Delectable dining opportunities, history, exciting sports events, culture and downright fun await you in Boston. But you won’t have to break the bank to do Beantown. There are frugal and thrifty ways to go about seeing and experiencing all Boston has to offer.
Your fingers may do the walking through the yellow pages but they won’t be doing the walking around Boston… You’ll need your feet for that. Bring along comfortable shoes because walking is actually one of the best methods of sightseeing in Beantown USA. Bring your laptop as well so that you can preview virtual audio tours of the different waterfront neighborhoods and other touristy exploration opportunities.
These downloadable videos are free and can be found at BostonHarborwalk.com. While you’re out and about feel free to take full advantage of the greenway’s food trucks for fast but frugal dining. The North End and ChinaTown are some of the most colorful neighborhoods to be found and parks connected by a ribbon themed walkway lead to the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
When you’re not taking advantage of the food trucks consider creamy macaroni and cheese (truffled nonetheless) for $7.00; grilled prawns into chipolte sauce for $8.00 or other delectable delights from Stanhope Street’s Brahmin American Cuisine and Cocktails. You can find it in the Back Bay area. If Those don’t trip your trigger perhaps beef teriyaki, veggie quesadillas or pot stickers coming in at around $4.00 each between 4 and 6:00 PM are actually listed under half-price appetizers at the Red Sky Restaurant and Lounge. They are located in Faneuil Hall. Newbury Street has lots of quaint little bars where you can pick up a cocktail and watch all the people go by for under $10.00. Remember too that alcohol on a budget is somewhat counterproductive. Booze isn’t cheap.
Frugal fun for the family can be found at the children’s museum, Paul Revere’s house, the New England Aquarium and a 5 minute walk from the previously mentioned Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The marketplace contains street performers of world class renowned and cultural opportunities such as contemporary art from Boston’s Institute from 5 to 9 PM every Thursday.
These are free exhibits. Another marketplace that abounds with free entertainment is the Quincy Marketplace. Remember please than it’s only right to throw even small donations to the street performers. On the subject of culture, evenings after 4:00, you can view the fascinating exhibits at the museum of fine arts for free.
Don’t miss The Christian Science Center’s Mary Baker Eddy Library which houses a stained glass, three story globe. People have been flocking to this awe inspiring attraction for 60 years. If you’re a fan of 19th century French art or early Italian renaissance Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum is only $6.50 admission. Applying for a library card at Cambridge gets you in free.
History buffs of a different sort may enjoy a visit to Bunker Hill by trudging down the freedom trail which spans from Boston Common to Charleston. The Hatch Shell, over in Charles, features free outdoor concerts and movies. The Sam Adams Brewery is available for tours for a minimal $2 charitable donation with fascinating factoids and free samples. Yum. Relax and cool off if it’s a hot day on a swan boat 15 minute cruise through the Boston Public Garden Lagoon; only $2.50.
Upon arrival at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, do yourself a favor and pick up the 7-Day Link Pass to have unlimited access to a public transportation; rather than spend a small fortune…or not so small…on taxis. Don’t even think about driving… on a good day it is exceedingly tedious. Those passes are only $15.00 and you can go all over Boston on the inner-harbor ferry, local bus and subway with them. If this is a family vacation consider stopping in at the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau to purchase the Family-Friendly Value Pass. You can enjoy eateries and other venues with the benefit of substantial discounts and even free stuff. What’s better than free? Bostonusa.com has more information on these Family-Friendly passes.
So whether it is adults or families with kids, Boston has a little something for everyone; and so many of them are at a perfectly affordable frugal price that it would be a shame to pass up such an opportunity to view so many little slices of fun filled history.