Free things to do in Boston

A recent trip back to my college town drove home part of why I enjoyed my four years there so much. Unlike many college students of other towns, I lived there year round and worked a couple of summers in the tourist industry. Being interested in both architecture and history, I explored a lot on my own as well as learning the answers to common touristy-type questions. In my recent 5 days back in Boston -- and unlike in my college days, this time with money to spend -- I realized how much one can do in the city for very little money. Here are the things that didn’t cost a dime.

1. Boston Public Library, McKim Building (Copley – Green Line): What a find! I never visited there during my college days, and I’m glad I didn’t since it has undergone a major restoration in the meantime. I had no idea that there were murals by John Singer Sargent (one of my favorite painters) on the third floor, a wonderful courtyard, and a palatial reading room. Boston is a true home for the intellectual. Art and Architectural tours are offered regularly and are highly recommended. It just so happened that the rare books collection was featuring the works of Margaret Fuller while I was there, and I found that worthwhile as well. If you reserve ahead (which I did not), one can go on an art and architecture tour the PRIVATE library, the Boston Athenaeum (Park Street – Green Line). This library basically spun off the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Tours for the Athenaeum are Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm, and space is very limited and must be reserved ahead (it was booked more than a week ahead when I was there, so it’s on my list to do next visit).
2. Concerts at Local Churches: An evening I was there, the Old South Church (across from the Boston Public Library) was hosting an annual Hand Bell Choir Festival. Admission was free, but a donation of $15 was suggested (the proceeds going to their expenses and providing a two-octave hand bell set to a local school). Kings Chapel (Park Street – Green Line) has free recitals at noon most Tuesdays. I’m sure there are other churches with similar offerings. It is a great way to experience the interior church acoustics/architecture and hear great music at the same time.
3. Faneuil Hall (short walk from Government Center – Green Line): Be sure to go to the grand hall located above the Faneuil Hall marketplace. This historic spot is part of Boston Historic National Park and is staffed by a park services representative who will give a short talk on its historical and modern day importance every 30 mins.
4. Quincy Market (short walk from Government Center – Green Line): Right next to Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market – mostly an eclectic mix of take away eateries. Probably the best place to grab lunch and eat in the center of the hall or outside on benches of the shopping plaza.
5. New England Aquarium (Aquarium – Blue Line; or not too far from Government Center – Green Line): Visit the Harbor Seals at the Aquarium – no ticket required to visit them, just look for them behind the ticket office. Feeding times are listed, along with information about the seals that are residents. Smoke, the oldest at nearly 40 years old, was getting an eye exam (she now has cataracts) and a mini-check-up at the 4:15 feeding that I had watched. The other seals show off knowledge of commands (similar to sit, speak, and roll-over), which they demonstrate for food.
6. Old North Church (walk from Haymarket – Green/Orange Line): A stop on the red-brick “Freedom Trail” in Boston’s North End (what used to be referred to as Boston’s “Little Italy”), this historic church still has a congregation and regular services, so be advised – this is a church not a museum. The church, most famous for the “one if by land, two if by sea” lantern that sent Paul Revere (whose home is a museum in the North End a short distance away) on his midnight ride. The church and grounds close at 5pm. Suggested donation is $3 per visitor.

Free “non-things” to do in Boston:

1. Stroll Newbury Street. Leave your wallet and spend-thrift companions at the hotel, or else expect to spend a lot of time and money at the high end shops of this street. The sidewalks are wide, with bistro tables spilling out onto them. Languages from all over the world can be heard as one walks down the street.
2. Hang out in the Public Garden. After walking Newbury or Marlborough St, or Commonwealth Ave., enjoy the horticultural array of the Public Garden. Be sure to see the Swan Boats, the Island where ducks nest in the spring, and the “Make Way for Ducklings” statue.
3. Stroll the Park of Commonwealth Ave. “ Comm Ave” is a busy street but lined with beautiful buildings and bisected by green space.
4. Stroll Marlborough Street. Running parallel to Newbury Street and on the other side of Commonwealth Ave, this street is mostly lovely residential brownstones. Be careful of the uneven sidewalks! Sensible shoes are advised for most of Boston.
5. Explore Beacon Hill. Charles Street will get you off to start, but venture onto side streets to really find out what Beacon Hill is about. Acorn Street is still cobblestones. The Church of the Advent is worth a peek inside if their doors are open, the State House has free daily tours, and the Athenaeum is in this neighborhood.
6. Finally, Salem Street and Hanover Street in the North End are interesting and yet another “flavor” of Boston’s neighborhoods.
   

Not quite free, but worth it: a 7-day unlimited subway pass is $15 – because eventually your feet, which can get you everywhere in Boston, will get tired! Daily passes are also available.

And a final note on being a pedestrian in Boston – always look before crossing the street and completely ignore the “Don’t Walk” signs. The driver’s corollary to this is that pedestrians need to get the hell out of the street when (and it had better be before) the light turns green!