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Walk the Freedom Trail

Boston National Historical Park

Originally conceptualized in the 1950s, the Freedom Trail ®  is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston. The trail itself does not necessarily tell a narrative. Rather, it aids tourists with a starting point—an opening sampler of Boston's storied, complicated, and multi-faceted history. While many sites are primarily recognized for their role in the American Revolution, all the sites on the Freedom Trail ®  remained significant because of the role they played in subsequent social, political, and religious movements, controversies, and challenges.

Exploring Boston's History

Some choose to walk the entire 2.5 mile trail, end to end. Others select a handful of sites of particular interest and focus on those places. Visits can be as short as a few hours—however those who wish to enter every historic site and explore what each site has to offer can spend a full weekend along the Freedom Trail.

Guided tours are available seasonally from both National Park Service staff and through private organizations. Generally, few public tours walk the entire trail. Many sites are part of Boston National Historical Park, however they are independently owned and operated and may charge admission fees.

Free Self-Guided Audio Tour

The National Parks of Boston have developed a FREE Freedom Trail ® Audio Tour for visitors. This tour is available online on our Freedom Trail® Audio Tour webpage , or by downloading the NPS App. Once downloaded, search "Boston National Historical Park" and select "self-guided tours."

• Stairs to the 54th Massachusetts/Robert Gould Shaw Memorial: When in the Boston Common, head toward the Park Street MBTA station at the intersection of Park and Tremont Streets. Follow the sidewalk up Park Street toward Beacon Street.
• Stairs to enter the Granary Burying Ground can be bypassed by entering an at-grade entrance off Beacon Street. When at the main entrance at Tremont Street, continue down Tremont to the intersection with Beacon Street. Turn left to head up Beacon Street. The first alleyway to the left ends with an at-grade entrance to the Burying Ground.
• Old State House can only be entered via stairs.
• When following the trail from Paul Revere Park to the Old North Church, a detour around the block on Tileston Street is required.
• Copp's Hill is only accessible by stairs.
• USS  Constitution  and USS  Cassin Young  are historic ships with stairs, ladders, and gangways that move with the tide.
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Last updated: May 22, 2023

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Visitor guide, subscribe to our, e-newsletter, online store, the freedom trail®, walk through america’s history.

The famous Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution and beyond. From the Old North Church to Faneuil Hall, and through resonant burying grounds, visit the temples and landmarks of the Revolutionary Era.

Freedom Trail Sites | Map of the Freedom Trail |  Freedom Trail Walking Tours  | FAQ

Freedom trail sites.

Begin your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street and conclude at the USS Constitution in Charlestown.

BOSTON COMMON

Massachusetts state house, park street church, granary burying ground, king’s chapel & burying ground, boston latin school site/benjamin franklin statue, old corner bookstore, old south meeting house, old state house museum, boston massacre site, faneuil hall, paul revere house, old north church, copp’s hill burying ground, uss constitution - old ironsides, bunker hill monument.

The Boston Common is America’s oldest public park, purchased from Wm. Blackstone in 1635 to be used as common grazing land for the feeding of  cattell . The British militia used it as a  trayning  field.  

The Common has also been the site of hangings, duels, public celebrations and spirited oratory. Today it continues to host public celebrations as well as concerts, ice skating, Shakespearean plays, holiday festivities, sports activities and public rallies.  

Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the State House was completed in January 1798 at a cost of $133,333 (more than five times the budget). John Hancock, a wealthy merchant, patriot, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first elected Governor of Massachusetts originally owned the land. The oldest building on Beacon Hill is now the seat of the Massachusetts state government. The golden dome, one of Boston’s distinguishing landmarks, wasn’t always gilded. It was originally built of wood. Paul Revere & Sons was commissioned in 1802 to cover it with copper to prevent water leakage. In 1874, the dome was gilded with 23-karat gold leaf.

Park Street Church acquired the nickname Brimstone Corner, both in reference to the fire-and-brimstone sermons and to the gun powder that was stored in the crypt during the War of 1812. Founded in 1809, the Church’s 217-foot white steeple was the first landmark a traveler saw upon approaching Boston.  

On July 4, 1829, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first public anti-slavery address here, and two years later, on July 4, the hymn America, better known as My Country ’Tis of Thee, was first sung on the Church steps. 

So named because of its proximity to Boston’s first granary, this is the most visited burying ground in Boston and the final resting place of many prominent Bostonians. Buried here are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, nine governors, all five Boston Massacre victims, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin’s parents and Peter Faneuil.

Under orders from King James II in 1686, land was seized, and the first Anglican Church was constructed. By 1749, the original wooden structure was too small for the congregation, and so the Georgian chapel was constructed around the original church.  

Adjacent to King’s Chapel is Boston’s first burying ground. Here you will find the graves of John Winthrop, Massachusetts’ first governor; William Dawes, Paul Revere’s compatriot who also made the ride to Lexington, and Mary Chilton, believed to be the first woman to step off the Mayflower.    

Embedded in the sidewalk in front of Old City Hall is the mosaic City Carpet, which commemorates the site of the first public school in the U.S., Boston Latin School (1635). Among the school’s alumni are Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch and Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

Richard Greenough’s statue of Ben Franklin, erected in 1856, prominently stands in front of Old City Hall. Look closely at Franklin’s face. The sculptor said that he found  the left side of the great man’s face philosophical and reflective and the right side funny and smiling.

The original building on this site was the home of Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from Massachusetts in 1638 for her unorthodox religious views. By the mid-1800s, the Old Corner Bookstore was a flourishing literary center. Here, Ticknor and Fields published works by Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Tennyson, Hawthorne, Emerson, Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Julia Ward Howe among others. The Atlantic Monthly, a Boston institution, was originally published here as well. Today, the building continues as a place of commerce. 

Built in 1729, this is the second oldest church in Boston. The largest building in colonial Boston, Old South was used for public meetings when the angry crowd outgrew Faneuil Hall. Many of the crucial events that led up to the Revolution took place here. The most famous of the meetings was held on December 16, 1773, when over 5,000 gathered to protest the tax on tea.  

During the British occupation of Boston in 1775-1776, British troops desecrated this sanctuary of freedom by using it as a stable and riding school, while drinks were served from the balcony. The pulpit and pews were chopped into firewood and the library was used as kindling. 

On another note, Phillis Wheatley, the first female African American published poet, was a full member of the Meeting House. An original copy of her work is on permanent display here.  

Built in 1713, the Old State House is Boston’s oldest surviving public building. It was the center of political and commercial life, housing the merchant’s exchange (a precursor to today’s stock exchange) on the ground floor and the royally appointed government offices and the freely elected members of the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the upper floors.  

The site played a central role in the story of rebellion, from James Otis’ 1761 speech against the Writs of Assistance to the Boston Massacre in 1770 to the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the east balcony in July 1776.  

Adjacent to the Old State House, a ring of cobblestones commemorates the Boston Massacre. Five men were killed in this clash between Colonists and Redcoats. Among the slain men was Crispus Attucks, the first African American to die for the patriotic cause.  

Interestingly, John Adams and Josiah Quincy, loyal to justice as well as the patriotic cause, defended the British soldiers. All but two were acquitted. The guilty had their thumbs branded and were then set free. 

The building was a gift from wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil in 1742. Faneuil Hall served as a meeting place and an open-air market. It was here that Bostonians met to form their opposition to British authority. As a result of the impassioned speeches by such patriots as Samuel Adams and James Otis, the nickname Cradle of Liberty was earned, especially when citizens rallied against the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Townsend Acts and the landing of British troops.  

Charles Bulfinch enlarged the building in 1806. After the Revolution, Bostonians continued to gather at Faneuil Hall for the anti-slavery speeches of William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and Frederick Douglass. The women’s rights movement, early temperance rallies and nearly every war since 1812 have been debated within these walls. 

Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, and only official Freedom Trail site that is a home. It was from here that its famous occupant set out for the midnight ride. Revere was not only a patriot, but also an expert silversmith, copper manufacturer, part-time dentist, engraver and the father of 16 children. As many as eight children lived here with him, along with his mother, his first and (after 1773) his second wife.  

It was from this steeple that Sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns on April 18, 1775, to signal the beginning of Paul Revere’s momentous ride. The action is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the American Revolution.  

Built in 1723, Old North is Boston’s oldest church building. See a wealth of historic works, including the first bells brought to the Colonies, its original 18th-century brass chandeliers and clock, and the 17th- century carved angels that were captured by a Colonial privateer. More than 1,000 individuals lay in rest in the underground crypt, including the Royal Governor’s second-in-command at Lexington and Concord.

Copp’s Hill was Boston’s largest colonial burying ground, dating from 1659. Some notables buried here include the Mather family, a very prominent New England ministerial family; Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution; Robert Newman, who hung the lanterns for Paul Revere’s ride, and Prince Hall, anti-slavery activist, Revolutionary soldier and founder of the African Grande Masonic Lodge. Copp’s Hill is also the final resting place of countless free African Americans.  

Because of its height and prominent location overlooking Boston Harbor, the British used the burying ground to aim their cannons on Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Target practice was also conducted here. Be sure to take a look at the grave marker of Daniel Malcom, a member of the Sons of Liberty.

Launched in Boston in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Her nickname was earned during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off her impenetrable hull and the seamen cried out Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron! Today she is manned by an active duty U.S. Navy crew and docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. "Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" became the legendary battle cry, according to lore, and immortalized the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists who stood facing the powerful British Army on June 17, 1775. Today the 221-foot granite obelisk commemorates the site of this first major battle. 

Map of the Freedom Trail

Freedom trail walking tour operators.

Stop by a Visitor Information Center to purchase a ticket. Tours leave from the red brick line in front of the Boston Common Visitor Center. 

Freedom Trail® Foundation — Official Freedom Trail Tours®

• (617) 357-8300

Boston By Foot, Inc.

• 87 Mount Vernon Street
• (617) 367-2345

Boston Town Crier - Tours of Freedom Trail

• (617) 794-7512

Hub Town Tours: Freedom Trail Small Group Tour

• 7 Marshall Street
• +1 (844) 482-8696

Tour of the Freedom Trail

• Boston Common Visitor Center
• (978) 741-1170

Action Tour Guide: Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston

Boston Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill GPS self-guided audio tours: Experience the rich history of Boston and its role in the American Revolution with the Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill…

Activities & Events

Heart of the freedom trail guided walking tour.

This 1 hour tour is the perfect introduction to Boston’s Revolutionary history! Visit some of the key sites along the world-famous…

Road to Revolution Guided Walking Tour

Explore the makings of a revolution! From the Boston Massacre to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the birth of the American Revolution…

Tour: Benjamin Franklin - Son of Boston

Celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin on this guided walk along his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. Born in Boston, he came…

Guided Tour: Footloose on the Freedom Trail

A Boston tradition! Footloose on the Freedom Trail is a 3-hour guided walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the Boston…

Freedom Trail FAQs

How long is the freedom trail.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path featuring a unique collection of 16 historic sites throughout Downtown, the North End, and Charlestown. How much time it takes to see the entire Trail depends on how much time one dedicates to each site.   Most guided walking tours take around 90 minutes and cover 1 mile of the Trail. 

Where does the freedom trail start?

We recommend starting your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont Street and concluding at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. However, the suggested Freedom Trail route is based solely on geographical location, and sites can be visited in any order.

Does it cost money to experience the Freedom Trail?

There is no fee associated with walking the Freedom trail, making it the perfect activity during your visit to Boston! There is, however, a fee associated with admission to some historic sites and guided walking tours. Visit the map above for more information on site admission.

How do I buy walking tour tickets?

Tickets to guided tours of the Freedom Trail can be purchased online or at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108). 

Is the Freedom Trail wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the Freedom Trail and guided walking tours are wheelchair accessible. 

Are dogs allowed on the Freedom Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Freedom Trail as it is a path on city sidewalks and in public spaces such as Boston Common, Bunker Hill Monument grounds, and Charlestown Navy Yard.  Dogs are not permitted in the historic burying grounds or the historic sites’ buildings.  Please call historic sites directly to inquire about service animals.

Where can I find maps of the Freedom Trail?

A downloadable map of the Freedom Trail can be found here .

View All Trails & Tours

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The Boston Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is at least partly responsible for Boston’s reputation as “America’s Walking City”. In a relatively short 2.5 mile walk around downtown Boston, it takes you through an enormously significant part of American history.

The walk consists of 16 historical landmarks centered around the American Revolution. Starting at the  Boston Common , you follow a red brick (sometimes red painted) walking trail with signs marking each of the 16 sites.

Dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, the Freedom Trail takes you through museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, and even a ship.

