The Freedom Trail is one of the top things to do when visiting Boston!
What is the Freedom Trail?
The Freedom Trail in Boston connects the city’s main colonial and Revolutionary historic sites along an easy to follow 2.5 mile path.
How do I know where to go?
No worries! The path is clearly marked with a red brick line that connects all the sites together into a single walking route. Most people start at Boston Commons and work their way towards Charlestown. However, you can start anywhere and head either direction. Many sites along the trail offer complimentary maps as well.
How long will the Freedom Trail take?
That all depends. Simply walking from one end to the other takes approximately 90 minutes. However, you’ll likely want to stop and explore some of the stops along the way. Each site you choose to explore will take approximately 20-30 minutes.
Sites on the Trail
Boston Common: Established in 1634, Boston Commons is the oldest public park in America. Originally used as common land to graze livestock, the property has been used for a variety of purposes over the years including hangings, military training, iconic speeches, and recreation. Check out the Frog Pond to cool off in the summer or go ice skating in the winter. A memorial to Robert Gould Shaw honors the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial—the first all-Black volunteer regiment in the Civil War.
State House: The Boston State House, whose cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere in 1795, overlooks the Boston Commons and has been the seat of state government since it opened in 1798.
Park Street Church: Park Street Church was organized in 1809 in resistance to the Unitarian take over of Puritan congregations.
Granary Burying Ground: Originally named for the cemetery’s location next to a grain storage building, you’ll find the victims of the Boston Massacre, Samuel Adams, Robert Paine, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Benjamin Franklin’s parents buried here. Visiting is free.
King’s Chapel and Burying Ground: King’s Chapel was the site of the first Anglican congregation in Boston and, subsequently, was a Loyalist stronghold during the Revolutionary War. After the war, the church was reorganized into a Unitarian congregation. You’ll find John Winthrop, the colony’s first governor, as well the first woman that stepped off the Mayflower buried in the cemetery next to the church (though called King’s Chapel Burying Ground…the cemetery actually predates the church). Visiting the cemetery is free; self-guided tours of King’s Chapel are $5 (with guided tours available for $10).
Benjamin Franklin Statue/Site of the Latin School: A statue of Benjamin Franklin overlooks the site that once housed the Latin School—the oldest public school in America. Franklin himself attended school there along with Samuel Adams and John Hancock.
Old South Meeting House: Originally a Puritan church, the Old South Meeting House took on the role of a gathering place for those challenging British rule…directly leading to the Boston Tea Party. During the Revolutionary War, when Boston was occupied by the British, the pews were removed to allow the British cavalry to work their horses inside during the winter. A combination ticket allows entry to both Old South Meeting House and the Old State House for $15.
Old Corner Bookstore: Sadly now a Chipotle, this building actually has a long and illustrious literary history. In the 1800s, it was home to Ticknor and Fields, who published books by the likes of Emerson, Longfellow, Hawthorne, and others during the early development of American literature. (They were also the first people to pay royalties to their authors!)
Old State House/Boston Massacre Site: The Old State House served as the seat of colonial government (until the British decided Boston was too much trouble to be allowed to govern itself). It was here that James Otis opposed the Writs of Assistance and sowed early seeds of the Revolution. Just steps outside the building is the location of the Boston Massacre. A combination ticket allows entry to both Old South Meeting House and the Old State House for $15.
Faneuil Hall: A bustling market site, Faneuil Hall has always served as a place of public discourse. It played a key role in holding town meetings that eventually lead to the Revolution. In addition, speeches on slavery, women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights have taken place here. A replica print shop graces the first floor, while the meeting hall and an artillery museum occupy the upper floors. Entry is free.
Paul Revere House: Paul Revere’s house has been preserved and is open for tours. Tickets are $6.
Old North Church: One of the tallest structures in colonial Boston, Old North Church was the perfect site for the infamous lanterns that warned surrounding towns of the British’s approach. The church is open for self-guided tours for $5 and for an additional $5 you can get access to the church’s crypts.
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground: Another historic cemetery dating back to the 1660s. Among those buried here, you’ll find Prince Hall who founded Boston’s African Masonic Lodge. Also, this cemetery was the site where the British situated their cannons to fire on Breed’s Hill.
Charlestown Navy Yard/USS Constitution/USS Cassin Young: The Charlestown Navy Yard is home to two ships that are open for tours: the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat, and the USS Cassin Young, a WWII warship. Visiting the USS Constitution, USS Cassin Young, and the small Naval Yard museum are all free (note: individuals 18 years and older need a photo ID to board the USS Constitution). The USS Constitution Museum admission is $15.
Bunker Hill Monument: This obelisk memorializes the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. If you dare, you can climb the 294 steps to the top for a fabulous view. Or learn more about the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Bunker Hill Museum. Both are free to visit.
Self-Guided vs. Guided Tours
There are lots of ways to explore Boston’s Freedom Trail! Each site offers interpretative signage making a completely self-guided tour more than possible. However, if you’d like a little help along the way, the Boston National Historical Site offers a free map with information on each location at most Freedom Trail sites. There are also audiotours available. The National Parks Service offers a great free narrated walking tour through their app, including directions from site to site.
If you prefer a guided tour, there are tons available! Check out this list of options! (Note that most of the guided tours of the Freedom Trail only cover part of the route.)
