Best Things to Do in Boston Without a Car
- Lori S.
- Dec 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and experiences I genuinely believe are helpful for visitors to Boston.
One of the best surprises for first-time visitors is how easy it is to explore Boston without renting a car. Boston is compact, walkable, and well-connected by public transportation, making it ideal for visitors who want to see a lot with minimal hassle (and no parking stress).
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or just a couple of days, here are the best things to do in Boston without a car—all reachable on foot, by subway (the “T”), or by ferry.
Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path that winds through downtown Boston, connecting 16 historically significant sites. It’s flat, clearly marked, and perfect for walking at your own pace. Book a Freedom Trail walking tour led by a National Park Service ranger.
The National Park Service also manages the Boston African American National Historic Site located in Beacon Hill. You can connect the Black Heritage Trail with the Freedom Trail at the Robert Gould Shaw 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial Freedom Trail stop.
You’ll pass through neighborhoods like Downtown Crossing, the North End, and Charlestown—all without needing transportation once you start. Looking for ways to experience the Boston Freedom Trail?
Book a FREE Freedom Trail walking tour led by a National Park Service ranger. The National Park Service, through Boston National Historical Park, offers free, ranger-led walking tours that cover select portions of the Freedom Trail. Rangers bring history to life through stories, questions, and audience interaction—making the experience engaging even for visitors who don’t consider themselves “history people.”
Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tour with a Small Group - 2 hours and 30 minutes long. Take a deep dive into the history of the American Revolution on this walking tour of Boston. Your historian guide will focus on the years between 1760 and 1775, a tumultuous time with plenty to talk about. Stroll the Freedom Trail and ask your guide questions along the way to learn things most tourists miss.
Experience the Boston Freedom Trail with a Costumed Tour Guide - 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Walk the Freedom Trail with a guide in historic costume on a tour from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall, a 1.2-mile route that covers important sites in the heart of Boston. This tour's shorter distance lets you follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers and American revolutionaries without making the more strenuous trek all the way across the Charles River, finishing in a spot that’s convenient to top Boston attractions.
Why it works without a car:
Everything is clustered together, and you can easily stop for coffee, lunch, or sightseeing along the way.
Explore Boston Common & the Public Garden
Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden sit right in the heart of the city and serve as a hub for multiple subway lines.
This area is ideal for:
Picnicking or relaxing between sightseeing stops
Letting kids run around
Seasonal highlights like fall foliage or spring tulips
From here, you can walk to Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or downtown in minutes.
Ride the T Like a Local
Boston’s subway system—known as the T—makes it easy to move between neighborhoods quickly and affordably.
Popular car-free routes include:
Downtown → Back Bay
Downtown → Cambridge
Downtown → Fenway
A single-day or multi-day pass is usually more cost-effective than rideshares and far less stressful than driving.
Pro tip: Google Maps integrates T routes perfectly, so navigation is simple even for first-time visitors.
Stroll the Boston Harborwalk
The Boston Harborwalk is a scenic waterfront path that stretches for miles along the harbor. You don’t have to walk the entire thing—just pick a section that fits your itinerary.
Boston Harborwalk Highlights include:
Waterfront views and benches
Easy access to attractions, food, and ferries
Flat paths suitable for families and strollers
Visit Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
This lively area is one of Boston’s most convenient stops without a car. It’s surrounded by subway stations and sits near several walkable neighborhoods.
Here you’ll find:
Street performers
Souvenirs and historic buildings
It’s an easy stop to pair with the Freedom Trail or the Harborwalk.
Take a Ferry Instead of Driving
Boston’s ferries are an underrated way to get around—and they double as sightseeing experiences.
Ferries can take you to:
Harbor Islands
Charlestown
Other waterfront neighborhoods
You’ll get skyline views, fresh air, and a break from walking—all without traffic.
Wander Walkable Neighborhoods
Boston is made up of compact neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot. A few favorites for car-free visitors:
Beacon Hill (historic streets and brick sidewalks)
Back Bay (shopping, architecture, and dining)
North End (Italian food and waterfront walks)
Each neighborhood has multiple transit stops, so you can walk one way and take the T back.
Psst: We have several other posts about exploring Boston on foot! Make sure to take a look at them for more inspiration and travel advice.
Final Thoughts
Boston proves that you don’t need a car to have a full, memorable trip. Between walking-friendly neighborhoods, reliable public transportation, and scenic ferries, getting around is part of the fun—not a headache.
If you’re planning your first visit, skipping the car can actually help you see more of the city at a slower, more enjoyable pace.