Download this free map from the Freedom Trail Foundation

So, What are the 16 Sites?

Here’s the concise list for those of you who just want the bottom line. For those who like more detail and want to know what to expect, see the descriptions below.

• The Boston Common
• The State House
• Park Street Church
• Granary Burying Ground
• King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground
• Benjamin Franklin Statue/Boston Latin School
• Old Corner Book Store
• Old South Meeting House
• Old State House
• Site of the Boston Massacre
• Faneuil Hall
• Paul Revere House
• The Old North Church
• Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
• Bunker Hill Monument
• USS Constitution

Freedom Trail Tours

There are at least six guided tour options for your Freedom Trail walk. Each has a slightly different angle, but they all last about 90-minutes (if you are interested in Freedom Trail Boston hours) and cover the majority of the the historic Freedom Trail sites.

• Walk Into History – The Freedom Trail Foundation
• Free Tours By Foot
• Boston National Historical Park
• Boston By Foot These guys also offer a 1-hour tour aimed at kids aged 6-12.
• The Path to Independence – The Histrionic Academy
• Boston Adventures Scavenger Hunts

Walking the Freedom Trail on Your Own

Taking a Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour is a great way to explore the trail and learn about the rich history of the city. If you prefer to experience the Boston’s Freedom Trail at your own pace you have a few options of self guided tour:

• Do it the  really  casual way…  Start at the top of the Boston Common and literally follow the red brick line through the city. This self guided Freedom Trail way you can take in what grabs your attention and leave the rest (and if you’re like my husband, you can entertain yourself by making up your own commentary as you go :).
• Download a PDF version directly from the Freedom Trail Foundation website by  clicking here .
• Drop by the Freedom Trail Information Booth, which is located on Boston Common at Tremont Street.
• If you decide to drop by Cheers for lunch before heading off, their paper menus have a (not-to-scale) Freedom Trail map self guided that shows highlights of the tour.
• Bring the Tour With You…  The Freedom Trail Foundation now has an audio version of the Freedom Trail Tour ready for rent or download. You can pick up an audio guide at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center or you can download the entire tour onto your MP3 player.

Hotels Near the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail spans so much of Boston’s significant sites and attractions that it’s kind of hard  not  to stay somewhere close by!

So, the bigger question is, “On which  part of the trail do I want to park myself (or my family)?

Here are my three top picks:

• At The Start:  The trail begins at the Boston Common and you won’t have any trouble finding hotels in the area at a variety of price-points.
• Go Italian:  The North End is Boston’s Italian neighborhood and home to several excellent  Boston hotels . Note: This link takes you to a different site that offers some great discounts on 3 to 5 star hotels.
• The Shopping Option:  Stay near Faneuil Hall if you want to get amazing history,  shopping  and food all in one!

The Low-Down on the 16 Freedom Trail Sites

Below you’ll find a Freedom Trail facts guide with all the information you need to know about the Freedom Trail sites.

1. Boston Common Tremont Street Often referred to as the oldest public park in America, the Common dates back to 1634. A long list of history-making events have taken place here since that time, including the departure point for the Redcoats on their way to the Battle of Lexington & Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In addition to being of historical significance, the park is home to a carousel, the child-friendly water haven of the Frog Pond, and a number of food vendors. The Boston Common is still a popular destination and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

To learn more, check out our  Boston Common  page.

3. Park Street Church Park & Tremont Streets The Park Street Church was the scene of a number of historic “firsts” including William Lloyd Garrison’s first anti-slavery address on July 4, 1829. Marking 200 years in 2009, the Park Street Church is still active today.

4. Granary Burying Ground Park & Tremont Streets This graveyard lays claim to the remains of three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence: John Hancock, Sam Adams & Robert Treat Paine. Do enough detective work and you’ll also find out where in the Granary the Boston Massacre victims were laid to rest.

5. King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground

Corner of Tremont and School Streets The current King’s Chapel was designed in 1749 (opened in 1754) by America’s first Architect, Peter Harrison. The church bell that rings every Sunday before service was recast in 1816 by Paul Revere himself in order to repair a crack in it. King’s Chapel is still an active church that is also used as a venue for various concerts and recitals.

For almost 30 years King’s Chapel Burying Ground was the only option for burial locations in Boston Proper. Notable permanent residents include William Dawes, Joseph Tapping, John Winthrop and Mary Chilton.

6. Benjamin Franklin Statue & Boston Latin School 45 School Street A sidewalk mosaic marks the original site of the oldest public school in America. One of the school’s most notable attendees, Benjamin Franklin, is honored by a portrait statue just over the fence.

7. Old Corner Book Store Washington Street at School Street While the building you see is the ‘restored’ version, the original construction was built in 1711, and was  the first brick building in Boston . Today it houses a jewellery store, but it was the bookstore and printing company that opened in 1828 that made this site famous. It published works of authors such as Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Wadsworth, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.

9. Old State House Intersection of Devonshire & State Streets The British Government ruled the colony from here until they were driven out by the Continental Army. The balcony on the east side of the building is where the Declaration of Independence was read to the people of Boston.

10. Site of the Boston Massacre Intersection of Devonshire & State Streets In front of the Old State House you’ll find a circle of cobblestones marking the site of the Boston Massacre. Five Bostonians were killed here by British soldiers on March 5th, 1770. As a result, what had started as a small fight became a significant step towards the American Revolution.

The reason it is sometimes referred to as the Cradle of Liberty is because of the meeting hall on the second floor. What about it? Starting in 1764, Faneuil Hall was the site of public protests against various taxes and the Redcoat occupation. In addition, the first meeting (of many) that led to the Boston Tea Party was held here.

The Samuel Adams statue is in front of Faneuil Hall. Adams’ speeches in and around this building, strongly encouraged independence from Great Britain. He also staged a funeral here for the Boston Massacre victims.

12. Paul Revere House 19 North Square A house with serious history… The Paul Revere House is the oldest building still standing in downtown Boston. Revere set out from here on his famous Midnight Ride to Lexington.

13. The Old North Church 193 Salem Street Ever heard Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride,” which gave rise to the phrase “One if by land, two if by sea”? Well, this is the source of it. On April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung in the 191-foot steeple of the Old North Church to alert the surrounding areas that the Redcoats were coming.

Old North Church is officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. It’s the oldest standing church building in Boston and is today an active Episcopal church.

14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground Hull Street William Copp was a shoemaker who once owned this land. It was founded as a burying ground in 1659 by the town of Boston and is the city’s second oldest graveyard.

Among those buried here are William Copp and his children, Robert Newman (sexton of Old North Church, and believed to be the person who hung the two lanterns on the night of Paul Revere’s midnight ride), Increase Mather and Cotton Mather (of the  Salem Witch trials ), Prince Hall (the father of Black Freemasonry) and Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution. In addition, up to 1,000 free African-Americans are buried here in unmarked graves.

Copp’s Hill was the obvious place for the British to position their cannons during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Due to it being the third highest hill in Boston, it gave an easy aim to many surrounding areas, including Charlestown.

15. Bunker Hill Monument

Monument Square, Charlestown

Technically the British forces won the Battle of Bunker Hill. However, the Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the incredible determination of the colonial forces during this, the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.

On June 17, 1775, on this site, a relatively small and newly-formed patriot army held off 2,200 British troops until a third wave attack finally forced surrender of the hill. With ammunition supplies dwindling, the famous order was given by a colonial Commander… “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” The end result was over 1,000 British casualties, compared to 400-600 colonial casualties. This proved the effective fighting capabilities and resolve of the colonial forces.

16. USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) and Museum

Charlestown Navy Yard

Free guided tours of the ship  are given by active-duty Navy sailors. The tours include three decks of the ship and reveal USS Constitution’s history to the current day.  One tip:  Security screening is required for all visitors, so take that into account when planning your visit.

Looking for the best and closest hotel to Fenway Park?  This page  will answer all your questions and help to choose the best option for you!

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Walking Tours in Boston

There are few cities in the US with so much to see as Boston. It helps that Boston is a compact city, and you can easily walk from highlight to highlight, often quicker than taking transit or taxis. Explore Boston on a walking tour (or on a bike), and take in highlights such as Fenway Park, Back Bay, a walk along the Charles River to MIT or Harvard, the Freedom Trail or a great Italian meal in North End, Boston’s Little Italy.

Our list of the best walks in Boston has a bit of everything, from history and culture (past and current), to food, fun, and general site seeing. Each walk can be a short wander through a few neighborhoods or be turned into a whole day out, depending on how many stops you want to make. One of the best parts about each of these walks is that they can be done solo, as a group, as a pair, or with kids. So whatever your Boston trip looks like, we have got the perfect routes to see the city!

THE TOP 10 WALKS IN BOSTON

• Fens and Back Bay ( 6.3 km , 23 m , 1.5-2h): This action-packed Boston walk will explore Greenery of The Fens and the Brownstones of the Back Bay, two of Boston's best neighborhoods. The walk stops at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), The Fens, Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, Newbury Street, and Copley Square before finishing at the impressive Christian Science Church.
• Financial District to Theatre District ( 5.2 km , 32 m , 1.5-2h): Starting at the waterfront, venture into Boston's financial district - the nerve center of the downtown. Don’t let the name confuse you though, there are many must-see historical and fun stops in the area! After walking the financial district, head to the lively Theatre District. Filled with great restaurants and bars as well as a variety of shows, and of course historically significant buildings housing them all - this makes for a great afternoon into evening walk!
• Freedom Trail ( 6.7 km , 71 m , 1.5-2h):The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s most popular walks. Follow the signed route throughout this historic city to the sites that were most instrumental in the American Revolution.
• City Hall to North End ( 3.3 km , 15 m , 1.5-2h): This short but action-packed Boston walking tour shows off a huge number of Boston’s Historical Attractions. The bulk of Boston’s historical sites and tourist destinations are located around Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End. This area is flooded with culture, great restaurants, interesting shops, and sites dating back to the beginning of America.
• Harvard to MIT ( 8.5 km , 10 m , 2-2.5h): Both Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology call Cambridge, home, making this an exciting walk to explore these centers of education. Harvard and MIT both have their own interesting landmarks and attractions that are well worth a visit.
• Emerald Necklace ( 14.6 km , 62 m , 3.5-4h): Explore the greenery of Boston with a long walk along the Muddy River and Boston’s best gardens and parks. The Emerald Necklace is a series of green spaces meandering from Dorchester to Back Bay, providing an escape into nature while remaining in the city.
• Charles River Walk ( 5.7 km , 13 m , 1.5-2h): One of the most scenic features of Boston is the Charles River. Walking alongside the river is the best way to see incredible views of both Cambridge and Boston, depending what side you’re on. This walk will take you by some of those perfect spots, as well as highlighting key sites on the campuses that sit beside the river- Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University.
• MIT to Beacon Hill ( 6.1 km , 46 m , 1.5-2h): This great walk in Boston starts at MIT and then follows the Charles River to beautiful and historic Beacon Hill. This is a great walk in Boston, with great views.
• Foodie Walking Tour of Boston ( 8.6 km , 11 m , 2-2.5h): Boston has a lot of amazing restaurants to choose from, and for this foodie walking tour in particular, you’re going to want to make sure you start with an appetite because these are some of the best the city has to offer!
• Boston Harbor Walk ( 6.3 km , 44 m , 1.5-2h): Boston’s Harbor walk is a great way to spend the day, mixing in the many wharves along the waterfront and the attractions that are near them.

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Best Walking Tours in Boston

Fens and back bay.

This action-packed Boston walking Tour will show you some of the best of Boston. Explore the Greenery of The Fens and the Brownstones of the Back Bay, two of Boston's best neighborhoods. The walk stops at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), The Fens, Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, Newbury Street, and Copley Square before finishing at the impressive Christian Science Church.

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Financial district to theatre district.

This Boston walking tour will allow you to explore the waterfront and Boston’s Financial District. Don’t let the name confuse you though, there are many must-see historical and fun stops in the area! After time walking through the Financial District head to the more-lively Theatre District. Filled with great restaurants and bars as well as a variety of shows, and of course historically significant buildings housing them all - this makes for a great afternoon into evening walk!

Freedom Trail

The best walk in Boston for history lovers, The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s most popular walks. Follow the painted red line on the ground throughout this historic Boston walking tour and see the sites that were most instrumental in the American Revolution.

City Hall to North End

This short Boston walking tour shows off a huge number of Boston’s historical attractions. The bulk of Boston’s historical sites and tourist destinations are located around Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End. This area is flooded with culture, great restaurants, interesting shops, and sites dating back to the beginning of America.

