Boston's Best Free Attraction 2008

The country’s oldest arboretum features plenty of trails and a spectacular array of flowering trees, blossoms and wildflowers.

Reviews:

• “Great for cityslickers looking for”

Tips: Try biking or running on the Arboretum’s paths, but be advised that bike riding is permitted only in certain areas.

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard Square institution offers a slice of Ivy League life without the mess of keg parties.

Reviews:

• “Harvard Coop”

Tips: School staff, students and alumni can become a Coop member for $1 a year and receive special discounts.

Harvard Coop

The crown jewel of the Charles River Basin, a favorite spot for outdoor types, music lovers and families.

Reviews:

• “Perfect Spot”
• “9.5”
• “Truly Romantic”
• “Summer fun”

Esplanade

Hip shops, restaurants and Ivy League-influence make this a natural people-watching paradise.

Reviews:

• “GREAT PLACE!!!!!”
• “Always Relaxing”
• “BRATTLE CINEMA”
• “Nowhere like it anywhere”
• “Can’t be beat”

Tips: Recharge your shopping batteries by enjoying a stroll through picturesque Harvard Yard, or some people-watching at Peet’s Coffee.

Harvard Square

That strange red line running all over town is your yellow brick road through Boston’s history.

Reviews:

• “Good for athletic visitors”
• “Boston: Freedom Trail”
• “awesome”
• “A Must-Do”
• “The nation’s thinnest national park”

Tips: Few tourists take in all 16 stops at once. Hit the popular highlights: the State House, Old North Church and USS Constitution.

Freedom Trail

Boston’s oldest museum’s collections reflect the broad tastes and interests of the monied 19th-century Boston collectors who founded it.

Reviews:

• “Best in the US…”
• “A Great Escape”
• “Rembrandt in Boston”
• “Long live the MFA”
• “my favorite museum”

Tips: On Wednesdays after 4:45pm, admission is free (voluntary contributions are welcomed).

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston