Noah takes the world

30 Activities for a Budget Boston Solo Trip

Boston is perhaps one of the greatest cities to explore for a solo trip. You have the historic Freedom Trail and plenty of unique neighborhoods, from Back Bay to Charlestown, at every corner. 

It can be overwhelming to plan a Boston solo trip, especially in one massive and iconic city.

This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad.

I completed 30 activities in the historic town in three days, and I only spent $170 for my Boston solo trip. See my budget breakdown at the end of the article. 

Here is a complete itinerary for three days in Boston. The best part about my itinerary is that it’s in order. You can start each day at the first location and continue from there. 

Table of contents:

This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad. 

Day 1 (Fort Point & Seaport) 

1. Go to Fan Pier Park for Sunrise or Sunset 

Begin your Boston trip at a place with an iconic city view. Fan Pier is at the heart of the harbor and overlooks Boston’s main city center. 

Noah’s Take: I arrived in Boston on an Amtrak train and got off at Boston’s South Station. It was a short walk across the Summer Street Bridge to the park. 

2. Relax at the Porter Square Bookstore on Your Boston Solo Trip

The Porter Square Bookstore is a cute, independent bookstore close to Fan Pier Park. 

Noah’s Take: It might be the perfect place to warm yourself up if you visit Boston during the winter months, as I did. 

3. Get Groceries at Trader Joe’s Near Seaport Blvd

I conveniently found a Trader Joe’s in Seaport as I walked back towards the city center. I know this is a controversial opinion, but you can save a lot of money. 

Noah’s Take: Buy a few sandwiches and protein bars, then skip a few meals. Your wallet will thank you, and Trader Joe’s has a good selection of ready-to-eat foods that are exciting enough to make you feel like you are on vacation. 

4. Stay at Hi Boston Hostel to Save Money on Your Solo Trip

If you want to save money, stay at a hostel. It is simple.

Read: 5 National parks that are perfect for solo travel

Noah’s Take: I stayed at HI Boston during my Boston trip. I was very impressed with this hostel. They have a great, modern kitchen. They have plenty of tables and couches for chilling and getting work done. 

• Each room has a large locker, but make sure to bring your own lock

• The hostel is also in a convenient location, where you are close to most of the city’s main attractions. 

Day 2 (Beacon Hill, Havard, & Back Bay) 

5. Take Instagram Pictures at Acorn Street in Beacon Hill

Acorn Street is the most “instagrammable” place in Boston, arguably. 

Step back in time and visit Beacon Hill’s iconic cobblestone streets and row houses. There is a reason why this neighborhood is one of the most expensive areas to live in in Boston.

6. Walk down Charles Street and take the train to Harvard 

After a visit to Acorn Street, you can easily access Charles Street, lined with cafes and boutiques. In 7 minutes, you can find the Charles/MGH Subway Station. 

Take the Red Line. It will cost about $2, and you will reach Harvard. 

Noah’s Take: I easily got a round-trip ticket to Harvard at the station using the ticket machine, so there is no need to worry about this process, but if you want to be extra prepared, read this beginner’s guide to the subway from the MBTA.

7. Pretend to Be a Student at Harvard

Just explore at your own pace and live your Harvard fantasy, but remember, this is a college, not a tourist attraction. There are students here trying to learn. 

Noah’s Take: Tourists alike flock to the Johnston Gate and Sever Hall, but there is no need to plan out the exact spots you need to visit on campus.

• However, I do recommend visiting The Harvard Museum of Natural History. I did not make it on my trip, but it gets rave reviews. 

8. Take in Views of Trinity Church and Copley Square on Your Boston Solo Trip

I took the subway back to my hostel to eat a quick lunch and then headed out again, walking towards Back Bay. The first stop on my walk was Trinity Church. 

Trinity Church is considered one of the country’s top 10 buildings by the American Association of Architects. 

Right across from Trinity Church is Copley Square, where you can find sculptures and skateboarders. This neighborhood is famous for historical structures like Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, Old South Church and the Hancock Tower. 

9. Visit the Stunning and Free Boston Public Library

Dubbed one of the most gorgeous libraries in the country, if you are in the Copley Square area, a great solo trip activity is to visit this public library. 

This is a library, not a museum, but you will find murals, vaulted ceilings, and the most-see Bates Reading Room. 

Noah’s Take: Pay extra attention to the library’s hours. I visited Copley Square on a Sunday in February, and sadly, it was closed. As of January 2023, here are the library hours:

• Monday through Thursday: 9am–9pm
• Friday and Saturday: 9am–5pm
• Sunday: 1pm–5pm (Oct. through mid-May)

10. Window Shop Around Newbury Street in Back Bay

Back Bay is known for being fashionable and full of specialty shops. It is even known for being one of the most expensive streets in the world. 

