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The famous Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution and beyond. From the Old North Church to Faneuil Hall, and through resonant burying grounds, visit the temples and landmarks of the Revolutionary Era.

Freedom Trail Sites | Map of the Freedom Trail |  Freedom Trail Walking Tours  | FAQ

Freedom trail sites.

Begin your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street and conclude at the USS Constitution in Charlestown.

BOSTON COMMON

Massachusetts state house, park street church, granary burying ground, king’s chapel & burying ground, boston latin school site/benjamin franklin statue, old corner bookstore, old south meeting house, old state house museum, boston massacre site, faneuil hall, paul revere house, old north church, copp’s hill burying ground, uss constitution - old ironsides, bunker hill monument.

The Boston Common is America’s oldest public park, purchased from Wm. Blackstone in 1635 to be used as common grazing land for the feeding of  cattell . The British militia used it as a  trayning  field.  

The Common has also been the site of hangings, duels, public celebrations and spirited oratory. Today it continues to host public celebrations as well as concerts, ice skating, Shakespearean plays, holiday festivities, sports activities and public rallies.  

Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the State House was completed in January 1798 at a cost of $133,333 (more than five times the budget). John Hancock, a wealthy merchant, patriot, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first elected Governor of Massachusetts originally owned the land. The oldest building on Beacon Hill is now the seat of the Massachusetts state government. The golden dome, one of Boston’s distinguishing landmarks, wasn’t always gilded. It was originally built of wood. Paul Revere & Sons was commissioned in 1802 to cover it with copper to prevent water leakage. In 1874, the dome was gilded with 23-karat gold leaf.

Park Street Church acquired the nickname Brimstone Corner, both in reference to the fire-and-brimstone sermons and to the gun powder that was stored in the crypt during the War of 1812. Founded in 1809, the Church’s 217-foot white steeple was the first landmark a traveler saw upon approaching Boston.  

On July 4, 1829, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first public anti-slavery address here, and two years later, on July 4, the hymn America, better known as My Country ’Tis of Thee, was first sung on the Church steps. 

So named because of its proximity to Boston’s first granary, this is the most visited burying ground in Boston and the final resting place of many prominent Bostonians. Buried here are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, nine governors, all five Boston Massacre victims, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin’s parents and Peter Faneuil.

Under orders from King James II in 1686, land was seized, and the first Anglican Church was constructed. By 1749, the original wooden structure was too small for the congregation, and so the Georgian chapel was constructed around the original church.  

Adjacent to King’s Chapel is Boston’s first burying ground. Here you will find the graves of John Winthrop, Massachusetts’ first governor; William Dawes, Paul Revere’s compatriot who also made the ride to Lexington, and Mary Chilton, believed to be the first woman to step off the Mayflower.    

Embedded in the sidewalk in front of Old City Hall is the mosaic City Carpet, which commemorates the site of the first public school in the U.S., Boston Latin School (1635). Among the school’s alumni are Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch and Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

Richard Greenough’s statue of Ben Franklin, erected in 1856, prominently stands in front of Old City Hall. Look closely at Franklin’s face. The sculptor said that he found  the left side of the great man’s face philosophical and reflective and the right side funny and smiling.

The original building on this site was the home of Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from Massachusetts in 1638 for her unorthodox religious views. By the mid-1800s, the Old Corner Bookstore was a flourishing literary center. Here, Ticknor and Fields published works by Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Tennyson, Hawthorne, Emerson, Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Julia Ward Howe among others. The Atlantic Monthly, a Boston institution, was originally published here as well. Today, the building continues as a place of commerce. 

Built in 1729, this is the second oldest church in Boston. The largest building in colonial Boston, Old South was used for public meetings when the angry crowd outgrew Faneuil Hall. Many of the crucial events that led up to the Revolution took place here. The most famous of the meetings was held on December 16, 1773, when over 5,000 gathered to protest the tax on tea.  

During the British occupation of Boston in 1775-1776, British troops desecrated this sanctuary of freedom by using it as a stable and riding school, while drinks were served from the balcony. The pulpit and pews were chopped into firewood and the library was used as kindling. 

On another note, Phillis Wheatley, the first female African American published poet, was a full member of the Meeting House. An original copy of her work is on permanent display here.  

Built in 1713, the Old State House is Boston’s oldest surviving public building. It was the center of political and commercial life, housing the merchant’s exchange (a precursor to today’s stock exchange) on the ground floor and the royally appointed government offices and the freely elected members of the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the upper floors.  

The site played a central role in the story of rebellion, from James Otis’ 1761 speech against the Writs of Assistance to the Boston Massacre in 1770 to the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the east balcony in July 1776.  

Adjacent to the Old State House, a ring of cobblestones commemorates the Boston Massacre. Five men were killed in this clash between Colonists and Redcoats. Among the slain men was Crispus Attucks, the first African American to die for the patriotic cause.  

Interestingly, John Adams and Josiah Quincy, loyal to justice as well as the patriotic cause, defended the British soldiers. All but two were acquitted. The guilty had their thumbs branded and were then set free. 

The building was a gift from wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil in 1742. Faneuil Hall served as a meeting place and an open-air market. It was here that Bostonians met to form their opposition to British authority. As a result of the impassioned speeches by such patriots as Samuel Adams and James Otis, the nickname Cradle of Liberty was earned, especially when citizens rallied against the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Townsend Acts and the landing of British troops.  

Charles Bulfinch enlarged the building in 1806. After the Revolution, Bostonians continued to gather at Faneuil Hall for the anti-slavery speeches of William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and Frederick Douglass. The women’s rights movement, early temperance rallies and nearly every war since 1812 have been debated within these walls. 

Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, and only official Freedom Trail site that is a home. It was from here that its famous occupant set out for the midnight ride. Revere was not only a patriot, but also an expert silversmith, copper manufacturer, part-time dentist, engraver and the father of 16 children. As many as eight children lived here with him, along with his mother, his first and (after 1773) his second wife.  

It was from this steeple that Sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns on April 18, 1775, to signal the beginning of Paul Revere’s momentous ride. The action is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the American Revolution.  

Built in 1723, Old North is Boston’s oldest church building. See a wealth of historic works, including the first bells brought to the Colonies, its original 18th-century brass chandeliers and clock, and the 17th- century carved angels that were captured by a Colonial privateer. More than 1,000 individuals lay in rest in the underground crypt, including the Royal Governor’s second-in-command at Lexington and Concord.

