Freedom Trail
Freedom Trail
4.5
About
Learn about early Boston and U.S. history on this 2.5-mile-long trail that passes through 16 historic locations. Look out for the brick markers—starting in downtown Boston, crossing through the North End, and finishing at the famous Bunker Hill Monument in neighboring Charlestown. You'll pass by notable stops like Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution frigate. You can embark on the Freedom Trail for free and at your own pace, but audio guides and guided tours are also available. The trail is lined with lots of cool cafes and restaurants for you to fuel up along the way. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Park St • 3 min walk
- Boylston • 4 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Meredith B.2 contributionsExcellent Way to see the HistoryIf you are looking to learn more about the rich history of Boston, this is the way to do it. It takes you through all of the most historical locations such as Paul Revere's House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Battle of Bunker Hill Monument and many more places as well as the most significant burial grounds. It took me about 2-3 hours to complete the trail but I spent a lot of time at each spot. I highly recommend planning accordingly for the day you plan to go, I believe they do offer walking guided tours which seem to be fun but this is a very self-walkable tour.Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 4 October 2023
- Debbie P8 contributionsThe Scoop on Jeremiah PoopeOur 1.5 hour tour with Jeremiah Poope exceeded our expectations and managed to be both incredibly informative and deeply entertaining! Jeremiah is hilarious, kind, and thoughtful—always making sure the group was together after crossing streets and ensuring that he was audible to everyone in the back. He's been providing tours of the Freedom Trail for some 20 years now, and it really shows in his knowledge and showmanship! Tour would not have been the same without him :)Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 October 2023
- allrightieHamilton, Indiana279 contributionsA mustThe freedom trail was awesome. We were here in 2019 and was back on Friday 13, 2023. Awesome place for everyone with lots of options. Highly recommend for family or history buff. Great exercise, great knowledgeVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 October 2023
- GeorgeLisburn, United Kingdom20 contributionsJust follow the bricks 🧱It was a beautiful day. Perfect for a stroll around the city. We started from Boston Common and spent about 3.5hrs following the freedom trail. We didn’t have a personal guide or audio guide just Google! The trail is easy to follow and there are lots of information displays to read! Although not marked on the trail we discovered a very important landmark known as “Mike’s Pastry”!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
- prillzillaBurbank, California14 contributionsFabulous but a 10 mile walk!I LOVED that we could follow the red brick line down the sidewalk/streets so I didn’t have to have my phone out for directions the whole time. But beware. I read that the whole Freedom Trail is about 3 miles. We walked 10 miles that day with the USS Constitution, museums, inside and out plus finding lunch. But it was great!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 October 2023
- OrlandoMouseSt. Augustine, Florida2,322 contributionsSo many things to see - set the phone to STUNning photosBoston is surprisingly, an easy walkable town. Nothing says walkable like the Freedom Trail. It is easy to follow, just follow the red brick stripe. You can begin your journey at either of two spots, the Boston Commons or at the Bunker Hill Memorial. Or dive right into the middle if you wish. A self-guided tour is about three hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the sights and visit other activities on the way. You can have a guided tour by someone dressed in early revolution wear. You could go to a new school and download an app on your phone to use as a guide. Whichever you choose, you need to walk the Freedom Trail. I will note that those with health issues, it might be a challenge depending on the weather, temperature and hill climbing (only one significant one). It is educational. Plus as a reminder take your camera as a phone may not do justice to some of the sights.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- roaming_kiwi58Christchurch, New Zealand2,816 contributionsGreat walk in a great cityWe loved Boston and wished we had spent more time there. We had 2 days (an overnight stop) from a cruise ship here. We did not have time to do all of the Freedom Trail, but walked a big chunk of it - what looked like the most interesting part on the map. Lots of history and interesting buildings to check out.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 November 2023
- Koa W4 contributionsA Journey Through HistoryFor history enthusiasts like myself, the Freedom Trail is an unparalleled experience. The trail's authenticity and the preservation of its historic sites make it feel like stepping back in time. It offers visitors a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by the early patriots who fought for liberty.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 November 2023
- NYmomLarchmont, New York21 contributionsPerfect mix of education & entertainmentDarcy, our history teacher guide, provided the perfect mix of education and entertainment on the Freedom Trail today. We thoroughly enjoyed all we learned, her energy and professionalism. Based upon our positive experience, we’re doing the Beacon hill tour tomorrow.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 November 2023
- Navigator061602455212 contributionsExcellent tour guide Kara ZeibergWomen of the American Revolution was the tour we took led by our tour guide Kara Zeiberg. She was an amazing guide…she was very knowledgeable, full of information and extremely personable. We were a group of women in our late sixties and she made sure that we were comfortable with all of the walking along the tour. Thank you Kara.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 November 2023
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Eileen B
Wheaton, IL170 contributions
Sept 2020
American history starts here- Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Tea Party Site, the Granary Burial ground, King's Chapel, Old Corner Book Store are all must see sites. The "Red" trail takes you to all these places and more. Very easy walking short segments of the trail. Everyone friendly and wearing masks.
