The eastern United States is very well-connected in terms of rail, bus, and public transportation, so getting to Boston from anywhere on the east coast is relatively easy. Boston’s Logan Airport and South Station (where you’ll find Amtrak trains and the bus terminal) are both very accessible by public transportation so you’ll be in the city in no time. If you arrive late at night or don’t want to brave Boston’s famous ‘T’ with all of your luggage, you can take an Uber or taxi to your final destination. However, make sure you know where you’re going if you take a taxi (or at least pretend) because the taxi drivers will drive the long way and rip you off if they think you’re from out of town.
Although it’s definitely possible to do Boston on a budget, it can sometimes be a little bit more difficult when it comes to accommodation—so plan ahead. There are five hostel properties in the city and they will typically run around $50-60/night, excluding taxes and hotel fees. For comparison, you can probably also find an Airbnb around the same price (or less!) or split a hotel room if you’re traveling with a group.
If you’re looking to see the sites, it might be worth finding a place located in central Boston so you’re close to the action. However, if you’re looking to get a better feel for the city, Cambridge and Somerville both have a great quaint New England neighborhood vibe, while still giving you easy access to downtown.
While you do have to pay to enter many of Boston’s most famous attractions, you can walk city’s famous Freedom Trail, either on your own or with a guide to learn about the city’s important role in American history. The Freedom Trail will take you past 16 historical sites, including the Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, the Park Street Church, the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution. The city of Boston was founded in the year 1630, making it almost 400 years old. It’s impossible to walk around downtown Boston or the surrounding areas without running into yet another historical site with a fascinating story.
View of the city from the Boston Common.
If the weather is warm while you’re visiting, grab a picnic lunch and head to the Boston Public Gardens, the first public garden in the United States. The beautiful park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and is home to Boston’s famous swan boats.
From the public gardens, you can walk or drive across the Longfellow Bridge to get a beautiful view of the sailboats floating up and down the Charles River, as well as a great view of the Boston skyline. Once you get to the other side, you can visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University campuses in Cambridge and soak up some knowledge about the many influential people who got their start on those hallowed grounds.
If you need a spot to cool off and relax after a long day of sightseeing, head to Constitution Beach, a little bit further out from the city, where you can watch airplanes taking off from Boston’s Logan Airport and more ships and sailboats drifting down the Charles River.
And of course, no trip to Boston is complete without a trip to Fenway Park to see the Boston Red Sox play. Tickets to the games may be relatively pricey, depending on who’s playing, but you can also take a tour of the historic stadium outside of game times if you’re interested in baseball or sports history.
Massachusetts can be cold and snowy, to say the least. If you’re visiting in the winter time, you can seek refuge from the cold in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, where you can find delicious food and window shop to your heart’s delight. In December, the entire area will be decorated for the upcoming holidays, and Christmas music fills the air everywhere you turn, making this a great festive stop on your city break.
In addition, Boston is home to many arcade, board game, and other activity-themed bars if you need to get out to escape the cabin fever but aren’t willing to brave the outdoors. Ask around at your hotel or hostel to find the local favorites.
Massachusetts (and New England in general) is famous for its seafood, so be sure to get some fresh seafood at one of the numerous restaurants along the water. Clam chowder is my personal favorite, but you can find crab, oysters, and a variety of other options up and down the coast.
In addition, you can’t leave Boston without trying some Sam Adams beer, either at the Sam Adams brewery south of the city, or at any of Boston’s numerous bars. There are some great brews that are sold only in the Boston metropolitan area, so be sure to check them out while you’re in town.
And last but not least, check out Mike’s Pastry for some world-famous cannolis and other desserts. The lines will be long, but it will definitely be worth the wait.
Although it may be much more pleasant to visit Boston in the summertime when you don’t have to trudge through several feet of snow to see all the city has to offer, it’s definitely a delightful experience year-round, and it’s completely do-able doing Boston on a budget.
Are there any good spots that I missed? Let me know your favorite Boston / New England spots below in the comments!
Did you enjoy this guide? Why not pin it for later?
I’ve never been to Boston but I’m hoping to visit on a New England road trip sometime next year! Tips for how to explore on a budget are super helpful too!
It’s such a cool place to visit!
Boston first came on my radar as a possible travel destination because of the film “Good Will Hunting”. 😀 I thought if I ever go to Boston, I’d just be happy to locate some of the film’s locations (it was set in Boston but only some parts were done in Boston itself, unfortunately. The rest was done in Canada). But I can now add more places to see and things to do in Boston, thanks to your list! It should make quite an interesting detour from New York.
Oh that’s awesome! I’m sure that would be a cool themed adventure! Even though it wasn’t actually filmed there, it’s still cool to visit the places it was set!
Exactly! Travel is expensive if you make it that way, but there are plenty of cheap (or free) ways to get to know a new city!
I love Boston! Quincey market for sure! I love the types of food they offer and the environment!
It’s such a cool, unique spot!
Boston is at the top of the list of future destinations for my 12 year old. So glad to hear these budget tips. Maybe we can go there sooner!
It’s such a cool place! I visited for the first time when I was around that age and absolutely loved it. You guys will have a blast!
I’ve been to Boston once and would love to get back again soon. There is so much to do and see there! I’d definitely like to get to a baseball game next time around.
It’s such a cool city! I’ve been dozens of times and there’s still new things to explore!
I just postes a boston story, too! Mine was things you could hit or miss, though. But hell yeah for primark, right?? Its the only one ive seen in the states so far but i know there are a handful!