Copp’s Hill was Boston’s largest colonial burying ground, dating from 1659. Some notables buried here include the Mather family, a very prominent New England ministerial family; Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution; Robert Newman, who hung the lanterns for Paul Revere’s ride, and Prince Hall, anti-slavery activist, Revolutionary soldier and founder of the African Grande Masonic Lodge. Copp’s Hill is also the final resting place of countless free African Americans.  

Because of its height and prominent location overlooking Boston Harbor, the British used the burying ground to aim their cannons on Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Target practice was also conducted here. Be sure to take a look at the grave marker of Daniel Malcom, a member of the Sons of Liberty.

Launched in Boston in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Her nickname was earned during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off her impenetrable hull and the seamen cried out Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron! Today she is manned by an active duty U.S. Navy crew and docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. "Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" became the legendary battle cry, according to lore, and immortalized the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists who stood facing the powerful British Army on June 17, 1775. Today the 221-foot granite obelisk commemorates the site of this first major battle. 

Map of the Freedom Trail

Freedom trail walking tour operators.

Stop by a Visitor Information Center to purchase a ticket. Tours leave from the red brick line in front of the Boston Common Visitor Center. 

Freedom Trail® Foundation — Official Freedom Trail Tours®

• (617) 357-8300

Boston By Foot, Inc.

• 87 Mount Vernon Street
• (617) 367-2345

Boston Town Crier - Tours of Freedom Trail

• (617) 794-7512

Hub Town Tours: Freedom Trail Small Group Tour

• 7 Marshall Street
• +1 (844) 482-8696

Tour of the Freedom Trail

• Boston Common Visitor Center
• (978) 741-1170

Action Tour Guide: Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston

Boston Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill GPS self-guided audio tours: Experience the rich history of Boston and its role in the American Revolution with the Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill…

Activities & Events

Heart of the freedom trail guided walking tour.

This 1 hour tour is the perfect introduction to Boston’s Revolutionary history! Visit some of the key sites along the world-famous…

Road to Revolution Guided Walking Tour

Explore the makings of a revolution! From the Boston Massacre to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the birth of the American Revolution…

Tour: Benjamin Franklin - Son of Boston

Celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin on this guided walk along his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. Born in Boston, he came…

Guided Tour: Footloose on the Freedom Trail

A Boston tradition! Footloose on the Freedom Trail is a 3-hour guided walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the Boston…

Freedom Trail FAQs

How long is the freedom trail.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path featuring a unique collection of 16 historic sites throughout Downtown, the North End, and Charlestown. How much time it takes to see the entire Trail depends on how much time one dedicates to each site.   Most guided walking tours take around 90 minutes and cover 1 mile of the Trail. 

Where does the freedom trail start?

We recommend starting your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont Street and concluding at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. However, the suggested Freedom Trail route is based solely on geographical location, and sites can be visited in any order.

Does it cost money to experience the Freedom Trail?

There is no fee associated with walking the Freedom trail, making it the perfect activity during your visit to Boston! There is, however, a fee associated with admission to some historic sites and guided walking tours. Visit the map above for more information on site admission.

How do I buy walking tour tickets?

Tickets to guided tours of the Freedom Trail can be purchased online or at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108). 

Is the Freedom Trail wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the Freedom Trail and guided walking tours are wheelchair accessible. 

Are dogs allowed on the Freedom Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Freedom Trail as it is a path on city sidewalks and in public spaces such as Boston Common, Bunker Hill Monument grounds, and Charlestown Navy Yard.  Dogs are not permitted in the historic burying grounds or the historic sites’ buildings.  Please call historic sites directly to inquire about service animals.

Where can I find maps of the Freedom Trail?

A downloadable map of the Freedom Trail can be found here .

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Beyond the Revolution Tour

Boston's most historic moments.

Boston is known for its role in the American Revolution, but there’s so much more to the story! Join Revolutionary Spaces on a compelling new walking tour that explores Boston’s enduring role in the American story from its founding to the present.

Beyond the Revolution takes you to 10 different downtown sites that range from can’t-miss landmarks to lesser known gems. Led by a member of the Revolutionary Spaces Visitor Experience team, this 75-minute tour covers approximately one mile and visits:

• Old State House
• Faneuil Hall
• City Hall Plaza
• John Adams Courthouse
• Massachusetts State House
• Site of the Manufactory House
• Old Corner Bookstore
• Old South Meeting House

Beyond the Revolution Tour includes all-day access to two of the Freedom Trail’s most iconic sites: The Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party began, and the Old State House, which was the center of government in colonial Massachusetts. You will leave inspired by diverse stories of how Bostonians made their voices heard in their ongoing pursuit of a free society.

Beyond the Revolution is available for private bookings of 10 or more people. Please contact [email protected] or click here to request more information.

Available for private group bookings only.

Includes all-day General Admission to both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House. Tour run for approximately 75 minutes.

Please contact [email protected] for more information or click the button below.

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Ultimate Guide to the Boston Freedom Trail by a Local

One of the great things about Boston is it’s such a walk-able city and one of the best ways to experience it is to follow its famous Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile route will take you back in time through Boston’s most historic neighborhoods to visit 16 sites which played a significant role in American history.

All you need to do is follow the red brick trail (or painted in some spots) throughout the city and look for the signs and markers at each historic site.

You’ll meander through the streets of Boston visiting historic homes, burial grounds, churches and monuments. You will even have the chance to tour the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.

The original idea for this iconic pedestrian trail came from William Schofield, a local Boston Herald journalist and Bob Winn, a member of the Old North Church. On June 11, 1951, their idea turned became a reality. The Freedom Trail was created so visitors had a clearly marked trail to the cities’ historic landmarks so they didn’t get lost.

Things you should know about the Freedom Trail

Before you head out to explore these historic sites which helped define American history, here are a few things you should know:

Where Does the Freedom Trail Start?

Where does the freedom trail take you, how long does it take to walk the freedom trail, how do i plan for walking the freedom trail, what are the sites on the freedom trail, hitting the trail.

The Freedom Trail officially starts at Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill in Charlestown , but you can explore these 16 landmarks in any order that works best for you.

Just follow the Red Brick Path and you will stay on course.

The Freedom Trail will take you on the path that our founding fathers took through some of Boston’s most popular areas. You will visit the Boston Common , Boston’s Historic Downtown and Waterfront , the North End and Charlestown .

To truly experience Boston, make sure you take some time to explore each of these great areas.

