space in the heart of the city. Located next to Boston Common, the Garden is known for its meticulously landscaped flower beds, winding paths, and tranquil lagoon.

The Boston Public Garden was one of my favorite experiences during my visit to Boston. It features a beautiful Japanese-style garden with beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. It is a great place to relax and recharge. strolling through a picturesque spring scene at Boston Public Garden, surrounded by vibrant pink blossoms.

‍The Swan Boats: A Century-Old Tradition
One of the most iconic attractions in the Boston Public Garden is the Swan Boats, which have been delighting visitors since 1877. These pedal-powered boats were designed by Robert Paget, inspired by the opera Lohengrin, in which a knight rides a boat pulled by a swan. The tradition has been carried on by the Paget family for over a century, making it a quintessential Boston experience. If you're visiting between April and September, don't miss the chance to take a ride!

However, the most memorable experience was the surprisingly tame squirrels in the park. They were so curious and came so close that you could pet them if you put out your hand. Some even climbed up my arm or jumped at me as if trying to imitate Bruce Lee.

Discover Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the US. A visit to Harvard Yard offers a glimpse of iconic buildings like Massachusetts Hall and Widener Library, blending history and beauty.

The World's Greatest Academic Library
With more than 20 million volumes, the Harvard University Library System is the largest academic library system in the world. It includes more than 70 libraries, each with a unique focus, from the Harvard-Yenching Library (which focuses on East Asia) to the Law School Library. While Widener Library is the largest library at Harvard, each library comes with its unique history and collection focus. Houghton Library, for example, is Harvard’s primary repository for rare books and manuscripts, housing treasures like a Gutenberg Bible.

If you are interested, you can participate in student-led tours, which provide an insider's perspective on university life and traditions. These tours are free and take you around the historic campus to learn about its architecture, famous alumni, and contributions to science. Unfortunately, I found out about them too late, but I will definitely do them next time.

You can also visit the famous statue of John Harvard in Harvard Yard, often referred to as the "Statue of Three Lies". The inscription on the statue reads "John Harvard, Founder, 1638," but all three parts are false. John Harvard was a benefactor, not the founder; the College was founded in 1636, not 1638; and the statue is not actually of John Harvard, as there were no known likenesses of him - it is modeled after a student.

Aside from visiting the Harvard Yard campus, it is certainly relaxing to just walk along the Charles River and soak up the atmosphere, and if you are walking along the Charles River, consider crossing the Harvard Bridge, which connects Boston to Cambridge. The bridge is famously measured in "Smoots", a non-standard unit of length named after an MIT student who has become a quirky piece of local history. I recommend visiting during sunset.

You can then combine your visit with a stop for dinner at Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, a Harvard Square institution since 1960, known for its creative burgers named after politicians, celebrities, and local figures. I have not tried it myself, but the pictures of the burgers online look very nice.

Window Shop on Newbury Street

Newbury Street is Boston's premier shopping destination. This tree-lined avenue boasts an array of upscale boutiques, trendy clothing stores, and art galleries.

My personal shopping highlight was DICK’S House of Sport, a huge 3-story sporting goods store with impressive decor. It's a must visit if you're looking for additional sports accessories.

Aside from the shopping experience, Newbury Street is just a beautiful place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. I returned a few times because I loved the atmosphere so much.

Newbury Street also has some great restaurants. Though Newbury Street is one of Boston's priciest areas, there are still great dining options for budget-conscious travelers. My favorite restaurant in Boston was Piattini. They specialize in homemade pasta, which is just incredible. Be sure to reserve a table in advance, decor is also b as it is very popular. Another great option is this incredible ramen shop - go for the Red Hot Miso!

Newbury Street: Reflecting Italian & Second Empire Architecture
The iconic brownstones that line Newbury Street are more than just beautiful - they're historic treasures. Built during the development of Back Bay in the late 1800s, these Victorian-era buildings showcase the architectural trends of the time, from Italianate to Second Empire. Each building tells a story of Boston's past, and many still retain original details such as intricate stonework and gaslight-era light fixtures, making a simple stroll down Newbury Street feel like a step back in time.

