Boston on a Budget – How to Eat, Stay, & Do It Cheaply (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Budget Tips | Cheap & Free Things to Do | Where to Stay | Cheap Eats | FAQs
As a single mom living in Boston, I am always looking for fun and cheap things to do with my daughter. Boston is a city with high costs of living, and with that come high costs of travel.
Fortunately, I have some insider tips on how to save while enjoying the city. It all depends on when you visit, where you sleep at night, and where you fuel up with food.
The best part of living in Boston is having access to top attractions, historic sites, and outdoor green spaces. Jot down these money-saving tips on how to enjoy Boston on a budget.
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9 Tips to Do Boston on a Budget
Travel During the Off-season
Visit during the winter months after the holiday season to travel more cheaply. The winter weekends are much slower, and hotel rates tend to be much cheaper.
December through March sees fewer tourists due to the dark, cold, and snowy days. These months are the best times to visit Boston and enjoy top attractions without the crowds.
Keep an Eye on Major City Events
Boston is a city with a calendar full of events. It feels like the city always has something going on, especially during the summer months.
Some major events to keep an eye on include the Boston Marathon, important Red Sox games, college graduations, and the Head of the Charles Regatta.
These major events can drive up hotel rates. Rooms can book up fast, so plan in advance.
Ditch the Car Rental
Ditch the car and pack your walking shoes instead. Boston is a compact city made for walking with great public transportation.
The MBTA (or the “T” as locals call it) gives you access to all of the major neighborhoods and surrounding areas of Boston. You can purchase a reloadable Charlie Card at all train stops.
Explore the city by bike. Boston offers BlueBikes for rental. There are hundreds of stations sprinkled around the city where you can borrow a bike to get around.
Uber and Lyft are also common ways of commuting around Boston. So a car rental isn’t necessarily needed. You will save yourself from the stress of tricky driving and limited parking in the city.
Consider Staying in a Hostel
Boston hotels can come with a heavy price tag. Plan accordingly and book well in advance. Especially during the busy seasons and summer months.
Consider staying at a hostel instead. HIBoston is a hostel located in the Theater District downtown. They offer affordable options and usually organize free activities for their guests.
Stay Outside of Boston
Consider staying in the surrounding areas of the city. Boston Neighborhoods such as East Boston, Brookline, and Newton may offer cheaper hotel rates. Each neighborhood has its own personality and crowd to explore and enjoy.
These areas don’t offer the convenience of being within walking distance of your top Boston attractions. Yet, you can still hop on the “T” to get there.
Strategize on the Best Attractions to Visit
The biggest appeal of Boston is its rich history and culture. The city is covered in renowned architectural gems, revolutionary sites, and cultural institutions.
Many of these attractions are National Historic Sites and can be explored for free. I suggest you prioritize these sites by placing them further up on your list of things to do.
For example, Trinity Church offers Free Fridays at Trinity Organ Concerts you can check out.
Plan Around Free Museum Days
One of my favorite things to do is visit the museums in Boston. The city’s high culture scene shares a mission to make art, music, and theater accessible to all.
Take advantage of museums offering free admission. For example, many of Boston’s art museums offer free admission on certain days and times of the week or year.
Keep scrolling to my section about cheap & free things to do to learn what museums have free days and when!
Get a Boston CityPass or GoBoston
Costs can add up quickly when sightseeing in Boston. If you plan to visit several museums, consider purchasing a CityPass or GoBoston.
CityPass includes admission to four top attractions in Boston for one fixed price. A couple of the attractions include the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. Visit all four attractions to maximize the 50% savings.
GoBoston is an all-inclusive pass affiliated with over 45 attractions. Purchase an Explorer Pass that gives you access to three attractions. Looking to see it all? Purchase the All-Inclusive Pass, which gives you access to visit as many attractions as you’d like in three days.
Bring a Day Bag
I never leave my house without a tote bag when spending the day in the city with my daughter. A backpack or tote is a great way to keep all of your things while you explore Boston.
It also comes in handy to avoid the small checkout bag fees when shopping for souvenirs in the city. These tiny fees do add up, so make sure to add a day bag to your Boston packing list.
12 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Boston
Freedom Trail
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 357-8300 | Website | Guided Tour Times Vary | Entrance: $17 Adults, $8 Ages 6-12, $15 Seniors & Students
The Freedom Trail gives you a tour around Boston and introduces you to the story of the American Revolution. You’ll get to visit 16 historic landmarks on this 2.5-mile walk.
My favorite historic landmark on this tour is the Old State House. It sits in the heart of the Financial District, surrounded by contemporary buildings.
The tour itself is about 90 minutes long. For a self-guided tour, download the National Park Service App for free.
Boston Public Library
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 536-5400 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 am – 5 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
The Boston Public Library is an iconic landmark in Copley Square. This historic treasure is the country’s first municipal library.
