Free Things to Do in Boston: 20 Ways to Explore the City Without Spending a Dime

Boston rewards budget travelers more than almost any other major American city. From the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to free museum days, public parks, and historic naval vessels, here are free experiences that capture the best of Boston.

Boston Common baseball field with a chain-link fence decorated by a handmade yellow sign reading 'Boston Loves You' on a cloudy day.

Boston has a reputation as an expensive city, but it also has one of the richest collections of free attractions in the United States. The city's deep Revolutionary War history means that many of its most significant sites are managed by the National Park Service and open at no charge. Add in free museum hours, world-class public parks, and walkable neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Charlestown, and you can easily fill two or three days without reaching for your wallet. This guide focuses on attractions that are free in their standard form. A few museums listed here offer free admission only on specific days or times, which are noted clearly. For a broader itinerary, see our Boston on a budget guide or the 3 days in Boston itinerary.

Historic Trails & Revolutionary Sites

Street view of Boston featuring the historic Old State House surrounded by modern skyscrapers and busy city life. — Photo Czapp Árpád

Boston's colonial and Revolutionary War history is its greatest free asset. The Boston history guide covers this in depth, but the sites below can all be visited independently at no cost. The National Park Service operates visitor centers at Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard where rangers provide free orientation and answer questions.

Close-up of the Freedom Trail medallion embedded in a cobblestone sidewalk in Boston, with red bricks and gray stones visible around it.

1. Walk the Entire Freedom Trail at Your Own Pace

The 2.5-mile red-brick path linking 16 Revolutionary War sites is completely free to walk. Use the National Park Service app for a free audio guide. Budget 2–4 hours depending on how many sites you enter along the way.

1. Walk the Entire Freedom Trail at Your Own Pace

The 2.5-mile red-brick path linking 16 Revolutionary War sites is completely free to walk. Use the National Park Service app for a free audio guide. Budget 2–4 hours depending on how many sites you enter along the way.

Close-up of the Freedom Trail medallion embedded in a cobblestone sidewalk in Boston, with red bricks and gray stones visible around it.

Close-up view of the Bunker Hill Monument with a prominent statue in the foreground, set against green trees and blue sky.

2. Climb Bunker Hill Monument for Free City Views

The 221-foot granite obelisk is free to climb, and the 294-step ascent rewards you with one of Boston's best panoramic views of the harbor and skyline. Timed entry passes may be required in summer; book online through the NPS in advance.

2. Climb Bunker Hill Monument for Free City Views

The 221-foot granite obelisk is free to climb, and the 294-step ascent rewards you with one of Boston's best panoramic views of the harbor and skyline. Timed entry passes may be required in summer; book online through the NPS in advance.

Close-up view of the Bunker Hill Monument with a prominent statue in the foreground, set against green trees and blue sky.

USS Constitution, draped with colorful signal flags and a large American flag, docked in Boston Harbor with the city skyline in the background.

3. Board 'Old Ironsides' with Active-Duty Navy Sailors

Free tours of the world's oldest commissioned warship are led by U.S. Navy sailors in period uniform. The adjacent USS Constitution Museum requests a suggested donation but admission is effectively free. Allow 60–90 minutes for both.

3. Board 'Old Ironsides' with Active-Duty Navy Sailors

Free tours of the world's oldest commissioned warship are led by U.S. Navy sailors in period uniform. The adjacent USS Constitution Museum requests a suggested donation but admission is effectively free. Allow 60–90 minutes for both.

USS Constitution, draped with colorful signal flags and a large American flag, docked in Boston Harbor with the city skyline in the background.

Wide view of Granary Burying Ground with rows of old gravestones, lush green grass, leafy trees, and historic buildings in the background.

4. Find Paul Revere and Samuel Adams at the Granary Burying Ground

This 1660 cemetery on the Freedom Trail holds the graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and the Boston Massacre victims. Entry is always free. The worn slate markers and atmospheric iron fence make it one of the most evocative stops downtown.

4. Find Paul Revere and Samuel Adams at the Granary Burying Ground

This 1660 cemetery on the Freedom Trail holds the graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and the Boston Massacre victims. Entry is always free. The worn slate markers and atmospheric iron fence make it one of the most evocative stops downtown.