Noah’s Take: Since this is a low-budget, solo trip, I only spent a little bit of time shopping here. It was more interesting to walk the street and watch pedestrians fill row houses that were converted into luxury shopping storefronts. This is not your average shopping street. 

11. Get Authentic Boston Cuisine at Summer Shack at a Reasonable Price

I stumbled upon Summer Shack after exploring Back Bay. It is an excellent place to eat staple Boston seafood without breaking the bank.

Noah’s Take: The Baked Oyster Rockefeller I bought for $16 was amazing. However, the Griddled Cornbread wasn’t my favorite. 

12. Picnic at Golden Hour at the Charles River Esplanade for a Great Solo Experience

Picnics are a perfect solo travel activity, and this park is a great place to walk and people-watch. 

Noah’s Take: Sometimes, eating alone at a restaurant can be intimidating. So, I took my Summer Shack order and walked 20 minutes to the Charles River Esplanade.

I completely loved the scenery and watching the sunset on the Charles River. Let me clarify; there is nothing wrong with eating at a restaurant alone! However, it can be more enjoyable to eat outside under golden light.

13. Stroll Through the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

As you head back to Back Bay, you can easily walk to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, 32 acres of green space.

From December 1st to April 1st, the mall is illuminated at night with lights, making it an enjoyable night walk. 

14. Treat Yourself to a Dessert in Back Bay

To finish your day in Back Bay, you can treat yourself to dessert. Believe me. You will deserve it after a full day of walking.

Levain Bakery is known for selling New York’s Most Famous Cookie, but I found myself craving the “crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside” cookies in Boston. 

Back Bay has plenty of dessert options. It is your solo trip, so please do what your heart desires!

Day 3 (Black Heritage and Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, & Charlestown) 

15. Start Your Day by Visiting America’s Oldest Park, Boston Common

HI Boston is only a 5-minute walk from the Boston Common

Boston Common is considered the oldest public park in the United States. It has been the epicenter of American history. 

It is also the start of my favorite attraction in Boston: the Freedom Trail. 

16. Walk the 1.6 Miles Self-Guided Black Heritage Trail

Before you walk the Freedom Trail, I recommend you walk the 1.6-mile self-guided Black Heritage Trail. Download the National Park Service App, put in headphones, and learn more about the thriving Black community that lived in Beacon Hill. 

The App provides audio tracks for each site and a map indicating the historic buildings along the trail, just like it does for the Freedom Trail. 

You can start the trail at the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, across from the Massachusetts State House. 

Noah’s Take: It was highly insightful to tour over a dozen historical sites that told the often-overlooked stories of Black Americans. Most sites are private residences, but you can go inside the Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House. 

17. Stop at Whole Foods in North Beacon Hill for Lunch

In the middle of walking the Black Heritage Trail, I was starving. Conveniently, there is a Whole Foods Market just steps off the trail.

Your dining options are limited in North Beacon, especially budget eats, so a quick stop at Whole Foods was perfect as I continued my walking tour of Boston. 

18. Start the Iconic Freedom Trail at the Edge of Boston Commons and the State House

After finishing the Black Heritage Trail, I retraced my steps to the State House to begin the Freedom Trail. 

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Boston, the Freedom Trail, is a 2.5-mile, red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution. 

Noah’s Take: The Freedom Trail is the perfect activity for an enlightening solo trip. Download the NPS App and access audio tracks for 22 historic sites.

I loved learning the history at my own pace and the ease of simply following red bricks on the sidewalk as I explored the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston. 

The NPS says you can spend an entire weekend along the Freedom Trail; they are right. The beauty of the Freedom Trail is it can be extended or shortened. It took me about six hours to walk the entire trail, with stops along most sites. 

Sites to not miss: Granary Burying Ground, Old South Meeting House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

19. Visit the Historic Faneuil Hall on Your Boston Solo Trip

One feature of the Freedom Trail that you must take advantage of is Faneuil Hall. It was the home of America’s first Town Meeting. 

Faneuil Hall also sits as the epicenter of the Freedom Trail, surrounded by Quincy Market and all its fanfare. 

Noah’s Take: If you do not have time to do the entire Freedom Trail, stop by Faneuil Hall. You will find plenty of activities and see a lively part of Boston. 

