USS Constitution
USS Constitution
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Charlestown
Charlestown’s hilly roads, narrow streets and gaslight lamps, make it an enticing neighborhood to visit. Follow the Freedom Trail over the Washington St bridge from the North End or take the scenic water locks to Paul Revere Park. Walk through City Square and stroll down cute Main street, wandering up the windy residential streets to Monument Square, where you can learn about the city’s history along with a great view of Boston at the Bunker Hill Monument. While it’s not a huge area, there are some excellent restaurants. Find your way to the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is a developing area with lots of condos and an additional site for Massachusetts General Hospital research centers. Here you will also find the USS Constitution Museum. After you’re done, hop on an MBTA ferry at the dock on Baxter street and zip on over to Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium.
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See what travellers are saying
- Lee LValhalla, New York1,920 contributionsOldest Naval ShipThe oldest ship in the US Navy this ship has been in Boston since it was saved a couple of times from being scrapped. It was one of the first 6 frigates built by the United States. You go thru the National Park side which also has a small museum to visit. There is another Museum across the way. You walk onboard the ship and walk around the ship on your own. There are some active-duty naval personnel to answer your questions. I got there before they opened so the ship was fairly empty, they were giving a tour to a bunch of sailors.Visited November 2022Written 10 December 2022
- 08ljCharleston, South Carolina196 contributionsGreat Free ActivityGreat option for learning and experiencing some history. You can walk through the ship and read some about it along the way. There are also sailors on board that are happy to chat. It's free, just have to go through a metal detector. We road the ferry back downtown from the nearby dock. Also the free (donation suggested) museum nearby was very hands on and would be especially good for kids.Visited November 2022Written 21 December 2022
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts668 contributionsGreat way to see both early 19th Century American History & naval technologyThe USS Constitution is a great way to see both early 19th Century American history and naval technology by walking through this ship and talking with the US Navy personnel posted to answer tourists' questions. We got to walk through three decks of this warship (the stairs are steep!) and see lots of displays explaining what we were looking at. The ship has a long history, but the concentration is on its role in the War of 1812 and then its place as a historic site since then. This is on Boston's Freedom Trail (near the north end), so it's easy to find.Visited April 2023Written 5 April 2023
- Traveling with kids5 contributionsGreat for families!This was a wonderful experience. The kids loved it. The adults loved it. To start it’s free to go in the boat. There are people stationed throughout the ship to answer questions. They are wonderful. The kids really enjoyed exploring the ship. It’s a great way for kids to learn and appreciate history.Visited April 2023Written 13 April 2023
- FunnyMagicGuyWashington DC, District of Columbia28 contributionsWorth the visitReading about history pales in comparison to experiencing it. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a quick tour is worth a millions. Impressive, humbling and touching wrapped in patriotic pride. Go see it!Visited April 2023Written 15 April 2023
- jaimeelsabioMaryland4,309 contributionsCheck it off the “wanted to see” listI’ve grown up with a lager than life image of the USS Constitution in my mind. It was smaller than I anticipated and doesn’t take long to see. There’s only a main deck and one gun deck. There is a second deck but it didn’t have any exhibits. While there, visit the destroyer at the next pier over. Both are very much worth visiting.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 May 2023
- Lisa EAurora, Colorado175 contributionsHistory Up closeWe were there in May, and there was NO line. We could read and see everything for as long as we wanted. The docents were very knowledgeable and willing to answer any question, adding interesting anecdotes. Certainly if you like military history, this is for you.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 May 2023
- Big Red JonsonMiddle Island, New York303 contributionsA National treasure"Old Ironsides" was never defeated in battle. She is the oldest ship in the world still afloat. She is still commissioned by the U.S.Navy, with a crew of active duty sailors who are very pleasant and interesting to speak with, eager to tell the ship's history and answer all questions. It is reassuring to know our country is served by such outstanding and dedicated young service men and women. We felt tremendous national pride visiting the USS Constitution!Visited May 2023Written 8 June 2023
- Peter M4 contributionsEasy City to walk aroundStayed downtown near the start of the Freedom Trail. City is easy to walk around. We spent a day walking the Freedom Trail including going on board the USS Constitution which was also good (and free). We spent the 2nd day whale watching and saw quite a few. Food and drink around the city was also great.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 June 2023
- Jaskel08California234 contributionsAn amazing piece of historyThe best way to describe it is “a window into time”…… in this case, an old yet functioning warship from the late 1700’s that is still in commission in the US Navy. The ship is docked and is open for tourists to explore and meander around. The ship is clean, well restored, and well maintained. There are three levels that are open with active sailors on each level, assigned to the Constitution available to answer questions. You’ll likely spend no more than an hour on board the ship. Interesting notes, check out where the sailor sleep. Ask about the cannons worked/functioned. Inquire about where they used the restroom. Also, the below level decks are not high….. being 6 foot, I was bending my head quite a bit. Make sure you go to the museum afterwards, definitely worth a visit.Visited June 2023Written 2 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,458 reviews
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179
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11
Paul S
Oxnard, CA6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
I’m a veteran and a history buff, so I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to visit one of America’s most famous naval ships.
