Fly Away Cafe - Where travel is a way of life

What to Do in Boston on a Budget

by Mary Jo Manzanares on April 3rd, 2008

Today I have a guest post from blogging pal Susan Johnston.

With the decline of the US dollar vs. international currencies, now is the perfect time to explore domestic destinations rather than flying overseas.

Spring is the ideal season to visit Boston, because the weather is warming up and many of Boston’s most popular attractions are getting ready for business. There’s a palpable excitement and anticipation in Boston as the Red Sox prepare for opening day at Fenway Park and the Public Gardens comes alive with spring flowers.

I have lived in or around Boston for over a decade, so here are my suggestions on Boston activities that won’t break the bank. Some are specific to spring and summer, but many are open year round.

• Plan a picnic on Boston Common or the Public Gardens. Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Boston Common and the Public Gardens offer a quiet escape from the fast pace of the city. During the summer, Boston Common hosts a number of free outdoor performances and events, so be sure to bring a blanket and some snacks (or pick up a pizza from Upper Crust, which is located nearby on Charles Street). It’s also a great place for jogging and people-watching.
• Make like a student. Word on the street is that during the school year, one in five Bostonians are actually college students. So it’s not surprising that there a ton of low budget entertainment options for the collegiate set. If you still have a college ID, then you’re in luck (I admit it, I still sometimes use my Boston University ID at the movies). If not, then it’s still worth checking the events calendars at big universities like Harvard, MIT, and BU, because many of their concerts, lectures, and other events are open to the public.
• Take a walk. If the weather is mild, then Boston is the perfect walking city. You’ll discover cute little shops and boutiques in the South End, walk past historic brownstones in the Back Bay, or soak up the local flavors in Inman Square. If it’s too chilly to walk, then you can buy a Charlie Card and ride the MBTA’s bus and subway system for a lot less than you’d spend on cabs or a car rental (in fact, I strongly discourage you from renting a car in Boston, because we have such a great public transportation system that it’s not necessary).
• Soak up some culture in a museum. Boston is home to a ton of really great art and history museums. The Institute of Contemporary Art, which just reopened on Boston’s waterfront a year ago, hosts Target Free Thursday Nights every week and free family days on the last Saturday of each month. Citizens Bank sponsors free admission on Wednesday nights from 4-9:45 at the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Boston Children’s Museum is just $1 on Friday evenings.

With a little creativity, you can have a great trip to Boston without spending a ton of money!

Susan Johnston inherited her Yankee frugality from her mother. She writes for several blogs, including the Go Boston Travel Blog.

Photo credit:  flickr

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POSTED IN: Art, Fun for Families & Kids, Getting Around, Outdoor Activities, Things to See & Do, Travel Tips