Top 3 Cheap East Coast Escapes

These historic cities each have a reputation for being pricey, but they all offer plenty of free and low-cost fun. Here's our guide to some of the top money-saving attractions in each:

Boston
Don’t bother renting a car. Boston’s public transportation system is excellent, and you can buy a seven-day unlimited pass for $15 to the city's extensive "T" subway and transit system. Admission to the historic Paul Revere house is just $3.50, while a tour of Red Sox home Fenway Park is $12. With plenty of mom-and-pop eateries and small ethnic restaurants to choose from, cheap eats aren’t hard to find.

Philadelphia
A guided tour through Independence Hall, glimpses of the Liberty Bell, and views of many other centuries-old landmarks are free in this historic hot spot. You’ll also find plenty of diners serving up the city’s famed dish, the Philly Cheesesteak, for less than $10. Be sure to stop off at the 45-acre Bartram’s Garden, dating back to the 1700s—admission is free, and tours are just five bucks.

Washington, D.C.
Check out the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center for free nightly entertainment, walk the famous National Mall, and visit the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, or the U.S. Botanic Garden—all without paying a dime.