5 Days in Boston: Budget-Friendly Adventure!

Discover Boston's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Boston is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions. To experience it on a budget, consider staying in a hostel or budget hotel and taking advantage of free activities like museum visits and walking tours. You can also sample some of Boston's famous seafood without breaking the bank by seeking out casual eateries and food trucks.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City on Foot

  • Check into your hotel, the Eliot Hotel, located in the upscale Back Bay neighborhood.
  • Stroll through Boston Common and the Public Garden, the oldest public park in America.
  • Visit historic sites like the Paul Revere House, Beacon Hill, and the USS Constitution Museum.
  • Take a sunset walk along the Charles River Esplanade and enjoy the city skyline views.
  • Grab dinner at Neptune Oyster, a hidden gem where you can try their famous lobster rolls.
Day 2

Fenway Park and Local Eats

  • Start your day with a tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.
  • Head over to the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood for a classic Boston breakfast at Busy Bee Restaurant.
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
  • Stop by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a beautiful mansion-turned-museum.
  • Grab dinner at Regina Pizzeria, serving some of the best pizza in Boston.
Day 3

Harbor Cruise and Seafood Feast

  • Take a harbor cruise to see the city from a different perspective and learn about Boston's history as a port city.
  • Head to Quincy Market for lunch and try some New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.
  • Visit the New England Aquarium to see marine life from around the world and catch a IMAX movie.
  • Take a walk through the Seaport District and enjoy the views of the harbor.
  • End the day with a seafood feast at Legal Sea Foods, a Boston classic.
Day 4

Freedom Trail and Cheers

  • Start the day by walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile historic trail that takes you through 16 sites significant to America’s founding.
  • Visit the Old North Church, where the famed “One if by land, and two if by sea” signal was given.
  • Stop by Cheers, the bar from the famous TV show, for lunch and a beer.
  • Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, celebrating the life and legacy of the former president.
  • Head back to Back Bay for dinner at Sweet Cheeks Q, serving some of the best Southern barbecue in the city.
Day 5

Cambridge and Harvard Square

  • Take a subway ride across the Charles River to Cambridge and visit Harvard Square.
  • Stroll through Harvard Yard and explore the Harvard Art Museums.
  • Visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, known for its groundbreaking research and innovation.
  • Walk along the Charles River and enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
  • End your trip with dinner at Grendel's Den, a cozy and lively restaurant serving American and international cuisine.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Boston's Best: A Romantic Weekend Getaway

Enjoy a romantic trip for two to the historic city of Boston. Stroll hand in hand through the charming streets of Beacon Hill and take in the beauty of the autumn leaves in the Public Garden. Indulge in a romantic dinner at one of the city's award-winning restaurants and catch a show at the Boston Opera House for an unforgettable evening.

5-Day Romantic Getaway: Fall in Love with Boston

Boston is a charming city with rich history and plenty of romantic attractions. Visit the picturesque Beacon Hill neighborhood and stroll hand-in-hand among the colorful historic houses. Enjoy a sunset sail on the iconic Charles River or indulge in a cozy dinner at one of the many intimate restaurants in the North End.

Budget-Friendly Boston: A Two-Day Adventure

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.

Boston on a Budget: Sights and Bites

Boston is an exciting city to explore on a limited budget. Visitors can walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile historic path through the city's key historic sites. Other budget-friendly activities include visiting the Boston Public Library, strolling through the Boston Common, and taking a self-guided tour of the Harvard campus.