Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Massachusetts

"Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace best known for its ever-changing lineup of street performers and its central location on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. Tourists and locals alike flock to the complex’s shops and Quincy Market, featuring 30-plus food stalls selling everything from exotic coffee to fresh seafood and artisanal bread.More"

"Originally Georgian in design, the market and assembly hall went up in the early 1740s and had to be rebuilt 20 years later after a fire destroyed most of it. Charles Bulfinch designed the federal-style expansion of Faneuil Hall at the start of the 19th century."

"Boston Public Garden and Boston Common happen to be a pair of public parks, with the former being at the centre of the city and the latter being the first public park of the United States. While the two are excellent for simply taking a stroll, admiring the wildlife, monuments and fountains or riding the Swan boat, the former is also a botanical garden which showcases a variety of flora. The Victorian touch of the parks provides a romantic feel, which is why they are preferred locations for weddings."

"Adjoining Boston Common, the Public Garden is a 24-acre botanical oasis of Victorian flower beds, verdant grass and weeping willow trees shading a tranquil lagoon. The old-fashioned pedal-powered Swan Boats have been delighting children for generations. The most endearing spot in the Public Garden is the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, depicting Mrs Mallard and her eight ducklings, the main characters in the beloved book by Robert McCloskey."

"Wander around to the Public Gardens, or sit by the Frog Pond. It is a great way to enjoy the city without spending a penny."

"The route starts here in is the oldest public park in the country, and of course, it’s free. Frog Pond, which is in the park, is known for ice skating in the winter. While the skating will cost you about $20 for admission and rentals, watching others glide around the pond is always free."

"Boston Common takes the cake as this city’s most quintessential park. Take some time out to venture through America’s oldest park either by foot or by swan boat!"

"Located at Beacon Street in Back Bay, the park is the highest-rated park in Boston, boasting 4.5 stars out of 453 reviews on Yelp."

"The magnificent Venetian-style palazzo that houses this museum was home to ‘Mrs Jack’ Gardner herself until her death in 1924. A monument to one woman’s taste for acquiring exquisite art, the Gardner is filled with some 2500 priceless objects, primarily European, including outstanding tapestries and Italian Renaissance and 17th-century Dutch paintings. The four-story greenhouse courtyard is a tranquil oasis that alone is worth the price of admission."

"In our opinion, one of Boston's best kept secrets is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Beyond the famed robbery which stripped this museum of 9 priceless works of art, that have still not been found, it is one of the most splendid and unique museums you will ever visit. Here's a great list of other hidden gems in the city of Boston."

"A Renaissance palace imported from Italy, stuffed with precious art by its eccentric owner, and recently greatly expanded."

"As one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States, Fenway Park has been carefully preserved as an athletic landmark, so it has a classic, clean-cut vibe that harks back to the golden days of America’s favorite pastime. For example, did you know that Fenway Park has never been expanded?. It still seats the same number of people as it did in 1912, so it offers a close, personal view of your favorite pitchers and batters."

"Boston’s Historic Ballpark is one of the most popular destinations for kids of ALL ages. Stop for lunch at one the many sports-themed pubs and restaurants located nearby."

"If you want to see some beautiful Roman Catholic architecture in one of the most spectacular Cambridge churches, you may need to visit St. Paul Parish. Originally built between the years of 1916 to 1924, it has recently been renovated to freshen up many aspects of its structure and artwork. Paired with its magnificent construction, Reverend William T. Kelly leads the way in following Roman Catholic services that include baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, and sacraments."

"A 19th-century row house located in Boston’s Back Bay, the Gibson House is a local architectural treasure. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style with its brownstone and red brick, this lovely residence maintains its charm and unspoiled beauty, complete with original furnishings of the well-to-do Gibson family. Inside, you’ll be awed by its elegant wallpaper, paintings, sculpture, photographs, silver, porcelain and more."