We started at Boston Common. Visitor center didnot have any free maps -the one they had was $3.00 and it was the same as we got at our hotel..so pick one up at your hotel if possible. They also had bathrooms.
Parking is free on Sundays on the streets so get there early in the day We stopped at Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Visitor center was closed (not sure if is opened at all)
We drove over to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We found parking on the street. We didnot see any parking lots. Visitor center/museum was $10 per adult and worth visiting. The ship is free but they only allow 25 people at a time so go early in the day. Be prepared to stand in sun as they have limited shade and they do security and virus checks.
We started at Boston Common. Visitor center didnot have any free maps -the one they had was $3.00 and it was the same as we got at our hotel..so pick one up at your hotel if possible. They also had bathrooms.
Parking is free on Sundays on the streets so get there early in the day We stopped at Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Visitor center was closed (not sure if is opened at all)
We drove over to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We found parking on the street. We didnot see any parking lots. Visitor center/museum was $10 per adult and worth visiting. The ship is free but they only allow 25 people at a time so go early in the day. Be prepared to stand in sun as they have limited shade and they do security and virus checks.
Written 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert H
Ottawa, Canada233 contributions
Dec 2019
Whoever thought to create this self-guided tour is a genius! Every historic city should offer something like this. What is easier than following a red line through the city and stopping at large brass medallions in the sidewalk that denote an attraction of historical significance?
This tour took us approximately 3.5 hours and sites include, but are not limited to: Boston Commons, Granary Burial Grounds (final resting place of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock); Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's House, Old North Church (one if by land, two if by sea), the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Memorial.
A fantastic walk to remind you of the founding of America!
This tour took us approximately 3.5 hours and sites include, but are not limited to: Boston Commons, Granary Burial Grounds (final resting place of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock); Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's House, Old North Church (one if by land, two if by sea), the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Memorial.
A fantastic walk to remind you of the founding of America!
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rockymtnboilerbabe
Denver, CO175 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We had an afternoon in Boston open up and it was gorgeous outside, so we hit the trail! We stopped at the visitor center in Boston Commons where Paul kindly helped us make our plan, and we purchased the cheapest of the trail “guidebooks.” There were 3 options and we spent $7. The map inside was clearly marked and it was easy to follow the physical red bricks and red paint on the ground. The book was nice because we didn’t have to use our phones to look up the facts at each of the stops along the way. The more expensive books had more detailed information, so when we hit a stop that was more interesting to us, we used our phones for that to help us get more information. We did not do the section after the river due to time constraints, but from Boston Commons we saw everything up to Paul Revere’s house and the North Church, before needing to head back. From the visitors center, doing the trail, the heading back to the Commons area was approximately 2 hours total. We did not pay to go inside any of the stops, but several points on the trail did have that as an option for further interest or if you simply had more time. Highly recommend! A wonderful inexpensive (or even free) gem given to us by the city.
Written 24 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dfbf
Earth176 contributions
Feb 2020
It was neat to see some of the great places in Revolutionary history, but I was disappointed. A lot of the attractions were very expensive for a small museum. The Old North Church was closed. (The churches all are still active churches.)
You can start anywhere in the Trail and break it up without missing much. It could be a long and hilly walk for some people. You will want a map--I never saw the red line.