20. Eat From Local Vendors at Quincy Market

Quincy Market is a bustling shopping area in the Historic Downtown. From brand shopping to street performers, there is something for everyone here.

It is the perfect place to grab a lobster roll as you take a break from walking the Freedom Trail. 

21. Go Inside the Old North Church That “Started” the Midnight Ride

I went inside the Old North Church for $5. According to oldnorth.com, the church welcomes over 500,000 visitors a year, and I was glad I was one of them.

Old North Church is famous for signaling to Paul Revere that the British were coming. Three Boston Patriots hung two lanterns in the church’s steeple as the British marched to Lexington and Concord. 

22. Watch Dogs Play at the Paul Revere Park

As you walk the Freedom Trail towards Charlestown, you can visit the Paul Revere Park. It was a picturesque place to eat a snack and rest my feet.

I also saw plenty of dogs, and I very much enjoyed their company. Solo trips are only complete with a nice relaxing trip to a park. 

23. No Boston Solo Trip is complete without a Visit Charleston and the Bunker Hill Monument 

At the end of the Freedom Trail is the Bunker Hill Monument. I recommend you visit Bunker Hill before the Navy Yard. Keep reading to see why.

The Bunker Hill Monument is grand and honors the Battle of Bunker Hill, where Colonial forces showed they could fight effectively against the British. This battle is considered a turning point in the war.

24. Visit the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitors Center

Next, you should retrace your steps to visit the Navy Yard Visitors Center. It makes this list because it is free!

Noah’s Take: The Visitors Center has a few interesting exhibits and artifacts, but the Navy Yard’s highlight is visiting the two ships that sit past the Visitors Center.

25. Visit the Below Deck of an Active Navy Ship: The USS Constitution 

One of the final stops on the Freedom Trail is The USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat. 

After a security check (make sure to have a form of identity ready to be checked), you can go aboard the ship for free. YES, for free. 

There is also a USS Constitution Museum. However, it is not free. 

Noah’s Take: I enjoyed going below deck and seeing the ship’s inner workings. It was a bit cramped, and you had to climb a few ladders. But it was totally worth it. 

26. Take a Self-Guided Tour Through the Restored WWII Cassin Young

Alongside the USS Constitution is the WWII Cassin Young. This ship was involved in seven Pacific battles in World War II. 

You can take a self-guided tour and walk along the ship deck… for FREE. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour as well.  

27. Take a Ferry at the Navy Yard to Go Back to the City Center

After touring the Cassin Young, walk 10 minutes to the Charlestown Navy Yard Ferry Terminal. Take the Charlestown Ferry to Long Wharf. The trip will cost about $5, and it is worth every penny. 

Noah’s Take: Taking the Charlestown Ferry is the perfect, most picturesque way to travel back after finishing the trail. No need to walk two more miles or take the subway and miss out on epic views. 

Once you complete the Freedom Trail, reward yourself with a beautiful cruise across the bay. 

28. Watch the Sunset at Christopher Columbus Park

The ferry will drop you off right in front of Christopher Columbus Park. It is a nice park to people-watch, and if you plan it properly, it can be a calming place to enjoy the sunset. 

There are plenty of cute picture opportunities in this area as well. 

29. Support Local Vendors and Get Tasty Food at Boston Public Market

One of my final stops in Boston was at Boston’s Public Market. This is no ordinary market. It is a non-profit organization that tries to support local entrepreneurs. 

There is something for every appetite here. You can find locally sourced New England Food, from fresh foods to prepared meals. 

30. Take self-timers Downtown to close out your Boston Solo Trip

To end your enlightening and exhausting solo trip in Boston, take some selfies in the street to document the experience.

As I walked back to Boston South Station to take an Amtrak train home, I found a few posts along the street where I could prop my camera up and snag a shot.

It was the perfect way to close out an excellent solo trip. Of course, no trip will or can be perfect, but Boston is a fantastic city for rewarding solo travel. 

How much money did I spend on a 3-day Boston Solo Trip?

I spent about $170 on my solo trip. I saved considerably by opting for supermarket food over dining out each meal. Essentially all the activities I did in the city were free, besides going inside the Old North Church. 

• Hostel: $80

• Food: $55

• Shopping: $30

• Attractions: $5

• Transportation: $10

Visiting the East Coast? Read all of my East Coast guides:

• Philly Solo Trip: The Perfect Itinerary for a 2-Day, Budget-Friendly Trip
• 8 Solo Things to Do in NYC for the Perfect Day Alone
• 16 Things to Do Alone on a DC Solo Trip
• Rhode Island Travel Guide: How to Spend 48 Hours Alone in Rhode Island