Harvard to MIT

This Boston walking tour takes you to adjacent Cambridge, famous for Harvard Business School, Harvard University and MIT. This is an interesting area to explore, and it’s best done by walking. Across the Charles River is Boston, known for its rich history and cultural attractions, but Boston’s sites should not overshadow the ones across the river. Harvard and MIT both have their own interesting landmarks and attractions that are well worth a visit.

Emerald Necklace Walk

This wonderful Boston walk tour allows you to explore the greenery of Boston with a long walk along the Muddy River and Boston’s best gardens and parks. Known locally as ‘The Emerald Necklace’, this walk goes through a series of green spaces meandering from Dorchester to Back Bay, providing an escape into nature while remaining in the city.

Charles River Walk

This Boston walking tour takes in one of the most scenic features in Boston - the Charles River. Walking alongside the Charles is the best way to see incredible views of both Cambridge and Boston depending what side you’re on. This walk will take you by some of those perfect spots, as well as highlighting key sites on the campuses that sit beside the river - Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University.

MIT to Beacon Hill

This is another great Boston walking tour for lovers of American History. Boston is well-known for being a historic city and most associate it with the Revolutionary War and the founding of America. When you dig deeper, though, you’ll find that Boston is really a city that has mastered the fusion of new with old. Especially with MIT making its home just across the Charles River in Cambridge, Boston has been filled with modern elements that are just as exciting as those rich with history.

Foodie Walking Tour of Boston

The best way to explore a city is with food. This foodie walking tour of Boston will take you to a number of amazing restaurants to show you the best of Boston’s culinary scene. For this foodie walking tour in particular, you’re going to want to make sure you start with an appetite because these are some of the best the city has to offer!

Boston Harborwalk

Boston’s harbor walk is a great way to spend the day, mixing in the many wharves along the waterfront and the attractions that are near them. This is a great walk to explore Boston’s maritime history.

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Perhaps no other city in America holds as much history of the colonial and Revolutionary War era as Boston. It's not surprising then that its main sites have become a pilgrimage trail for Americans and for others who hope to get a sense of that history.

But more than that, the Freedom Trail is a good introduction to today's city, connecting or passing close to some of its best loved tourist attractions. Boston is easy to navigate on foot, as its major sights are relatively close, and America's first subway system, the T, connects its important neighborhoods.

Across the Charles River, a watery summer recreation area whose Boston shore is reserved as the Esplanade park, is Cambridge. Although a separate and independent city, for tourist purposes, Cambridge is part of Boston and connected by the same transit system.

Here, you'll find two of America's most prestigious and important universities, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) . These and the many other universities and colleges in the area help keep Boston a youthful and vibrant place to be, with a lively cultural scene. With all the music, theater, and entertainment options, plus its abundance of restaurants, you'll never be at a loss for things to do in Boston at night.

Maybe because I've lived there and know its sometimes puzzling web of downtown streets, I find Boston a thoroughly comfortable city to visit; despite its tall buildings, its compact neighborhoods make it seem more like a cluster of small towns. Join me in a tour of my favorite city, and discover the best things to do, with this handy guide to the top attractions in Boston.

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

2. see a game or take a tour of fenway park, 3. faneuil hall, 4. boston common and public garden: ride the swan boats, 5. museum of fine arts boston, 6. isabella stewart gardner museum, 7. uss constitution and bunker hill (boston national historic park), 8. museum of science, 9. harvard square and harvard art museums, 10. old north church and boston's north end, 11. boston tea party ships & museum, 12. new england aquarium, 13. harvard museums and the glass flowers, 14. newbury street & back bay, 15. boston public library and copley square, 16. boston harbor and whale watching cruises, 17. john f. kennedy presidential library and museum, 18. beacon hill and the black heritage trail, 19. boston harborwalk and christopher columbus waterfront park, 20. rose fitzgerald kennedy greenway, 21. boston pops and boston symphony orchestra, 22. arnold arboretum, 23. massachusetts institute of technology, where to stay in boston for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to boston, best time to visit boston, ma.

The three-mile Freedom Trail leads you past – and into – 16 of the city's principal historic monuments and sites. It's easy to follow, by the line of red bricks in the sidewalk and by footprints at street crossings. Begin by picking up brochures on the attractions at the Visitor Center in the Boston Common before heading to the State House .

The trail will take you to Old Granary Burying Ground (where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried), King's Chapel Burying Ground (Boston's oldest cemetery with the graves of Governor John Winthrop and two Mayflower passengers), Old South Meeting House (where the ringing speeches of patriots spawned the Boston Tea Party), and the Old State House . This is Boston's oldest public building and the site of the Boston Massacre .

The Freedom Trail continues through Boston's North End, past the Paul Revere House and Old North Church , and ends across the bridge in Charlestown with the 54-gun frigate USS Constitution and the 220-foot granite Bunker Hill Monument. With all these attractions and places to see, it's no wonder the Freedom Trail is one of the best walking trails around Boston .

Known as "America's Most Beloved Ballpark," Fenway Park is one of the most fabled sports complexes in the country, and even if, like me, you're not a sports fan, a tour of it is both fun and interesting. And sitting inside, surrounded by cheering fans and singing "Sweet Caroline" is a quintessential Boston experience.

The home of the Boston Red Sox looks much the same as it did when it opened on April 20, 1912. One of its most recognizable features is the Green Monster , the 37-foot green wall in left field, and the park still maintains some of the remnants of "old time" baseball such as the hand-operated scoreboard.

Fenway Park also has the lowest seating capacity in the Major Leagues holding only 33,871 spectators (a fact that makes tickets exceedingly scarce).

Author's Tip: If you manage to get tickets, don't even think about driving to a game. Park outside the center and take any MBTA Green Line train (except one labeled Heath St.) to Kenmore Square and follow the crowd on the short walk to the stadium.

Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts

Known as the "cradle of liberty," Faneuil Hall was built in 1740-42 by Huguenot merchant Peter Faneuil as a market hall and presented to the city on condition that it should always be open to the public.

The ground floor is still occupied by market stalls; on the upper floor is a council chamber, which in the 18th and 19th centuries was the meeting place of revolutionaries and later, of abolitionists. On its fourth floor is the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum , with weaponry, uniforms, and paintings of significant battles.

The adjoining Faneuil Hall Marketplace includes three long halls (Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market), dating from the early 19th century, now occupied by a lively assortment of shops, restaurants, and exhibitions.

In good weather, I love the block-party atmosphere here, with street performers and buskers putting on shows in the square around the market, and in any weather I never tire of browsing through the shops selling jewelry, clothing, gifts, and souvenirs. You can never have too many Red Sox caps, or you can get a coffee mug inscribed with a Boston/English dictionary. It might come in wicked handy talking with locals.

The food stalls in Quincy Market are some of the most popular places to eat lunch in Boston. My favorites are Fisherman's Net and the family-run Boston Chowdah for seafood, and West End Srollers for panini sandwiches I can walk around with as I browse. Ethnicities from Hispanic to Asian Fusion are represented, and Boston Halal is opening in 2023.

Address: Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, Massachusetts

In the heart of the city is Boston Common, America's oldest park and the start of the Freedom Trail . In this large green space, which is much used by locals year-round, are various monuments and the Central Burying Ground of 1756.

You can rent skates to use on the Frog Pond from November through mid-March, enjoy the spring blossoms and fall foliage colors reflecting in its surface, and in summer, watch youngsters splash about in the wading pool.

Adjoining it on the west side of Charles Street, is the 24-acre Public Garden, America's oldest botanical garden. Along with the Victorian-style monuments and statues, including an equestrian statue of George Washington, are the popular modern bronzes of a family of ducks immortalized in Robert McCloskey's children's book Make Way for the Ducklings .

Joining the ducklings to give the Public Garden its whimsical air is one of Boston's most iconic experiences for all ages: riding around the lake in the garden's center on the famous Swan Boats , first launched in the 1870s.

Generations of children have ridden these and returned with their own children and grandchildren (I know this because I'm in one of those families). If you're in Boston with kids, take them for a ride here, and start your own multi-generational tradition.

Address: Public Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

One of the leading art museums in the country, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts excels in its collections of Impressionist paintings, ancient Egyptian treasures, Asian and Persian fine arts, and works from ancient Greece and the Middle East.

Its crowning achievement is the construction of an entire American Wing to house, integrated in chronological order, outstanding collections of American paintings, furniture, decorative arts, folk art, silver, glassware, and design dating from pre-Columbian arts to the Art Deco and Modernist eras. To see all these works of art shown in context with other creative accomplishments of their time is an exciting journey through the world of American creativity, one I never tire of taking.

Highlights elsewhere include a 12th-century lacquered-wood sculpture of a Buddhist Bodhisattva and Korean painted screens, the ivory and gold statue of the Minoan Snake Goddess from 1500 BC, and a statue of the Egyptian pharaoh Mycerinus and his queen from 2548-2530 BC.

For me, in addition to the American Wing, the museum's highlight is the group of 35 paintings by Claude Monet , one of the largest collections outside of France. These are exhibited in good company, alongside works of Gaugin, Renoir, and Degas.

To see and appreciate all the museum's galleries and collections could take a full day, but the mind can only absorb as much as the feet can endure. So unless you are a devoted art enthusiast, plan from two hours to half a day here and concentrate on those sections that interest you most.

The museum is about a 1½-mile walk from Copley Square and other neighborhoods for sightseeing; an easier way to get there is on the MBTA Green Line. Take a car marked Heath St. from Copley or Park St. stations.

Address: 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

Set in a building its eccentric creator modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palace, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum displays its collections in rooms surrounding a four-story central courtyard filled with flowering plants and fountains.

The priceless 2,500-piece collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, decorative arts, books, and manuscripts reflect the personal tastes and considerable expertise of Mrs. Gardner herself, whose own flamboyance further adds to the charm of the museum.

Behind the palazzo, a 70,000-square-foot glass-clad building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano creates new viewpoints for the original palazzo and stunning spaces for music and visual arts, allowing the museum to showcase exceptional contemporary works and artists. Rather than clash or compete with the original building, Piano's wing simply provides a new glass through which to view Mrs. Gardner's palazzo.

From almost anywhere in the new building are uninterrupted prospects of the palace and gardens through transparent walls. After you tour the museum, stroll through the Fens , a long green space, where you'll find a beautiful rose garden in bloom from June through October.

Author's Tip: The Gardner is only a few steps from the Museum of Fine Arts, making it tempting to combine them in one day. But unless art is your passion, it's best to see them on different days, so you can appreciate each. Visiting the Gardner is to immerse yourself not just in art, but in the 15th- and 16th-century artistic world of Renaissance Italy.

Address: 280 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts

Nicknamed Old Ironsides , USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy, and is still commanded and crewed by Navy personnel. The ship is open to visitors, who can go below desks and hear about the ship's construction and action at sea.

Across the pier, the USS Constitution Museum provides historical context through interactive exhibits that illustrate life aboard a naval vessel two centuries ago. Another ship you can tour here is the Cassin Young , a World War II destroyer.

Charlestown Navy Yard is part of the Boston National Historical Park, and it's a short walk to the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum, also in the park. The 221-foot-tall granite monument marks the hilltop site of the earthen fort built by New England soldiers prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first pitched battle of the American Revolution.

Address: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts

Exhibits in the extensive Museum of Science encourage learning through hands-on exploration of science and technology, but the museum is not just for children. Physics, biology, chemistry, ecology, zoology, astronomy, computers, and more are explored in more than 700 permanent, hands-on exhibits that are enhanced by stage presentations and interpreters. I find it every bit as engaging as my children do, and can easily spend a whole day here.

Highlights are a 65-million-year-old fossil discovered in the Dakota Badlands, an electricity dome with continuing programs, the Butterfly Garden where you can walk among free-flying butterflies in a conservatory filled with exotic plants, a live animal center, a chance to join local meteorologists to learn weather forecasting, and ComputerPlace , where you can operate a robot and explore how your computer stores information. The planetarium presents daily laser and star shows, and the Mugar Omni Theater has a five-story domed screen.

Author's Tip: Save money on a family day at the museum by bringing your own lunch. You are welcome to enjoy it in the Atrium, on the front plaza, or at picnic tables behind the museum. No snacking in the exhibit areas, though.

Address: Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Harvard University , founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and is widely considered one of the world's leading academic centers. Go to the Harvard Information Center to take a spirited and entertaining free walking tour of the campus guided by a student who will share history, Harvard lore, and personal perspective. Or you can download a tour from their website.

Harvard Yard sits right in Harvard Square , a lively hub for students, "townies," and visitors, filled with shops, bookstores, and allegedly more places to buy ice cream than any other U.S. city.