At 2.5 miles in length , you can complete the entire Freedom Trail in just a few hours but plan on covering much more ground. Some Freedom Trail sites offer tours for free or a small fee. If you plan on visiting any of the sites along the way, you can easily spend an entire day on the trail. Plan on at least 2-3 hours minimum. If you plan on visiting the museums or touring any of the sites on the route you will likely need more time.

Insider Tip : If you have time, I highly recommend splitting the trail up over 2 or more days. This allows you to better experience each area and may save you from some very tired feet and information overload.

Do some research before hitting the trail and make a plan on which sites you may want to tour. You may want to purchase tickets before you go and some sites are not open everyday. Use this post along with the Official Freedom Trail brochure which is a handy resource listing official websites of each site and tour information.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be careful on the brick and cobblestone pathways which can be uneven. Also bring along a bag or backpack with snacks, water and sweatshirt as it can get cool along the water – even in summer.

The sites you will visit along the Freedom Trail include:

• Boston Common
• State House
• Park Street Church
• Granary Burying Ground
• King’s Chapel & Burying Ground
• Boston Latin School Site & Ben Franklin Statue
• Old Corner Bookstore
• Old South Meeting House
• Old State House
• Boston Massacre Site
• Faneuil Hall
• Paul Revere House
• Old North Church
• Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
• USS Constitution
• Bunker Hill Monument

To get started, we will begin at Boston Common , the official starting point of the Freedom Trail . But remember you can start at any site if that is more convenient for you.

Find your way over to the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street where you can grab a map and use the restrooms before heading out. Boston’s Official Freedom Trail Walking Tour departs from the visitor center and covers stops 1-11.

The Visitor Center is open daily year round. Visitor Centers are also located in Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

#1: Boston Common

Official start of the freedom trail.

Established in 1634, Boston Common is considered to be the oldest public park in the United States and in 1987 became a National Historic Landmark . In Boston’s early days, this space was used for cattle grazing, an encampment for the British soldiers and even held public hangings.  

Today, this 44 acre green-space is considered to be the heart of the city and is used year-round by Bostonians and visitors alike. In the warmer months, you’ll find people jogging the trails, playing ball or soaking up the sun. Kids have a blast at the Frog Pond Splash Park , Tortoise Playground and Vintage Carousel as well. The park is spectacular to walk through in the fall. In the winter, the pond becomes a popular ice skating rink. 

Insider Tip: Visit Boston’s Public Garden which is located adjacent to the Boston Common across from Charles Street. This tranquil garden is my favorite green-space in Boston and should not be mis sed.

#2: The State House

With its famous Gold Dome , the State House is quite an impressive site sitting atop Beacon Hill. Designed by Charles Bulfinch , this was the first major building he created before becoming one of America’s most famous architects. Construction began on July 5, 1795, with it’s cornerstone being set by Paul Revere and Samuel Adams , the State Governor at the time. 

This magnificent Federal style building was completed in 1798 and is the oldest building on Beacon Hill . The dome was originally made from wood but Paul Revere’s company was commissioned to cover it in copper. In 1874, the 24 karat gold leaf was added, as it appears today.  

Tour Info:   Free guided tours of the State House (24 Beacon Street) are given daily Monday through Friday from 10:00 am — 3:30 pm . To book a guided in-person tour call 617-727-3676. To get an inside look, take a  360° Virtual Tour or Virtual Guided Tour . Tours leave from Doric Hall and last approximately 45 minutes.

#3: Park Street Church

Next to Boston Common, on the corner of Tremont and Park Street, is Park Street Church . Once the site of the Old Granary, it was originally used for public grain storage . In 1809, the Old Granary was torn down and this impressive Park Street Church was erected.  

The church played a key role in the movement to abolish slavery, as it was the site where abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first antislavery speech. This is also where the Hymn “ America, My Country, Tis of Thee ” was first sung.  

The 217 foot steeple is one of the most beautiful in New England and was once the first landmark visitors saw when arriving in Boston . Today, the church continues to be a very active Evangelical church.

#4: Granary Burying Ground

Behind Park Street Church, you’ll find the Granary Burying Ground. This is one of Boston’s oldest burial grounds , dating back to the 1660’s.  Spend some time in this peaceful tree-lined cemetery exploring the inscriptions of over 2400 tombstones.  

Here is the final resting place for a number of famous patriots and revolutionary heroes, including Samuel Adams , John Hancock , and Paul Revere .  Other notable people buried here include Peter Faneuil , the wealthy merchant who built Faneuil Hall, Ben Franklin’s parents and the Boston Massacre victims.

Tour Info: Free – Gates are open each day between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm and there is no entrance fee.  A guide usually stands at the entrance to pass out a 16-page guidebook that visitors can use while inside. This was a great resource with interesting facts.  

#5 : Kings Chapel and Burying Ground

A short stroll from the Granary Burial Ground you will find King’s Chapel , the first Anglican church in New England. Established in 1686, it is one of the oldest churches in Boston and houses the oldest pulpit still in use in North America . The existing stone structure was built around the original wooden structure so worship services could continue during construction.

The interior was magnificently designed in Georgian architecture and is worth a visit when open . Its bell, which cracked in 1814, was recast by Paul Revere in 1816 and still rings today. King’s Chapel became a Unitarian church in 1785.

Tour Info: There are several tours you can take of the chapel, including the Bell and Bones tour and Art and Architecture (Sundays). Every Tuesday there are music recitals at 12:15pm with various performers.  

King’s Chapel Burying Ground is Boston’s oldest graveyard where many of the first generation of colonialists are buried. Notable people who rest here include Charles Bulfinch , the famed State House architect and Boston’s first governor, John Winthrop.

#6: Boston Latin School Site / Benjamin Franklin Statue

Founded in 1635, Boston Latin School was the first public school in America and has been educating students for almost 400 years. The original building was torn down in 1745. After moving locations several times, the school is now located in the Fenway area. Today, the Old City Hall sits in this location and is used for office and retail space, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House.  

In front of Boston’s Old City Hall stands an 8 foot bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin , commemorating the school’s most famous student.  

#7: The Old Corner Bookstore

The Old Corner Bookstore is one of the oldest brick structures in Boston . Built in 1718, the building was originally used as an apothecary. 

Later, several booksellers and publishers resided in the building. During that time, some well-known classic literary works were published here , including The Scarlet Letter and The Star Spangled Banner. Famous authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe would also meet here to share ideas.  