Wide view of Granary Burying Ground with rows of old gravestones, lush green grass, leafy trees, and historic buildings in the background.

Street-level view of Boston’s Old State House surrounded by tall modern and historic buildings, with pedestrians and cars passing in front on a cloudy day.

5. Stand Where the Declaration of Independence Was First Read Aloud

Built in 1713, the Old State House is Boston's oldest surviving public building. The exterior and surrounding plaza are free; the interior museum charges admission. Even from outside, it's a striking sight surrounded by modern skyscrapers downtown.

5. Stand Where the Declaration of Independence Was First Read Aloud

Built in 1713, the Old State House is Boston's oldest surviving public building. The exterior and surrounding plaza are free; the interior museum charges admission. Even from outside, it's a striking sight surrounded by modern skyscrapers downtown.

Street-level view of Boston’s Old State House surrounded by tall modern and historic buildings, with pedestrians and cars passing in front on a cloudy day.

The Old South Meeting House’s brick exterior and steeple surrounded by modern and historic downtown Boston buildings on a partly cloudy day.

6. Visit the Birthplace of the Boston Tea Party

The Old South Meeting House charges admission for its interior museum, but the exterior and plaza are free. It's a key Freedom Trail stop where 5,000 colonists gathered before the 1773 Tea Party. Worth pairing with the nearby Granary Burying Ground.

6. Visit the Birthplace of the Boston Tea Party

The Old South Meeting House charges admission for its interior museum, but the exterior and plaza are free. It's a key Freedom Trail stop where 5,000 colonists gathered before the 1773 Tea Party. Worth pairing with the nearby Granary Burying Ground.

The Old South Meeting House’s brick exterior and steeple surrounded by modern and historic downtown Boston buildings on a partly cloudy day.

Free Parks & Public Spaces

A lush city park with a pond, leafy trees, and glimpses of Boston skyscrapers in the background on a cloudy day. — Photo Diogo Miranda

Boston's public green spaces are among the finest in any American city, and all of them are free. Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace connects seven parks across the city, offering miles of walking with no entry fee. For outdoor activity ideas beyond parks, see the Boston outdoor activities guide.

A sweeping aerial view of Boston Common at sunset, with lush green parkland, historic paths, downtown skyline, and the Charles River in the distance.

7. Spend Time in America's Oldest Public Park

Boston Common has been a public gathering space since 1634. In winter, the Frog Pond becomes a free skating rink (skate rental is paid). In summer, free concerts and outdoor movies take place here. It's also the Freedom Trail's southern starting point.

7. Spend Time in America's Oldest Public Park

Boston Common has been a public gathering space since 1634. In winter, the Frog Pond becomes a free skating rink (skate rental is paid). In summer, free concerts and outdoor movies take place here. It's also the Freedom Trail's southern starting point.

A sweeping aerial view of Boston Common at sunset, with lush green parkland, historic paths, downtown skyline, and the Charles River in the distance.

Bright summer day at Boston Public Garden with lush green trees and willows reflected in a still lagoon, city skyscrapers in the background.

8. Stroll America's First Public Botanical Garden

The Public Garden is always free to enter. The Swan Boats (mid-April through Labor Day) charge a small fare, but walking the grounds, photographing the weeping willows, and finding the Make Way for Ducklings statues costs nothing. Beautiful year-round.

8. Stroll America's First Public Botanical Garden

The Public Garden is always free to enter. The Swan Boats (mid-April through Labor Day) charge a small fare, but walking the grounds, photographing the weeping willows, and finding the Make Way for Ducklings statues costs nothing. Beautiful year-round.

Bright summer day at Boston Public Garden with lush green trees and willows reflected in a still lagoon, city skyscrapers in the background.

Two large willow trees frame benches and a path overlooking the Charles River with the Boston skyline in the background on a sunny day.

9. Run, Walk, or Relax Along the Charles River Esplanade

This free 3-mile riverside park is Boston's favorite outdoor room. The Hatch Memorial Shell hosts free summer concerts including the Boston Pops on July 4. On warm days, the Esplanade fills with joggers, cyclists, and families — a genuine slice of local Boston life.