The library is free to the public and is a popular tourist attraction. The Renaissance-style architecture and Venetian-style courtyard make excellent photo-ops.
Boston Public Garden
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 635-4505 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free
Boston Public Garden is a gem of green space that is located in the Back Bay area. It is the first public botanical garden that dates back to 1837 and sits adjacent to the Boston Common.
This park offers epic scenic strolls under weeping willows. The garden is home to over 80 species of plants and seasonal displays, such as tulips and roses.
Boston Common
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 635-4505 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the nation. It is located in Downtown Boston, across from the Boston Public Garden.
Enjoy the carousel and playground during the spring and summer months. Frog Pond is turned into an ice rink during the winter for outdoor skating.
The Charles River Esplanade
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 227-0365 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 8 pm Daily | Entrance: Free
The Charles River divides Boston from Cambridge. Along the Charles River Esplanade, you will find recreational activities galore.
Along the Charles are pedestrian pathways for walking, jogging, and biking. There are also playgrounds and spray fountains for children to enjoy.
The DCR Hatch Memorial Shell hosts many performances. There is even free salsa dancing behind the Shell during the summer months! Perfect for going on a date in Boston or spending a night out with friends.
Harvard University
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 495-1000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Walking Tour of the Harvard University Campus
Harvard University is a prestigious institution in Cambridge. It is always open for visitors to walk the grounds. The campus swarms with students, locals, and tourists.
See historic buildings on campus, such as Harvard Hall. Snap a picture at the iconic Harvard Yard, located at the heart of the campus.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 566-1401 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed & Fri, 11 am -9 pm Thu, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $15 Students, Free Under 18
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a world-class museum in the Back Bay Fens neighborhood. It houses the private collection of American art patron Isabella Stewart Gardner.
Roam through the floors that surround the Venetian-style courtyard. Take in her collection of paintings, tapestries, and art from different eras and cultures.
This art museum can get crowded on the weekends. Take advantage of their free admission on the first Thursday of the month after 3 pm.
Boston Children’s Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 426-6500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Daily, Closed Tue | Entrance: $24 General Admission, Free for Children Under 12 Months
The Boston Children’s Museum sits waterfront in the Fort Point neighborhood. There are three floors of activities for kids to play and learn.
All exhibits are hands-on and educational. My daughter’s personal favorite is the Bubble Table Room.
The Boston Children’s Museum gets very busy on days when children are out of school. Enjoy $1 entry on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, sponsored by TJX.
USS Constitution Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 426-1812 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: Suggested Donation $10 – $15
The USS Constitution Museum is located in Charlestown on the Navy Yard. This free museum allows you to tour the oldest commissioned warship that is still afloat.
Families and history buffs will enjoy the hands-on experiences on deck. Entrance to the museum is free, however donations are encouraged.
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 267-9300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun, 10 am – 10 pm Thu & Fri, Closed Tue | Entrance: $30 Adults, $14 Ages 7-17, Free Under 6
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is my favorite museum to visit. This top attraction is located in the Back Bay Fens neighborhood.
The renowned museum houses over 100 galleries of artwork. They include sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and more. I wander aimlessly for hours through exhibits of Asia, Europe, and Ancient Egypt.
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is very busy on the weekends. Enjoy free admission on Holiday Mondays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Institute of Contemporary Arts
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 478-3100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun, 10 am – 9 pm Thu & Fri, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20 Adults, $17 Seniors, $15 Students, Free Under 18
The Institute of Contemporary Arts overlooks the water in the Seaport District.
The small museum offers limited exhibits. However, they frequently change the exhibits to keep the programming fresh.
The ICA offers free entry on Thursday evenings. Come check out their contemporary art on the fourth floor!
Harvard Art Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 495-9400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free
The Harvard Art Museum houses a rich collection that spans centuries and cultures. It is Harvard’s oldest museum with European, American, and Asian art.
Experience world-class art in a historic setting in Cambridge. The museum is free to all visitors. Plus, they have free lockers to store your personal belongings.
Where to Stay in Boston on a Budget
The further you stay outside of Boston, the cheaper hotel rates and rentals may be. However, this makes for an inconvenient commute to the city to experience top attractions.
Below are my recommended neighborhoods to stay in Boston. They provide more convenient and budget-friendly accommodations.
East Boston
👉 Best Area For Waterfront Views | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport
East Boston is a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to the Airport and Downtown. Nicknamed “Eastie,” it offers stunning harbor views of Boston.
Piers Park offers plenty of green space in the neighborhood. Visitors have access to the waterfront and beautiful views of the cityscape.
Residents and visitors can easily connect to Downtown via the blue line on the “T.” Another fun way to get downtown is to hop on the ferry. MBTA offers a ferry that departs from Long Wharf (North).
The Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport is only 3 miles from the Logan Airport. Guests can enjoy a fitness center and a bar on-site.
