Boston on a Shoestring Budget

  1. Day 1: Historic Trail & Quincy Market
    Start at Boston Common Park, 30 minutes (1.1 miles) from Logan International Airport

    Start your trip by walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that takes you through 16 historic sites including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the USS Constitution Museum. After that, head to Quincy Market to check out the variety of food stalls and shops. Be sure to try some clam chowder and a lobster roll. End your day with a stroll through the Boston Public Garden.

  2. Day 2: Fenway Park & Harvard University
    Start at Fenway Park, 20 minutes (2.2 miles) from Boston Common Park

    Begin by taking a tour of Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. After, head to Harvard University, where you can take a free walking tour and explore their art museums. If you're feeling hungry, grab a bite at the famous Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage. End your day by catching a sunset at the Charles River Esplanade.

  3. Day 3: Museum Day
    Start at the Museum of Fine Arts, 30 minutes (2.6 miles) from Fenway Park

    Visit Museum of Fine Arts, which offers free admission on Wednesdays after 4 pm. After that, head to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which is known for its Venetian-style courtyard and great collection of art. End your day by visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art, which offers free admission on Thursdays after 5 pm.

  4. Day 4: Boston Harbor & North End
    Start at Long Wharf, 15 minutes (1.2 miles) from the Museum of Fine Arts

    Begin with a walk along the HarborWalk, which offers beautiful views of the harbor, then head to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where you can learn about the historic event that took place there. After, head to the North End, where you can stroll through the charming streets filled with Italian restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. End your trip with a cannoli from Mike's Pastry.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Boston Common Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • Fenway Park Tour (1 hour, $20)
  • Harvard University Tour (1-2 hours, free)
  • Museum of Fine Arts (2-3 hours, free on Wednesdays after 4 pm)
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (1-2 hours, $15)
  • Institute of Contemporary Art (1-2 hours, free on Thursdays after 5 pm)
  • Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (1.5-2 hours, $30)
  • Mike's Pastry ($3-5 per cannoli)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $68-80

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands or visiting the Samuel Adams Brewery. For those with less time, you can skip the museums or shorten the walk of the Freedom Trail. Remember to budget for transportation costs, as walking is a great option but sometimes not feasible.

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