9. Run, Walk, or Relax Along the Charles River Esplanade

This free 3-mile riverside park is Boston's favorite outdoor room. The Hatch Memorial Shell hosts free summer concerts including the Boston Pops on July 4. On warm days, the Esplanade fills with joggers, cyclists, and families — a genuine slice of local Boston life.

Two large willow trees frame benches and a path overlooking the Charles River with the Boston skyline in the background on a sunny day.

Aerial view of downtown Boston with the Rose Kennedy Greenway winding between skyscrapers, green parks, and city streets on a sunny day.

10. Discover Public Art on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Built over a buried highway, this free mile-long linear park features rotating public art installations, a seasonal carousel (small fee), and free weekend food trucks. It connects the North End to the Seaport and is one of Boston's most successful urban spaces.

10. Discover Public Art on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Built over a buried highway, this free mile-long linear park features rotating public art installations, a seasonal carousel (small fee), and free weekend food trucks. It connects the North End to the Seaport and is one of Boston's most successful urban spaces.

Aerial view of downtown Boston with the Rose Kennedy Greenway winding between skyscrapers, green parks, and city streets on a sunny day.

Visitors stroll along paved paths surrounded by blooming lilacs and green trees on a sunny day at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum.

11. Walk 281 Acres of Harvard's Living Tree Museum

The Arnold Arboretum is free to enter year-round and spectacular in every season. Visit in May for Lilac Sunday, when the famous lilac collection peaks. It's a 15-minute walk from the Orange Line's Arborway stop in Jamaica Plain.

11. Walk 281 Acres of Harvard's Living Tree Museum

The Arnold Arboretum is free to enter year-round and spectacular in every season. Visit in May for Lilac Sunday, when the famous lilac collection peaks. It's a 15-minute walk from the Orange Line's Arborway stop in Jamaica Plain.

Visitors stroll along paved paths surrounded by blooming lilacs and green trees on a sunny day at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum.

Three people row a small boat on Jamaica Pond with lush trees and boathouse buildings in the background on a clear day.

12. Loop Jamaica Pond for a Peaceful Escape

The 1.5-mile loop around this glacial kettle pond in Jamaica Plain is completely free and one of the most pleasant easy walks in the city. The boathouse rents rowboats and sailboats for a fee, but simply walking the shaded path costs nothing.

12. Loop Jamaica Pond for a Peaceful Escape

The 1.5-mile loop around this glacial kettle pond in Jamaica Plain is completely free and one of the most pleasant easy walks in the city. The boathouse rents rowboats and sailboats for a fee, but simply walking the shaded path costs nothing.

Three people row a small boat on Jamaica Pond with lush trees and boathouse buildings in the background on a clear day.

Free Museum Days & Cultural Institutions

A lush courtyard with classical statues and blooming flowers at a historic Boston museum, surrounded by arched walls and balconies. — Photo Cao Vi Ton

Several of Boston's top cultural institutions are either always free or offer regular free-admission windows. Always verify current schedules before visiting, as free-hour policies can change. Our best museums in Boston guide has full details on admission prices and what to prioritize inside each institution.

Street view of Boston Public Library’s grand Renaissance Revival facade at dusk, framed by modern city skyscrapers and a glowing evening sky.

13. Explore the Free Architectural Masterpiece of Copley Square

The McKim building of the Boston Public Library is always free to enter. Don't miss the Bates Hall reading room, the Sargent murals, and the serene interior courtyard. Free guided architecture tours run daily. No library card required to visit as a tourist.

13. Explore the Free Architectural Masterpiece of Copley Square

The McKim building of the Boston Public Library is always free to enter. Don't miss the Bates Hall reading room, the Sargent murals, and the serene interior courtyard. Free guided architecture tours run daily. No library card required to visit as a tourist.

Street view of Boston Public Library’s grand Renaissance Revival facade at dusk, framed by modern city skyscrapers and a glowing evening sky.

The central courtyard of Harvard Art Museums features arched stone galleries, glass walls, and a large suspended contemporary sculpture under skylit ceilings.

14. Visit Harvard Art Museums — Always Free Admission

Three world-class collections under Renzo Piano's stunning roof — the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler — are permanently free to all visitors. Major holdings include European masters, Impressionists, and ancient objects. A 15-minute Red Line ride from downtown.