In the 1960’s, this historic building almost became a parking garage, but the Historic Boston Incorporated (HBI) organization stepped in to save the building and restored it in 1970.

Today, the building is occupied by Chipotle, a fast-food restaurant, and is the only site on the Freedom Trail that is completely commercial . The only reminder of its past is a small plaque on the side of the building. In 2017 there was a petition to turn the building back into a museum. Unfortunately that has not come to fruition.

#8: Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House is an iconic Boston landmark which was used as a meeting place for colonists to debate their concerns about British rule.

On December 16, 1773 , over 5,000 men crowded into the meeting house to protest the controversial tea tax. This is when Samuel Adams triggered the Boston Tea Party . By uttering a special code, he instructed the Sons of Liberty to take action, dumping loads of tea into Boston Harbor.  

Since 1877, the Old South Meeting House has been a museum and is still used for meetings and gatherings today. The clock inside the tower is the oldest American-made tower clock in operation at its original location in the nation.  

Tour Info: The Old South Meeting House is open to the public for general admission but you will need to reserve an entry ticket online. The $15 fee provides entry to both the Old State House (206 Washington St.) and Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.). Discounted tickets for seniors, students and children under 12 are available.  

#9: Old State House

The Old State House is Boston’s oldest public building and was once known as the “Town House”. In its early days, the building was used by the Massachusetts government and courts and used as a Merchant’s Exchange. 

The Old State House is the site of the Boston Massacre and where the Declaration of Independence was first read in 1776 from the east balcony.

Today, this historic structure is a museum which showcases items which help tell the story of Boston’s role in the Revolutionary War. Be aware that the museum is not currently handicap accessible and you will need to climb a spiral staircase with 30-40 stairs. Beneath the building is the State Street T station. 

Insider Tip: Visiting in July? Every 4th of July there is an annual reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Tour Info: The Old South Meeting House is open to the public for general admission but you will need to reserve an entry ticket online.  The $15 fee provides entry to both the Old State House (206 Washington St.) and Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.). Discounted tickets for seniors, students and children under 12 are available.

#10: Boston Massacre Site

With tensions mounting, the clash between the British and Patriots came to a head on March 5th, 1770 . This is when British soldiers opened fire on a crowd of unarmed colonists, killing 5 men under the East Balcony of the Old State House.

Known as the Boston Massacre , this event is considered the first bloodshed of the American Revolution as it escalated disputes between the British and colonists which led to the Revolutionary War.  

In front of the Old State House you will find a ring of brass and cobblestones built into the pavement . This marker at the intersection of Washington and State Streets serves as a reminder of the event that sparked the Revolutionary War.

Insider Tip: Visiting during March?  Each March special reenactments of the Boston Massacre are held to commemorate the event. 

#11: Faneuil Hall

Built in 1742, Faneuil Hall is a four-story brick building which was a gift to Boston from wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil . It served as a marketplace and meeting hall where colonists protested British authority and taxes.

Faneuil Hall played an important role in history. It is considered to be America’s first town meeting hall and was known as the “ Cradle of Liberty ”. It is here where James Otis and Samuel Adams gave impassioned speeches against the Stamp Act, coining the slogan, “ No Taxation without Representati on”. 

Today, Faneuil Hall is one of four historic buildings which make up Faneuil Hall Marketplace , also commonly known as Quincy Market .

If you look on top of the cupola , you will see the famous “ Golden Grasshopper ” weather vane. It is said to be a replica of one at the Royal Exchange in London. 

Stop inside the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center to visit the free museums or browse the gift shop. You can also visit the Great Hall on the second floor when not in use and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery museum on the fourth floor. Public restrooms are located downstairs.  

Top 10 Must Do Activities When You Visit Faneuil Hall

Insider Tip: Faneuil Hall is a great place to take a break and grab a snack or lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. But if you are looking for some great Italian food, definitely hold off and continue to the North End.

#12: Paul Revere House

From Faneuil Hall you will follow the trail into the North End to the quaint little North Square , where you will find a small wooden house where Paul Revere once lived.

On this leg of the trail, keep an eye on the brick path as it gets a bit confusing, especially if the sidewalks are crowded in the North End.

On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere left this house for his famous Midnight Ride .

Revere owned this house from 1770 until 1800. After being sold, it was used for a boarding house for sailors, an immigrant rooming house. Later it housed a variety of shops, including an Italian bank, candy store, cigar company and fruit and vegetable business. 

In 1902, Revere’s great-grandson purchased the house back and renovated it. The house was opened back up as a museum in 1908 . 

Tour Info: You can tour the inside of the house daily during the spring, summer and fall. Closed Mondays January-March. Admission is $6.00. There is a reduced cost for students and seniors. Children ages 5-17 can visit for the bargain price of $1.

#13: Old North Church

The Old North Church is Boston’s oldest church and most famous for its role it played in the start of the Revolutionary War. 

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere instructed Robert John Newman, a fellow Patriot and the church’s sexton, to hang two lanterns in the bell tower. The lanterns were to signal the Charlestown Patriots that the British soldiers were heading to Lexington and Concord by way of the Charles River.

Paul Revere then crossed the Charles by boat and set off on his famous midnight ride to warn Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams and the people of Concord that the British were coming. Revere was ultimately captured outside of Lexington , before making it to Concord.  

• While Paul Revere is the most famous rider, there were actually five riders sent out that night : Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell, William Dawes, and Sybil Ludington.
• The phrase, “ one if by land, two if by sea ” was coined from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “ The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere ”.
• The lanterns on display in the church are only replicas. The original lanterns can be viewed at the Concord Museum .

Tour Info: The Old North Church is one of the Freedom Trail’s most visited historical sites and is open to visitors Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Entry fee $5.00. You can tour the house, its courtyards, gardens and the gift store located in the chapel. 

#14: Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

Overlooking the Harbor, just a block away from the Old North Church is the Copp’s Hill Burying Ground , the final resting place of more than 10,000 early merchants, artisans, and craftspeople. 

It is believed that the British used the tombstones for target practice during the Revolutionary War while awaiting the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Across the street from the cemetery is the “ Spite House “, the skinniest house in Boston which was created out of Spite.  

Insider Tip:  The next site is a 20-30 minute walk across the Charlestown bridge to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Currently, there is a temporary walkway while construction of a new bridge is underway. Depending on the time, you may want to consider saving this leg of the trail for another day as there is lots to do and see at the Navy Yard. There is also a Ferry that runs from Long Wharf to the Navy Yard if you prefer not to walk.

