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One of the most popular things to do in Boston is to walk the Freedom Trail. This is a great way to see the main historical sites in the city. Boston is an extremely walkable city with so much to explore. This route will show you some of the best parts of Boston before you continue your trip with other places to visit. If you’re not interested in walking there are also tours and public transportation that can help you get around.
Every time we had people visit us in Boston, we’d take them through the Freedom Trail. It is an absolute must-do and a top reason why Boston is worth visiting. Not only is it amazing to see the American Revolution history, but you can also see how the city has modernized around the historic buildings.
Ready to head to Boston? Here are some handy resources!
What is the Freedom Trail?
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile route that goes through 16 important sites of the American Revolution. By following the red brick trail you’ll come to the different places of the American Revolutionary War which was started in Boston. The sites include churches, meeting houses, museums, battlegrounds, and the oldest continuous working American Battleship.
The Freedom Trail technically officially begins at Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, across the river. However, you can choose to start and end anywhere you’d like. Unless you are doing a tour, you can start on either side and follow the bricks on the sidewalk to each stop.
Map of the Freedom Trail
On this map, you’ll see the red markers are all 16 stops of the Freedom Trail. Additionally, the blue markers are some fun additional sites to see if you have time.
The Freedom Trail Sites
Start: Boston Common
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the US. It is, of course, the best spot to start walking the Freedom Trail. Next to Boston Common is the Boston Public Park which means that you can absolutely spend more than 10 minutes exploring the area. The park is centrally located to public transportation. From here it’s time to find the red bricks and head over to the next stop.
Pro-Tip: At the Freedom Trail starting office, they sell multi-site tickets at a discount. These tickets get you into a couple of different sites, which means you don’t even have to think about which ones are worth it! Just go where the tickets let you in.
#2 Massachusetts State House
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Monday – Friday)
The New State House, this building is actually the oldest Building on Beacon Hill. It has been the seat of Massachusetts government since 1798. During weekdays at select times, there are free tours available at the state house. The tour is about 30 minutes, so add that to the time allocated for this stop.
We have never taken the tour, but when I worked in Boston, I actually had access to the state house as an employee, so I got to spend some cool behind-the-scenes time there. There is a post office in the basement and it’s quite easy to get lost inside. It is beautifully decorated as well.
Fun Fact: The pine cone at the top of the gold dome is a symbolic nod to Maine, which supplied lumber to Boston during colonial times. Additionally, the dome wasn’t always gold; it used to be copper, but in 1802, once the copper had started oxidizing, it was gilded in gold.
#3 Park Street Church
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 5 minutes
This beautiful church is located on top of the city’s granary (or the grain storage building). Founded in 1809 this beautiful church used to be the place where ammunition was stored. People used to avoid the building!
Although you cannot enter the church, it is a beauty to see while walking over to the next stop.
#4 Granary Burying Ground
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
This graveyard is home to some of the most famous people in American history. It is the final resting place for Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. James Otis, Benjamin Franklin’s parents, and Robert Treat Paine also join them here. It is incredible to stand surrounded by so many important patriots!
I’d recommend about 30 minutes to walk around and really soak in all the headstones there. It is a fascinating part of walking the Freedom Trail and a favorite of many people.
#5 King’s Chapel and Burying Ground
Cost: $5 per adult ($10 for a guided tour)
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
King’s Chapel is Boston’s first Anglican church. It stands in its original location at the corner of the oldest English graveyard. George Washington, Abigail Adams, and Paul Revere were among the famous people who visited this church.
Notable residents of this burying ground include John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts, and Mary Chilton, the first woman off the Mayflower in Plymouth. It is truly a beautiful and unique church. It’s so cool to be able to see the way families went to church and how that connection stretches to now.
This is one of two churches that are on the Freedom Trail. If you are short on time, I’d say just go see one inside and skip the other one. I’m partial to the Old North Church.
#6 Benjamin Franklin Statue and the Boston Latin School
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 5 minutes
Boston Latin School is still going strong since the 1700s even though it may not look the same or even be in its original location anymore. Five signers of the Declaration of Independence went to this school! It has a long-lasting legacy. Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and William Hooper were all classmates here!
Today at this site you’ll find a mosaic where the schoolhouse used to stand along with a statue of Benjamin Franklin. It is stunning but doesn’t take long to explore. Next door is the Old City Hall, a much more beautiful building than the current city hall that everyone hates.
#7 Old Corner Bookstore
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 5 minutes
I love reading! I could spend hours and hours in libraries and bookstores (definitely check out the main branch of Boston’s Public Library)! So it brings me great pleasure to know that a corner bookstore is Boston’s oldest commercial building. Constructed in 1718, this bookstore first published works from Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and many many more.