14. Visit Harvard Art Museums — Always Free Admission

Three world-class collections under Renzo Piano's stunning roof — the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler — are permanently free to all visitors. Major holdings include European masters, Impressionists, and ancient objects. A 15-minute Red Line ride from downtown.

The central courtyard of Harvard Art Museums features arched stone galleries, glass walls, and a large suspended contemporary sculpture under skylit ceilings.

Black and white winter scene of the Massachusetts State House with its iconic golden dome, framed by snow-covered Boston Common and leafless trees.

15. Take a Free Tour Inside the Golden-Domed State House

Free 35-45 minute guided tours of Bulfinch's 1798 masterpiece run on weekdays. You'll see the Senate Chamber, House of Representatives, and Hall of Flags. Advance reservations are recommended for groups; individuals can often join a tour by arriving at the visitor entrance.

15. Take a Free Tour Inside the Golden-Domed State House

Free 35-45 minute guided tours of Bulfinch's 1798 masterpiece run on weekdays. You'll see the Senate Chamber, House of Representatives, and Hall of Flags. Advance reservations are recommended for groups; individuals can often join a tour by arriving at the visitor entrance.

Black and white winter scene of the Massachusetts State House with its iconic golden dome, framed by snow-covered Boston Common and leafless trees.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston at dusk, its modern glass building cantilevering over the waterfront, with city lights reflecting on the water.

16. See Cutting-Edge Art Free on Thursday Evenings at the ICA

The ICA offers free admission every Thursday from 5–9 p.m. The cantilevered building over Boston Harbor is impressive on its own, and the Founders Gallery has free harbor views even during paid hours. Timed tickets are recommended; book online in advance.

16. See Cutting-Edge Art Free on Thursday Evenings at the ICA

The ICA offers free admission every Thursday from 5–9 p.m. The cantilevered building over Boston Harbor is impressive on its own, and the Founders Gallery has free harbor views even during paid hours. Timed tickets are recommended; book online in advance.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston at dusk, its modern glass building cantilevering over the waterfront, with city lights reflecting on the water.

✨ Pro tip

The Museum of Fine Arts offers $5 minimum pay-what-you-wish admission on the third Thursday of each month after 5 p.m., and free entry for Massachusetts residents on select open-house dates. Always check the MFA website before visiting.

Free Walks & Neighborhood Exploration

Busy Boston neighborhood street scene with people crossing, historic brick buildings, and shops under a clear blue sky. — Photo Juliana Çupa

Some of Boston's most rewarding experiences simply require good walking shoes. The neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and the North End are best appreciated on foot, with no admission required. For a structured approach, the walking tours guide outlines the best self-guided routes.

Red brick row houses with black shutters line the cobblestone street of Acorn Street in Boston, with gas lamps glowing under overcast daylight.

17. Photograph the Most Famous Cobblestone Street in America

Acorn Street on Beacon Hill is always free to walk and photograph. The narrow cobblestones, Federal rowhouses, and period gas lanterns look best on weekday mornings before tour groups arrive. It's a short detour from the Freedom Trail at no cost whatsoever.

17. Photograph the Most Famous Cobblestone Street in America

Acorn Street on Beacon Hill is always free to walk and photograph. The narrow cobblestones, Federal rowhouses, and period gas lanterns look best on weekday mornings before tour groups arrive. It's a short detour from the Freedom Trail at no cost whatsoever.

Red brick row houses with black shutters line the cobblestone street of Acorn Street in Boston, with gas lamps glowing under overcast daylight.

A bronze Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail plaque mounted on a boulder, with grassy lawn, waterfront, wooden pier, and industrial buildings under a blue sky.

18. Follow the Black Heritage Trail Through Beacon Hill

This free 1.6-mile self-guided trail connects 14 sites tied to Boston's 19th-century African American community, including the African Meeting House, the oldest surviving Black church in the U.S. NPS rangers lead free guided tours on a seasonal schedule.

18. Follow the Black Heritage Trail Through Beacon Hill

This free 1.6-mile self-guided trail connects 14 sites tied to Boston's 19th-century African American community, including the African Meeting House, the oldest surviving Black church in the U.S. NPS rangers lead free guided tours on a seasonal schedule.