#15: USS Constitution

As you enter the Charlestown Navy Yard you will be welcomed by the USS Constitution , the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat . This magnificent 204 foot-long wood-hulled ship, known as “Old Ironside” was one of six ships commissioned by George Washington in 1794.

The ship was built at Hartt’s shipyard, right in the North End. After two failed attempts, the ship finally launched into Boston Harbor on October 21, 1797.  

The historic 18th century frigate served as a warship in the War of 1812 , fighting in several battles. During the Civil War, the US Naval Academy used the ship for training and the ship was retired in 1881. Old Ironsides has been docked at the Navy Yard since 1897 and in 1907 was designated as a museum.

• The ship earned its nickname “ Old Ironsides ” when sailors noticed several cannonballs bouncing off the ship’s side during a battle with a British ship.
• In 1830, the historic frigate was slated to be demolished as it was no longer seaworthy. Upon learning about the ship’s fate, Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote the poem “Old Ironsides ” which rallied the public to petition against its demise.
• Each 4th of July , the ship makes her annual turn-around cruise in Boston Harbor , where she will sail to Fort Independence on Castle Island, give a 21-gun salute and then turn around and go home to the Navy Yard. A lottery is held and 150 lucky people and a guest get to take the ride.

Tour Info: Visitors are welcome to tour the first 3 floors of the ship throughout the year Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Across from the Constitution is the USS Cassin Young , a 374 foot navy destroyer which you can also explore. Admission to the Constitution and USS Cassin Young is free.

All visitors must pass through a security check and anyone 18 and older must present a valid government issued photo ID.  Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board.  

Be sure to stop into the Constitution Museum as it does a great job telling the history of the Constitution through its exhibits and interactive activities and is well worth the visit. There is a voluntary suggested entrance fee of $5-15.

#16: Bunker Hill Monument

The last stop on the Freedom Trail is the Bunker Hill Monument which is a 10-15 minute walk from the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Located on Breed’s Hill, a 221 foot granite obelisk stands to commemorate “ The Battle of Bunker Hill ” which was fought on the site on June 17, 1775. Although commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting really occurred on Breed’s Hill.

This battle is considered one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. The Patriots were able to hold back the British through two battles while killing or wounding half of the 2200 Redcoats in less than two hours of fighting. The Patriots finally succumbed and surrendered after running out of ammunition. While the battle was lost, the Patriots gained a well-needed morale victory.  

Construction of the monument first started in 1827 but it was not completed until 1842. The statue in front of the obelisk of Colonel William Prescott , was erected in 1881.  Prescott is known for the famous saying “ Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes .”  

The monument has 294 steps with an observation deck at the top where you can enjoy stunning views of Cambridge and Boston.

The Bunker Hill Monument is open to climb again following Covid-19. Only 20 people are allowed in the Monument at a time and the last climb is 30 minutes before closing. Visit the National Park Service for Bunker Hill Monument and Museum hours . Due to renovations, there may be potential unexpected closures through the end of 2023.

Don’t forget to stop by the Bunker Hill Museum across the street.

Insider Tip: Consider walking the Freedom Trail backwards, starting at Stop 16 – Bunker Hill. This will get the long walking stretch out of the way early when you are not so tired. If the monument is open, you can also climb the to the top. If you complete the entire trail you will end up at the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden where you can relax.

The Bottom Line

The Boston Freedom Trail is one of the best ways to explore Boston and learn about its history. There are so many ways to experience it. Take one of the many tours or explore on your own. No matter what you choose, you are sure to enjoy learning about the history of this incredible city.

If you have time, take a tour or visit the museums along the Freedom Trail .

• The Old South Meeting House and Old State House both have museums open to the public. Tickets are available through Revolutionary Spaces $15 to visit both The Old State House (206 Washington St.) and Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.).
• Faneuil Hall Visitor Center has museums on several floors and all are Free
• Paul Revere House – Walk through the house to see life in 1770’s – $6.00
• Constitution Museum – Learn all about Old Ironsides through interactive exhibits – Donation suggested
• Bunker Hill Museum – Learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill and the monument – Free

Visit the National Park Service for the latest information on site schedules and closures. 

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The 10 Best Freedom Trail Tours in Boston

Explore the history of the original New England patriots.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

A Freedom Trail Foundation tour guide in Boston Common. / Photo provided by Freedom Trail® Foundation

Whether you’re a Boston local or a tourist here for the weekend, you’re probably familiar with the red-brick road of the Freedom Trail, a quintessential landmark as recognizable as our beloved Citgo sign. But unlike Kenmore’s iconic sign, there’s no debate over the historical significance of the Freedom Trail. With 16 sites over 2.5 miles, stretching from Boston Common to Charlestown, the Freedom Trail paints a picture of the American Revolution, and the vital role our city played in the nation’s independence. Next time you’re looking to revisit the roots of our city, check out one of these tours to find the experience that works best for you.

Boston By Foot Heart of the Freedom Trail

Dust off your U.S history knowledge in a 90-minute, 0.7-mile tour of downtown Boston’s most famous landmarks from the nation’s path to independence. From Faneuil Hall to the first public school in America, you’ll be guided through the stomping grounds of the original New England patriots.

$8-$15, Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org .

Boston By Foot: Boston By Little Feet

Described as a “child’s-eye view” of the Freedom Trail, this condensed version of their Heart of the Freedom Trail tour is designed specifically for children ages 6-12. Covering 0.7 miles and 10 historic spots in 60 minutes, the Boston By Little Feet tour is built to pack the city’s history into shorter attention spans.

$10-$12, Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org .

Boston Duck Tours

The duck boats are as iconic as Boston itself, so why not use these semi-aquatic vehicles to tour the city? On any Duck Tour, you can see Freedom Trails sites like the Granary Burying Ground, Boston Common, and Faneuil Hall, as well as slightly more modern landmarks, like Cheers. Plus, you can receive discounts at the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, shops, and restaurants with your ticket.

$10.50-$42.99, 9 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset, Prudential Center, 53 Huntington Ave., Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com .

Free Tours By Foot Freedom Trail Tour

With Free Tours by Foot, you name your price. This 2-hour, 1-mile tour of Freedom Trail sites including the Old Corner Bookstore, Park Street Church, and Boston Common tells an “epic story of Boston’s rise and America’s birth.” And at the end, the price is up to you.