Adjoining Harvard Yard is the Renzo Piano-designed home of the Harvard Art Museums , including three formerly separate collections, each of which ranked high as major U.S. art museums. Few universities have such enviable collections. Fogg Art Museum concentrates on Italian early-Renaissance art, the Busch-Reisinger on Expressionist art of central and northern Europe, with Bauhaus objects and paintings by Kandinsky and Klee.

Another important feature of the museums is one of the world's best collections of Chinese jade, as well as Chinese bronzes, Japanese prints, Indian art, and Greco-Roman antiquities, especially vases and sculptures.

If you're as bookish as I am, don't miss browsing in The Harvard Bookstore , just across Massachusetts Ave. from The Yard. Not associated with the University, this indy store has been a fixture in this same spot since 1932.

If you're looking for Harvard insignia souvenirs, the place to go is the Harvard Coop , across the square.

Address: 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Boston's lively Italian neighborhood, known as the North End, is one of Boston's oldest, where the silversmith and activist leader Paul Revere lived at the time of the American Revolution. The Paul Revere House, which he bought in 1770 and lived in when he made his famous ride, is the only patriot's home on the Freedom Trail, and is open to tour.

You can climb to the tower of Old North Church , where lanterns were hung in April 1775 to alert Paul Revere that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest the patriot leaders and confiscate the munitions supplies. The beautiful white interior of the church still retains its historic box pews.

The North End is a favorite spot for tourists for reasons that go well beyond its important historic sights. Although it has changed a bit over the years since it was filled with newly arrived immigrants from Italy, it retains its Italian character and lively flair.

You'll find Italian restaurants; cafes; bakeries; and shops fragrant with aromas of cured olives, fresh-roasted coffee, and Italian cheeses. For my family, Modern Pastry on Hanover St. is a required stop, for cannoli and pignoli cookies.

You'll also find the North Bennet Street School , where skills such as bookbinding, cabinet and furniture making, carpentry, silver and gold work, and violin making are taught. Their gallery shop is like a museum of fine craftsmanship and a good place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

On the night of December 16, 1773, more than a year before the first battle of the American Revolution, angry Bostonians protesting a tax on goods shipped to the colonies, stormed ships from England and threw the tea into the harbor at this site. With full-scale replicas of the original ships from which the Sons of Liberty dumped tea overboard, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum offers tours with a participatory reenactment of that event.

Costumed historical interpreters lead visitors through that historic night, through interactive exhibits, films, and multi-sensory experiences. Of course, everyone gets to dump tea into the harbor. In the museum, you'll see the only known tea chest from that ill-fated cargo.

This is more a history-as-entertainment attraction than a living history museum. But kids are drawn into the fun as they learn about shipboard life and American history, so it's no wonder this is one of the favorite things to do for families in Boston.

Address: 306 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Overlooking the waterfront, the New England Aquarium features more than 20,000 fish and aquatic animals representing over 550 species. A man-made Caribbean coral reef houses a large variety of tropical fish and underwater life including sharks, turtles, and moray eels. The Edge of the Sea touch tank allows visitors to handle small invertebrates like crabs, starfish, and urchins.

Outside the aquarium, visitors can watch harbor seals play, perform, and live in their enclosed habitat. The New England Aquarium also sponsors educational programs and whale-watching tours outside of Boston Harbor, and the adjacent IMAX Theater shows 40-minute films on nature subjects.

To be sure of admission at this popular family attraction, reserve timed entry tickets in advance. Nearby parking is expensive, but it's easy to get here by public transit; the aquarium has its own stop on the MBTA's Blue Line.

Address: Central Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts

Although the four Harvard Museums that make up this complex contain treasures such as the artifacts brought back by Lewis and Clark, for most people, the highlight is the more than 3,000 models of 830 species of flowers and plants, some with insects, and all so realistic that you will have trouble believing they are made of glass. I marvel at these anew, each time I see them.

Created between 1887 and 1936 by German artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, the flowers are unique in the world, and their secret process has never been replicated. These are part of Harvard's massive research collections, shown under one roof in the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology , the Mineralogical Museum , the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Botanical Museum .

Particularly strong in Native American exhibits , the Peabody shows artifacts and art interpreted as part of a living culture, even when that culture has vanished. You can admire some of the finest examples of Native American arts from many periods and tribes, and also see how these changed as Europeans provided a new market for their goods.

Those who like the Victorian "Cabinet of Curiosities" feel of old traditional museums will love the Pacific Islands balcony - it's like stepping back a century. The Museum of Comparative Zoology , founded by Louis Agassiz in 1859, contains an extensive collection of fossils, including a 25,000-year-old mastodon . The mineralogy collections include a dazzling display of rough and cut gemstones , a world-renowned meteorite collection, rocks, ores, and minerals from around the world.

Address: 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Both atmospheric and fashionable, Boston's Back Bay (it was once under water, before a hill was leveled to fill it in) is the heart of the 19 th -century city, home of the "Proper Bostonian" of legend. Streets of sedate Brownstone and brick townhouses line the grid of streets between the Public Garden and the Fenway, bounded on the north by Storrow Drive and the Charles River Esplanade.

Stroll its tree-lined streets, especially Newbury Street, to find an almost European atmosphere of small (mostly trendy) shops and boutiques, art galleries, and cafés and restaurants that spill out into sidewalk terraces. Architecture throughout the neighborhood is eclectic, with some fine examples of ornamental terra-cotta and brickwork.

I love walking through Back Bay residential streets at any time of year – in the spring when Magnolias bloom in the tiny front yards, in the winter when the wrought-iron fences sketch patterns against the snow, and in the fall when fallen leaves crunch underfoot.

The main square of the Back Bay area is surrounded by both old and ultra-modern buildings. One side is formed by the Boston Public Library , founded in 1848 as the first publicly funded lending library in the country. Architect Charles Follen McKim designed the present building in 1895.

Go inside to see the library's Renaissance Revival architecture and murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Abbey. Granite medallions over the entrance arches are the work of the pre-eminent American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The three sets of bronze doors in the vestibule were created by Daniel Chester French. Regular Art and Architecture Tours are among the several free things to do in Boston.

Author's Tip: Boston's best-kept secret may be the elegant afternoon teas served in the tearoom overlooking the beautiful Italianate Courtyard of the Boston Public Library. Crisp white linens and silver-edged crystal set the stage for proper tea sandwiches, scones, and trays of dainty sweets.

Facing the library, across a grassy lawn, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with neighborhood office workers, is Trinity Church , a red sandstone building designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in his distinctive style, known as Richardson Romanesque. Trinity is widely considered to be his finest work. The murals, frescoes, and painted decorations inside are by John La Farge and much of the fine stained glass is by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

On a third side of the square is the venerable Boston institution, the Fairmont Copley Plaza ; these three buildings, backed by the sheer glass wall of a skyscraper, create a stunning cityscape. A block down Boylston Street, look for the finish line of the Boston Marathon , run each April on Patriot's Day.

Just beyond is the Prudential Center , a 32-acre complex of apartments, shops, restaurants, and a 52-story tower. On its 50th floor, you can visit the Skywalk observation deck for 360-degree views of Boston and its surroundings.

Address: 700 Boylston Street, At Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts

At Rowes Wharf, you can board the Odyssey to cruise through Boston Harbor, from Castle Island to George's Island, then east to the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and back north to Charlestown Naval Yard before returning to the wharf.

You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch as you savor the views of the Boston skyline from the water. The skyline is especially beautiful at night when you can take a starlight or full moon cruise.

You can travel outside the confines of Boston Harbor on Boston Whale Watching Cruises , for a chance to see humpback and fin whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in the wild. This three-hour, naturalist-led tours are very popular and claim to have whale sightings on every trip.

Dedicated to the memory of the 35th U.S. President, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the official national memorial to JFK, designed by noted architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1979. The museum, which stands on the shore south of the city, features three theaters, personal memorabilia, photographs, and historical exhibits that document the life of JFK and his presidency.

Exhibits cover the presidential campaign trail, the Oval Office, First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, and the Kennedy family. Interactive experiences here include the free and family-friendly Highlights tours and the Hands-on Cart programs, which include the PT-109 story and a closer look at the Race for Space.

Address: Columbia Point, Boston

One of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods and right in the center of the city, the south side of Beacon Hill has traditionally been the home of Boston's "old money" families, known locally as "Brahmins." Well-kept brick homes in Federal and Greek Revival styles line its tree-shaded streets, and at its heart is Louisburg Square, where homes face onto a leafy private park. Author Louisa May Alcott lived here from 1880 to 1888.

The Nichols House Museum , a Federal-style home by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, shows how Beacon Hill's upper-class residents lived and is filled with collections of 16th- to 19th-century furnishings and decorative arts. At the western foot of Beacon Hill, Charles Street is lined with boutiques and shops that have traditionally catered to the neighborhood and are popular with visitors as well. Beyond Charles Street, facing the Public Garden, The Bull and Finch , established in 1969, inspired the popular television program, Cheers .

Restaurants and cafes come and go quickly along classy Charles St, but one that has maintained its elegant ambiance and traditional Tuscan country menu is Toscano , where you can dine on melt-in-the-mouth veal scaloppini or a simple four-cheese pizza.

The north side of Beacon Hill is far more modest and has been home to immigrants, including a sizable African American community, since the early 19th century. National Park Service Rangers offer free guided tours of the Black Heritage Trail from April through November and you can follow the trail on a self-guided tour year-round.

The Boston African American National Historic Site includes 15 pre-Civil War homes, businesses, schools, and churches that give a picture of Boston's 19th-century African American community. The Museum of Afro-American History operates the African Meeting House , the country's oldest (1806) church built by and for Black Americans and now restored to its 1854 appearance.

The 1834 Abiel Smith School was the first public grammar school for African American children. Displays at both include artifacts, films, art, and sculpture related to the black experience in Boston and New England.

The Boston waterfront has seen many changes since its early beginnings as a colonial shipping port. After a period of decline for much of the 20th century, new life was breathed into the area in the mid-1970s with an ambitious redevelopment plan.

Today, this interesting mix of residential and commercial space is connected by HarborWalk , an attractive walkway along the waterfront, with parks, public art, benches, cafés, interpretive signs, and access to several means of exploring the harbor by cruise boat, ferry, or water taxi. A shuttle boat also runs to the Charlestown Navy Yard .

Although it extends from Charlestown to South Boston – and will expand considerably farther – the part you won't want to miss goes from the North End through the wisteria-draped pergola of Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park , past Commercial Wharf, India Wharf, and Long Wharf , and by Rowes Wharf before curving along the harbor into the vibrant Seaport District to the Institute of Contemporary Art , an art museum dramatically cantilevered above the water.

One of the newest of Boston's many public parks and green spaces, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway fills the swath of downtown Boston left bare by the removal of the elevated Central Artery.

Nearly 1.5 miles of parks and gardens connect several diverse neighborhoods, including the financial district, the North End, Chinatown and Faneuil Hall Market, all just a few steps from the linear park.

Public art, gardens, benches, a farmers' market, food trucks, and playgrounds enliven the park, along with a fanciful carousel of whimsical animals, where children can ride on rabbits, a butterfly, turtle, lobster, or a grasshopper. All 36 creatures on the Greenway Carousel were inspired by drawings made by Boston school children. The carousel is specially designed to be accessible to adults and youth with disabilities.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural concert in 1881, and its first at Symphony Hall , one of the world's most acoustically perfect concert halls, when it opened in 1900. Over more than a century of history, its conductors have included greats such as Pierre Monteux, Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, Seiji Ozawa, and James Levine.

In addition to its regular symphony season, the hall is home to the Boston Pops Orchestra , which sets an international standard for performances of lighter music. For many visitors, the highlight of a trip is a Pops concert, either in Symphony Hall or at the Hatch Memorial Shell , an Art Deco outdoor music shell on the riverside Esplanade that has become a Boston landmark.

The shell hosts a regular program of concerts and other special events, and is especially famous for the Boston Pop's yearly performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture on July 4th. Audiences sit on the lawn in front of the shell with views of Cambridge, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill, and the Pops orchestra is accompanied by real cannon fire and ringing Boston church bells.

Following the concert is a spectacular fireworks display over the river; both are televised all over New England. When I lived on River St, a block from the Esplanade, I took my lawn chair and a book to a grassy spot near the Shell at 10 am to get the best spot; now you'll have to wait until noon to stake your claim.

You can go behind the scenes on a tour of Symphony Hall where you'll hear the history and traditions of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, its musicians and conductors.