You can start anywhere in the Trail and break it up without missing much. It could be a long and hilly walk for some people. You will want a map--I never saw the red line.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michellehouse
Evansville, IN283 contributions
Jul 2022
We had 4 kids in our group so we were worried that they'd get bored on a tour so we decided to just self tour. And it was fine. I was able to get a guide book that explained most of what we were seeing. The trail is easy to follow, the bricks are clearly marked on the path. The path is long and crisscrosses a bunch of streets in the heart of Boston so pay attention to your surroundings. We had a good time and I think the kids learned a bit (the older one enjoyed making connections to things they had read about in class). Most the buildings require a tour or a separate entrance fee so we only toured the Paul Revere house. It was fine but not very big. We did stop at the Clough House which is not an official stop of the tour but they have a historical printing shop there. That man was super amazing, he talked to the kids for at least 40 minutes and explained every step of what he was doing. Faneuil Hall doesn't even open until 11 so we skipped that stop entirely as we were trying to get the walk done in the morning before the heat really set in. Once we hit Charleston Harbor the kids really started having fun. They enjoyed exploring the two ships. We managed to turn in Jr Ranger books here with a very nice ranger.
Overall if you are big into US History the walk is worth it, it takes you through several Boston neighborhoods. It's a lot of walking though be prepared.
Overall if you are big into US History the walk is worth it, it takes you through several Boston neighborhoods. It's a lot of walking though be prepared.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariliacardoso120
State of Sao Paulo41 contributions
Excellent especially for those who speak English fluently and know the history of the United States.
Jun 2019
Our guide arrived as if we were in 1750, meaning not only dressed but impersonating the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry: Phillis Wheatley. And like Wheatley she guided us through this fascinating period in the United States. We passed a cemetery where some names on some headstones were of people who made this story. Our guide spoke and walked very quickly. I don't know what the other guides are like, but you need to have a good breath and a good ear to follow Wheatley! In the end, the experience was interesting and it would have been better if I had known more about the American past.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LOTRfan
Jessup, MD343 contributions
Nov 2021
I did this walk November of 2021. I'd read about it but had no idea it would be as good as it is. I would recommend to folks that they do the first mile and a half with a guide like I did as they can tell you more about what you're seeing along the trail. You start at Boston Common and make your way past a total of 16 places of interest. Some of the places you'll visit include the graveyard that holds the graves of Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, the place where the Boston Massacre took place and at the end, the Battle of Bunker Hill Memorial. The Memorial is part of a national park and has park rangers. They give a free 20 to 30 minute talk on the battle which is really worth listening to.
One Note: a few of the places on the trail charge admission if you want to go in i.e. Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church come to mind. The guided tour of the first mile and half of the trail that I recommend does cost something. I forget what I paid. I know you can buy tour tickets for the guided tour at the Visitor's Center which is located at Boston Common (that's where I bought my ticket).
I was really delighted with this walking trail and would strongly recommend to anyone who is interested in American history. Boston is loaded with history and, this is 1 of the easiest ways to learn about it while getting in some exercise.
One Note: a few of the places on the trail charge admission if you want to go in i.e. Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church come to mind. The guided tour of the first mile and half of the trail that I recommend does cost something. I forget what I paid. I know you can buy tour tickets for the guided tour at the Visitor's Center which is located at Boston Common (that's where I bought my ticket).
I was really delighted with this walking trail and would strongly recommend to anyone who is interested in American history. Boston is loaded with history and, this is 1 of the easiest ways to learn about it while getting in some exercise.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,169 contributions
Jun 2021
This historical, educational 2.5-mile trail takes you through some of the most important historical sites in Boston, such as the Boston Common, the Boston Massacre site, and the Old State House. The trail is mostly over cobblestones and is marked with a red line, so you can follow the trail without a tour guide if you want. Many of the sites are places we would have visited anyway, so this trail was a good way to see the places we wanted to see, while still learning about the history of Boston (and of the entire region). Some of the sites charge an entrance fee (I think the Old State House and the Paul Revere House do, at least), but most of them are free to enter). You can take your own time on the trail and enter as many sites as you wish, so you can take as long as you want. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The trail takes you through modern-day Boston, so there are plenty of restaurants and coffeeshops where you can stop and take a break.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
royski69
Delaware178 contributions
Aug 2021
By following this trail, it's a great way to get an overview of Boston, as well as the historical places in the city.
I recommend to download the walking guide from the National Park Service website, which provided a brief description of each stop, as well as a great map of the trail. This makes it easy to do the walk yourself without a guide or tour.
