There's no such thing as a free lunch, the old adage says. And while that elusive freebie may persist around here, there are plenty of other free things to do in Boston all throughout the year. If you're hoping to visit Boston on the cheap, add these free activities to your itinerary. My picks cover the Freedom Trail to museums, concerts to breweries. Pick the ones that appeal most to you -- all in all, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Always Free Boston Attractions

The Freedom Trail: Freedom isn't free? It is here in Boston, all along the Freedom Trail! Lace up your shoes for this two-and-a-half mile walk and retrace Paul Revere's famous 1775 ride, with stops at the Old North Church, the Old South Meeting House, and the State House along the way. It's an incredible history tour that's uniquely Boston, and it's also a great way to orient yourself to Boston's seemingly unnavigable geography. 

Sam Adams Brewery Tour: In Boston, Sam Adams means two things -- the revolutionary, and his namesake brewery. The latter offers free tours and tastings at its headquarters in Jamaica Plain. Tours are first-come, first-served Monday through Saturday; go for the first tour of the day for a special "Morning Mash" tasting in addition to the regular tour stops. You can also take part in a Flight Night every Wednesday evening in spring and summer, where you can customize your own tastings based on what's on tap and in growlers. (Much cheaper than doing the same at a local bar!) While entry and samples are free, donations for charity are accepted, and growlers are also available for purchase.

Jamaica Pond: The main draw--naturally--is the pond itself, where you can sail, kayak, or canoe, plus stroll its leisurely surrounding trail. In summer, stop by on a Sunday night for free concerts and movies; in autumn, soak in the stunning fall foliage. Take a picnic, a frisbee, or that novel you've been wanting to delve into, and you've got everything you need for a low-key, low-cost day out. 

Boston Landmarks Orchestra Summer Concert Series: Dedicated to making the arts accessible to all, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra has a weekly free concert series in summer at the Hatch Shell. It's a great date night in Boston -- pack a picnic and settle in under the stars for lovely music in an even prettier setting. 

Mount Auburn Cemetery: A national historic landmark, Mount Auburn Cemetery is a gorgeous and contemplative place to spend an afternoon. Be sure to head to the top of Washington Tower for sweeping views of Cambridge and the Boston skyline. If you're into birdwatching, try to visit in April and May, when migrating birds flock to the cemetery. (Get more details at the Birder's Guide to Mount Auburn.)

Sometimes Free Boston Attractions

The Museum of Fine Arts has suggested donations every Wednesday night after 4 p.m., and the Institute of Contemporary Art is free to all visitors every Thursday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is free for military members and their families, as well as for visitors named Isabella. Visiting in summer? Check out the Highland Street Foundation's Free Fun Fridays, where participating attractions across Massachusetts offer free admission on Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

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