Address: 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

A "museum of trees," the Arnold Arboretum is especially colorful in the fall, when the maples are ablaze in reds and yellows, and in the spring, when cherry trees, lilacs, or magnolias are in full bloom. But the Arnold Arboretum is beautiful all 12 months of the year. When the trails through its 281 acres are covered in snow, they are popular places to snowshoe and cross-country ski.

A National Historic Landmark , designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, the Arboretum is maintained by Harvard University , which uses it as a teaching laboratory. Along with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial flowering plants, are exceptional collections of lilacs, azaleas, and rhododendrons; the Bonsai & Penjing Collection is also a highlight.

The Explorers Garden , occupying a small microclimate within the grounds, is home to two of the world's largest Franklin trees, a species now extinct in the wild. Docent-led tours range from quarter-mile introductions suitable for all abilities to a 90-minute Keeper's Tour.

Address: 125 Arborway, Boston, Massachusetts

The 150-acre MIT campus is of special interest to fans of modern and postmodern architecture , a living museum of works by noted architects including Alvar Aalto, Eduardo Catalano, I. M. Pei, Frank Gehry, and Eero Saarinen.

In addition, the campus displays hundreds of sculptures and art installations that you can see with the help of a self-guided walking tour map, by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Jacques Lipchitz, and Auguste Rodin. In the Hart Nautical Gallery are ship models, and the Compton Gallery shows contemporary art.

Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Official site: www.mit.edu

Most of Boston's major tourist attractions are relatively close to the downtown area and Boston Common, where the Freedom Trail begins. Beacon Hill, Copley Square, and the Waterfront/North End are all within easy reach of these highly-rated hotels in Boston.

Luxury Hotels :

• These hotels are in Boston's most prestigious - and convenient - locations: Copley Square and Beacon Hill. Fairmont Copley Plaza is the Grand Dame of Boston hotels, an elegant and gracious landmark property overlooking Copley Square and minutes from the Public Garden's Swan Boats.
• The intimate Lenox Hotel is known for personal attention in the heart of Back Bay, adjacent to Prudential Center and Copley Square, close to museums and Newbury Street shopping.
• XV Beacon crowns historic and fashionable Beacon Hill, next to the State House and overlooking Boston Common.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Boston's waterfront extends from the North End Italian neighborhood to the newly blossoming Seaport area, handy to harbor cruises, seafood dining, museums, and historic sites. Boston Marriott Long Wharf overlooks Boston Harbor, close to the New England Aquarium and North End attractions.
• Seaport Boston Hotel guests enjoy sweeping views across Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline, excellent service, and a no-tipping policy in the hotel and its restaurants.
• In a skillfully repurposed brick factory building, Residence Inn Boston Downtown Seaport is steps from the Boston Children's Museum and downtown attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• Even Boston's budget-friendly options are conveniently close to the center. The Revolution Hotel , in the chic South End restaurant and arts neighborhood, has double, triple, and quad rooms, some with shared dorm-style bathrooms.
• Especially handy to sports and entertainment events at TD Garden, Hotel Indigo Boston Garden is an easy walk to the North End and Quincy Market.
• Across the street from the TD Boston Garden, and within walking distance of the North End, citizenM Boston North Station has tech-savvy, soundproof rooms.

Sightseeing:

• For first-time visitors to Boston, the best way to see the attractions and get acquainted with the city layout is to take a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour . This tour stops at all the major tourist attractions and gives you the freedom to stop where you want and see the city at your own pace.

Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard:

• Explore more of the Bay State with a 12-hour Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard , traveling by bus through Cape Cod to Falmouth, before boarding the scenic cruise to the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard. Here, you'll have six hours to explore the island on your own, or you can add a guided bus tour to see Gay Head Light and the historic village of Edgartown.

Day Trip to Newport:

• See the famous summer palaces of Belle Epoch society on the Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission . On an 11-hour small group tour of "America's First Resort" you'll visit the two most famous mansions, as well as Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive, and St. Mary's Church, where Jack and Jacky Kennedy were married.

If you're looking for a seamless vacation packed with fun adventures and ideal weather conditions, the best time of year to go to Boston is during the late spring and early fall . This is technically Boston's high season.

From May through the end of June , things are starting to warm up nicely. You're looking at highs in the upper 60s to high 70s and more comfortable lows in the 50s. Not too hot nor too cold, these temps are perfect for wandering the streets all day. Still, you'll want to pack layers to be sure you're prepared for the fluctuating temperatures.

The months of September and October also present visitors with optimal highs in the mid-60s (October) to high 70s (September). Lows range between high 40s to high 50s. Again, you'll likely need layers. At this time, you'll witness an impressive sight: vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues envelop the city in the form of fall foliage, especially towards the end of October, rewarding photographers with picture-perfect backdrops.

Boston hotels will be more expensive during this time, and you can expect to see larger crowds of tourists, but overall, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Boston . Since many of the city's best attractions are outside (i.e. the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park ), you're guaranteed an enjoyable visit that allows you to visit the city's most popular points of interest with ease. Plus, you'll be able to ride a Swan Boat in Boston Common . This "ride" is closed during the cold winter months.

More on Massachusetts

Huzzah! Welcome to Boston’s Top Walking Tour!

Walk & Talk Boston’s tour of The Complete Freedom Trail is designed to be unique, fun and informative. You will always be led by a highly experienced guide who can not only share the story of the origin of the American Revolution, but expand and explore new subjects when you want to ask questions that are not part of the tour. The Freedom Trail connects sixteen historic locations in Boston, and your guide will tell the story of the people and events that propelled Colonists to war with the most powerful nation in the world.

My Complete Freedom Trail tour is the most highly rated tour that visits Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution!

My tours are not: Crowded! (I set a maximum of 16 guests.) Not costumed! I never thought wearing period clothing enhanced the narrative. I do not tell bad jokes. You might get a laugh here and there, but never at the expense of the men and women who built our city and nation.

My tours are: focused on making every tour the “best ever” and a highlight of your time in Boston.

We were brand new in 2022!  I had a wonderful inaugural first season and fantastic year in 2023 with many sold-out tours and 1400 guest from around the US and the world. I can’t wait for Spring 2024 to hit the streets again with you, my curious and enthusiastic visitors!

Check out the About page for more. And then check out the Complete Freedon Trail tour!

Big News! (Well, big for me!) My little company earned the Viator/TripAdvisor Badge of Excellence . So, yes, I’m the new tour in town, but no one has better reviews! Just look! 

Welcome! You've found Boston’s best Freedom Trail tour!

Did you know this is the only tour that actually visits all stops on the freedom trail.

Tour Description: Complete Freedom Trail

Revolutionary Story

Story: Forgotten Heros of the Revolution

James Otis & Dr. Warren

Story: Women of the Revolution

Story: Washington's Unlikely Champion

General Henry Knox

Boston Blog — What’s On Our Mind!

The uss constitution’s sister ships.

by markwalkandtalk | Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized

If you happen to take our "Complete Freedom Trail" tour, we end at the most famous warship in the world, the USS Constitution. She's over 220 years old and remains a commissioned ship in the US Navy. One of the fun things about leading people on tour is that I'll get...

From an Angry Speech to Death on the Battlefield: The Final Days of Dr. Joseph Warren

by markwalkandtalk | Aug 16, 2021 | Uncategorized

There’s an overlooked series of events that had they unfolded differently, may have changed the course of the American Revolution.  Samuel Adams used every anniversary of the Boston Massacre to remind patriots of the tyranny of the British government. The fifth...

Where Should We Stay When Visiting Boston?

by markwalkandtalk | Aug 21, 2020 | Uncategorized

It’s a Small, Walkable Town Boston is compact and getting around without a car is pretty easy. Almost all of the major attractions in Boston would fit inside the same area as New York’s Central Park. As long as you stay in or near the city center, the highlighted...

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Freedom Trail Map and Self Guided Tour

The Freedom Trail at the center of historic Boston is a red brick path through the city leading visitors to many of the city's historic sites.

This self-guided tour and map will cover the entire 2.5 miles (4 km) and 16 Freedom Trail stops.  

• Where does the Freedom Trail Start?
• Map and Self-Guided Tour
• Guided Tours
• 30-Minute Video Tour

Where Does the Freedom Trail Start?

The Freedom Trail starts at Boston Common, America's oldest public park. The trail begins just outside of the Boston Common Visitor Center ( map ).

The visitor center and the Freedom Trail are both free of charge.

The Green or Red Line will take you to  Park Street Station  ( map ) ,  which is the closest station to the start of the Freedom Trail in Boston Commons.

The  State Street Station  on the Blue and Orange lines is literally on the Freedom Trail! It is 5 minutes from the start of the trail.  

One of the Station entrances and exits is on the ground floor of the  Old State House .

Another one on Washington St. at the Old South Meeting House, and one on Congress St. at New Sudbury St. which is down the street from the Old State House.

The Freedom Trail ends at the U.S.S. Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. You can walk or take the  Charlestown Water Shuttle  to get back to downtown Boston.

There are parking garages located on the Freedom Trail map.

There is an underground parking garage beneath the Boston Common on Charles Street and one garage at the Charlestown Navy Yard near the USS  Constitution.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Freedom Trail?

The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and walking it will likely take you an entire day at least.  

Plan on it taking longer if you have children or want to spend more than a little time at any of the sites.

Are There Restrooms on the Freedom Trail?

Not officially! But we've made a post of insider tips on  where to go when you gotta go !

Map of The Freedom Trail

This is a very historical map and tour and will cover some of the many sites and characters which/who were important in the founded our great nation. 

Some of the characters we will meet are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and Peter Faneuil.  

You can also take this tour as a GPS-enabled Audio Tour . Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour  (the Old South Meeting House)

If you're taking our self-guided tour, let us know and tag us on social media @freetoursbyfoot

Click here for a fully interactive map .

Stop A - The Boston Common

The oldest public park in the United States (1634) outside the Park St. Subway Station, the first subway in the United States (1897).   

The Boston Common was used from 1634 to 1830 as a common space for the grazing of cattle and continues to be an active spot for visitors and locals to meet, relax and enjoy a day in the park.  

Be sure to stop by the Boston Common Visitor Center and pick up some information about visiting Boston.

Stop B -  Massachusetts State House

Follow the Trail up to the Massachusetts State House (1798), which is the oldest continually running state capital building in America.  

The dome is gilded in 23k gold and was originally made of wood.  

The golden dome was covered in copper by Paul Revere in 1802 and was gilded on our nation’s 100 birthday in 1876.  

During weekdays the State House offers free guided tours of the inside of the State House. 

Tours run every 30 minutes past the hour on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

For reservations for the free guided tour call:   617-727-3676.

Stop C -  Robert Gould Shaw Memorial

Walk back across the street and you will be at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial which shows Gould-Shaw and his men of the 54th regiment of the Union Army.   

The 54th Regiment is the first all-volunteer African American unit in the US Army which was formed in 1863 during the American Civil War.  

The 1989 film Glory tells the story of the 54th regiment and stars Matthew Broderick as Col. Robert Gould Shaw.  

The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial is a stop on the Black Heritage Trail which runs through our Beacon Hill Neighborhood.   

Free tours of the Black Heritage Trail are conducted by the US Parks Department.

For more information on tours of the Black Heritage Trail:   www.nps.gov/boaf

Stop D - The Park Street Church

Follow the trail back into the Boston Common to the starting point take a left down Tremont St. (follow the brick line) and cross Park St.  

This church was the site of  the first Sunday school in the United States in 1818;  the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison made his first anti-slavery speech on this church’s pulpit in 1829; and the church choir sang for the first time ever in public on July 4th, 1831, the song “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Stop E -  Granary Burial Ground

The next spot on the Trail sits just on the other side of the Park St. Church is the Granary Burial Ground.

Here is where three signers of the American Declaration of Independence rest as well as Paul Revere, Mary Goose (credited with being Mother Goose), and the parents and siblings of Benjamin Franklin.  

Read and download our  self-guided tour of the Granary Burial Ground for a self-guided tour of this spot.

Stop F -  King’s Chapel

Follow the Trail to the corner of Tremont and School Street and you will see King’s Chapel.

This stone church was built around the original wooden church which was built in 1688 and then the wood from the church was carefully disassembled and the wood and glass were shipped to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and rebuilt to construct St. John's Anglican Church.  

King’s Chapel is free and open to the public for self-guided tours (there is a donation box at the entrance) and is worth going inside.  

Although the church looks a bit plain on the outside, inside it is ornate and you can grab a self-guided tour information pamphlet at the entrance of the church to help guide you through this wonderful stop.

There is also a burial ground here where you could find the frame of Mary Chilton, the first woman to step foot off the Mayflower.