April to June, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday at 10:30 a.m., June 20-Labor Day, everyday at 10:30 a.m., Labor Day to November, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday at 10:30 a.m., November-April, weekends at 10:30 a.m., Park Street T Station, Boston, 617-299-0764, freetoursbyfoot.com .

Lessons on Liberty Freedom Trail Walking Tour

With tours conducted by classically trained historians, Lessons on Liberty promises to be “Boston’s most historically accurate tour,” providing “little known facts and details” about colonial Boston’s landmark events, from the Stamp Act to the Boston Tea Party. If you’re craving an even more authentic experience to transport you back in time, visit Lessons on Liberty founder Gary Gregory’s colonial print shop, The Printing Office of Edes & Gill .

$8-$14.95, Boston Common Visitors Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 857-205-1775, lessonsonliberty.com .

Old Town Trolley Tours Trolley and Freedom Trail Package

If you’re looking to get the most out of a day spent sight-seeing in Boston, consider bundling a walk of the Freedom Trail with a trolley tour of the entire city. With Old Town Trolley Tours Trolley and Freedom Trail Package, you can experience a narrated hop-on, hop-off ride from the Pru to the waterfront and a 90-minute walking tour of the Freedom Trail. As a bonus, your ticket grants you free admission to the Old State House Museum and Boston’s Dreamland Wax Museum.

$25.46-$54, Old Town Trolley Tours, November-March 9 a.m.-4 p.m., April-October 9 a.m.-5 p.m., A Walk Into History Tour, daily tours at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 200 Atlantic Ave., Boston, 855-396-7433, trolleytours.com .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Walk Into History

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll see 11 out of 16 official Freedom Trail sites, including Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, and the Granary Burying Ground, where you can visit the graves of noteworthy Revolutionary figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

$7-$14, daily tours at 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s African American Patriots

Gain a perspective on the American Revolution that your history classes might have missed through a tour that delves into the stories of African-American patriots in Boston. With discussion of notable figures like Crispus Attucks, Prince Hall, and Peter Salem, the Freedom Trail Foundation sheds light on the often lesser-known histories.

$8-$14, February, select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Lantern Tour

Explore the darker side of Boston’s history guided by a costumed Freedom Trail Player and the eerie glow of lantern light. You’ll hear stories of murders, assassins, and witch trials while visiting Freedom Trail locales like King’s Chapel Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre site. Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older.

$8-$14, September-October, select Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., ArtsBoston Booth, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Revolutionary Women

This Freedom Trail tour is all about the women behind the Revolution, and the ladies who followed in their forward-thinking footsteps. Covering the same 11 sites as the Walk Into History tour, Revolutionary Women shifts the focus to tell the stories of female game-changers like Abigail Adams, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Susan B. Anthony.

$8-$14, March, select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

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10 Walking Tours in Boston

Freedom Trail

Avenue of the Arts Tour

Black Heritage Tour

Boston Common to the Charles River

Boston Common to Copley

Boston's Greenway

Faneuil Hall and the North End

Museum of Science to the USS Constitution

New England Aquarium to Faneuil Hall

Tea Party to the Boston Fire Museum

Public Accessible Bathrooms in Boston

Tour Descriptions

Walking Tour: Freedom Trail

The freedom trail is a 2.5 mile long walk through Boston that passes 16 sites that are significant to the early history of the United States. The trail, formed in 1951, stretches from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charleston.

Most of the sites are free or suggest donations but a few charge admission:  the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and the Paul Revere House.

The trail starts at the visitor’s center in the Boston Common where there are public restrooms and they provide maps and information about the trail and its sites. There is also an additional visitors center about half through the trail located in Faneuil Hall.

The 16 locations on the freedom trail from South to North include:  the Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel and Burying Ground, Benjamin Franklin Statue and the Boston Latin School Site, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here: Freedom Trail sites .

Start the Freedom Trail Tour

Google Maps Version of Tour

  Walking Tour:  Avenue of the Arts

This 2 mile tour starts in the Back Bay a little north of the Avenue of the Arts at the Ayer Mansion, a residential house designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. After visiting the Berklee Performance Center, Fenway Studios and the Boston Conservatory Theatre, the tour stops at the Christian Science Plaza where one can walk inside the glass world globe at the Mapparium and can see the First Church of Christ. The Boston Horticulural Center is located at the top of the Avenue of the Arts which is then followed by a number of performance spaces, museums and colleges including Symphony Hall, Huntington Avenue Theatre, New England Conservatory of Music, the Boston YMCA, the Museum of Fine Arts, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and ends at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the MassArt Art Museum. These last locations border the Boston Fens one of a series of 6 parks designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The walk is about 2 miles long and would take approximately 2 hours if walking from point to point.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Avenue of the Arts sites

Start the Avenue of the Arts Tour

Walking Tour: Black Heritage Trail

The Black Heritage Trail is a 1.5 mile long path in Boston through North Beacon Hill with stops at important African American historical sites. North Beacon Hill was a center of Boston’s 19th century African American community. The Trail contains more than 15 pre-Civil War structures including the 1806 African Meeting House which is the oldest standing black church in the United States.

The tour starts at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial (commemorating Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment) and then continues to the George Middleton House, the Phillips School (1st integrated Boston public school), John J Smith House, Charles Street Meeting House (First African Methodist Episcopal Church or Charles Street A.M.E), Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, John Coburn House, Smith Court Residences, Abiel Smith School (Museum of African American History), African Meeting House.

Almost all of the sites on the trail are private residences so only the outside of the buildings can be seen. The National Park Service offers ranger guided tours in the spring and summer.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Black Heritage Trail sites .

Start the Black Heritage Trail Tour

Walking Tour:  Boston Common to the Charles River

This tour spends most of its time in parks and gardens, starting at the eastern edge of the Boston Common at the Granary Grave Yard. After a stop at the Massachusetts State House the tour wanders through the Boston Common and the Public Garden stopping at the various interesting sites to see. From the Public Garden the tour crosses over the busy Storrow Drive using the Arthur Fiedler Footpath to the Charles River Esplanade, a three mile long park alongside the Charles River.

The tour includes the following sites: Granary Burial Ground, Massachusetts State House, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, the Boston Common, Frog Pond, Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Boston Common Visitors Center, Central Burying Ground, the Public Garden, Swan Boats, Park Bench from Good Will Hunting, Equestrian Statue of George Washington, "Make Way for Ducklings" Statues, Charles River Esplanade, Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell and Community Boating Boston.