It brings me great sadness to say that if you wanted to explore this historical building or buy a book here, it is no longer a bookstore. In its place, you will find a Chipotle. With so many great places to eat in Boston, I would not recommend eating here, but it’s there if you want it. If you wait a couple more sites, you’ll be down in Faneuil Hall, where you can break for lunch.
#8 Old South Meeting House
Cost: $15 per adult
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Since 1877, the Old South Meeting House has been a public museum when a group of women successfully saved it from demolition, saving another great piece of our history. The exterior and interior of this building are so beautiful, holding so much rich history.
The Old South Meeting House held the protest meetings against the British that led to the American Revolution. This building was made famous during a protest against the tea tax in 1773. Samuel Adams approved the idea for the Boston Tea Party, which happened just down the street from here!
I highly recommend going inside this building! It is definitely one of the best stops while walking the Freedom Trail.
Pro-Tip: Visit the Boston Tea Party Museum to participate in the protest that spurred the Boston Tea Party, and you’ll see a replica of the Old South Meeting House!
#9 Old State House
Cost: $15 per adult
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Built in 1713, the Old State House is the oldest surviving building in Boston. This is a huge accomplishment, given the many fires, a revolution, and even the famous Molasses Flood!
The basement of the building is actually a train station now, but going inside the Old State House is really impressive. The museum is home to dozens of artifacts from the Revolutionary War. You’ll find John Hancock’s coat, guns and ammunition, and even tea from the Boston Tea Party.
The balcony is where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time. Now, every year on Independence Day, it is read on that balcony again. Additionally, the lion and unicorn, previously English symbols, now became symbols of Boston.
#10 Boston Massacre Site
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 2minutes
Right below the Old State House balcony is the site of the Boston Massacre. The Boston Massacre killed five men and was an important catalyst for the American Revolution. Now, there is a medallion on the floor commemorating the event. Be careful where you stand, as this area can be bustling with people going to and from work!
#11 Faneuil Hall
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM (11 AM – 7 PM on Sundays)
Welcome to the halfway point of your Freedom Trail Walk! Obviously, it is time for a lunch break. This is also the end of the Freedom Trail Foundation tour. For lunch, you can go to Quincy Market, which is like the original food hall. Additionally, nearby, there is also the Boston Public Market for some delicious and fresh food. Finally, if you are willing to wait, the next stops bring you to North End for some delicious Italian food.
Faneuil Hall was the center of commerce when it was built in 1741; it is still a busy commercial area! Inside, there are tons of local vendors selling foods, goods, and services. Outside, there are usually street performers showing off their skills for tips. Upstairs in Faneuil Hall is the place to be! Now it is a little hidden, but it is truly a treasure trove of history.
Follow the signs on the walls about the Freedom Trail, and you’ll find an elevator tucked away in a corner. Take this elevator to the second floor and be amazed! This area is generally empty, as many people don’t know it exists. However, it is such a great place to visit and to see even more historical artifacts of this famous meeting place. Finally, the best part is that it is completely free to visit!
#12 Paul Revere House
Cost: $6 per adult
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Hours: 10 AM – 4:15 PM
You have finally made it into North End for one of the two Freedom Trail stops. This first one is Paul Revere’s house. Paul Revere was famous for his Midnight Ride, but he played many significant roles in the American Revolution.
With his wife and children, Paul Revere called North End home. Built in 1680, this house is the oldest remaining structure in Boston. I enjoyed exploring his house and learning so much about such a significant man in our history. It is truly such a unique experience.
#13 Old North Church
Cost: $5 per adult
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM (Wednesday – Saturday)
Along your way to Old North Church from Paul Revere’s house, stop at Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate. It is such a cool demonstration of how chocolate was made historically, plus you can taste it along the creation process.
As a still functioning church you can either take a self-guided tour during the week or go to services on Sunday mornings. This historic church was thrust into fame for being the starting point of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. There is a giant statue of Paul Revere in the church’s courtyard to remind you of this fact.
It is beautiful and definitely the church I’d visit walking along the Freedom Trail. I’d also recommend spending time exploring the courtyard to see the fountains and many monuments.
#14 Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 5 minutes
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
The final cemetery on the Freedom Trail in Boston. Unlike the last two, there are not as many notable people buried here. However, you’ll find Robert Newman, the man who hung the lanterns on Paul Revere’s famous ride, Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution, and many others.
The most notable thing to do here is soak in the panoramic views from the top of Copp’s Hill. Here’s a good place to rest before heading nearly a mile over the bridge into Charlestown. Or it may be a stop you skip altogether, opting to spend more time eating delicious food in North End.
While in Boston, eat like the locals eat! Check out our favorite places here.
#15 USS Constitution and Museum
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 30 minutes (ship), plus 45 minutes (museum)
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
The USS Constitution is my favorite stop on the whole Freedom Trail. It is the oldest and still active warship. It became famous during the War of 1812. You can get on board for free and discover what life is like on the ship!