Stop G -  Boston Latin School

Follow Trail down School St. and next to King’s Chapel you will see the monument for the Boston Latin School, the oldest school in America (1635) and still in operation today.  

The school’s current location is near Fenway Park. The monument for the school is in the design of a hopscotch game.  

Some of its famous students include Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Sam Adams, and John Adams just to name a few.  

There is a Benjamin Franklin Statue on the grounds.

Stop H -  Old City Hall

Where the Boston Latin School once stood is now the site of Old City Hall (1865).  

For 104 years Boston’s mayors held court here until they move into City Hall’s Current location (across from Faneuil Hall), New City Hall (1969).  

Stop I -  Old South Meeting House

Follow the Freedom Trail to Washington St. and you will come to the Old South Meeting House (1729).

This church is where the Sons of Liberty departed from a meeting on Dec. 16, 1773, and dumped 242 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.  The famous Boston Tea Party.

The clock tower was restored in 2009 and is the oldest American-made clock in the US which is still in operation (1766) in its original location. 

The bell tower houses a bell cast by Paul Revere in 1801. It is one of only 46 surviving bells he made.

The bell resided at several locations around Boston and was placed at the Old South Meeting House Bell Tower in 2011.

The Old South Meeting House is open to visitors daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm April 1st to October 31st and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Nov. 1st to March 31st.  

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, and $1 for children 5-17 years old, and free for children under 5 years old.    

For more information on visiting the Old South Meeting House: www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org .

Stop J -  The Old Corner Bookstore

On the Corner of Washington and School Street is one of Boston’s oldest brick structures (1712) and was the site of the Old Corner Bookstore.  

The bookstore was made famous for meetings on the second floor by the likes of Nathanael Hawthorn, Harriet Beecher-Stowe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Charles Dickens (who lived in Boston for two years) would meet and discuss poetry, politics, and literature.  

It is now the site of Chipotle.  

Stop K -  Old State House

Continue down Washington Street and you will be at the Old State House (1713).  

This was the center of civic life in Colonial Boston and was where folks like Sam Adams and James Otis would argue against the policies of the British Crown.  

On the front of the building is a balcony where, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and cause a mini-riot during which the Lion and Unicorn which sit on top of the Old State House were ripped down and burnt in a bomb fire.  

The gilded Lion and Unicorn were put back up on the Old State House in 1883 when the building was refurbished. 

Every July 4th at 10:00 am the Declaration of Independence is read from that balcony.  

The Lion and Unicorn, however, is not torn down.

Open daily every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

It closes at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. 

They also raised their admission price to $12 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, and kids from 6 to 18 are free. Veterans and Massachusetts Teachers are free.

For more information on visiting the Old State House: www.bostonhistory.org/

Stop L -  Boston Massacre Site

On the walkway in front of the Old State House is the monument for the five victims killed on March 5, 1770, during the Boston Massacre which took place in the middle of what is now called State Street (formerly known as King Street).  

In the center of the monument is a five-pointed star signifying the 5 deaths enclosed by six cobblestones, signifying the six wounded that night, and stretching from the center are 13 cobblestone spokes representing the original 13 colonies.

Stop M -  Faneuil Hall

Follow the Trail to “the Cradle of Liberty” Faneuil Hall (1742).

This building which was given to the city of Boston by rich merchant Peter Faneuil is famous for the meetings and protests that led to the American Revolution.

Notice the grasshopper on top of the building? 

The grasshopper (his name is Gus) was copied from the grasshopper on the London Royal Exchange Building (which Peter Faneuil model his building after) and was chosen as a sign of prosperity.  

There is a statue of Samuel Adams on the western side of Faneuil Hall.  

Read our post on the top things to see and do here .

The National Park Service Rangers present historical talks every 1/2 hour from 9:30 am- 4:30 pm.

Stop N - Paul Revere House

Follow the Freedom Trail down Union St. (notice the Union Oyster House the oldest restaurant in the United States) and down Hanover St. into our Northend/Little Italy Neighborhood.  

The trail winds down Richmond Street to North Square.  

In North Square sits the oldest structure in Boston, the Paul Revere House (1680). Paul Revere lived for 30 years from 1770 to 1800.  

The Paul Revere House is now a museum that you can visit, where you can learn about the man and his famous ride to signal to the patriots that the redcoats were coming.

The Paul Revere House Museum is open daily from April 15 - October 31 - from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm November 1 - April 14 - 9:30 am to 4:15 pm Closed on Mondays in January, February, and March.  

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.    

The admission is $5 for adults, $4.50 for college students and seniors, and $1 for kids 5 to 17 years old.

For more information on the Paul Revere House Museum:   www.paulreverehouse.org/

Stop O -  Paul Revere Statue

Follow the Trail to the Paul Revere Prado and you will be at one of the most photographed statues in Boston, the Paul Revere Statue which sits in the shadow of the church which made him famous, The Old North Church.  

The statue was designed by Cyrus Edwin Dallin in 1883 and he spent 16 years working on it (1899). The statue was not displayed until 1940. 

Cyrus Edwin Dallin created 260 works over his life and a few of his most famous sculptures are of the Angle Moroni which sits on top of the Salt Lake City Temple in Utah, and also the Appeal To The Great Spirits Sculpture in front of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Dallin died in 1944.

If you go by this statue when one of Boston’s sports teams is in a championship series/game, Paul will be donning a shirt of the team playing for the trophy.  

Stop P -  Old North Church

Walk across the Paul Revere Prado and to the Old North Church (1723), the oldest church building in Boston.  

The church is free to enter and there are guides inside the church who will give you a quick overview of Paul’s Midnight Ride the night of April 18, 1775, which resulted in the battle that started the American Revolution.  

As of Jan, 2024, there will be an admission charge to enter ($8 for adults, $6 for students, military and seniors, and $4 for children under 12)

Stop Q - Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

After you leave the Old North Church, follow the Trail up Hull St. to Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (1659).

It's one of Boston's most important cemeteries and the final resting place of many early Bostonians, including the Puritan Ministers Cotton Mather and his father Increase Mather; Shem Drowne, who made the grasshopper weather-vain on top of Faneuil Hall as well as the banner weather-vain on top of the Old North Church; Robert Newman who hang the lanterns the in the steeple of the Old North the night of Paul Revere’s ride and Prince Hall, the first African American Mason and found of the Prince Hall Masons.

Stop R -  USS Constitution

The Freedom Trail continues down Hull St. to Commercial St. and travels to the next stop the USS Constitution (1797) which is the oldest warship in the US Navy.  

Built to protect American Merchant Ships from pirates off the coast of North Africa, it was made famous during the War of 1812 where it never lost a battle.

It earned the name “Old Ironsides” because the ship was so strong (it is made out of wood) that the cannonballs from British ships would bounce harmlessly off its sides.

The USS Constitution is currently in dry dock but can still be viewed at the location.  

It is open to the public for free guided tours, but tours are now limited due to the construction. For information on touring the ship, read our post .  

Also at the site of the USS Constitution is the USS Constitution Museum .

The Museum is open to the public and provides guests with wonderful tidbits about the ship’s history and what life was like aboard the ship.  

The Museum is open daily from Nov 1st to March 31st from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and from April 1st to Oct. 31st from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Admission is a suggested donation. For individuals and families the recommended donation of $5-$10 for adults, $3-$5 for children, and $20-$25 for families, are suggested donations and any amount is welcome.  

Groups of 10 or more people are required to make an advance reservation to visit the Museum.

Stop S -  Bunker Hill Monument

Follow the Freedom Trail to the final destination and you will be at the Bunker Hill Monument.

The monument was dedicated on June 17th, 1843, 68 years after the famous battle took place.  

The statesman Daniel Webster was the keynote speaker that day.  

The 221-foot monument took 16 years to construct and commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill and has 294 steps.   If you are feeling energetic you can climb the monument.  

The Bunker Hill Museum at 43 Monument Sq. is located at the base of the Hill and is a great little museum.

It is free and has excellent exhibits that will give you a great sense of the battle that took place.  

For more information about how to visit (and climb!) the monument and museum, read our post, Visiting the Bunker Hill Monument & Museum .

This concludes your walking tour of the Freedom Trail.

Guided Tours of the Freedom Trail

We offer a guided tour of the area both on and off the Freedom Trail in our 2-hour tour walking tour.

We also have a self-guided tour of North End/Little Italy that includes some stops on the second half of the Freedom Trail.

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Hop On-Off Bus Tours

Many of the city's buses (and ducks!) drive through the Freedom Trail map area. The Boston Tourists Passes  offer the option to use hop-on- off buses .

FREEDOM TRAIL AUDIO TOUR

Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour .

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour from our Booking Page .
• You'll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

We also offer the following audio tours:

• Beacon Hill
• Harvard University and Cambridge

Where to Eat Near the Freedom Trail

• The Prime Shoppe (inside Quincy Market)
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop
• Sam Lagrassa's
• Luke Lobster at 290 Washington St. ( https://www.lukeslobster.com )
• Boston Public Market ( Wed-Sun  8-8) https://bostonpublicm
• Daily Catch (323 Hanover St.) thedailycatch.com/restaurants/north-end
• Union Oyster House 41 Union St  unionoysterhouse.com
• Black Rose (Quincy Market) 160 state Street https://www.blackroseboston.com/
• Pagliuca's (14 Parmenter St)  www.pagliucasrestaurant.com/portal
• Warren Tavern (2 Pleasant St. Charlestown) https://www.warrentavern.com

BATHROOMS ON THE FREEDOM TRAIL

Officially, there are no Freedom Trail bathrooms outside the Visitor Centers. So where do you go when you gotta go?

We've created a handy guide to free (or close) and clean (or close) public bathrooms on the Freedom Trail.

• 9 am-5 pm Daily
• 139 Tremont St
• 9 am-5 pm Monday-Friday
• 24 Beacon St
• 75 State Street
• Stop by Guard Desk and ask for the bathroom key
• 8 am-9 pm Daily
• 1 City Hall Plaza
• Pay Toilet $.25 per use
• As of Jan, 2024, there will be an admission charge to enter ($8 for adults, $4 for children under 12)
• Langone Field (35 Commercial Street)
• 9 am-6 pm Daily

30-Minute Video Tour of Freedom Trail Sights

Related Posts

• Downloadable Freedom Trail Map
• Other Boston Locations off the Freedom Trail Map:  Lexington /Concord
• Check out our guide to free things to do in Boston .

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Boston walking map

You can find on this page the walking Boston map to print and to download in PDF. The Boston walking tour map presents the best itineraries to discover all the iconic landmarks of Boston in USA.

Boston walking tour map

Map of Boston walking tours

The Boston walking map shows all the walking routes to visit the monuments of Boston. This walk map of Boston will allow you to easily plan your walking tours through the streets of Boston in USA. The walking map of Boston is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Walking tour is a great way to experience the beautiful town of Boston full of culture, history, and delicious food. Each neighborhood has something unique to offer that you can discover while going on walking tour. Plus there are a number of urban trails designed entirely to explore Boston by foot.

Boston is full of fascinating history, and you learn so much more about it with Boston walking tour guide than you would wandering around alone. This small-group walking tour focuses on the Revolutionary War. See sights connected with the era, and hear stories about Boston past as its shown the map.

Private walking tour guide Ben Edwards offers Boston walking tours and delivers an experience your group or family will treasure for years to come. Working with Ben is the ideal choice if you crave insider secrets and advice from Boston history who can introduce you to the best city sights (see map).

5 of the best places south of Boston for walks that give you a special reward or surprise

Sometimes you're taking a walk and everything is just right -- you're relaxed, getting good exercise and fresh air, the landscape is scenic, songbirds greet you, you feel transported away from your everyday world.

Life is good. The walk is doing just what you want it to do. Then you round a bend, or climb a hill, and you're suddenly in an even better place with an added reward. A stunning view. A bubbling stream. The perspective of an open meadow or colors in a cranberry bog with songbirds or a great blue heron.

Those are the kinds of surprises that elevate a good walk into something more.

Here are five of the best places on and around the South Shore that walkers and hikers find rewarding:

Norris Reservation, Norwell

129 acres with trails and a half-mile of river frontage passing a former mill pond, a wetlands boardwalk and a boathouse on the tidal North River. Popular with families. Trustees of Reservations. 18 Dover St., Norwell. 781-740-7233.

Bay Farm Trails, Kingston and Duxbury  

An 80-acre land preserve along Kingston Bay. 100 Park St., Duxbury. A walk across a large meadow with birds and butterflies takes you to the bay.

Noanet Woodlands, Dover  

Nearly 600 acres of trails across woodlands and ponds, a former mill site and Noanet Peak with views of the Boston skyline. An old mill site with a dam, more intimate walks beside a stream, Powisset Farm across the street. Trustees of Reservations. Powisset Street. 508-785-0339.