A bronze Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail plaque mounted on a boulder, with grassy lawn, waterfront, wooden pier, and industrial buildings under a blue sky.

A tree-lined promenade with benches and autumn leaves on the ground, leading toward a distant historic statue in Back Bay.

19. Stroll Boston's Grand Victorian Promenade

Commonwealth Avenue Mall stretches the length of Back Bay with tree-lined walkways, bronze statues, and Victorian brownstones on either side. It's entirely free, lovely in fall foliage season, and connects Boston Common to the Esplanade via a series of linked green spaces.

19. Stroll Boston's Grand Victorian Promenade

Commonwealth Avenue Mall stretches the length of Back Bay with tree-lined walkways, bronze statues, and Victorian brownstones on either side. It's entirely free, lovely in fall foliage season, and connects Boston Common to the Esplanade via a series of linked green spaces.

A tree-lined promenade with benches and autumn leaves on the ground, leading toward a distant historic statue in Back Bay.

Front view of the historic Boston Public Library in Copley Square, surrounded by skyscrapers, with people walking and greenery in the foreground.

20. Admire Three Architectural Icons at Once in Copley Square

Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and the John Hancock Tower converge at this elegant free public plaza. Sit on the steps, watch chess players, and absorb one of Boston's finest architectural ensembles. The square is the Back Bay marathon finish line each April.

20. Admire Three Architectural Icons at Once in Copley Square

Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and the John Hancock Tower converge at this elegant free public plaza. Sit on the steps, watch chess players, and absorb one of Boston's finest architectural ensembles. The square is the Back Bay marathon finish line each April.

Front view of the historic Boston Public Library in Copley Square, surrounded by skyscrapers, with people walking and greenery in the foreground.

Dramatic sunset over Boston Harborwalk with city skyline, waterfront buildings, boats, and inviting pathway leading along the harbor’s edge.

21. Follow the Harborwalk Along 43 Miles of Free Waterfront

The Harborwalk is a free public path connecting neighborhoods from East Boston to Dorchester along historic wharves and waterfront parks. The stretch from the North End through the Seaport is the most accessible and rewarding section for a casual 2-3 hour walk.

21. Follow the Harborwalk Along 43 Miles of Free Waterfront

The Harborwalk is a free public path connecting neighborhoods from East Boston to Dorchester along historic wharves and waterfront parks. The stretch from the North End through the Seaport is the most accessible and rewarding section for a casual 2-3 hour walk.

Dramatic sunset over Boston Harborwalk with city skyline, waterfront buildings, boats, and inviting pathway leading along the harbor’s edge.

Front view of MIT's iconic Great Dome and columns of Building 10, framed by trees, with green lawn and blue sky.

22. Walk MIT's Open-Air Architecture Museum in Cambridge

MIT's campus is freely walkable and features buildings by Alvar Aalto, Frank Gehry's Stata Center, and Eero Saarinen. The MIT Museum has an admission fee, but the outdoor campus tour is self-guided and free. A 10-minute Red Line ride from downtown Boston.

22. Walk MIT's Open-Air Architecture Museum in Cambridge

MIT's campus is freely walkable and features buildings by Alvar Aalto, Frank Gehry's Stata Center, and Eero Saarinen. The MIT Museum has an admission fee, but the outdoor campus tour is self-guided and free. A 10-minute Red Line ride from downtown Boston.

Front view of MIT's iconic Great Dome and columns of Building 10, framed by trees, with green lawn and blue sky.

Free Markets & Outdoor Landmarks

Brick building with large gold letters reading 'South Market' amid downtown Boston architecture on a cloudy day. — Photo Jonathan Fuentes

The historic South Market building at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a red brick structure with gold lettering, surrounded by Boston's downtown architecture.

23. Explore Faneuil Hall — Free to Enter, Always Lively

The 1742 Faneuil Hall is free to enter and browse. The Great Hall upstairs, where patriots debated independence, is a working NPS site with free ranger talks. The surrounding Quincy Market has paid food stalls, but watching the street performers outside costs nothing.

