As a New Yorker, I'm required to dislike Boston sports teams. The Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics get a big 'ol BOO HISS from me.

But the city itself? Since first visiting in 2008, I must admit it has grown on me.

I'm not an expert by any means - I've barely scratched the surface of all this historic city has to offer. But here are some of my favorite Boston activities that I've checked out these last couple of years.

BONUS: All of these activities are cheap or FREE.

Boston Public Garden

This is like the Central Park of Boston, at least through the eyes of a tourist. It's where college kids, families, and the rest of the city gather on warm days to frolic in the grass, play frisbee and soak up the sun.

There's also the option of taking a touristy "swan boat" ride around the "lagoon." Each ride is around 15 minutes and costs adults $3.50.

Faneuil Hall

Food food food! This indoor market down near the water is filled with different eateries and stores and is a big go-to for tourists. Not to mention, Faneuil Hall is home to lots of important historical stuff.

Dick's Last Resort

Within Faneuil hall is a restaurant called Dick's Last Resort that is kitschy for sure but also lots of fun. The waitstaff fashion hats out of paper place settings and scrawl insults across them.

Winnie the Pooh's Door

On Harvard's campus, you can check out this "tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff's" house! The story behind this is a little vague, but it's certainly a cute photo op!

Say Hi To The Seals

Why pay to go to the aquarium when you can watch the seal feeding outside for free?

Watch A Red Sox Game at Bleacher Bar

Bleacher Bar has a window that looks right out onto the diamond at Fenway! Sure, it's crowded, but it's a cool sight.

Once you've checked it out, try to snag some last minute bleacher seats from Will Call or head to one of the surrounding bars for drinks!

The Beanpot

Whether or not you follow college hockey, the Beanpot is an awesome experience. Tickets get you into the TD Garden (where the Bruins play) for a double-header of college hockey. The torunament is played between rival colleges Boston College, Boston University, Harvard and Northeastern on two consecutive Mondays in February.

The crowds are loud, the hockey is great, and it's two for the price of one! What more could you want?

Run Around the Charles

There's not better way to see a city than to run it! And this scenic path around the Charles River shouldn't be missed! A mix of concrete and "trail," you're sure to see tons of other runners, bikers and walkers out and about.

Bonus: Watching the Harvard and MIT crew teams glide gracefully down the river!

Boston Public Market

Think Smorgaburg but INDOORS with vendors that not only sell ready-to-eat treats but "bring it home for your fridge and pantry" as well. Plus - can you say free samples? The Boston Public Market opened in 2015 and is a real treat for foodies with over 39 local food vendors.

There is also a "Kitchen" space within the market that offers unique programming like cooking demos, lessons, lectures and more.

When we stopped by, I couldn't help but try this cannoli donut from Union Square Donuts. While it didn't blow me away, I liked the light, whipped consistency of the filling and the addition of pistachios as a topping!

History

While in Boston, you GOTTA appreciate the history. Each trip I feel like I'm back in high school history class but it's really remarkable to think about just how much happened here. The Boston Tea Party, The Boston Massacre, and so much more. A ton of these landmarks and sites are free throughout the city - so keep your eye on the sidewalk for the "freedom trail" - it's sure to lead you to something historic.

Sam Adams Brewery

Aside from all the important American history - Boston is synonymous with SAM ADAMS BEER. Sure, you'll wait for your tour at the Boston Samuel Adams Brewery, but it's FREE and includes three samples in their tasting room at the end! They suggest a $2.00 donation for local charities and tours + tasting lasts about an hour. The brewery is busiest on Saturdays so it's best to arrive early (it's off the Orange Line).

Harpoon Brewery

One of my personal favorite beers is Harpoon - which also has a brewery in Boston! Though I didn't go on the tour - they're large attached beer hall is where it's at for flights and DELICIOUS PRETZELS! Expect a wait to get in - but it's worth it. Tours + tasting costs $5.

Salem

Hop in a quick 40 minute car ride or even go by train to this small town outside of Boston that's infamous for the Salem Witch Trials. There's history, there's food, there's shops, there's kitsch (you can find tons of "haunted" walking tours, "haunted" houses, psychics, etc.).

Beer Works Salem

Flights here will set you back $7-$9 and include 4 samples.

Far From The Tree Cider

This place alone is worth the trip outside of Boston. Far From The Tree Cider's tasting room opened in 2015 and is located in the unheated cellar of a building. It's got charm, it's got take-out food menus, it's got board-games, and it's got BANGIN' hard cider.

Their cider has SUCH GREAT FLAVOR. A flight of 5 samples sets you back just $10 and is well worth it to sample their creative flavors like mint and strawberry basil.

At the tasting room, you'll always find flavors that can't yet be found in stores like PINEAPPLE JALAPENO. Heck yes.

These aren't overly sweet ciders. More like wine, honestly. The flavors are subtle yet bold and you definitely need to go visit. And you can bring your dog! (*Outdoor seating available in spring and summer as well).

Eat

Come on, you didn't think I could go an entire post without a restaurant recommendation, did you?

Brookline Lunch

I have an obsession with Brookline Lunch's brunch and you should 100% stop by if you're ever in town. I'm just going to let the pictures do the talking for this one. (9 Brookline St, Cambridge, MA 02139) *CASH ONLY

Tip Tap Room

The food here was good, but the beer list was great. And, if you're a fan of exotic meats, they feature specials like kangaroo, ostrich and boar.

Workout With November Project

If you haven't heard me talk about November Project, you must be new around here. It's a free fitness movement that's taking over the world and it started in Boston, MA. Brogan Graham and Bojan Mandaric promised to hold each other accountable to early morning workouts for the month of November. After posting about it on social media, more and more people started showing up to their works and a movement was born. Now, hundreds join tribes across the country, continent and WORLD to exercise as the sun rises. Did I mention it's completely free? And there's a book?

You can workout with the OG Boston tribe on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.