Last week, TripAdvisor came out with a survey of the most expensive places to visit in the United States. And -- no shock here -- near the top of the list was my town.
Boston ranked as the fourth most expensive city to visit, costing a terrifying $1,800 for just a three-day summer getaway. Only three cities were more expensive for visitors: Orlando, Honolulu and Seattle, in that order. Good old New Orleans was tagged as the most affordable city.
The bill for Boston is no surprise. Just think of all the city has to offer: the thriving art culture, over a hundred college campuses, excellent sports teams, Revolutionary War sites and much more. Who wouldn't want to visit?
What you don't often hear is that you could do Boston without busting the travel budget. It’s better if you could sleep on a friend's sofa or don't need to stay over for a night (hotels are truly expensive). And, if you're a student, college discounts could help make Boston downright affordable for day trips and other excursions.
Here are 15 cool things to do in Boston at relatively little or no cost.
1. Red Sox Student Tickets
Tickets to see the Sox play are only $9 with a high school or college ID.
2. Frost Ice Loft
Don’t forget your winter jacket—this is New England’s only bar made and furnished completely out of ice. They have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, served in a brisk 21 degree setting. You can get reduced admission fares through Goldstar Boston. https://www.goldstar.com/boston
3. Charles River Canoe and Kayak
A little more expensive, but definitely worth it, is a trip down the Charles River in a kayak ($15/ hour) or paddleboard ($18/ hour).
4. Rooftop at Revere
Enjoy a luxurious pool deck at the top of the Revere Hotel in Boston. Admission is free after 5pm from Monday-Friday.
5. The Museum of Fine Arts
Admission is free after 4:00pm but donations are encouraged. Be sure to check out the Chaosmos Mandala by Choi Jeong Hwa that’s part of the megacities Asia exhibit. Tip: you may need to ask museum staff where it is—finding it is kind of like a treasure hunt.
6. The Swan Boats
For only $3.50, you can take a slow cruise on a pedal-powered boat around the Public Garden Lagoon (next to the Boston Common).
7. Gilliland Observatory at the Museum of Science
Gaze at the stars and planets for free at the Museum of Science on Fridays, 8:30-10:00pm (weather permitting).
8. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
This unique art museum is always free if your name is Isabella, or if it’s your birthday.
9. Lawn on D
This is an extraordinary park in South Boston. Enjoy free music, art, food, drinks, and more while relaxing on hip, adult swings that glow.
10. Institute of Contemporary Art
Admission is free on Thursday nights, 5:00-9:00pm.
11. Castle Island
This beach is free and has great paths for walking or biking, and a cool castle for exploring.
12. Shakespeare on the Common
Go see Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” for free on the Boston common through August 7th.
13. South End Market
Check out the South End open market every Sunday from now to October, 10:00-4:00pm, at the Ink Block, an emerging neighborhood. Stroll through the farmer’s market, browse handmade crafts by local artists, or grab a bite to eat from Boston’s famous food trucks.
14. Fenway Park Tours
Mini-tours (15 minutes) of America’s favorite ballpark are only $10.
15. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
This 281-acre arboretum is world famous for its collection of plants, trees, flowers, and woody vines. Several of the hills have a great view of the Boston skyline—hop on your bike and see if you can make it to the top!
