Free (and almost free) Things to Do
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P&G Gillette Floating Dock Open to Public
Located along the east edge of Fort Point Channel south of Summer Street, the P&G Gillette Floating Dock is available free of charge for public use for launching canoes, kayaks, and other non-powered craft. The floating dock for launching craft is open every day from dawn to dusk, and the stationary dock is open every day, 24 hours a day. Limited free parking is available to users of the dock on weekday evenings and all day on weekends and holidays in the adjacent ChannelSide Parking lot.”
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Explore Boston's Public Art
Search the city's art collection, watch artist videos, access a map of public art installations across the city and more!
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BostonUSA Mobile App
Get the free, official guide to Boston on your iPhone or Android. Find Great Deals in lodging, dining, attractions and more! Search the Event Calendar to purchase tickets to Boston's many attractions.
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Discover Boston Parks
From the Common and the Public Gardens to Franklin Park, there are plenty of green spaces to explore while in Boston.
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Take a Walk to the Sea
Boston's Walk to the Sea encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Mixing historical landmarks with Boston's skyscrapers, this walk is truly one worth taking. The Walk from summit to sea, spanning one mile and descending a hundred feet, brings that history to life.
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Self-guided iPod Tours
Let your iPod be your tour guide in these FREE audio tours of Boston.
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Tour the State House
Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol.
Hours: Weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Admission: Free
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Use Your Charlie Card to Get Discounts
Many businesses offer discounts just for showing your MBTA Charlie Card. See the Charlie Card Discount Book for more details.
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Mass Value Pass
Find out more about the small card that can get you huge deals all summer long at area lodging and attractions.
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Climb to the Top of the Bunker Hill Monument
Located at the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution, the Bunker Hill Monument is both a nationally recognized historic landmark and a spot for one of the best views of Boston. The 294-step climb to the top of the Monument is free year round, open from 9:00am - 5:00pm (climbing access closes at 4:30pm).
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Ride the Swan Boats
The Swan Boats driver paddles passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a 15 minute peaceful cruise.
Hours: 10am - 5pm, June through Labor Day.
Admission: Adults $2.75 Children $1.50 (age 2 to 15 years) Seniors $2.00
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Walk the Freedom Trail
The Trail, marked by a red line, takes the visitor to 16 historical sites and covers two and a half centuries of America's most significant past. You can take a self-guided tour or one of the many tours available through the National Park Service.
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Explore the Boston Sports Trail
Both die-hards and bandwagon jumpers alike can get their sports fix even on off-days by visiting stops along the Boston Sports Trail. The GPS tour can be download to your GPS or other mobile devices.
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Walk the JFK Trail
Visit some historic sites frequented by the late President John F. Kennedy. The GPS tour can be downloaded to your GPS or other mobile devices.
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Explore Boston Heritage Trails
Complimentary to the Freedom Trail, Boston Heritage Trails explore the rich cultures of different groups throughout Boston's history. Tours are self-guided or conducted by tour-guide, with maps available online.
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Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
With approximately 450,000 objects in the collection, there's always something new on view.
No general admission fee required. Every Wednesday, 4pm - 9:45pm.
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Explore the Massachusetts Historical Society
Both its Gallery and Library house rare documents and artifacts straight from American history, including Abigail Adams' famous "Remember the ladies" letter to her husband, John Adams.
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Tour the USS Constitution
USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Hours: Tues-Sun, 10am - 5:50pm. Tours every 30 minutes, last tour starts at 4:30.
Admission: Free Guided tours.
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Visit the Coit Observatory at Boston University
Come enjoy free observations of the night's sky on Wednesday evenings starting at 7:30 during the fall and winter and 8:30 in the spring and summer, weather permitting. Look at the starry sky through telescopes and binoculars while learning about astronomy in this hour-long program that's perfect for the whole family.
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See a Movie or Concert at the Hatch Shell
The Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade features free outdoor events throughout the summer including Boston Pops Concerts, 4th of July fireworks, movies and concerts.
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Go to a Museum
Free and discounted passes to many Boston museums are available to library card holders at local branch libraries and now online.
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Visit the Museum of African American History
The Museum of African American History is dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans in New England from the colonial period through the 19th century.
Admission: $5
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Tour the Library
Free tours of the nation's first public library highlight the architecture of Charles Follen McKim and Philip Johnson, as well as the many works of famed sculptors and painters.
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Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Anyone with the name "Isabella" can sign up for an "Isabellas Free... Forever!" museum card and receive unlimited free museum admission for life. Free admission is also offered on your birthday, just by showing an ID.
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Check Out the Street Performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Experience a festival every day! Faneuil Hall Marketplace features jugglers, clowns, magicians, mimes and musicians.
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Visit The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Enjoy the stimulation of contemporary culture and the excitement of a revitalized waterfront area. Free general admission every Thursday, 5-9PM. Youth 17 & under free all the time. Free for families on the last Saturday of each month (minus December).
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Ride the Ferry
Take the ferry from Long Wharf to the Charleston Navy yard to visit the U.S.S. Constitution for $1.70 each way.
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Take the Kids to the Children's Museum
Boston Children's Museum is proud to partner with Target to present Target $1 Friday Nights, every Friday evening from 5-9pm, when families can enjoy the entire museum for $1.