USS CONSTITUTION is bethed at the former Charlestown Navy Yard; she’s still considered to be on active duty and is manned by a Navy crew, so before boarding you’ll have to pass through a security checkpoint and screening before proceeding to the ship. In addition to CONSTITUTION, the National Park Service runs a free museum that shares the story of the Charlestown Navy Yard that’s adjacent to the ship, and a short walk away are USS CASSIN YOUNG, a World War II era destroyer also run by NPS and open to visitors free of charge. A museum and gift shop about CONSTITUTION is a slightly longer distance away; it’s run by a non-profit organization and they do charge admission to visit.
CONSTITUTION is beautifully preserved and has exhibits telling visitors of the ship’s history and about life for the officers and sailors onboard during her time as an active warship; the crew are stationed throughout the ship and are happy to answer questions from visitors about the ship and the exhibits.
My family and I had a wonderful time exploring the ship and the NPS museum, as well as CASSIN YOUNG; the crew of CONSTITUTION and the volunteers on CASSIN YOUNG are passionate about their ships, and the museum fascinated my daughter. The Battle of Bunker Hill Monument is only a short walk away, so it’s a nice day out. You can either walk the Freedom Trail from downtown Boston to Charlestown (but leave early to leave time to explore the ship) or you can take the T to the Boston Aquarium station and take a ferry to Charlestown if your time is more limited. Either way, don’t miss the opportunity to explore our country’s naval heritage!
USS CONSTITUTION is bethed at the former Charlestown Navy Yard; she’s still considered to be on active duty and is manned by a Navy crew, so before boarding you’ll have to pass through a security checkpoint and screening before proceeding to the ship. In addition to CONSTITUTION, the National Park Service runs a free museum that shares the story of the Charlestown Navy Yard that’s adjacent to the ship, and a short walk away are USS CASSIN YOUNG, a World War II era destroyer also run by NPS and open to visitors free of charge. A museum and gift shop about CONSTITUTION is a slightly longer distance away; it’s run by a non-profit organization and they do charge admission to visit.
CONSTITUTION is beautifully preserved and has exhibits telling visitors of the ship’s history and about life for the officers and sailors onboard during her time as an active warship; the crew are stationed throughout the ship and are happy to answer questions from visitors about the ship and the exhibits.
My family and I had a wonderful time exploring the ship and the NPS museum, as well as CASSIN YOUNG; the crew of CONSTITUTION and the volunteers on CASSIN YOUNG are passionate about their ships, and the museum fascinated my daughter. The Battle of Bunker Hill Monument is only a short walk away, so it’s a nice day out. You can either walk the Freedom Trail from downtown Boston to Charlestown (but leave early to leave time to explore the ship) or you can take the T to the Boston Aquarium station and take a ferry to Charlestown if your time is more limited. Either way, don’t miss the opportunity to explore our country’s naval heritage!
Written 23 November 2023
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.
Rob G
Bedfordshire, UK95 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very interesting and the ending to the freedom trail.
Free to enter just go through the xray scanner which is super quick and you're free to wonder around the ship.