Explore Boston Public Library

A must-see among free things to do in Boston, the Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848, is a cornerstone of the city's cultural and intellectual life. Located in the Back Bay just off Newbury Street, its main branch, the McKim Building, opened in 1895 and was the first major free municipal library in the United States.

A Treasure Trove of Rare Books
The Boston Public Library houses an extraordinary collection of rare and historic books, including first editions of works by William Shakespeare, Galileo, and Sir Isaac Newton. One of its most prized possessions is a first edition of John James Audubon's The Birds of America, an enormous and exquisitely illustrated book that is one of the most valuable printed books in the world.

The Boston Public Library is known for its vast collection of over 23 million items, including rare manuscripts, first editions, and maps. Architecturally, it's a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance design, with murals by John Singer Sargent and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. It's a must-see if you're in the area - it's more like a museum of fascinating art and architecture and is simply beautiful to explore.

The library's mission, reflected in its motto "Free to All," emphasizes accessibility and public service, making it a vibrant center for learning, the arts, and community events.

Stargaze at Coit Observatory

Located atop the Boston University College of Arts & Sciences building, the Coit Observatory is a hidden gem for stargazers in the city. Named for the benefactor who funded its construction, the observatory provides an excellent vantage point for observing the night sky.

Every Wednesday night, Boston University's Coit Observatory offers free stargazing (weather permitting) for visitors who can use the observatory's telescopes to explore celestial objects such as planets, stars, and the moon.

A Unique View of the Boston Skyline
‍In addition to stargazing, visitors to Coit Observatory are treated to a unique view of the Boston skyline. The observatory's rooftop location provides a panoramic perspective of the city, blending the bright lights of Boston with the distant stars above.

Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. in the fall and winter and 8:30 p.m. in the spring and summer. Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early as there is no admission once the show begins. For more information about the free stargazing program, visit the Boston University website.

Although I missed this one due to bad weather, it's still a top pick on my Boston things-to-do list, especially if you're fascinated by exploring the universe at night.

Enjoy Panoramic Views from Independence Wharf

Independence Wharf in Boston is a modern office building with a rich historical backdrop, located on the waterfront along the Fort Point Channel.

Site of the Boston Tea Party
‍Independence Wharf is located on the historic site of Griffin's Wharf, where the Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773. During this iconic event, American colonists protested British taxation by dumping 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor, a pivotal moment in the run-up to the American Revolution.

Independence Wharf honors its legacy with a free rooftop observation deck that offers panoramic views of Boston Harbor and connects visitors to the city's revolutionary past. Please note that it closes every day at 5 pm - I missed it.

Although the view of Boston from Independence Wharf didn't look too spectacular on Google Maps, you might as well take the opportunity to see it for yourself. The Independence Wharf observation deck is free anyway.

Browse 300-Years-Old Books in The Brattle Book Shop

The Brattle Book Shop, located in the heart of Boston, is one of the oldest and most beloved antiquarian bookstores in the United States. Founded in 1825, the store has been a book lover's paradise for nearly two centuries. Some of their books are over 300 years old!

The Brattle Book Store offers an extensive collection of rare, used, and out-of-print books, with three floors of treasures ranging from classic literature to historical texts.

A 75+ Year Family Tradition
The Brattle Book Shop has been owned by the Gloss family since 1949. Three generations of the family have run the store, with current owner Kenneth Gloss continuing the tradition. Ken Gloss is a well-known figure in the rare book world and has even appeared as an appraiser on the popular PBS program Antiques Roadshow.

It offers a vast collection of rare, used, and out-of-print books, with three floors filled with treasures ranging from classic literature to historical texts.

What makes the Brattle Book Shop truly unique is its open-air bookstore, where shoppers can browse shelves of discounted books in a small outdoor setting. Yet this historic store is a literary landmark that draws locals and visitors with its rich history and the promise of discovering hidden gems.

In my opinion, the Brattle Book Shop is a great place to stop by, but not mandatory on your list of top things to do in Boston.

Final Words

Boston may be known for its high cost of living, but there are plenty of ways to explore the city's best for free. So next time you're in Boston, take advantage of the city's rich offerings with these free activities and make unforgettable memories without the price tag.

For those willing to spend a bit more, don’t miss my guide to Boston’s top 6 historical attractions—each offering a deeper dive into the city’s pivotal role in American history.