Being New England’s largest metro, the capital of Massachusetts, and home to the oldest college in the United States, Boston is a city that makes a lot of promises.

Many people visit for the clam chowder and the baseball games at Fenway Park, but there’s plenty to see and do in Boston that’s off the beaten track and steeped in fascinating history.

Visiting Boston on a budget? Then try one of these free tours and discover architecture, culture, art and more, without spending a cent!

Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Boston and are searching for the best free things to do, the Freedom Trail will top almost any list.

Built in 1951, the 4km trail is a pathway of bricks laid into the sidewalk, taking visitors on a journey from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, with fourteen additional significant locations on the way.

Take the trail at your own pace and stop at as many landmarks as you like, or purchase an audio tour and listen to tales of US history as you pass each marker. The Freedom Trail is a must-do activity for anyone staying in Boston, and can easily be done without once opening your wallet.

Free Harvard Campus Tours 

Whether you’re a prospective student or not, a tour round the United States’ oldest and most prestigious college is an experience not to be missed.

Join a current student and choose between the Western Ave. Arts Walk or the Official Historical Tour of Harvard, learning about famous alumni, campus building architecture, Harvard through the ages, and fun behind-the-scenes facts.

Tours are completely free and run on a first-come first-served basis, so no reservation required. A great day out for tourists and locals alike!

You can also visit The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and enjoy a free self-guided tour of the seasonal flowers, plants, and garden sculptures featured on the grounds.

Plus, you can take a trip to Boston’s second most famous college, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and download this useful free Campus Walking Tour sheet, outlining the best route to explore the prestigious buildings and points of interest around the university.

Free Guided Tours of the Boston Public Library

Visit the third largest public library in the US and marvel at the near 24 million items housed at the Boston Public Library on this free guided tour.

Running seven days a week and lasting one hour, the tours are offered by trained volunteers and do not require a reservation, perfect for those rainy afternoons in Boston.

Admire the impressive architecture of the Central Library buildings and visit some of the prized artworks inside, including sculptures by Daniel Chester French and paintings by John Singer Sargent. A wonderfully unique Boston experience!

Samuel Adams Free Boston Brewery Tour

A free brewery tour? Yes, you read right, and there are no strings attached or fine print to catch you out. Named after one of America’s Founding Fathers, Samuel Adams fast became one of the country’s leading independent craft breweries, and now offers free guided tours of their Boston brewery to the general public.

Explore the ingredients, the brewing process, and the fermentation before sampling three Sam Adams beers, plus you’ll get a tasting glass to take home. When it comes to free Boston tours, they don’t get much better than this!

Massachusetts State House Guided Tour

Located in the picturesque and historical Beacon Hill neighborhood is the Massachusetts State House, a grand state capitol building built in 1798. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, America’s first professional architect, the House is considered a Federal masterpiece, and was awarded a National Historic Landmark in 1960 to commemorate its historical significance.

Public tours are approximately 45 minutes, free of charge, and operate on weekdays throughout the year. If you choose to go on one of these unique tours, you’ll find they’re hosted by volunteers who are experts in the history and design of this magnificent structure.

USS Constitution Free Tour 

Step aboard Old Ironsides and be transported to an era of merchant shipping, pirate wars, and navy battles.

Commissioned by the Naval Act of 1794 to combat Barbary pirates and designed by Joshua Humphreys, the world’s oldest (still floating) commissioned naval vessel has seen a thing or two in her days, which you can discover on a free tour hosted by active duty sailors.

The ship is located conveniently on the Freedom Trail, so you can combine several free Boston tours and make a day of it!

Free Crime Tour of Beacon Hill 

When looking at photos of Boston’s beautiful cobbled streets and hanging flower baskets, you’re most likely looking at pictures of Beacon Hill. But beneath the floral façade is a dark past of crime and debauchery, a past you can discover on this gruesome free walking tour – not recommended for under 16’s!

Hear tales about the notorious Boston Strangler serial killer, visit the former Charles Street Jail, learn about the chilling history of the old Harvard Medical College, and much more. This two hour experience is a great twist on the classic walking tour, another fantastic free Boston activity.

That concludes our list of free Boston tours. As you can see, it’s not necessary to splash the cash in order to see Massachusetts’ capital city.

If you’re still looking for great things to do in Boston, browse our full range of Boston experience gifts and activities here.