Keep in mind this is still an active US Navy ship. You will go through security to climb aboard, and there are restricted areas. Additionally, there is a museum that accompanies the ship tour. For a small donation, you can enjoy this interactive museum. It is definitely a great museum for kids, as you can really step into the life of the USS Constitution crew.
TIP: Since the stops are across the North Washington Street Bridge, it is a trek to get there. Don’t miss out on this experience; either go before you go to all the other stops or come here another day.
End: Bunker Hill Monument
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
About a half-mile from the USS Constitution is the Bunker Hill Monument. This monument commemorates the first battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775. If you’re not tired after the whole day of exploring, head up the nearly 300 steps to the top. There are incredible views of the city!
Many people understandably skip this stop. By the end, you’re tired, and trekking over to Charlestown and back can be daunting and extra exhausting. Additionally, many times, we didn’t make it there before it closed at 5 pm! But if you’re there in time, there is also a museum to explore if you want a final museum.
Our Favorite Sites
If you’re not a huge history buff and want to see a few highlight sites, here are the places I’d recommend visiting:
- Granary Burying Ground
- Old South Meeting House
- Faneuil Hall
- Paul Revere House
- Old North Church
- USS Constitution
Tips for Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston
- Start Early! – I would recommend grabbing some breakfast and then starting your walk at 9am. No later than 10am. This way, you can make it to Fanueil Hall around noon, plus it gives you plenty of time to explore the second half of the Freedom Trail. This is the part that includes the most amount of walking.
- Since the order of the sites doesn’t actually matter that much, I’d recommend starting at Bunker Hill or USS Constitution to get the bulk of the walking done when you’re still feeling fresh.
- Save money by buying combined tickets! Not every museum or stop is worthwhile. So, pick a combined ticket that speaks to you. Additionally, if you have the Boston Go City pass, you can enter some attractions as part of the ticket.
- Finally, the areas around the different sites should be explored. Boston is incredibly walkable, with many interesting things to see along the way. Take breaks and enjoy everything there is to see, like Hand in Bell Tavern (the oldest Tavern in the US) or Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate.
Are There Restrooms on the Freedom Trail?
There are many places to stop along the route that have bathrooms. While there may not be public bathrooms (other than a Starbucks), nearly all the stops and shops in between stops have bathrooms. If the cafes and restaurants have bathrooms for patrons only, then it’s a great time for a snack pit stop. Additionally, most museum stops have bathrooms available for use.
How Long Does it Take?
This can vary! The main difference will be how much time you spend at each site. If you don’t stop much or stretch it out to a whole day, you can do it in about an hour. On average, it takes us about four hours.
We like to start at the Boston Common and end at the USS Constitution. There are some sites we skip altogether to spend more time at others. We absolutely love going to the USS Constitution, so we will skip some museums in the middle to avoid history overload by the end.
Pro-Tip: Take a break at about the halfway point (somewhere near Faneuil Hall, Quincy Marketplace, and The Boston Public Market). Having a scheduled break either for a snack or to unplug from all the history can really help with the history overload by the end.
Tours of the Freedom Trail
There are many guided tours of the Freedom Trail. However, most tours do not cover the entire Freedom Trail. Freedom Trail Foundation offers a guided tour of 11 out of the 16 sites. It goes from Boston Common through Faneuil Hall. This tour takes 90 minutes. It’s fun because the guides dress up in period clothing and play a part in the Revolutionary War. They really make it interactive and brings history to life.
If you take the mid-morning tour, then you’ll make it to Faneuil Hall for lunch, which is a perfect break time to continue the rest of the tour on your own. It costs $16 for adults, $14 for students, and $8 for children. The tour does not include admission to any of the sights.
Additionally, there are other tours that are not administered by the Freedom Trail Foundation that you can take. There are even self-guided tours of the Freedom Trail via an app. The app includes audio narration, a live map, and routes.
Check out a 4-day Itinerary of Boston, including the Freedom Trail.
How to Walk the Freedom Trail Without Taking a Tour
You can absolutely walk the Freedom Trail without a tour. Especially, if you want to take your time or go to the different museums, it’s easier to go without a tour. Again, you start either at Boston Common or Bunker Hill and follow the red brick line throughout the city. Each stop is marked by a gold plaque. This way definitely gives you more freedom but with less added historical color.
Final Thoughts About Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston
This is such a fun activity to do when you visit Boston. Boston truly has so much to do for all visitors and lots for the locals as well. The Freedom Trail also allows us all to explore American history in an incredibly tangible way. The best part about walking the Freedom Trail in Boston is how it can be expanded or truncated to take up as much time as you want, allowing you to go down alleys, side streets, and other hidden nooks to explore Boston truly.