If walked directly from location to location without stopping, the tour is about 1.9 miles long and would take approximately 45 minutes to walk.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Boston Common to Charles River

Start the Boston Common to the Charles River

Walking Tour: Common to Copley

Our Common to Copley tour starts at the oldest public park in the USA, the Boston Common. The early Bostonians used this area to graze their cows but now it is a green oasis in the busy city of Boston. We visit a variety of points in the Common and then move to the Public Garden and the Back Bay all of which were originally tidal marshes but in the mid-1800s in order to expand the city of Boston, this land was filled in. The Back Bay is now one of the premiere shopping and dining destinations of Boston.

Other locations on the tour include:  the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial , the Frog Pond, Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Boston Common Visitors Center, Boston Massacre Monument / Crispus Attucks Monument, Central Burying Ground, 55 Boylston Place (Old Public Library), Public Garden, Swan Boats, "Make Way for Ducklings" Statues, Cheers (Bull & Finch Pub), Statue of George Washington, Back Bay / Newbury Street, Arlington Street Church, 234 Berkley St (Old Museum of Science), Berkley Building (Old John Hancock Building), 200 Clarendon Street (John Hancock Tower), Copley Square, Trinity Church, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston Public Library (McKim Building), Old South Church, Prudential Tower.

The path of the tour is about 2 1/2 to 3 miles long and would take a little over an hour if walking straight on the path without stopping.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Common to Copley sites.

Start the Common to Copley Tour

Walking Tour: Boston's Greenway

The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a 1.5 mile 17-acre park sitting atop a highway tunnel that stretches from Chinatown in the South of Boston up through the Financial District, the Waterfront and ends in the North End.

The park was born out of a plan to remove the elevated highway that ran most of the length of Boston from the South to the North. This highway had split Boston especially the North End section so a tunnel was built, the “Big Dig”, and the highway moved underground. The elevated infrastructure was dismantled (look for a remaining steel column near the Armenian Heritage Park) and replaced with the Greenway park system which had its inaugural celebration in October 2008.

There are six different parks within the Greenway – North End, Armenian Heritage, Wharf District, Fort Point, Dewey Square and the Uncle Frank & Auntie Kay Chin Park. They are open daily from 7am to 11pm and offer a variety of landscaped gardens, promenades, plazas, fountains and art. There are a variety of eating opportunities mostly comprised of food trucks and carts (daily schedule of vendors - rosekennedygreenway.org/food) but also include an outdoor beer garden and an outdoor wine garden.

A wide variety of plants and trees can be found across the parks and what is currently in bloom can be found here - rosekennedygreenway.org/bloom. The Greenway is Boston’s only organically maintained public park.

There is free wifi offered in the Greenway. Look for the “Greenway” wireless network on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Sites on the tour include:  Chinatown Gate, City Winery, Trillium Garden, Greenway Open Market , Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion, Greenway Carousel, Zipporah Potter Atkins House and the Freedom Trail.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Boston's Greenway sites .

Start Boston's Greenway Tour

Walking Tour:  Faneuil Hall and the North End

This tour starts at the marketplaces of Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Public Market and Haymarket and then heads into the North End. Many of the sites were historically significant in the Revolutionary War times.

After beginning at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which includes Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the tours continues on to the Boston Public Market, Haymarket, the Zipporah Potter Atkins House, Paul Revere’s House, the Lewis Wharf, the Paul Revere Statue and Mall, the Old North Church, the Skinny House, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, the Great Molasses Flood Plaque and the location of the Great Brinks Robbery.

If only walking directly from location to location without stop, the walking tour would cover a little over 1 1/2 miles of ground while taking about 45 minutes.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Faneuil Hall and the North End Sites

Start Faneuil Hall and North End Tour

Walking Tour:  Museum of Science to the USS Constitution

Our tour starts on the edge of Boston and Charlestown at the Museum of Science. It then travels along the Charles River passing through a few different parks and the Charles River Dam until our tour ends at the Charlestown Naval Yards where the USS Constitution is located. While a few of the stops include inside destinations (Museum of Science, Navy Yard Visitors Center, the Constitution Museum) most of the stops are outside with room to run around and with great views of the Boston sky line. At the end of the tour, the most fun way back to Boston is to take the ferry from the Charlestown Navy Yard that will drop you off right next to the Aquarium and get a great view of Boston from the water.

The 2.2 mile path of the tour takes approximately 46 min.

We have not included the Bunker Hill Monument on this tour because many kids may be too tired after the rest of the walk to continue uphill from the USS Constitution to get to the monument. But if you still have energy, we’ve include the site as a one-off location. The walk will take about 10-15 minutes but also keep in mind if you want to go to the top of the monument it can only be accessed via a 294 step stairway.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Museum of Science to the USS Constitution

Start the Museum of Science to the USS Constitution Tour

Walking Tour:  New England Aquarium to Faneuil Hall

This is not a long walking tour but there is plenty to see and do in this relatively small section of Boston. We start at the waterfront at the New England Aquarium. Walking a short distance west will take you through part of the Greenway (Boston moved its elevated highway underground and replaced the above ground section with a public park system that cuts south to north through Boston) up to the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. And then just on the other side of the Greenway is the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Public Market and the open-air market Haymarket. While there is a great deal of history at Faneuil Hall, and a number of retail stores for shopping, kids and adults will find an incredible number of eating places / food stalls / restaurants in this area providing an almost unlimited choice of foods.

Walking the path without stopping is less than a mile long and would only take about 20 minutes.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Aquarium to Faneuil Hall

Start the New England Aquarium to Faneuil Hall Tour

Walking Tour:  Boston Tea Party to the Boston Fire Museum

This free walking tour will primarily take place in the Seaport area which is a part of Boston that was reclaimed from the harbor. In the mid to late 1800s seawalls were built and the land was filled in but much of it used for the railroads. At the close of the 20th century the area had deteriorated but since then a great deal of new building has breathed life into this part of Boston.

We start our tour on an observation deck which will provide a great view of the area and then move on to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the Hood Milk Bottle, the Boston Children’s Museum, Martin’s Park, Fan Pier Park, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and the Boston Fire Museum.

If traveled directly from point to point the walk should take a little over 30 minutes over 1 1/2 miles.

A more detailed description of these sites can be found here:  Boston Tea Party to the Boston Fire Museum

Start the Tea Party to Fire Tour

Public Accessible Restrooms in Boston

Like most large US cities, finding a public restroom, especially when you are traveling with children can be quit difficult.  We have put together a map of various locations in our tour areas that we have found.

