When you live in Boston, there’s no shortage of activities or restaurants to try. Between the city’s rich history and constant stream of events, our weekends can fill up pretty quickly. The only downside: it can be dangerously expensive. That’s why we put together a guide to having the perfect cheap weekend in Boston, where you don’t have to trade good experiences for financial burdens. For less than $20 combined, you can attend all six of these great places.
Abigail’s Tea Room
Located along the Boston Harbor (obviously!) on a bridge heading into Seaport, you’ll find the iconic Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, equipped with two full-size ships that you can pretend to throw tea boxes off of during your tour.
But even if you don’t want to spend $35 on a full tour (although worth experiencing once), you can still enjoy a stop at Abigail’s Team Room & Terrace.
Named after Abigail Adams, a historic figure known for her activism and intellect, this historic area boasts tall ceilings with gold chandeliers and lots of windows overlooking the harbor. Buy an empty cup from the café for only $5 to sample all five flavors of tea that were thrown overboard in protest centuries ago.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also pair your tea with many of the café’s other offerings, like fruit scones, cookies, or sandwiches. It’s super casual, but the historic vibe makes you feel like you paid for a much more luxurious experience — and can you really put a price tag on history?
Boston Public Library Cooking Classes
Every month, the Boston Public Library hosts an array of free, in-person cooking classes for those in the Greater Boston area.
Most classes take place at the Nutrition Lab found in the Shaw-Roxbury branch, which is easily accessible via the MBTA Orange Line. These classes are a great way to learn about new foods or cultures you’re interested in, increase your nutrition literacy, and even meet new people.
The Boston Public Library website expresses that this program “empowers patrons to explore cooking techniques, cultural heritage, nutrition, and Boston history.” Examples of previous classes include lessons on how to make kimchi at home, the magic of spices in soup, and making your own pasta. And who would ever pass up free — and homemade — food?
Caffé Vittoria
Located in Boston’s historic North End, Caffé Vittoria feels like it was plucked straight out of Italy and placed on Hanover Street.
Vintage espresso machines and colorful artwork line the walls, making it no surprise this spot dates back to 1929. And since it’s open until midnight, it’s the perfect place for a chill game or cards on a Friday night while you sip on their iconic espresso martini or a whipped-cream-topped hot cocoa (my personal favorite).
While this spot is cash-only, the prices are reasonable and the vintage vibes with jazz and Frank Sinatra’s hits are worth every penny. I love coming here to catch up with friends after dinner, or if I want a sweet treat to end the night — their homemade gelato is a must!
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Despite the name, the Arnold Arboretum is not near Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, but actually sits near Jamaica Plain.
Established in 1872, the arboretum spans 281 acres of land and hosts over 15,000 accessioned plants. The best part? Admission is completely free and the grounds are open every single day from sunrise to sunset.
As we move into spring, this is one of the best spots in Boston to take in budding nature and active wildlife. They offer guided tours, virtual walks, and even seasonal scavenger hunts. Other events include birding walks, mushroom hunts, and their annual Cherry Blossom celebration in April.
If you’re ever feeling trapped by skyscrapers and crowds, this is the perfect oasis away from city life.
The Mapparium
This unique exhibit is located on the Christian Science Plaza, and admission is only $6.
The Mapparium, a huge stained-glass globe that you can walk inside, is part of an interactive experience called How Do You See the World? It features stories about historic figures who helped shape our modern world.
The iconic three-story globe itself allows you to view the world during different time periods, accompanied by narration explaining significant events in human rights, scientific breakthroughs, and more. It’s immerse, educational, and unlike anything else in the city.
Haymarket Produce Market
Talk about bang for your buck, the Haymarket produce market is one of oldest open-air markets in the United States (nearly 300 years old!), and walking through it is an experience all on its own.
Easily accessible from the Haymarket train and bus station outside the North End, this market offers a huge variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and even seafood, for a fraction of the price you’d find in a grocery store.
Every Friday and Saturday from around 4 AM to 7 PM, more than 40 independent vendors line the streets, often blasting upbeat music and operating rain or shine (or snow). Another cash-only spot, so make sure you bring a few singles.
While it can feel a bit chaotic for first-timers, the iconic sounds and energy are what make it so fun. With some of the lowest prices in New England, it’s not unusual to leave with eight apples for $2, or three pounds of potatoes for $5.
Tip: for the best produce, go early — but for the best deals, go later on Saturday.
These six spots are just a handful of the experiences around the Boston area that are not only awesome, but won’t break the bank. Next time you’re looking for some fun weekend plans, refer back to this list or check out other student discounts!
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