Boston’s beautiful harbor and skyline. Photograph: Steve Dunwell
Enjoy Free Art, Inside and Out
The Lawn on D, located in South Boston, has been transformed into a vibrant park that showcases interactive public art exhibits, including illuminated swings for adults. The park is open every day from 7am to 10pm and also features food trucks, a bar, ping-pong tables, and regular live concerts. For a more traditional art experience, visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA), which houses masterpieces by renowned artists like Hopper, Monet, John Singer Sargent, and Winslow Homer. Admission to the MFA is free on Wednesday nights after 4pm and includes one free repeat visit within 10 days. Additionally, children aged 17 and under can enjoy free admission on weekends and weekdays after 3pm.
Fun for the Kids...
Explore the Boston Commons, the oldest public park in the US. Feed the ducks, take a ride on the swan boats, and find joy in the beloved Make Way for Ducklings statues located in the adjacent Boston Public Garden. The park also offers playgrounds and a carousel near Frog Pond, where you can enjoy a ride for $3. During warm months, make sure to play in Frog Pond's fountain, and during the winter, experience the thrill of skating on its ice rink. Admission to the ice rink is $5 for individuals taller than 58 inches, and adult skate rentals are available for $10. For indoor entertainment, the Children's Museum offers hours of delight with its bubble room, life-size Japanese House, and three-story playground. Visit on Friday nights from 5pm-9pm for a $1 admission for the whole family.
Find Affordable Eateries in the Heart of Boston
If exploring central Boston has left you hungry, don't worry! There are plenty of affordable cafes, diners, and restaurants in the city center. Located near the Theatre District, Boston Commons, Financial District, and trendy South End, Chinatown is home to numerous inexpensive but high-quality dining options. Join the locals at Gourmet Dumpling House, a crowded favorite where all lunch specials cost just $7.95. For some delightful dim sum, head to China Pearl, where small dishes are $3.50 and large dishes are $5.25. In the Brookline area, Anna's Taqueria is a legendary spot that serves regular burritos for $5.95 and has two locations: 1412 Beacon St and 446 Harvard St. Near historic Faneuil Hall, make sure to visit Saus, a restaurant that specializes in homemade french fries. Try their large order of fries for $7 or indulge in a sandwich for $8.
Experience Local Brews
The famous Samuel Adams brewery offers free tours and tastings, with a recommended $2 donation that goes towards supporting local charities. If you're looking to discover a lesser-known brewery, make your way to Night Shift Brewing in Everett, just a 10-minute ride on the Orange Line from central Boston. After hopping off at the Wellington Station stop, it's just a 15-minute walk to the brewery. Night Shift Brewing also follows a similar policy, asking for a $1 donation (or a non-perishable food item) to support the Greater Boston Food Bank. The brewery offers unique flavors (such as beer brewed with oysters) and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy their outdoor patio with local food trucks, and spend time in their taproom playing arcade games, board games, and bean bag toss.
Tour the library
Photograph: Alamy
The Boston Public Library is a beautiful building in the centre of Boston, and the second largest library in the US. Created in 1885 as a “palace for the people”, John Singer Sargent murals, which the artist considered to be his greatest oeuvre, grace the third floor. The magnificent courtyard is decorated with Italianate white arches, the coffee shop is a map room and there are always two or three free exhibitions organised. Free tours are available every day.
Get to know the coast
The beaches of Salem are just a short 30-minute train ride away from Boston. Photograph: Cindy Goff/Alamy
Salem is a charming New England town by the sea, distinguished by its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and unique history of witchcraft allegations. You can easily reach Salem by taking a 30-minute commuter rail ride from North Station, which costs $14 for a roundtrip ticket. Once you arrive, you'll find a variety of eccentric boutiques, cafés, and psychic shops that reflect the town's fascinating past. For beach lovers, Revere Beach is a must-visit destination. It holds the distinction of being the first public beach in the US, established in 1896. You can reach Revere Beach by taking the Blue Line and getting off at either the Wonderland stop or Revere Beach station. While you're there, be sure to grab a delicious bite to eat at Kelly's, a local institution known for its mouthwatering crab rolls priced at $11.95 and a tempting large roast beef sandwich for $8.95.
Enjoy a Show
Annie Clark, also known as St. Vincent. Photograph: Suzi Pratt/WireImage
Boston has a rich comedy scene and is home to famous comedians like Louis CK, Conan O'Brien, and Amy Poehler, who all started their careers in the Boston area. Experience Boston's humor firsthand by attending a show at Improv Boston, where The People's Show on Sundays showcases a mix of established and emerging talent. Admission to this show is based on donations, so you can pay what you can afford. The venue also hosts other shows with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $18. If music is more your style, keep an eye out for free concerts held at various venues around the city by the acclaimed Berklee College of Music. Notable alumni of Berklee include John Mayer, Annie Clark (St. Vincent), and two members of Aerosmith.
Explore the Emerald Necklace
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Photograph: Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Emerald Necklace is a series of parks spanning over 1,000 acres, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the first landscape architect in the US. One of these parks is the Arnold Arboretum owned by Harvard University, which is located just south of the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Climb Peters Hill within the Arboretum for a breathtaking view of the Boston skyline. Another picturesque spot to explore is Jamaica Pond, a beautiful body of water formed by a glacier and located on the other side of Jamaica Plain. If you find yourself near the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, make sure to visit theBack Bay Fens, where you can enjoy a stroll along the water or have a picnic in the rose garden.
Where to Stay
Welcome to Boston, a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, cultural treasures, and vibrant energy. As you plan your trip to this remarkable destination, allow us to introduce you to some of the best accommodation options that Boston has to offer. From the inviting Midtown Hotel in Boston MA on midtown-hotel.choosebostonhotel.com in the heart of the city to the Boston romantic hotels on choosebostonhotel.com getaways that set the stage for cherished memories, and the exquisite Fifteen Beacon Hotel Boston, Boston provides an array of options to suit every traveler's desires.
For a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of Boston, look no further than the Midtown Hotel. Located in the bustling Back Bay neighborhood, this charming hotel offers well-appointed rooms and a host of amenities to ensure a pleasant and relaxing stay. Experience the true essence of Boston as you explore the nearby attractions, dine at local eateries, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Discover Boston's History
The USS Constitution. Photograph: Boston Globe via Getty Images
Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is steeped in history. One iconic way to explore the city's past is by following The Freedom Trail, a red line marked along the sidewalk that connects Boston's historical landmarks. Walking along the trail is free of charge, but if you prefer a guided experience, there are daily public tours available at a cost of $14 for adults. Another affordable way to engage with Boston's history is by visiting the USS Constitution, a renowned battleship from the American Revolutionary War. Please note that non-US visitors need to present a passport in order to board the vessel. The admission to the USS Constitution is free of charge.