The city of Boston is to be applauded for the list they have put together -- which can be accessed here -- which we have included in our list. Many of these locations are fire / police departments or public libraries. We have noted in the descriptions which locations are from this city published list.

What we have not included is hotels and restaurants that are not on the City of Boston's official list. It is always possible to ask or potentially just to use the facilities at these locations even though most will state that the restrooms are only for customers.

Access the Map of Public Accessible Restrooms in Boston

Google Maps Version

About Boston

Boston is both the capital and the largest city in Massachusetts. With a population of approximately 685,000 it is also the largest city in the New England area. It is one of the oldest US cities, founded in 1630 by puritan settlers from England, and was the largest town in British American up until the mid-18th century.

The city played a significant role at the early stages of the Revolutionary War – the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston all happened in Boston.

Boston became one of the world’s wealthiest cities due to the trade and fishing that came through its port. Blockades during the War of 1812 slowed its harbor business and as activity and business moved inland, the city became one of the leading manufacturing hubs of the newly growing US nation.

Between 1630 and 1890 the city tripled its area through land reclamation filling in many marshes, mudflats, and other areas. Boston developed the first public park in the nation (Boston Common, 1634), the first public or state school (Boston Latin School, 1635) and the first subway system (Tremont Street Subway, 1897). The city’s many colleges and universities (Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Northeastern, BU, BC) make it a center of education.

While Boston has one of the highest costs of living in the US, it still ranks high on livability ratings (in a 2011 survey it ranked 36th worldwide in quality of living).

Walking Tour of Boston's Freedom Trail

• TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
• Professional guide
• Guaranteed to skip the long lines
• Entry/Admission - Boston Town Crier
• Guaranteed to skip the lines
• 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA Directions: Take the Green or Red Lines to Park Street Station subway stop, down Tremont St to the right of the station. OR Downtown Crossing with Orange + Red Lines There is also parking in the Underground Garage under Boston Common via Charles Street.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA 02109, USA Return point: Faneuil Hall, near Haymarket + Government Center subway stops, near City Hall + Quincy Market
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 139 Tremont St 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA Directions: Take the Green or Red Lines to Park Street Station subway stop, down Tremont St to the right of the station. OR Downtown Crossing with Orange + Red Lines There is also parking in the Underground Garage under Boston Common via Charles Street. See address & details
• 1 Boston Town Crier Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Walking tour of the Freedom Trail. You will see the Boston Massacre site, Granary Burial Ground,Old Colonial State House ,Faneuil Hall,and 9 other important historical sites. Read more
• You'll end at Faneuil Hall Marketplace Boston, MA 02109, USA Return point: Faneuil Hall, near Haymarket + Government Center subway stops, near City Hall + Quincy Market See address & details

• 462mariae 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour guide and information Excellent tour guide (Adri) who was able to provide great historical knowledge along with fun stories to keep us all engaged (adults and young teenagers). The tour route covered a good amount of the freedom trail and we walked the rest the next day on our own. Read more Written February 20, 2024
• Sightseer41376159203 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour guide, great history lesson! Our tour guide (can't remember his name, but I remember he was Belgian because I asked!) was great! My son and I were very interested in the stories he told, and he delivered them with enthusiasm and passion and seemed to genuinely love the history he was recounting. He was also very polite both to our tour group and particularly to people walking down the street trying to get past us, frequently moving to the side or out of the way - you could tell he didn't want local Bostonians to be annoyed. Would recommend others visiting Boston to do this tour! Read more Written November 22, 2023
• timsK7902XZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour in Boston Fantastic experience. Even better than taking the bus tours. Great tour guide. You spend the whole time learning about the history. No need to get on and off the bus to explore. If you are exploring Boston, this is your best bet. It is only a one mile walk. Read more Written November 8, 2023
• debrabH4979VW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and Educational I learned things I never knew about the events leading up to the American Revolution. The tour was fun and informative, and our guide was great! Read more Written November 1, 2023
• fedcba 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very informative Very informative tour, lots of history and great sights. Was very pleased that there was a little extra to keep kids entertained! Read more Written October 29, 2023
• maynardn2017 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good experience. Our Belgium guide was very informative and interesting. He did a very good job. We enjoyed the history lesson. Read more Written October 27, 2023
• alessandrou2016 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun walk on the freedom trail We went on a walk of the freedom trail with our tour guide. He made it both fun and informative. We would definitely recommend the visit to others. Read more Written October 22, 2023
• SockMonkey1228 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour and historical overview of key figures and locations. Jeff (aka Samuel Gray) was a wonderful tour guide. We learned so much about the various historical sites that we visited and he was funny, friendly and engaging throughout! This is a tremendous way to learn a ton about the Freedom Trail and since it is only 90-100 minutes, you have plenty of time to go back and spend more time at the sites if you so choose. Highly recommended! Read more Written October 15, 2023
• Dream105001 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles History 101 Wonderful, informative and entertaining. Many bitsof information that are not taught in school. Worth the time and effort. Read more Written October 14, 2023
• laurielJ3907XJ 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles too crowded Tour was interesting however way too many people in the group. would actually prefer to pay more and be a smaller group as there had to be at least 35 people in our group and along with the traffic and surrounding noise you missed half the explanations etc. Read more Written October 14, 2023
• 2lapiedad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Boston. Trip Completes a major checklist item We really enjoyed the walking tour. We had the 12:30 tour on Oct 11. The guide presented a lot of interesting information about the people and history of Boston. The group was small so we were able be in close to hear all of the questions and answers. This was our first trip to Boston. Read more Written October 13, 2023
• MiamiDiva 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour and guide Our guide was Benjamin and he was great!! The tour covered a lot of points of interest and even a lil bit extra. Would definitely recommend. Read more Written October 12, 2023
• melissabU3923YK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Boston Town Crier The tour guide played the part of James Otis, who had been a real patriot. He was informative, knowledgeable and professional. He kept us moving and allowed us to "vote" as a group how we wanted to add a bit more to see additional areas. He injected humor at the right time. KUDOS! This is a great tour group to book. Read more Written October 11, 2023
• Daydream56619403584 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and informative history lesson! We really enjoyed the history lesson - our tour guide did an amazing job. So glad we did this. You hear bits of history you would not hear otherwise. Read more Written October 7, 2023
• janetdW1905CK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Freedom Trail Walking Tour Our guide was very informative with a great sense of humor! The pace was perfect and a great deal. Highly recommend to tourists. Read more Written October 5, 2023

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