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham (mostly)

3,526 acres of forest, streams, ponds. Mount Blue Spring. A campground with 250 sites,12 miles of paved bike paths and 40 miles of forest trails. Mostly in Hingham, portions in Cohasset, Norwell and Scituate. Several entrances. Off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. 204 Union St. 617-895-8245.

Borderland State Park, Easton, Sharon

This historical park has a mansion open for seasonal tours and more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding. Fishing and boating. Facilities for tennis and disc golf. 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton.

Free Things You Can Do When Visiting Boston

B oston is one of the oldest cities in the country and the site of important historical events, such as the Boston Tea Party. It's full of character, drawing in curious visitors from within the United States and far beyond its borders. So if you've always wanted to check out New England, then Boston needs to be on your radar.

While the city's chock-full of exciting activities, doing all of them can quickly add up. However, it's possible to get a feel for Boston without spending a fortune, as there are things to do that don't cost a penny. Mix these up with paid activities, and you can save some money while still having a good time.

If you want to put aside cash for souvenirs and delicious bowls of clam chowder , then read on. We've compiled a list of free things to do in Boston, based on user reviews from sites like Google and Tripadvisor.

Read more: 75 Things Every American Should Do In Their Lifetime

Take The Freedom Trail

An excellent way to get into the heart of Boston is to take the Freedom Trail . It's fun to do, especially when the weather's nice, and you can get physical activity in, too. This trail will take you through 16 sites that are historically significant for the city. As you walk across 2.5 miles of red-bricked roads, you'll discover what makes Boston so special, and you'll also see why it's one of the best tourist attractions in New England if you're a history buff.

Those who want to spend a little money can book walking tours, which are led by guides dressed in American Revolution costumes. Otherwise, you can go at your own pace and walk the entire Freedom Trail for free. Of course, you don't have to follow the red line to visit the sites in order, but it can be easier to do since it leads you in a line and not a loop. A few of the notable stops include the Boston Common, Old State House, Old North Church, and Bunker Hill Monument, some of which we'll discuss further in detail.

Walk The Black Heritage Trail

All too often, the history of Black communities is overshadowed by everything else. But the Black Heritage Trail gives people an opportunity to discover what it was like in the 1800s for this minority group. This is great to do in conjunction with the Freedom Trail since it'll give you a different perspective on what life was like in Beacon Hill centuries ago.

Before you leave for Boston on your trip, it's beneficial to download the free NPS app first. On it, there's audio that'll enrich your self-guided walk along this trail. 10 audio clips total just under 24 minutes, and the walk spans 1.6 miles, so it should be pretty doable in one afternoon. Do note that many of the stops are private residences; you should respect the residents' privacy.

If you're coming in the summer or fall, then take advantage of the free Park Ranger Black Heritage Trail tours. A complete tour lasts around 90 minutes and you'll get the special opportunity to converse with a Park Ranger about Boston.

Make The Ascent Up The Bunker Hill Monument

Even though New England soldiers were defeated in the Battle of Bunker Hill, they still hit the British army pretty hard. They managed to wound or kill 1,000 of the 2,400 total soldiers, which was an impressive feat, given that this was their first pitched ("planned") battle. This signified a turning point in the American Revolution since the idea of reconciliation essentially disappeared. According to the National Park Service (NPS) , to mark such a significant event 50 years later, "the Marquis de Lafayette set the cornerstone of what would become a lasting monument and tribute to the memory of the Battle of Bunker Hill."

This obelisk stands 221 feet tall, and it was the result of hard work and perseverance, as it took 17 years to complete. It's also recently gone through restoration work that was completed in November 2023, meaning you'll see the monument in its full glory. If you're willing to accept the challenge, climb up the 294 tight spiral steps to reach the top. You'll be rewarded with a grand view. OrlandoMouse on TripAdvisor says, "From the top you can see great views of the surrounding Charlestown and Boston area."

Got some extra time? Right around the corner is the Bunker Hill Museum . It's free to check out, and you'll learn more about this vital battle.

Go On A Free Tour Of Harvard University

Harvard University is part of the Ivy League, meaning it's a prestigious university that many strive for, but few get in. Whether or not you're planning on applying, you shouldn't miss out on visiting the campus, as it's large, beautiful, and very historical. It was founded in 1636, making it the first college in the nation.

For a taste of academia, you can find one of the many students who lead free campus tours for those who are interested. During a walk of approximately one hour, these guides inform visitors about the extensive history of Harvard University. In addition, they'll provide information about attending the university, as well as testimonies of their own experiences on campus. Be sure to register beforehand; registration is open every Friday.

If you want to wander around on your own, you're welcome to do that, too. You can download the free Harvard mobile app , which gives you access to several self-guided walks. 

Check Out The Arnold Arboretum

When you're done with your Harvard University walking tour, you can experience a little more that the school has to offer. Within the university is North America's first and oldest public arboretum; the Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872. It's also a free public park, so you can take in the gorgeous greenery without paying an admission fee.

The park stretches across 281 acres and has over 10,000 accessioned plants, and over 16,000 individual ones. Plant lovers will go wild here, as a self-guided tour is sure to delight your eyes. To enhance your experience, download the  Arnold Arboretum's free app, Expeditions . Not only will it take you through the arboretum's 150-year history, but it'll give you over 50 staff interviews, too. 

If you're bringing little ones, check out the StoryWalks , which are seasonal stories that change every month. These tickle the imagination while encouraging kids to learn about their surroundings. Even if you don't have kids, these StoryWalks can be fun, allowing you to get in touch with your inner child.

Explore Boston Common And Public Garden

Boston Common is the oldest park in the U.S.; it was founded in 1634, long before the American Revolution. Speaking of the American Revolution, according to the City of Boston , this was also where the Colonial militia gathered to fight, and later, "the hated British Redcoats began an eight-year encampment." Take a walk through Boston Common, and you'll see the George Washington statue, as well as the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial. The Freedom Trail site says the latter "commemorates the first all-Black volunteer regiment in the Civil War." If you're in town during the summer, you can catch free Shakespeare performances, too.

Across from Boston Common is the country's first public botanical garden: The  Public Garden . It was established in 1837 and is a visual feast. Much thought and care has gone into the planting of breathtaking plants, and it's considered one of the most photogenic destinations in the country, so take plenty of pictures. This park is also home to the famous Swan Boats, which are huge paddle boats with swan sculptures. The business is open daily from April to September.

Visit The Boston Public Library

We know what you might be thinking: Why would anyone go to Boston to read books? Well, the Boston Public Library is much more than that. This library has been around since 1848, and according to their website, it was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children's room. As you can see, the Boston Public Library is a pillar in not only the local community, but also the nation's history.

In addition, its architecture is absolutely stunning. The McKim Building is a National Historic Landmark with a Romanesque design. The Boston Public Library says that on the exterior, you'll notice "a pattern of alternating seashells and dolphins ... referencing the city's maritime history." 33 medallions dot the spaces between the window arches, three sculptural seals, and most notably, the goddess Minerva's head. On either side of the library are two allegorical statues.

The interior of the library is just as amazing. There's a vestibule with bronze doors, and in the lobby are vaulted ceilings with mosaic ceiling tiles. The main reading room is Bates Hall, and the ceilings are even higher here. It's quite quaint, as it still retains the original English oak bookcases and tables from 1895.

Tour The Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters

As the name suggests, the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters housed two very notable people in American history: Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and President George Washington. But even before these two stayed in the Georgian house, according to the NPS , "it was a site of colonial enslavement and community activism." As for Longfellow, he and his wife lived in the Cambridge area for over 45 years, and Washington spent only nine months here.

You can receive free tours from Park Rangers where you can learn all about this National Historic Site. Tours for the house are 50 minutes long and are only available during its open season, which is from late May to late October. If you're coming outside of this time, you can request tours in advance. Otherwise, you can visit the grounds and garden throughout the year during the daytime. There are no entrance fees or passes required, and you can do a self-guided tour.

Stroll Through The Boston Harborwalk

Get some exercise with this free activity while taking in the city's sights. The Boston Harborwalk spans 43 miles, giving you an outstanding view of the waterfront and skyline. It's actually not complete yet; however, it's almost done, so walking here won't be an issue. This city park takes you from the Neponset River to Constitution Beach and covers over 90% of the shoreline.

Not only can you explore the waterfront, but you'll enjoy easy access to many activities and areas, too. For example, Boston Harbor Now says that you'll be connected to "over forty parks, a dozen museums, seven beaches, and hundreds of restaurants and stores." So you can stroll the Boston Harborwalk for free, as well as discover the beautiful greenery. There are several trails available, including the South Bay Trail, meaning you can kick up your physical activity a notch. Then, if you've got money to spend, you can carefully choose between the many amenities the city provides.

Wander Around Faneuil Hall And Quincy Market

If you enjoy shopping, then you'll love Faneuil Hall . It's free to walk through, and you're not obligated to buy anything, so you can get a visual taste of the 40+ vendors here. However, don't be afraid to treat yourself if you have a little extra wiggle room in your vacation budget, as many of the businesses are locally owned, meaning you'll support Boston's community while bringing home something special.  Google Reviewer Heather Rose Morris says, "[I] got some high-quality Boston memorabilia here ... better than all the cheap touristy stuff you could find elsewhere."

The highlight of Faneuil Hall is the street performances. Every day, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., the area's filled with talented people showing off their skills. If you think any of them are particularly intriguing, you can find their websites and Instagram pages on Faneuil Hall's page . You can even apply to perform if you're brave enough!

When you get hungry, take a few steps over to Quincy Market . Unfortunately, the offerings at these food stalls aren't free, but you don't need to pay an entry fee. Across three market buildings, you'll discover 100+ shops.

View Art At The Institute Of Contemporary Art On Thursdays

Fair warning: Admission isn't usually free at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA ), but if you happen to be in the area on a Thursday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., then you can take advantage of ICA Free Thursday Nights. The ICA itself recommends getting advanced tickets, which are available at 10 a.m. the same morning. Other good-to-knows are that children under 18 and BPS students get in for free, and if you're bringing kids 12 and under, you and another adult can get in for free on the last Saturday of the month, except the last two months of the year. The ICA is also free to visit on certain national holidays.

Even if you have to pay admission, it's worth a visit here; It's one of the best museums in Boston for contemporary art. The building itself is located on the waterfront, giving you stunning views. Inside, there's a diverse range of art in both the permanent collection and temporary exhibits. The most noteworthy part of its permanent collection is The Barbara Lee Collection of Art by Women, which totals 85 pieces from 20th and 21st-century female artists.

Relax On Castle Island

Do you want to step away from your busy life and relax in nature? Then you should go to Castle Island . Not only is it free to spend time on this island, but you don't have to pay to park at Fort Independence either, making it easy to drive over. If you want the convenience of beach parking, then you'll have to pay for metered parking.

There are many activities to choose from during your time on Castle Island. You can walk, bike, fish, swim, sunbathe, and more. In addition, there are picnic areas with grills, so you can have a laid-back cookout. There's a playground for kids and rinsing showers so you can feel refreshed after taking a dip.

If you're curious about the large fort in the middle of Castle Island, then you'll be pleased to know that the Castle Island Association offers free tours of Fort Independence  in the warmer months. It's one of the oldest military fortifications in the U.S., which means you'll see a vital piece of our nation's history.

Catch A Show At Hatch Memorial Shell

The Hatch Memorial Shell is an amazing half-dome made of wood in an Art Deco style. It started off as a temporary concert shell back in 1928, but became a permanent fixture in 1941 when a sturdier shell was built. Today, it's a place where both residents and tourists come to watch spectacular performances and attend fun events.

The best thing about the Hatch Memorial Shell is that performances are always free. This venue is best known for its Boston Pops Independence Day Concert, which is held every year on July 4th. If you're lucky enough to catch a performance, you'll be treated to a fantastic fireworks show afterward, too. Otherwise, most performances and events are between April and October, so all you'll have to do is look at the Hatch Memorial Shell event page to find out what's on when you're around. From concerts and movie screenings to runs for good causes, you're sure to find something fun and exciting.

Board The USS Constitution

The USS Constitution (a.k.a. "Old Ironsides") is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship that's still floating on water. You can climb aboard to explore the ancient ship, and you don't have to pay a cent either. Do note that you can only visit on a first-come, first-served basis, and you'll need to show an official ID and go through a security check to go on board.

What's incredible is that the USS Constitution is still sailable. In fact, it'll glide through the Boston Harbor on special occasions. If you're in Boston when this happens, then you'll get to witness the Navy crew firing a cannon salute during these sailings.