23. Explore Faneuil Hall — Free to Enter, Always Lively

The 1742 Faneuil Hall is free to enter and browse. The Great Hall upstairs, where patriots debated independence, is a working NPS site with free ranger talks. The surrounding Quincy Market has paid food stalls, but watching the street performers outside costs nothing.

The historic South Market building at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a red brick structure with gold lettering, surrounded by Boston's downtown architecture.

Boston Public Market's brick building with large windows and colorful signage on a sunny day, located on a busy city street.

24. Browse Local New England Produce at Boston Public Market

This free-to-enter indoor market near Haymarket has 30+ vendors selling local produce, seafood, cheese, and baked goods. There's no charge to browse; you only pay for what you buy. Open year-round, it's the best place to taste New England's regional food without a restaurant bill.

24. Browse Local New England Produce at Boston Public Market

This free-to-enter indoor market near Haymarket has 30+ vendors selling local produce, seafood, cheese, and baked goods. There's no charge to browse; you only pay for what you buy. Open year-round, it's the best place to taste New England's regional food without a restaurant bill.

Boston Public Market's brick building with large windows and colorful signage on a sunny day, located on a busy city street.

Boston Marathon Finish Line on Boylston Street, marked in blue and yellow, with parked cars and nearby buildings in the background.

25. Stand on the Boston Marathon Finish Line at Boylston Street

The painted finish line on Boylston Street near Copley Square is permanently embedded in the pavement and free to visit any time. The surrounding memorials to the 2013 bombing are somber and moving. Marathon week in April transforms this stretch into an electric, free spectacle.

25. Stand on the Boston Marathon Finish Line at Boylston Street

The painted finish line on Boylston Street near Copley Square is permanently embedded in the pavement and free to visit any time. The surrounding memorials to the 2013 bombing are somber and moving. Marathon week in April transforms this stretch into an electric, free spectacle.

Boston Marathon Finish Line on Boylston Street, marked in blue and yellow, with parked cars and nearby buildings in the background.

Fort Independence sits on Castle Island with sunlit stone walls, grassy lawn, an obelisk monument, and visitors enjoying the waterfront under blue skies.

26. Walk the Free Loop at Castle Island in South Boston

Castle Island is a free peninsula park with a 1.8-mile loop walk around Pleasure Bay, the historic Fort Independence (free exterior access), and waterfront views of incoming flights and harbor traffic. Sullivan's seasonal seafood shack is the best affordable bite in South Boston.

26. Walk the Free Loop at Castle Island in South Boston

Castle Island is a free peninsula park with a 1.8-mile loop walk around Pleasure Bay, the historic Fort Independence (free exterior access), and waterfront views of incoming flights and harbor traffic. Sullivan's seasonal seafood shack is the best affordable bite in South Boston.

Fort Independence sits on Castle Island with sunlit stone walls, grassy lawn, an obelisk monument, and visitors enjoying the waterfront under blue skies.

FAQ

Is the Freedom Trail free to walk?

Yes. Walking the Freedom Trail yourself is completely free. The National Park Service provides a free audio guide through its app. The only costs come if you choose a paid private guided tour or pay admission to specific museums along the route, such as the Paul Revere House or Old South Meeting House.

Which Boston museums are free or have free hours?

Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge are always free. The ICA offers free admission on Thursday evenings from 5–9 p.m. The MFA offers $5 minimum admission on third Thursdays after 5 p.m. and free entry for Massachusetts residents on select open-house dates. The USS Constitution Museum is donation-based. Always verify current policies before visiting.

Is the Bunker Hill Monument free to climb?

Yes, climbing the 294 steps of Bunker Hill Monument is free. During peak season (typically summer), timed entry passes may be required and can be reserved in advance through the National Park Service website at no charge.

What are the best free things to do in Boston with kids?

Boston Common's Frog Pond (free to skate in winter), the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Faneuil Hall street performers, the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill Monument, and Castle Island's loop walk are all free family-friendly options. For more ideas, see our Boston with kids guide.

Are Boston's public parks really free, including the Public Garden?

Yes, Boston Common and the Public Garden are always free to enter. The Swan Boats in the Public Garden charge $4.75 for adults during their season, but walking the grounds, seeing the flower beds, and visiting the Make Way for Ducklings statues costs nothing.