When you’re spending your hard-earned money on vacation, there are few things better than hearing the word free, right? While there are always plenty of attractions and activities worth paying for on any trip, it’s never bad to have a few things to enjoy that won’t put any dent in your wallet at all, especially when you’re traveling in more expensive areas.

The Northeastern part of the US is a popular travel destination, but it can be pricey too, especially if you’re traveling with family. That’s why we wanted to highlight a few of the best free things to do in the Northeast so you can have just the right mix for your budget. 

Ready to take a look?

New York City

New York City is one place where you could never run out of things to do. The City that Never Sleeps earns its name for having tons of things going on at all hours of the day or night. 

Thankfully quite a few of them are free. 

Here are some of our favorites:

You can’t beat a beautiful stroll around Central Park, especially on a nice day where you’ll see plenty of people out walking, jogging, or having a picnic. In the Summer, check out the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park which offers free performances.

Another popular place to take in the sights and sounds of New York City is The Highline. It’s a 1.5-mile park that’s on an old elevated subway rail. There are also free tours and events going on weekly.

Boston

Boston is another Northeastern city with a lot going on. Since it’s much smaller than it’s counterparts, it’s a great place to abandon your car and wander on foot. 

Here are a few free things you can enjoy in Boston:

Look down in many parts of downtown Boston and you’ll see a bright red line painted into the sidewalk. That’s the Freedom Trail. It’s a 2.5-mile long trail that wanders through Boston and follows Colonial history. You can download an audio tour listen along as you walk. The Freedom Trail often intersects with the Black Heritage Trail which you can explore too.

Perhaps the most famous University in American is located right across the river in Cambridge. Thankfully, Harvard University offers free tours for those of us who didn’t quite have the SAT scores to get accepted. 

Philadelphia

Another really popular and historic Northeastern city is Philadelphia. Just like you’ll find with New York City and Boston, if you know where to look, there are plenty of cool free activities to enjoy. 

Here are some free activities to check out in Philly:

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to check out both the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. Both are right next to each other and offer free admission to visitors. 

On the first Friday of each month from 5-9pm, the galleries, and shops of the Old City District open their doors for a big outdoor exhibition. You can check out the art scene, listen to live music and wander the stalls to see what’s happening in Philadelphia. 

As you can see, there are plenty of free things to do in the Northeast, you just have to know where to look. Hopefully, you can explore some of these spots on your next trip to this region!