Full Guide to the Freedom Trail in Boston (History, Facts, and More!)
Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Kelly
Boston is filled with historic landmarks, and the best way to see them all is by walking the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a marked pedestrian trail that connects some of the city’s most important historical sites. When we visited Boston, we just followed the red brick line and it took us to all the landmarks. I’ve always been interested in the Revolutionary War, so the Freedom Trail was a must-see for me.
We’ve walked the Freedom Trail many times, and we think it’s the best thing to do while in Boston! My husband used to live in Boston, and we both spent several years living in Connecticut. We made frequent trips to Boston because it’s such a fun city to explore. In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston.
About the Freedom Trail
Official Website: https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/
The city of Boston is a juxtaposition between the modern and the historic. For example, in the middle of a bustling city street, you’ll be able to see Paul Revere’s house. Or at the crossroads of a busy intersection, you’ll see the Old State House. It’s such a strange feeling to see buildings from the 1600 and 1700s adjacent to modern skyscrapers!
The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles long (4 kilometers) one-way. To follow the trail, you just need to follow a red brick line that is embedded into the sidewalk. The trail contains 16 official historic sites. In front of each site, there is a special bronze marker. The Freedom Trail was established in 1951.
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You can walk the trail yourself, or you can book a guided walking tour of the Freedom Trail! We’ve walked the Freedom Trail ourselves without a tour, but I definitely think it would be a good idea to book a tour. Unless you’re an expert on the Revolutionary War and colonial times, I think you’d get so much more from the experience with a tour!
Directions
The Freedom Trail officially starts at Boston Common park and it ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. However, you can start at either location. (If it’s more convenient to work backwards, you can absolutely do that).
If you’re flying into Massachusetts, you’ll want to book flights to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
If you’re taking the train to Boston, there are three Amtrak stations in the city: North Station, South Station, and Back Bay.
If you’re driving to Boston, you’ll want to research rental cars and parking garages in advance. The Boston Common Garage is the most convenient place to park. It’s actually located underground beneath the park!
| See our list of the best hotels near Boston’s airport. |
Tip: We recommend stopping by the Boston Common Visitor Center as you start the trail. You’ll be able to grab a visitor guide, brochures, and get answers to any questions you have prior to starting your walk.
Tips for Walking the Trail
- Wear comfortable shoes while on the trail. We were on our feet for a long time, so definitely wear shoes that have been worn in. (This is not the day for new shoes!)
- Bring a water bottle. I didn’t want to have to deviate from the trail to buy a water bottle, so it was nice having a couple packed with us.
- Plan your budget. Although walking the Freedom Trail is free, many of the points of interest along the way charge admission for entry.
- Make a plan for food. We didn’t want to be hangry on the trail. Later in this post we’ll share some great restaurants along the trail!
- Research some of the sites in advance. We had a much deeper appreciation once we knew the history surrounding each site. We’ll share more below!
- If you have time in your itinerary, consider breaking up the trail over two days. The Freedom Trail contains many historical sites that double as museums. If you’d like to have lots of time to explore the museums and not feel rushed, consider walking the trail over two days. (Although this isn’t totally necessary. It just depends on how much time you want to spend at each site!)
| Looking for a hotel near Boston Harbor with waterfront views? Check out our article! |
The 16 Historic Sites on the Freedom Trail in Boston
The Freedom Trail will take you through Boston’s most famous historic sights. Here’s the full list:
1. Boston Common
The oldest public park in the United States is Boston Common. It was established in 1634, making it nearly 400 years old! Puritans purchased the land and it was used for their sheep to graze. It was called “The Common Land”, and as you can see, the name stuck!
In 1775, the land was used by the British army as a training ground during the Revolutionary War.
Before you even begin walking the Freedom Trail, there’s tons to see at this vibrant park. Be sure to check out the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial. The memorial honors the first all-Black volunteer regiment in the Civil War.
Adjacent to the Boston Common is The Public Garden. Between the two, there are over 70 acres of urban green space.
Some things to check out in this area include:
- Boston Frog Pond: During the summer, this is a free splash park. During the winter, there is ice skating.
- Boston Common Carousel: Take your kiddos for a ride on the carousel for a small fee.
- Make Way for Ducklings: A bronze statue of a mama duck with her ducklings.
- Soldiers and Sailors Monument: This memorial honors those who died in the Civil War. It was dedicated in 1877.
- Swan Boat Lagoon: This lagoon is located in The Public Garden. At the lagoon, you can ride in giant swan boats (open seasonally). The last day of the season for 2022 is September 5th.
- George Washington Statue: This large statue features President George Washington riding a horse.
- Central Burying Ground: Some of the oldest gravestones here are from 1756.
- Statue of Edgar Allen Poe: Technically right across the street from Boston Common, you can see this bronze statue of the famous poet and a raven.