Another tip is to go to the U.S.S. Constitution last, and then take the Charlestown Ferry back to the Long Wharf (Aquarium) section of the city.
I recommend to download the walking guide from the National Park Service website, which provided a brief description of each stop, as well as a great map of the trail. This makes it easy to do the walk yourself without a guide or tour.
Another tip is to go to the U.S.S. Constitution last, and then take the Charlestown Ferry back to the Long Wharf (Aquarium) section of the city.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN16,986 contributions
Aug 2021
Recently on July 17, 2021, there were 10 of us who walked the full length of the trail. We were visiting relatives in the Boston area and everyone was excited about walking it, even our local hosts. So many people who actually live in the Boston area have never walked it. It is truly a fun and informative walk.
I suggested it to everyone because I had walked it before, though it was almost 30 years ago. I wanted to do it again. So much to see, of historic sites that date back to when our country was just a colony of Great Britain. Great architecture, costumed actors one encounters on the way, even Ben Franklin or possibly Paul Revere. We started our walk about 9:30 AM at the Boston Commons. Here is a visitor center where you can pick up a map of the route and many other interesting sites information. Sure you can take a tour, but you don't really need a tour guide. There are inlaid red bricks in the sidewalks and streets all along the entire route to keep you on track. A nice stop to relax and take in a street performer about mid-day is Faneuil & Quincy Marketplace. For lunch I would advise going a bit away from tourist central to get a taste of local cuisine. The route ends at the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. From there we took the nearby ferry across the bay (also very scenic views) to catch a metro train. Fun, fun day. Highly reccommended!
I suggested it to everyone because I had walked it before, though it was almost 30 years ago. I wanted to do it again. So much to see, of historic sites that date back to when our country was just a colony of Great Britain. Great architecture, costumed actors one encounters on the way, even Ben Franklin or possibly Paul Revere. We started our walk about 9:30 AM at the Boston Commons. Here is a visitor center where you can pick up a map of the route and many other interesting sites information. Sure you can take a tour, but you don't really need a tour guide. There are inlaid red bricks in the sidewalks and streets all along the entire route to keep you on track. A nice stop to relax and take in a street performer about mid-day is Faneuil & Quincy Marketplace. For lunch I would advise going a bit away from tourist central to get a taste of local cuisine. The route ends at the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. From there we took the nearby ferry across the bay (also very scenic views) to catch a metro train. Fun, fun day. Highly reccommended!
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
how far is it to walk from the cruise port to the start of the freedom trail.
Written 30 August 2023
You can take the metro. It’s a bit too far to walk.
Written 31 August 2023
Yes. The trail has few stairs and is mostly on city sidewalks. The first stops are fairly close together to each other. Otherwise, just take it slow. You may not get to everything, but you will probably learn something even if you don't get to the entire trail.
Written 29 April 2023
For the Freedom Trail, is there a place to rent a wheelchair or do we need to bring our own?
Written 7 March 2023
I didn't see one either.
The Freedom Trail is not really a defined or built route. It's a self guided tour around Boston. The accessibility issue relates to the quality of sidewalks, as the previous answer suggests.
I agree about the charging as well - you could be 2 miles away from your downtown hotel by the time you get to the USS Constitution.
Written 8 March 2023
there are no hours as it is a walking tour which you can do on your own
Written 11 February 2021
I'm in Boston just now and I'm struggling to fit everything in I want to do, can anyone tell me are there specific times the tours go? Do I need to pre book? And what's the last time of the tour? TIA
Written 16 December 2019
You can go on the self guided tour of the freedom trail. There’s an app. Stop at the sites that are most meaningful to you.
Written 16 December 2019
I am driving my class to the freedom trail next week in a 12 passenger van. Where should
I park?
Written 3 October 2019
I’ll be arriving at my hotel around 3:00. Would it be practical to start to walk the trail that late? In other words, what time do things close? I was thinking about grabbing an early dinner somewhere along the way . Any suggestions for good eats along the way? Nothing fancy. Thanks!
Written 22 September 2019
What's nice about the Freedom Trail is-it can be done in sections. You don't have to do the entire walk at one time. My husband and I walked different parts at different times.
Written 22 September 2019
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