Boston is a city saturated in history, with an undeniable European feel imprinted in its architecture and lifestyle. Its strong ties to history are reflected in this list of free things to do in Boston; many of these attractions are part of the famous Freedom Trail. Free, self-guided tours are the best way to see the sights.
Home to the conspicuous Bostonian accent, the city exudes a mixture of colonial charm and a coming-of-age attitude. One of the things we love most about Boston is that exploring these free landmarks can be done on foot, as the city is also known as the greatest walking city in America. So, read on to find out how to make the most of Boston without spending a cent.
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Boston Common and The Public Garden
America's oldest urban park
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Διαβάστε περισσότεραBoston Common and the neighbouring Public Garden come high on any list of free things to do within in the city. One can easily be accessed through the other. Boston Common is America’s oldest park, and its history puts it on the Freedom Trail. The Garden boasts lush weeping willows that line a pond teeming with elegant swans. The sway of trees and its quaint suspension bridge helps to make the Garden one of the most idyllic places in the city.
Both the Garden and the Common are visited by locals and travellers for picnics and relaxing within nature. As you walk around both grounds, look out for any historical monuments sitting between lines of trees.
Τοποθεσία: 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111, USA
Ώρες λειτουργίας: Daily from 6 am to 11.30 pm
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-635-4505
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Massachusetts State House
Opulent and historical government building
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The Massachusetts State House, located in the Beacon Hill area of downtown Boston, is one of the most recognisable and oldest buildings in the city. Adorned with white columns along the front and a 23-karat gold leaf dome, it's considered one of the most impressive public buildings in America. On a sunny day, the golden dome gleams as far as Boston Common.
Part of the Freedom Trail, the State House holds an important place in the state’s history within America. Free state house tours are on weekdays from 10 am to 3.30 pm. Look out for the gilded, wooden pinecone which sits atop the dome; it’s meant to symbolise the significance of the lumber industry to Boston’s economy and wealth.
Τοποθεσία: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133, USA
Ώρες λειτουργίας: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-727-1100
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Faneuil Hall
Historical marketplace and meeting hall
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Διαβάστε περισσότεραFaneuil Hall sits among a bustling complex located near the waterfront. Nicknamed 'The Cradle of Liberty', the Hall has seen countless historic protests and speeches by notable figures such as Samuel Adams and James Otis, who encouraged independence from Great Britain.
The Hall is pleasant to wander around, with a cobblestone promenade marking the centre of a circle of markets. With over 40 vendors selling apparel, gifts and accessories, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir. Head to Quincy Market for delectable street food including New England style chowder, hot dogs and mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies. Don’t miss exciting street performances including acrobatics and concerts. Free historical tours of the hall are every Saturday at 11 am.
Τοποθεσία: 4 South Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Ώρες λειτουργίας: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-523-1300
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Boston Massacre Site
Memorial marking the site of the 1770 civilian tragedy
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The site of the Boston Massacre marks a time in history that saw conflict and tension among the Bostonians and the British Redcoats who occupied the city in the 1700s. The site is marked by a circle of cobblestones embedded into the traffic island between Devonshire Street and State Street.
The site is an important place to visit if you want to understand Boston’s history, especially as the Boston Massacre is thought to be one of the pivotal events that spurred on the American Revolution. Part of the Freedom Trail, if you time your visit during March, you’ll get to watch reenactments of the battles that took place here, as well as the famous trials.
Τοποθεσία: Corner of State and Congress St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-357-8300
Χάρτηςφωτογραφία από Ingfbruno (CC BY-SA 3.0) τροποποιήθηκε
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Boston Public Library
Stunning Renaissance-style public library
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Located in the lovely Back Bay area, the Boston Public Library is the second largest library in America, housing over 22.7 million volumes. Peruse the endless shelves of tomes at your leisure, alongside guest art exhibits, children’s story time events and various workshops and programmes.
Take a moment to marvel at the grand McKim Building with its gorgeous courtyard, vaulted ceilings and breathtaking Sargent Gallery. The art tour looks at the impressive architecture and vast collection of art treasures within, including murals by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes and works by sculptor Daniel Chester French. Tours take place daily but be sure to check timings before you visit.
Τοποθεσία: 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Ώρες λειτουργίας: Monday–Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-536-5400
Χάρτης - 6
The USS Constitution
Floating maritime museum nicknamed 'Old Ironsides'
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Διαβάστε περισσότεραThe USS Constitution is found in the Boston National Historical Park and allows you to explore the quarters of an original sailing warship. The oldest active commissioned warship in the US Navy, the ship and its museums offer insights into American maritime history with exhibits, interactive displays and artefacts.
For added, and totally free, entertainment, why not challenge your family and friends to a game of USS Constitution-themed minigolf or build your own impressive ship at the LEGO Brickyard? There are free daily tours but note that the ship itself is closed on Mondays and selected holidays. While the museums are open every day, they do have a suggested donation as an admission fee.
Τοποθεσία: 93 Chelsea St, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
Ώρες λειτουργίας: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-426-1812
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Boston's Old City Hall
Historical government building in a French Second Empire style
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Boston's Old City Hall is a perfect example of the European atmosphere that Boston holds. Opened in 1865, the Hall is one of the first buildings in the French Second Empire style to be built in America. The building is remarkable, particularly during the spring and summer months when green sweeping trees swarm the front of the Hall.
Be sure to check out the City Carpet, a hopscotch mosaic sidewalk which marks where Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Charles Bulfinch were educated at the Boston Latin School. Also, within the grounds are statues of Benjamin Franklin, Josiah Quincy, and, interestingly, a life-size replica of a donkey. Read the plaque to find out why it’s there.
Τοποθεσία: 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-523-8678
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Beacon Hill
The little neighbourhood with a big history
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Walk around the narrow little streets of Beacon Hill and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a time machine. This is especially so on Acorn Street where photographers from all over come to take pictures of this charming street, complete with its original cobblestones.
In autumn, green and golden hues frame the pathway that slopes upwards. The area’s attractiveness is perhaps owed to the fact that it has retained much of its original Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture. Visit historic places like the Charles Street Meeting House, catch a concert at the Charles River Esplanade and study intriguing exhibits at the Museum of African American History, all for free.
Χάρτης - 9
Walk along the Charles River Esplanade
Riverfront path in the Back Bay area
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The Charles River Esplanade, on the Boston side of the river, is a state-owned park which separates the city from Cambridge. The best way to take in the charm of the 3-mile esplanade is to start your walk from the Museum of Science and head toward Boston University for wonderful views of Cambridge.
You’ll find plenty of green spaces for picnics and games, plus 3 separate playgrounds where little ones can scramble over climbing frames, zoom down slides and soar on the swings. You’ll love the free guided tours, riverfront concerts and fitness classes, too. Just make sure you check the website for timings in advance.
Τοποθεσία: Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Ώρες λειτουργίας: Daily from dawn to dusk
Χάρτης - 10
Harvard Walking Tour
A student-led tour of the famous college
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The walking tour of Harvard University takes you across its extraordinary campus where you can snap pictures of the incredible architecture and artefacts that have influenced the college’s history. The tour occurs outdoors where you can admire iconic grounds like the Harvard Yard, which is a lovely place to read, eat or talk, with colored chairs available on the lawn.
Your student guide might divulge amusing stories of the rivalry between Harvard and the city of Cambridge, as well as insights into the local history. Tours last up to 1 hour and take place most days but do reserve your spot in advance. Alternatively, download the Visit Harvard mobile app for a collection of self-guided tours.
Τοποθεσία: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Τηλέφωνο: +1 617-495-1000
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