The Boston Freedom Trail is free walking tour that offers a captivating journey through America's revolutionary history. This 2.5-mile path winds through downtown Boston, connecting 16 significant historic sites. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Revolutionary War-era America and the birth of the United States.
You will come across iconic landmarks such as Paul Revere's House, the USS Constitution, and the site of the Boston Massacre. It’s a great way to get to know Boston’s rich heritage at your own pace.
Let’s immerse in the atmosphere of colonial Boston.
Key Stops and Attractions at the Boston Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is marked by red bricks on the sidewalk. We didn’t know this during our visit and kind of just wandered around randomly. But for a more structured visit, follow the red bricks!
Key stops along the Boston Freedom Trail (in chronological order) are:
- Boston Common
- Massachusetts State House
- Park Street Church
- Granary Burying Ground
- King’s Chapel Burying Ground
- Benjamin Franklin statue and the former site of Boston Latin School
- Old Corner Bookstore
- Old South Meeting House
- Old State House
- Site of the Boston Massacre
- Faneuil Hall
- Paul Revere House
- Old North Church
- Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
- USS Constitution
- Bunker Hill Monument
1. Boston Common
Boston Common, America's oldest public park, dates back to 1634 and has a rich history as a gathering place for protests, celebrations, and community events. Originally a cow pasture, it later served as a camp for British troops during the American Revolution. Today, it’s a peaceful green space where you can enjoy walking paths, the Frog Pond, and seasonal events. The squirrels are so tame that you can even walk up to them and pet them.
2. Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House, with its iconic gold dome, was completed in 1798 and designed by Charles Bulfinch, one of America’s first native-born architects. The building houses the state's government and is situated on land once owned by John Hancock. Inside, visitors can explore the historic legislative chambers and the Hall of Flags.
3. Park Street Church
Founded in 1809, Park Street Church played a crucial role in America’s religious and social movements. It’s known as the site where William Lloyd Garrison gave his first major anti-slavery speech in 1829. The church’s towering steeple, once the tallest point in Boston, is a prominent feature on the city’s skyline.
4. Granary Burying Ground
Granary Burying Ground, established in 1660, is the final resting place of several key figures in American history, including Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. The cemetery’s name comes from a granary that once stood nearby. Its weathered tombstones tell the story of Boston’s colonial past.
5. King’s Chapel Burying Ground
King’s Chapel Burying Ground is Boston’s oldest cemetery, dating back to 1630, and it is where some of the city’s earliest settlers were laid to rest. Although the adjacent King’s Chapel was built later, in 1686, the cemetery predates the church by several decades. Among those buried here is Mary Chilton, believed to be the first woman to step off the Mayflower.
6. Benjamin Franklin Statue and the Former Site of Boston Latin School
This site marks where Boston Latin School, the first public school in America, was established in 1635. The school’s most famous attendee, Benjamin Franklin, is honored with a prominent statue here, though he never graduated. The location reflects Boston’s long commitment to education and intellectual development.
7. Old Corner Bookstore
Built in 1718 as an apothecary, the Old Corner Bookstore became a literary hub in the 19th century. It was here that the publishers Ticknor and Fields produced works by some of America’s greatest authors, including Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry David Thoreau. The building is a rare surviving example of early 18th-century architecture in Boston.
8. Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House, built in 1729, is famous as the site where the Boston Tea Party was planned on December 16, 1773. This Puritan place of worship became a hotbed of revolutionary activity, and its connection to the American Revolution is a key highlight of the Freedom Trail. Today, it serves as a museum and a symbol of free speech.
9. Old State House
Constructed in 1713, the Old State House is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. It was the seat of British colonial government in Massachusetts and the site of several key events leading up to the American Revolution. From its balcony, the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians on July 18, 1776.
10. Site of the Boston Massacre
This site marks the location of the Boston Massacre, a pivotal event on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers killed five colonists during a tense confrontation. The incident fueled anti-British sentiment and helped galvanize the colonial resistance. A circle of cobblestones embedded in the street today marks the site of the tragic event.
11. Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall, often referred to as "The Cradle of Liberty," was built in 1742 and served as a marketplace and a meeting hall. It was a central gathering place for Bostonians advocating for independence, with many famous speeches delivered here by Samuel Adams and other patriots. Today, it remains a vibrant market and a symbol of American democracy.
12. Paul Revere House
The Paul Revere House, built in 1680, is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. It was the home of Paul Revere at the time of his famous midnight ride in 1775. The house has been preserved as a museum, offering a glimpse into 18th-century family life and Revere’s role in the American Revolution.
13. Old North Church
The Old North Church, built in 1723, is the oldest standing church building in Boston and the site of the famous "One if by land, two if by sea" signal that launched Paul Revere’s midnight ride. Its steeple, the tallest in Boston at the time, played a crucial role in the American Revolution, making it a must-see on the Freedom Trail.
14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, established in 1659, is the second oldest cemetery in Boston. It was named after shoemaker William Copp, who once owned the land. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Bostonians, including Puritan ministers and a large number of African American slaves who lived in the North End.
15. USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, launched in 1797, is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Known as "Old Ironsides," she earned her nickname during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off her hull. The ship is docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard and serves as a museum and a symbol of America’s naval heritage.
16. Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-foot granite obelisk, commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War, fought on June 17, 1775. Although the British won the battle, the heavy losses they suffered bolstered the colonists’ resolve. Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top for panoramic views of Boston.
Practical Advice for Visiting The Boston Freedom Trail
The Best Order For Walking the Boston Freedom Trail
The Boston Freedom Trail starting point is in the Boston Common, America's oldest public park. The trail begins just outside of the Boston Common Visitor Center. The waling tour ends at Bunker Hill which commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War, fought on June 17, 1775.
Although I mentioned earlier that the Freedom Trail is marked by red bricks on the sidewalk and the best way to explore it is by following the red bricks in the above mentioned order, it really doesn’t matter at the end of the day. The sites of the Boston Freedom Trail are not necessary linked to each other in a chronologial manner and can be therefore explored on their own in random order.
Tour Length and Duration
The Freedom Trail spans 2.5 miles (4 km) and includes 16 historic sites. A quick tour of the entire trail will take at least 2-3 hours. For a more in-depth experience, where you also enter specific sites (highly recommended), you will need closer to 4-6 hours. This gives you time to explore the interior of the buildings and read the interpretive plaques.
There is always the option to split the tour over several days.
Ticketing and Reservations
The Freedom Trail itself is free to walk. However, some sites along the trail charge admission. You don't need a ticket for the outdoor monuments and markers. Indoor attractions such as the Paul Revere House, the Old State House, and the USS Constitution require separate tickets. Especially if you are visiting during high season, be sure to book some in advance.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer ideal weather for exploring the Freedom Trail, with fewer crowds than in the summer. Temperatures are mild, and May and September in particular offer pleasant walking conditions.
Although the Boston Freedom Trail is open year-round, some of the attractions that are part of the free walking tour (such as Faneuil Hall or the USS Constitution) are not. For this reason, I recommend checking the hours of some of the places you want to see from the inside before walking the trail to avoid disappointment.
Also keep in mind that weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter experiences at popular sites.
Helpful Guides and Resources for Navigating the Boston Freedom Trail
With a self-guided tour, you have the flexibility to start and stop whenever you like, spending as much time as you want at each location. There are free audio guides through The National Park Service app that you can use or download MP3 tours (super oldfashioned but it works) to guide your experience with historical context and additional information about each site as you walk.
On the Website of the Boston Freedom Trail you can also book paid tours where an experienced Boston guide will show you around the different sites with their own stories.
Final Words
The Boston Freedom Trail is an excellent introduction to the city, offering a journey through the pivotal events that shaped America's history. As you walk the trail, you'll not only visit iconic historical sites, but also get a feel for the vibrant, dynamic spirit of Boston.
Given the city's rich tapestry of attractions, I recommend that you approach the trail with some flexibility. Give yourself the freedom to explore beyond the designated stops - wander into other fascinating neighborhoods or discover hidden gems along the way. One of my personal favorites is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a must-see for art lovers. And don't forget to take a break at one of Boston's many legendary coffee shops.
Whatever your interests, enjoy exploring this wonderful city at your own pace.
