Budget-Friendly Boston: A Two-Day Adventure

Get a taste of history without breaking the bank: explore Boston on a budget.

21 June 2023

Boston is a great city that can be explored even on a limited budget. Visitors can enjoy the historic sites and museums like the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution Museum and the Harvard Art Museums. One can also indulge in delicious fresh seafood at affordable prices and explore the city's parks and gardens for free.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Boston on a Budget

  • Start with breakfast at South Street Diner, an iconic 24-hour restaurant with tons of character
  • Visit the Boston Common and Public Garden for picturesque strolls, picnic seating and photo opportunities
  • Walk the historic Freedom Trail, which includes 16 key sites around Boston including the USS Constitution Museum and the Paul Revere House. Tickets can be expensive, but affordable self-guided tours are also available.
  • Visit Quincy Market, offering both indoor and outdoor shopping and dining options. Don't miss the delicious and budget-friendly clam chowder at Boston Chowda Co.
  • End the day with a visit to the Samuel Adams Brewery, where tours are free and tastings are only $5 per person. Taste locally brewed beer in the brewery’s outdoor courtyard.
  • Accommodation: Stay at The Revolution Hotel, where rates start at $99 per night. The rooms are stylish, efficient and comfortable, with shared amenities to keep costs low.
Day 2

Local Secrets

  • Start the day off with breakfast at the beloved Flour Bakery, featuring homemade pastries and sandwiches
  • Take a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands, a hidden local treasure featuring beaches and hiking trails, as well as historic sites, picturesque lighthouses and gorgeous landscapes
  • Visit Castle Island, an iconic Boston park with a historical fort and scenic views of the harbor. Try the Lobster Roll at Sullivan's for a delicious seafood lunch.
  • Take a stroll along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston's contemporary park space that features art installations, food trucks, and fountains
  • Visit Harvard Square in nearby Cambridge, enjoy coffee shops, indie bookstores and a lively street scene. End with pizza from Pinocchio's, a longstanding local favorite
  • Overall, Boston has tons of activities that are free or budget-friendly, perfect for those traveling on a budget. With some local know-how, a sense of adventure and an open mind, Boston can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Length of stay

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Boston by plane is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport, which is located just 3 miles from downtown Boston. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest all service this airport from cities across the United States and around the world.

Car

Driving to Boston is an option if you live within a few hours of the city. However, be aware that parking in Boston can be expensive and difficult to find. If you do decide to drive, the easiest way to get into the city is via I-93 or I-90.

Train

While there are train stations in Boston, it may not be the most efficient way to get there. However, if you are coming in from other parts of Massachusetts or the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak offers service to Boston's South Station and Back Bay Station.

Boat

While Boston is located on the coast, taking a boat may not be the easiest or most efficient way to get there. However, there are ferry services from nearby islands, such as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, that dock in Boston's Long Wharf area.

Bus

A great way to get to Boston is by bus. Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines both offer service to Boston from cities across the United States. The main bus station in Boston is the South Station Bus Terminal, which is located in the heart of the city.

Destination

Boston

Welcome to a city where beans are baked, tea is dumped and accents are wicked awesome. Boston, home to both the Red Sox and the Cheers bar, is waiting to charm you with its unique blend of history and humor.

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