Free to enter just go through the xray scanner which is super quick and you're free to wonder around the ship.
Written 20 November 2023
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.
LBCdovs
New Jersey296 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This is a must see in my eyes. It’s truly a piece of history.
Make sure you come with time and get the ship in, as well as the museum.
Captivating insight into life on those ships way back then.
Make sure you come with time and get the ship in, as well as the museum.
Captivating insight into life on those ships way back then.
Written 14 November 2023
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.
luckyv
Coldwater, OH128 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This was a great stop on our tour of Boston. The museum was very interesting and touring through the ship itself was a cool experience. I would definitely recommend this stop for both adults and kids.
Written 8 November 2023
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.
ybqueen
Centreville, VA37 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
My husband greatly enjoyed touring the ship itself. The uniformed Navy personnel were very helpful and friendly.
What? Unfortunately, the process to get in was not ideal. You had to have photo ID and your bags would be searched. When we entered there were three security guards in charge. One of them spent all of her time stuffing spaghetti into her mouth and did not even look at our photo ID. The other two spoke very rudely to and about three people who obviously were not born in the United States as they went through, and kept chattering among themselves while barking orders We were really put off by that unprofessional behavior.
When we went into the museum for the ship itself, there was a desk for National Park service. Rather than have anyone greet visitors, the two people standing there just kept talking among themselves for the entire time we were in there.
The display within that museum was very nice. This ship is a national treasure, and anyone working there should present themselves more appropriately.
What? Unfortunately, the process to get in was not ideal. You had to have photo ID and your bags would be searched. When we entered there were three security guards in charge. One of them spent all of her time stuffing spaghetti into her mouth and did not even look at our photo ID. The other two spoke very rudely to and about three people who obviously were not born in the United States as they went through, and kept chattering among themselves while barking orders We were really put off by that unprofessional behavior.
When we went into the museum for the ship itself, there was a desk for National Park service. Rather than have anyone greet visitors, the two people standing there just kept talking among themselves for the entire time we were in there.
The display within that museum was very nice. This ship is a national treasure, and anyone working there should present themselves more appropriately.
Written 1 November 2023
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.
Rashae Williams
Yardley, PA41 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We came with our 8 month old, they don't allow strollers on the ship, but we carried her and loved exploring! Really awesomes guides there that answered our questions, and going up and down the levels was fun (just be careful when passing the baby down, the steps are steep). We came in the middle of the week on an October morning and it was pretty busy, lots of school kids, but not too packed on the ship.
Written 21 October 2023
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.
nanaof1boy3girls
Layton, UT306 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The hubby wanted to go on this ship. It is totally worth it. It doesn't cost anything to go so it. It was nice walking around and going on the different levels. The one draw back is if you are over 6 foot going below deck might not be for you. Hubby is 6'5" and had to walk hunched over most of the time.
Written 16 October 2023
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.
purplevortex
Charlton, NY46 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I'm no history buff but this was fun nonetheless. If you are claustrophobic, maybe not for you - at least the lower levels. Surprisingly a lot to see and they did a great job displaying so it doesn't have a "museum" feel so much as an experience.
Written 14 October 2023
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.
Jaime F
Hamilton, Canada25 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Interesting part of history and the boat is well kept. There were current navy members on board which was nice to talk and ask questions. If you’re doing a history tour of Boston it’s worth including.
Written 13 October 2023
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.
Rebecca G
11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A wonderful day spent walking Charlestown was made complete with a visit to the USS Constitution. Excellent displays and interactive activities on the ship and surrounding museum areas. An excellent experience!
Written 10 October 2023
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.
03Teresa
Hampton, IA12 contributions
Can you get on the ship now or is it under construction? I am visiting the week of Aug. 12th and would like to visit. Also, are there long lines? Is it closed on just Mondays or also Tuesdays? there seems to be reviews that say 2 different things. Thanks.
NickTnReb
Chattanooga, TN147 contributions
Open and not under any renovations that I saw when I visited a few weeks ago. I got there early and hardly any line but seemed to be a constant flow of people getting on and off all the time, I spent nearly an hour just hanging out and watching all the goings on and such. I believe it is only closed on Mondays but I could be wrong.