"The Gibson House Museum is located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. Completed in 1860, it is a time capsule of domestic life from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries. The ornate townhouse has on display black-walnut woodwork, elegant wallpapers, imported carpets, and an abundance of furniture, paintings, sculpture, photographs, silver, porcelain, curios, and much more."

"This parkland offers plenty of recreation, including tennis courts and the Cassidy Playground. The adjoining reservoir has 1.6-mile loop for jogging, striding, etc."

"Located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and adjacent to the famed Chinatown gate, this park boasts a seasonal water feature that acts as a wading fountain. Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park doesn't only have the River stream fountain for cooling off your toes in the summertime, but also PlayCubes. Kids love figuring their way into and out of the shapes, dodecahedrons, and also playing peekaboo with friends."

"The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), located on the waterfront in Boston, is undoubtedly a gem along the Harborwalk – an inviting public walkway around the Boston Harbor with its parks, public art, seating areas, restaurants and more. Perfect for contemporary art lovers, the ICA is organized in sections: one large rotating exhibition that changes every few months, a few smaller rotating displays and its permanent collection. Each exhibit aims is distinctive and is usually themed around the work of one artist or a particular topic."

"Next is a must-visit art museum in Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art!. When it was first founded, it was called the Boston Museum of Modern Art but has since changed its name. The mission has always stayed the same, though: educating and showcasing contemporary art to the masses."

"The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Diller Scofidio + Renfro Architects. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (. Our Boston architecture tour starts in the up-and-coming Seaport District of Boston, home to one of the city’s most famous art museums: The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)."

"Local artist Debby Krim opens her studio featuring stunning oil paintings and photography—Krim even had a photograph featured in the Sandra Bullock film, “The Proposal.”450 Harrison Ave, Studio 223a, Boston, 978.394.6995"

"Capturing the city between 1918 and 1939, this exhibition explores the nascence of modern photography through spontaneous images taken on the street or in nontraditional spaces like dance halls and brothels, and others that employ special effects created by new developing techniques. More than 100 works by incredible photographers—Ilse Bing, Lisette Model, Man Ray, Henri Cartier-Bresson, André Kertész and others—are organized thematically into groups like “The Theater of the Street” and “The Manipulated Photograph.” Feb. 15-June 8, 2014 McMullen Museum of Art, Devlin Hall 101, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, 617.552.8100. After sightseeing in local museums, hit up this city's many galleries that showcase fine art photography—and bring something home."

"Global collections include Gothic and Baroque tapestries, 16th and 17th century Italian paintings, and American paintings. Terrific special exhibits. Located on the Boston College campus."

"Next up is Allston's Twin Donuts, situated at 501 Cambridge St. (between Barrows and Beacon streets). With four stars out of 293 reviews on Yelp, the breakfast and brunch spot, which offers doughnuts and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

"Visit a historic fort, (Fort Independenceat Castle Island) or Fort Warren on Georges Island. Castle Island is accessible by car, and features a beautiful walkway (a 2.16 mile loop), big grassy areas for running and playing, a playground, BBQ pits,lots of parking, and a small beach area. Carson Beach is just down the road offering more space to stretch out on."

"Boston National Historical Park is a unique collaboration of federally, municipally, and privately owned and operated historic sites associated with the colonial struggle for independence and the birth and growth of the nation. This 43-acre historic park encompasses portions of Downtown Boston, Charlestown, and South Boston."

"Highlights include John Hancock’s lavish red velvet coat, arms and ammunition from Revolutionary War battles, and tea salvaged from the Boston Tea Party. Getting In:Old State House tickets are included on the Go Boston Card."

"The King’s Chapel is my favorite church in Boston to go inside–not because it is ornate, but because it is so unique among US churches. Built originally as an Anglican Church in the 18th century, the church has enclosed “boxes” instead of rows of pews. Originally, prominent families who were members of the church would have a box of their own that they would sit in each Sunday."

"Copp’s Hill Burying Ground & Spite House Boston’s second-oldest cemetery holds more than 1200 marked graves that include plenty of notable burials from the colonial era… but that’s not the only reason to visit."