You could easily spend several hours at the Boston Common and Public Garden. We wrote a full post about 25 things to see at Boston Common and the Public Garden with our tips. Make sure to save some energy for the rest of the Freedom Trail!
| If you’re feeling hungry after visiting Boston Common, see our list of the best restaurants near Boston Common! |
2. Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House is located across the street on the northern side of Boston Common. It opened in 1798 and houses the legislative and executive branches. John Hancock’s mansion used to be adjacent to the state house, but it was demolished to expand the state house many years ago. Although it was built in 1798, it’s known as the “new state house”. (You’ll find the older state house later on the Freedom Trail!)
You’ll be able to recognize the Massachusetts State House based on its giant golden dome. At the top of the dome is a gilt pinecone, which was used to honor the forests that allowed the earliest settlers to survive.
3. Park Street Church
The Park Street Church was built in 1809. The steeple is 217 feet tall, and for many years it was the tallest building in Boston.
The church has played a crucial role in many social justice movements. William Lloyd Garrison delivered his “Address to the Colonization Society” at Park Street Church, which was the first major public statement in opposition to slavery.
The church is open to the public to tour only during the summer. Be sure to check in advance of your trip.
4. Granary Burying Ground
This burying ground was named for the granary which used to next door to it during colonial times. The Granary Burying Ground was established in 1660. No one has been buried there since 1880. It’s estimated that there are over 2,300 gravestones at this cemetery, with over 5,000 people believed to have been buried there.
There are many notable Bostonians that have been buried at this cemetery. This includes:
- 3 signers of the Declaration of Independence (Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and John Hancock)
- Paul Revere (buried near the back)
- 5 victims of the Boston Massacre
- The large obelisk at the cemetery marks the tomb of Benjamin Franklin’s parents
Many of the slate gravestones contain depictions of the “Soul Effigy” (a skull with wings on both sides), the Grim Reaper, and Father Time.
5. King’s Chapel and King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Boston’s first Anglican church was built here in 1686, and the present-day building was constructed in 1754. King’s Chapel has the oldest American pulpit that is still in continuous use. The interior of the church contains Georgian architecture.
The church also contains a bell that was forged in 1772. When it cracked in 1814, it was recast by Paul Revere himself.
When I walked through this church, I was first struck by the boxes of pews. I learned that each wealthy family paid rent to the church to have their own private box pew. The pews were surrounded by walls to help protect from winter drafts. The pews you see today are the original pews. (Although they have been upholstered over the years.)
If you take the Bells & Bones tour at the church, you’ll get to see the crypt as well as the bell tower.
6. Boston Latin School Site & Benjamin Franklin Statue
The Boston Latin School is the oldest public school in the United States. It was founded all the way back in 1635. One of its former students was Benjamin Franklin, hence the statue out front. (Although interestingly he was a drop-out!) The church was torn down in 1745 in order to expand King’s Chapel, but you can see the statue and mosaic representing its original location. (The school, however, continues at a different location!)
7. Old Corner Bookstore
The Old Corner Bookstore, built in 1718, is Boston’s oldest commercial building. It was originally built as an apothecary, and later a publishing house. Some of the best writers in the United States published here, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In 1960, the Old Corner Bookstore was going to be demolished in order to build a parking garage of all things. Thankfully, Bostonians were able to raise money to protect the property.
8. Old South Meeting House
This is where the Boston Tea Party began! The tea tax debates were held at the Old South Meeting House. Over 5,000 people crowded into the building to debate the taxes on imported tea. When no resolution was achieved, the colonists went to the harbor and threw all the tea into the water. This was one of the major events that ignited the Revolutionary War.
This building was also going to be demolished in 1872, but it was saved by 20 women and turned into a museum instead.
The Old South Meeting House was the largest building in colonial Boston, so it makes sense that the majority of public discourses, speeches, and debates were held here.
(Please note that you can purchase a combined admission ticket to both the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House.)
9. Old State House
The oldest surviving public building in Boston is the Old State House. It was built in 1713. When I visited this portion of the Freedom Trail, I was truly amazed to see this historic brick building surrounded by skyscrapers.
Prior to the Revolutionary War, the royal governor (an office appointed by the King), would give speeches from the balcony.
10. Boston Massacre Site
Directly in front of the Old State House is the site of the Boston Massacre. On March 5th, 1770, after escalating tensions, 5 Bostonians were killed by British Redcoats.
The site is located at the intersection of State Street and Congress Street. Interestingly, the commemorative plaque has been moved twice to allow for changing traffic patterns.
If you are in Boston on May 5th, there’s an annual re-enactment hosted by the Bostonian Society.
11. Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is where the the first Town Meeting in America was held. It’s been named “the home of free speech” and the “cradle of liberty.”
The building was a center for commercial activities in Boston. In 1741, the Sons of Liberty officially announced their dissent against the Royal Crown here.
Atop the hall is a weather vane depicting a golden grasshopper.
Tip: Feeling hungry? Right across from Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market. The market contains lots of different food vendors, so it’s the perfect spot for your party to take a break and grab a meal. The last time I was at Quincy Market, I especially enjoyed a cup of clam chowder and a lobster roll!