Ulises B
Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico2 contributions
Donde compro boletos, donde abordo y cuanto dura? Tiene guia en español?
Entre Viajes e Historias
Buenos Aires, Argentina453 contributions
Hola Los boletos se incluyen con el del Museo. Esta ubicado en el mismo lugar que el museo y puedes recorrerlo cuando terminas con el. Es una visita corta. Saludos
LeanEagle
Aalst, Belgium91 contributions
Planning to visit at the beginning of October. But I can't find any information as to whether the ship itself will be open for the public or not because of the restorations.
Bostonian2016
Boston, MA63 contributions
I understand that the ship is now open post renovation. Usually 10-5 during most days. There is also a Museum there which is also worth going to.
eskdunning
Hermitage, TN287 contributions
Wondering how much time to allow for the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill. Is two hours enough for both or might we feel rushed if we only had a two- hour window of time?
Larry W
Rochester, NY21,298 contributions
We just visited there a couple weeks ago, and the answer is, "it depends" on what you choose to do between those two attractions. First, the USS CONSTITUTION is there, but not yet open (as of our visit on Friday, July 28). It had just returned from the shipyards, and the ship was still closed. It may have re-opened since then. If it is closed, you will only be able to do a "walk-by" which will only take you a few minutes. The museum nearby is good for a 30-40 minute visit as well, with lots of interesting stuff inside.
From the USS CONSTITUTION up to the Bunker Hill site & monument will take you a good ten minute walk, all uphill, so leave a little time for that in your equation. Then, once you get up the hill, it all depends on what you want to do. There is a great re-enactment speaker dressed in period clothes, who will speak for about 15-20 minutes. There follows an exhibition on firing the muskets of the day which is another 5-10 minutes. If you care to walk up the almost-300 steps of the monument itself for the view, add another 15 minutes (assuming that you are in shape).
So in summary, two hours much be a bit rushed, but it could be done if you didn't stop too long at any one attraction. BTW, if the CONSTITUTION is still closed, there is a destroyer at the pier, the USS CASSIN YOUNG (spelling?) that you can board and tour, so that may be on interest as well. (Then again, I am a retired Navy Captain, so these things interest me perhaps more than most.)
I hope you enjoy your day there!
Larry
USParkLover
Ohio77 contributions
Also, planning to park at the nearby Nautica Garage. Are spaces typically available on a Saturday?
K C
Boston, MA121 contributions
There is usually enough parking in garages but try street parking first. Meters ARE in effect everyday EXCEPT Sunday's and holidays. Max parking at meters ... 2 hours. There are some free, no meter spaces but READ THE SIGNS...if the space is assigned to a condo building you will be towed.
USParkLover
Ohio77 contributions
I know she's dry-docked currently. Wondering how much time to allow to see the USS Constitution, museum and a walk around the Navy Yard?
rkreilly
Saint Joseph, MI101 contributions
1-2 hours, depends on how long you stay in museum and how much you read. Ship can be done in about 45 minutes, including time to talk to workers, but it's 45 minutes well spent!
Mac776
Tucson, AZ277 contributions
Good places to eat nearby?
0325johanna
Boston, MA119 contributions
The USS Constitution is just around the corner from Boston's North End. Plan to eat in the North End. There are restaurants everywhere! Try Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop located at 11 Board Alley (behind 241 Hanover Street).
Bcyouletme
Papillion, NE39 contributions
I know she is dry docked, but can we still go inside the ship? We went a few years back and there was an option to buy a coin onboard, but I had no cash, and I really want it now lol. Thanks in advance!!
KimWN333
Nashville, TN78 contributions
Yes, you can go aboard. Its free. You can only go on two decks though due to repairs. Good news is that there is a museum and gift shop right there where you could get a coin.
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Frequently Asked Questions about USS Constitution
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience USS Constitution:
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- Hotels near USS Constitution:
- (0.23 km) Green Turtle Floating Bed and Breakfast
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- (0.98 km) Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
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- Restaurants near USS Constitution:
- (0.19 km) Dunkin'
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- (0.39 km) Pier 6