South End
👉 Best Area For Trendy Restaurants | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Staypineapple, South End
South End is one of my favorite neighborhoods to hang out in and a great place to stay for those visiting Boston. This historic neighborhood is known for its trendy restaurant scene.
The pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is brimming with historic buildings and sprinkled with parks and community gardens. It’s close in proximity to Downtown and offers budget-friendly lodging.
The Staypineapple Hotel, South End, is part of an affordable national chain. The boutique hotel offers modern rooms with walk-in marble showers.
Brookline
👉 Best Area For Bustling Art Scene | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: The Arcadian Hotel Brookline
Brookline is a diverse neighborhood with a bustling art scene. The streets of Brookline are lined with trees, historic homes, and modern developments.
Locals rave about the Coolidge Corner Theater. This landmark venue is a nonprofit independent cinema. It offers showings of arthouse classics to new releases.
The Arcadian Hotel Brookline is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and parks. Explore the Emerald Pearl Necklace. It is a series of interconnected parks that run from Brookline into Boston.
Newton
👉 Best Area For Culture | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Boston Marriott Newton
Newton is an affluent neighborhood that provides convenience and access to Downtown Boston. It is home to Boston College and offers plenty of culture in its downtown Newton Centre.
Newton Centre offers locals and visitors different international cuisines. From Japanese street foods to wood-fired pizzas, you’re in for a treat!
The Boston Marriott Newton is located along the Charles River. There is a Starbucks on-site and the Riverbend Bar and Grille that is set river-side.
Cheap Eats in Boston
Eating out at restaurants in Boston is one of my favorite things to do. The city has a vibrant dining scene. Many places usually require reserving a table weeks in advance. However, it could become one of the most expensive parts of visiting.
Here are my recommendations on where to go eat tasty foods on a budget in Boston.
Caffe Nero
Coffee House
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($1-$10)
Caffe Nero is an Italian coffee house with multiple locations all over the city. They offer a casual atmosphere with quick service.
Caffe Nero serves espresso beverages, sandwiches, and pastries. Get your caffeine fix with a cortado and share a baguette sandwich to keep you fueled for the day. It’s one of my favorite coffee spots in Boston.
Little Big Diner
Japanese
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($20-$30)
Little Big Diner is known for its Japanese street food with a twist. It is located in Newton and is a walk-in restaurant only.
Their menu is arranged from small plates to big plates. I keep coming back here for their playful ramen offerings. You can’t go wrong with a steaming hot bowl of ramen topped with chicken, chashu pork, or chili ground pork.
Santarpio’s
Pizza
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($10-$20)
Santarpio’s is a legendary pizza spot in Boston. It has been serving East Boston since 1903. There is usually a long wait on the weekends with a crowd of locals.
Their pizza is known to have toppings baked under the sauce and cheese. I suggest you eat the pizza in the restaurant while it is still fresh. Get this… You can also order sausage and steak tips (BBQ style).
VESTER
Cafe
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($10-$20)
VESTER is a woman-owned cafe located in South Boston. It is Scandinavian-inspired with a sleek and modern look.
Breakfast and lunch options are on the menu. You can order bites like sandwiches, avocado toast, and croissants. There are plenty of hot drinks to choose from. Think specialty coffee drinks, matcha, and chai.
Time Out Market Boston
Food Hall
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($10-$20)
Time Out Market is Fenway’s top spot to grab a meal. Located in an industrial-chic building, you will find over 15 different dining and drink sites.
On one side, you have breakfast options with coffee, donuts, smoothies, and crepes. The other side has more hot options such as pizza, burgers, and lobster rolls. Wash it down with local beers, wines, and seasonal cocktails.
Quincy Market
Food Hall
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($10-$20)
Quincy Market is a historic food hall in Downtown Boston. Found inside Faneuil Hall, you will find 25 of the best Boston eateries. Some options include seafood, sweets, and specialty drinks.
Quincy Market has been a foodie’s paradise for 200 years. It is a heavy tourist spot and gets very busy during the summer months.
FAQs
How much is a reasonable budget for visiting Boston?
$100 to $400 per day is a reasonable budget for visiting Boston. This covers costs for accommodation and leaves extra cash for meals and attractions.
How expensive is accommodation in Boston?
The average cost for a basic standard room for two is around $200 per night. However, accommodation rates do fluctuate depending on the season and major events.
What is the cheapest month in Boston?
Winter months offer cheaper hotel rates when visiting Boston. The best time to visit and save is between December and March.
How much would a three-day trip to Boston cost?
A three-day trip to Boston would cost about $800 per person. This includes sightseeing, accommodation, food, and local transportation. However, budget travelers could get away with a three-day trip to Boston for half the cost.
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Boston has a reputation for being expensive. However, you can still visit and enjoy Boston on a budget. For more travel ideas, check out my other guides to Boston! You’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