12. Paul Revere House
The oldest structure in all of downtown Boston is the Paul Revere House. It was built around 1680, and patriot Paul Revere purchased the home in 1770.
Over the years, this house has also been a candy shop, cigar factory, and Italian bank.
The home now contains and visitor center and lots of educational programming around his famous midnight ride. You can enter the home for a small fee. (At the time of this writing, an adult ticket costs $6.)
13. Old North Church
The Old North Church, built in 1723, is especially known for its role in the Revolutionary War. It was here that Paul Revere’s message “One if by land, two if by sea” was carried out via lanterns. After that evening, the Revolutionary War began.
14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
The Copp’s Hill Burying Ground was named after a shoemaker. This was Boston’s largest burying ground. Gravestones from this cemetery date back to 1659.
15. USS Constitution
The USS Constitution is a warship that was built in 1797. It was nicknamed “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, and it continues to float today! The ship will occasionally sail through Boston Harbor for special occasions. At the site of the USS Constitution is also a museum.
16. Bunker Hill Monument
The last stop on the Freedom Trail is the Bunker Hill Monument. The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17th, 1775, and was the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.
It was here that the statement, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” was first proclaimed.
At this battle, there were over 3,000 Redcoats. Although the colonists technically lost this battle, it took the British three separate assaults to achieve victory. This battle really demonstrated that the colonists could put up a fight.
Across from the monument is the Bunker Hill Museum. At the museum, you can learn all about the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the monument, and more generally about the Charlestown neighborhood.
If you made it this far, you’ve officially completed the Freedom Trail! Your feet are probably pretty tired, so it’s time to sit down for a good meal and rest!
Other Historic Sites in Boston
Although the Freedom Trail captures 16 sites, there’s plenty more places in Boston that are steeped with history!
Here’s a few other places you might want to visit:
- Black Heritage Trail: Learn about Black history in the Beacon neighborhood
- Boston Irish Famine Memorial: Two groups of statues honor the Great Famine
- African Meeting House: Frederick Douglas gave a famous anti-slavery speech here in 1860.
- Gibson House Museum: See what daily life was like in this mid 19th-century mansion.
Where to Eat Along the Freedom Trail
If you’re looking for a bite to eat as you wander the Freedom Trail, here’s a few places within walking distance to consider:
- Cheers Bar: The original Cheers bar is located across from the Public Garden on Beacon Street. This is the bar that inspired the show Cheers.
- Parker’s Restaurant: Located near Boston Common, you can go to the restaurant where the Boston Cream Pie was invented.
- Modern Pastry: Located near the Paul Revere house, Modern Pastry specializes in Italian and American pastries. You can build your own cannoli for the ultimate fresh cannoli!
- Union Oyster House: This is the country’s oldest restaurant. It was established in 1826. It’s about a 3-minute walk from Faneuil Hall. We recommend reserving a table.
- Quincy Market: Located across from Faneuil Hall, get Boston Baked Beans with brown bread, clam chowder, lobster rolls, and more. There are over 100 stores at Quincy Market, so you are sure to find something. (This also marks a fairly convenient half-way point along the trail, so it’s a great place to stop for a rest.)
- Mike’s Pastry: About a 4-minute walk from the Old North Church is Mike’s Pastry. The pastry shop is famous for their cannolis, so you definitely have to stop by and get a box!
Best Hotels Near the Freedom Trail in Boston
As you plan your trip to Boston, you’ll want to make sure you have good accommodations. Here’s a few places to consider:
Omni Parker House
The Omni Parker House is a 4-star hotel located directly adjacent to Boston Common, which is where the Freedom Trail officially starts. If you stay at this hotel, you’ll be just steps away from the Freedom Trail. The rooms at the Omni Parker House feature historical decor alongside modern amenities. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be pleased to know that the Boston Cream Pie was invented at Parker’s Restaurant within the hotel. Be sure to stop by their restaurant for a slice!
The Bostonian Boston
The Bostonian Boston is located right next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace. You can also request a room that overlooks the historic marketplace. This hotel is located about halfway through the Freedom Trail, which means that you can easily walk to any of the historical sites.
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
The Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf is located right on Boston Harbor. Many of the rooms have water views. This hotel is located near the end of the Freedom Trail. In addition to being steps away from Boston Harbor, this hotel is also very close to the Bunker Hill Monument. This is a great hotel to choose if you want to be near Boston’s North End. Each suite features a full kitchen, and there’s a complimentary hot breakfast included in the nightly rate. This hotel also has an indoor swimming pool.
Summary
I’ve walked the Freedom Trail several times over the years. I’ve walked it with my parents, my husband, my aunts, and my friends. I’ve enjoyed walking the Freedom Trail each and every time, and I always learn something new! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of history packed into the 2.5-mile trail. I recommend that you pace yourself, take frequent breaks, and enjoy everything the trail has to offer!
Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.
