25 free things to do around Boston

By Legacy User

July 25, 2012

5 minutes to read

1. Soak up the energy of Harvard Square
 
Harvard Square is not only home to the esteemed Harvard University, but also to more than 300 registered street performers.
2. Bunker Hill Monument

 Climb the 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument for unparalleled views of the Boston skyline.
3. Harvard Book Store

 Check out the Author Event Series, lectures, and signings at the Harvard Book Store.
4. Free wine tastings at Coolidge Corner

 
Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits offers free tastings from 6 to 8 p.m Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.
5. Brewery tours and tastings
 
Sam Adams Brewery offers tours of the Jamaica Plain facility with discussion of how founder Jim Koch brews the beer. Tours and tastings occur on Monday-Thursday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., starting every half hour. Suggested donation of $2. 
Get more information about Sam Adams Brewery
6. Fine Arts for free
 As part of “Free Community Days,’’ the Museum of Fine Arts offers days of free admission. See the museum’s web site for a complete listing of which days are free. Meanwhile, girls named Isabella get in free at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The museum also offers free birthday admission. 
Get more detailed information about the MFA
 
Get more detailed information about the Gardner Museum
7. Take a GPS tour
 Get a different spin on the city’s history, with or without a GPS. Sports lovers can take a free tour of some of the most historic sites in Boston with our Boston Sports Trail. Those wanting a more political side of the city, might want to try the JFK Trail
8. Massachusetts Historical Society

 Get to know a bit more about the Bay State’s historical side at the Massachusetts Historical Society where they make manuscripts and artifacts available to the public. They also hold numerous seminars and weekly tours.
9. Tour the Massachusetts State House

 Explore the Massachusetts State House, the oldest building on Beacon Hill, with a 45-minute tour. Tour season lures visitors from across the globe to the gilded dome of the State House. Officials say about 90,000 visitors tour the building’s interior each year.
10. Visit an art gallery on Newbury Street
 Paintings by Rolling Stone guitarist and artist Ronnie Wood hung on the walls at Newbury Fine Arts on Newbury Street during an opening gallery reception. More than 15 art galleries line either side of Newbury Street.
11. Walk along the Freedom Trail
 Get a real taste of history by taking a self-guided tour along all or part of the 2.5 mile trail. Just follow the red-brick or red-painted line from the Visitor Information Center on the Boston Common and enjoy the 16 historic stops along the way, including Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s house, and the Old North Church.
12. Tour the USS Constitution

 The USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,’’ cruises Boston Harbor. Take a tour of the Navy yard, exhibit hall, and oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
13. The Museum of Afro-American History

 The African Meeting House, owned and operated by the Museum of Afro-American History, is one stop on the Black Heritage Trail. Note: The suggested donation is $5.
14. Tour the Boston Public Library

 The library features rotating art exhibits, extraordinary architecture, lectures, movies, workshops and more. There is a free Art and Architecture Tour of the building Sundays at 2 p.m., Mondays at 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.
15. Commonwealth Museum

 After a major renovation, the Commonwealth Museum has finally opened its doors to its permanent exhibit. Now everyone can enter for free and marvel at rare original documents and artifacts that are true national treasures.
16. Walk through the North End
 Explore the rich Italian culture that thrives in the North End. Don’t miss authentic Italian bakeries and restaurants, with foods like these assorted desserts from Mike’s Pastry.
17. Institute of Contemporary Art

 On Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m the ICA is free for art connoisseurs interested in unconventional exhibits.
18. Historic Beacon Hill
 Take a walk and get lost down narrow cobble brick roads in the historical Beacon hill area.
19. The New England Aquarium

 During the winter months, the Boston Public Library’s free ticket program gives out free passes that will admit up to four people into the New England Aquarium. Passes must be reserved by an adult or teen with a Metro-Boston library card.
20. DCR deals
 All parks within Route 128 run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation are free* to enjoy. Looking to escape the city on the cheap? There is a way to gain free admission to all the parks in the state. Stop by your local library and pick up a day pass good for free parking at over 50 facilities in Massachusetts. Visit the DCR web site for a complete listing of parks and beaches. *Exceptions: Boston Harbor Islands, Nantasket Beach, Nahant Beach
21. Take a stroll along the harbor

 Take in a stroll along the not-so dirty water of the Boston. The Boston Harborwalk is a broad public walkway that has been cleaned up and highlighted by cafes, artwork, and access to water taxis and ferries. You can take a self-guided tour of any part of the 40-mile path, which stretches from Charlestown to South Boston, by downloading an audio guide onto your iPod or other MP3 player.
22. Relax on the grounds of the Christian Science Center
 A perfect place for reading and relaxing.
23. Coit Observatory, Boston University

 Pick out your favorite constellation at the Coit Observatory at Boston University, which offers free stargazing Wednesdays after 7:30 p.m. throughout the fall and winter, pending clear skies.
24. Visit the Mount Auburn Cemetery

 Those looking for a historically rich and beautifully landscaped retreat should visit “America’s first garden cemetery,’’ Mount Auburn Cemetery. Located on the border of Cambridge and Watertown, the cemetery features classical monuments.
25. Visit the Old North Church

 At the Old North Church you can view the steeple where the two lanterns were hung that signaled Paul Revere to take his famous ride, and sparked the Revolution.