Boston offers a variety of free activities throughout the year. The city's art museums sponsor admission-free days, and entry is always free at some of the city's main historical and cultural sites. There is an opportunity to see nature, and the city's charming neighborhoods are a pleasure to explore along their characteristic brick-lined streets.
Art Museums
Though most Boston museums charge admission, some have weekly free admission times. The Museum of Fine Art houses masterpieces of international and American art, including important works by American and European artists and a large Egyptian collection. Every Wednesday evening from 4 p.m. until closing admission is by voluntary contribution only, and each year the museum hosts a small number of free community days. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is as well known for the architecture of its waterfront location, which opened in 2006, as for its rotating exhibits of modern art. The ICA is free for the general public on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. until closing and for children and their accompanying adults on the last Saturday of every month except December.
Neighborhood Strolls
Newbury Street, in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, is one of the city's premiere shopping and walking areas. Many of the stores and restaurants are high end, but there is no charge to stroll down the street and enjoy the brownstone architecture, the people watching and window shopping. Newbury Street is lined with art galleries, and admission to them is free. Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood is also filled with brownstones and historic brick buildings. Many of the narrow streets are still paved with cobblestones, and there is no charge to wander around the area and explore its antique shops and boutiques.
Arnold Arboretum
Harvard University administers the Arnold Arboretum, the oldest public arboretum in North America. Plant highlights change throughout the year with the seasons. Docents lead free guided tours from April through November, and self guided tours are always available. Special events for adults and children are regularly planned. The grounds are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.
U.S.S. Constitution
The U.S.S. Constitution, known affectionately as Old Ironsides, was first launched in 1797 and is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. The ship was victorious in its defeat of the British during the War of 1812, and it now sits in the Charlestown Navy Yard and is preserved by the National Park Service. Guided tours are available throughout the year and teach visitors about America's naval heritage and the history of the ship.
Boston Public Library
The main branch of the Boston Public Library is recognizable to most visitors for its impressive façade on Copley Square. Inside the main McKim Building are many treasures of art, architecture and, of course, literature. The large murals by local painter John Singer Sargent are among the well-known works inside the library. The grand main staircase leads to an Italianate courtyard that now holds two restaurants. Free tours of the building are scheduled on most days. There are also free events like author talks, films or lectures almost every day.
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