Visiting Boston on a Budget 2025 - Friday Night

1. Stroll the North End

Boston's Little Italy is full of sights, sounds, and tastes! There are so many things to do in the North End with Kids, like seeing Paul Revere's House and more living history. If you're lucky, you might catch one of the North End's FREE festivals, like St. Anthony's Feast.

2. Dinner at Regina Pizzeria

The North End is also home to one of the city's most beloved restaurants. This Thatcher Street pizzeria will celebrate its centennial in 2026. A pizza from Regina is a great way to stretch the family vacation budget while indulging in a Boston classic. And if the weather is nice, the family can enjoy a picnic.

3. Rose Kennedy Greenway

Get to know the city by exploring the acres of urban park along the Greenway, running straight through downtown along the waterfront.

4. Shakespeare on the Common

The nation's original public park hosts FREE performances of classic plays under the city's skyline.

5. Free Friday Flicks

Not in the mood for Shakespeare? Boston has a number of places that offer free outdoor movies in the summer.

Get to know the city by exploring Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway, and keep stretching your vacation budget.

Visiting Boston on a Budget 2025 - Saturday

6. Breakfast

Grab delicious, reasonably priced (and portable) breakfast sandwiches from Sunny Girl in the North End or one of Mike and Patty's multiple locations around Beantown.

7. Freedom Trail

Boston has one of the most unique, and FREE family attractions in the country. The Freedom Trail is a self-guided tour through the streets of the city, complete with some of the most recognizable landmarks from the American Revolution. And the Freedom Trail lets families explore the "Cradle of Liberty" while taking it easy on the wallet.

8. Lunch at Faneuil Hall

Located right on the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market have so many options for a delicious (and budget-friendly) lunch, from sit-down meals, to hand-held treats and sharable meals. 

9. Visitng the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is the oldest ship in the U.S. Navy, and the ship, as well as the museum, are FREE to visit (though donations are encouraged).

10. Dinner at 99 Restaurant - Charlestown

Local fave the 99 is a great option for a budget-friendly meal. And kids eat free after a Red Sox win (be sure to sign up for the rewards club in advance).

11. Bunker Hill Monument

Whether you swing by this mammoth landmark before or after dinner, a visit to the Bunker Hill Monument can be a calorie-burning excursion or a casual walk in the park. 

The USS Constitution is a must-see on a budget-friendly weekend in Boston!

Visiting Boston on a Budget 2025 - Sunday

12. Breakfast at Jugos - Back Bay

Treat the family to nutritious smoothies, eggs & toast, and more bargain-friendly breakfast options at Jugos (or Jugos Supremo) in the back Bay.

13. Harvard Square

The hustle and bustle of Harvard square is packed with so much to explore, like the world famous Hahvahd Yahd, as well as book shops, historical sights, and local art.

14. Harvard Art Museums

One great perk of Cambridge is Visiting the Harvard Museums, where the art museums are free, and all museums are free to Massachusetts residents on Sunday morning.

15. Lunch at Charlie's Kitchen

Charlie's Kitchen has been a Harvard Square landmark for generations; just ask (Good) Will Hunting. This spot is part college hang-out, part diner, and part gastro-pub. And the burgers and lobster rolls are worth the visit.

Tips for Visiting Boston on a Budget 2025

Plan Ahead

Boston is one of the 10 most-visited cities in America, even though it's barely in the 25 largest cities, which means accommodations can fill up fast. Booking early can help get a better rate. And avoiding popular tourist events (the marathon, 4th of July, and college graduation season) also helps avoid higher rates.

Find Hotels Outside of the City

Boston's subway, streetcar, and commuter train network ("the T") link dozens of communities to the city, and if you're willing to ride the choo-choo, you can save some money on accommodations.

Be Ready To Walk

Boston is a very walkable city. So if the family is up for some urban hiking (ahem, Freedom Trail), you can save a bundle on parking, T fare, rideshares & cabs, and so on.

Consider a CityPASS

If the family is set on seeing the Boston Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium, a Boston CityPASS lets you save money by bundling admission to these and 2 other attractions.

All photos taken by Kyle Klein Photography for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.