If you'd like to learn more about the ship, the USS Constitution Museum is across the way in Building 22. There's no official admission fee, but it's suggested that adults pay $10 to $15 and that children pay $5 to $10 for entry. In this museum, you'll find out more about the ship's details, such as how it was built and preserved.

Our Methodology For Picking These Spots

We've carefully gone through online reviews for free destinations in Boston, and have only selected those with high ratings.

Read the original article on Explore .

A spectator's guide to the 2024 Boston Marathon: What to know

On Monday, more than 30,000 runners will participate in the 128th Boston Marathon and many more will flock to the course sidelines to show their support and cheer on friends, family, and complete strangers. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the current starting line in Hopkinton . Initially, the race started in Ashland because it was about 26 miles on the train from the Boston Athletic Association's headquarters. When the official length of the marathon was extended, organizers had to move the race out a little further to where runners start their journey today.

If you want to be a part of the celebration, but don’t have the legs to run 26.2 miles , check out our spectator guide to the 2024 Boston Marathon: 

Live from the Boston Marathon 2024: Start times, how to watch, what the runners are seeing, and results

When does the Boston Marathon start?

• Military March: 6 a.m.
• Men’s Wheelchair: 9:02 a.m.
• Women’s Wheelchair: 9:05 a.m.
• Handcycles and Duos: 9:30 a.m.
• Professional Men: 9:37 a.m.
• Professional Women: 9:45 a.m.
• Para Athletics Division : 9:50 a.m.
• Rest of Field Rolling Start Begins: 10 a.m.
• Rest of Field Rolling Start Ends: 11:30 a.m.

From spectator to competitor: Injured in '13 bombings, Uxbridge woman determined to finish Boston Marathon

What can and can't I bring with me to the course?

The Massachusetts State Police has released a guide of what spectators can bring with them if they're looking to cheer runners on.

The list of banned items for spectators on the course:

• fireworks or other explosives
• suitcases or large packages
• backpacks or bags carried over the shoulder.
• "props" like flagpoles or military gear
• class bottles or anything larger than 1 liter.
• large blankets

Also, do not go on the course yourself. There are designated crossing areas and barriers to prevent people from wandering into the way of runners.

Viewing options: The 2024 Boston Marathon is Monday. Here's how to watch it on TV and stream it

Local color: Here's why the Red Sox are wearing yellow and blue and #42 on Patriots’ Day weekend

Who is running the 2023 Boston Marathon

The heart and soul of the Marathon, though, comes from the nearly 30,000 amateur runners who make up the bulk of the field.

Make sure to keep an eye out for some famous faces in the field. One that might be easy to spot is former Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara , who stands 6-foot-9 and is running his second Boston Marathon and running for Team Hoyt.

Crowded field: Who's running in the 2024 Boston Marathon? Here are the local runners who qualified

Step by step: How long is the Boston Marathon? The distance remains the same, but your times may vary

What is interesting about the Boston Marathon course

The race course runs through eight communities, starting in downtown Hopkinton. Runners start by making the comparatively short 0.7-mile walk from Hopkinton High School to the starting line in front of the Town Common. 

The course then winds through Union Street in Ashland, downtown Framingham along Waverly Street and through Central Street in Natick as it nears the halfway point near the Natick-Wellesley line. 

"Everyone tends to focus on the uphills, but I think the biggest challenge in the MetroWest section is actually the two huge downhills that exhaust the runners’ quads," said Mark Goldschmidt, a member of the Greater Framingham Runners Club, who has run the marathon twice. "The first is literally at the start, where the road goes steeply downhill for about a half mile. Then you have a pretty long gradual incline through Ashland that starts at the new public service building. Another deceptive one is on the Framingham/Natick line that passes Wendy’s. "

The course continues northeast as it heads up Washington Street in Wellesley and Newton, then heading down Commonwealth Avenue and up “Heartbreak Hill” as the runners push past the 20-mile mark. The race wraps up as runners head around Coolidge Corner in Brookline before the furious finish down Beacon Street, ending on Boylston Street in Boston, near the Boston Public Library.

Dick Hoyt dies: Mourners say the Boston Marathon 'will never be the same'

Starting line to Heartbreak Hill to Wellesley College 'Scream Tunnel': Where to watch along the Boston Marathon Route

While there are plenty of memorable spots to watch closer to the finish line of the race, from the Wellesley College “Scream Tunnel” to Heartbreak Hill and, of course, the finish line on Boylston Street, there are plenty of underrated spots to watch the competition as well.

Not only is the Framingham Train Depot, at 417 Waverly St., a great place to see runners, but spectators can easily hop on the commuter rail and take the train into the city to see the finish as well. The same can be said for the Ashland commuter rail spot, which is less than a mile from the course in downtown Ashland.  

Still rewriting history: Kathrine Switzer reflects on running Boston 50 years later

"As a runner and Framingham native, I was so proud to run through Framingham when I ran in 2017," Goldschmidt said. "The rich diversity that I get to witness daily as a Framingham High School teacher shone brightly that day. There were great crowds at La Cantina and the 6 Mile Moment from Monnick’s Supply, past the train station and all the way past the Beaver Street intersection. I was amazed at the very enthusiastic crowd at TJ’s in Ashland, too, but it’s land-locked so people have to get there early before the road is closed."  

Fiske Pond in Natick, where crowds pack both sides of the street with the water as a backdrop, is a quintessential slice of springtime in New England, and the Natick Town Common is also regularly packed with spectators taking in the action. 

The long hill in Newton at mile 20: Narragansett Tribe member Tarzan Brown inspired Heartbreak Hill name

Food, music, beers and other things to do

The Marathon route will be filled with food, music and activities for spectators of all ages.

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers is hosting a special event, in conjunction with Downtown Framingham Inc., in its parking lot. The event will feature live music, snacks, activities for children and of course, craft beer, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The brewery also announced they will have two special beers exclusively available at their beer hall to celebrate the Marathon. Boston Rising is a double hoppy lager with an ABV of 8 percent, and Modern Hell is a helles that comes in at a 5.2 percent ABV.

Another brewery, the appropriately named Start Line Brewing in Hopkinton , is hosting after-party once things begin winding down. The event features live music from The Spare Parts Band, food and beer. It starts at 2 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online  for $15.

Start Line has a Marathon Wheat on tap they describe as "[d]esigned to celebrate the people and communities that make Marathon season so special." Also, through April 21, showing a ticket to the Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center will get you 20 percent off food.

Additional restaurants that offer race-side dining include, but not limited to:

• TJ's Food and Spirits , 355 West Union St., Ashland  
• Morse Tavern , 85 East Central St., Natick  
• The Local , 11 Forest St., Wellesley
• Cityside Tavern , 1960 Beacon St., Brighton  
• The Washington Square Tavern , 714 Washington St., Brookline
• Atlantic Fish Co. , 761 Boylston St., Boston (its  Marathon watch party is sold out)

How to get to the Boston Marathon on the MBTA

Most of the course is accessible via public transportation, with parts of the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line and the Green Line’s B, C and D branches within walking distance. Plan your trip with the MBTA’s online  trip planner . 

Throughout the whole weekend, unlimited commuter rail rides can

Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on Monday, though nearby Arlington (all Green Line branches), Prudential (Green Line E branch), Hynes Convention Center (Green Line B, C and D branches) and Back Bay (Orange Line) stations will be open. The above-ground Green Line stops at South Street (B branch), Kent Street and St. Mary’s Street (C branch) will be closed from approximately 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the MBTA's  Marathon Guide .

The Red, Orange, Blue and Silver Lines will run on a regular weekday schedule, with additional service before and after the race. Buses will also run on their regular schedule, though some routes may be detoured around the Marathon. 

MBTA service starts about 5 a.m., and there will be a $15 commuter rail Marathon pass available for unlimited all-weekend use. You can purchase a $11 unlimited  one-day pass  for use on buses and subway lines, available at station fare vending machines. 

If driving, keep in mind some roads will be closed on Marathon Monday , and parking may be limited in certain locations. There will be limited parking for spectators at the 171 South St. parking lot in Hopkinton. On-street parking will be “ extremely limited ” near the finish line, according to the B.A.A. There are parking garages in the area, though some may be inaccessible on race day.

Daily parking rates  at MBTA stations vary, and you can check real-time MBTA parking garage availability on Twitter  @MBTA_Parking .

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A Runner's Guide to Boston for the Marathon and Beyond

By Todd Plummer

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Bostonians often joke that the city's many winding, one-way streets were adapted from colonial-era cow paths—routes literally created by livestock—that long predate the automobile. Whether that’s true or not , most locals agree that the more modern iteration of this city was built for runners . Boston’s green spaces, diversity of neighborhoods, harbor- and river-front trails, and quiet side streets all make this city especially well-suited for a leisurely, scenic jog.

And the sport isn’t merely ingrained in our topography; it’s rooted in Boston's history and culture, too. First ran in 1897, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon , and brings together elite athletes and hobby joggers alike. For weeks prior to its running, the city swells with energy and excitement, and everyone seems to have their preferred spot along the Marathon route to watch the runners go by, from the suburbs to Kenmore Square to Back Bay's finish line. As Matt Taylor, founder of the Boston-based running brand Tracksmith says: “Running seems to be woven into the fabric of Boston life, providing opportunities for anyone who wants to get out there.”

Riverside paths, urban cityscapes, quiet neighborhoods, and easily-accessed woodland trails offer a panoply of routes. Whether you’re prepping for your own Boston Marathon experience or just looking to jog a few miles alongside locals while you’re in town—here’s how to experience Boston by running, and spots to stop along the way.

The stairs of Harvard University Stadium are open to the public and popular with local run clubs.

Boston running paths in the great outdoors

It’s hard to think of a more iconic route than the paths which line the Charles River, both paved and those more rugged. Technically, the area called the Charles River Esplanade is on the Boston side, and the Charles River Reservation on the Cambridge side—but their close proximity and the iconic bridges connecting them mean that any running loop around the Charles can be tailored to the distance you’re looking to clock. To integrate some cross-training into your workout, consider popping by the Cambridge side's Harvard Stadium to run its iconic steps—open to the public dawn to dusk, except on days when there’s a football game. ( Fresh Pond over in North Cambridge is another local favorite, with a peaceful 2.5-mile circular path.)

For a real locals-only deep cut closer to downtown and the Seaport, set your sights on South Boston (affectionately, Southie), where a waterfront run around the Pleasure Bay and over to grassy Castle Island—especially at dawn or dusk—is a surprisingly serene experience.

Further southward, many runners rely on the Emerald Necklace, a contiguous line of parks that span some 1,100 acres of urban green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1800s. Technically seven miles end-to-end, it stretches from the Boston Common and Public Garden through the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, to the Fenway, Riverway, and Jamaica Pond, ultimately connecting with the Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park. Cover as much or as little as you like—this one makes for a great choose-your-own-adventure tour of Boston’s more green and residential neighborhoods.

Tracksmith Trackhouse on Newbury Street is the Boston brand's original store

Refresh your kit

With so many run clubs, collegiate track teams, and running events happening year-round, Boston is a great place to consult some experts and pick up some new running shoes or gear to look the part. The two main retailers in town are Heartbreak Hill Running Company , with locations in South End, Cambridge, and Newton (as well as Chicago), and Marathon Sports , with locations in Back Bay, Cambridge, Brookline, and several other towns across New England.

Both retailers have free running groups to get out there with some locals, but each store features slightly different offerings. Heartbreak excels with its overall selection of merchandise, and a subscription-based online training portal filled with plans for 5Ks and marathons (and even the Boston Marathon more specifically). The Newton location is also home to an appointment-based Nike Sport Research Lab station where you can receive personalized analysis of your running, how to improve your form, and which footwear will meet your needs.

Marathon Sports has been a Boston institution since 1975, and offers a truly encyclopedic array of running shoes. Much like Olivander the wand dealer from Harry Potter, the knowledgeable staff here work with each individual customer to pinpoint precisely the right running shoes for your gait, goals, and needs. If you want to really look like you fit in with Boston’s runners, visit Tracksmith Trackhouse on Newbury Street for a unique blend of heritage-inspired styles and contemporary performance fabrics; perfectly emblematic of the old-meets-new style that makes Boston so iconic.

Baked Rigatoni at Eastern Standard

The pool at the Guerlain Spa inside Raffles Boston

If you’re here for Marathon Monday

Prepare for pandemonium. The third Monday in April is the busiest time of year to visit Boston—but also one of the most exciting. Make your hotel and dinner reservations as early as you can, and make a decision about how close to the crowds you’d like to be. If you’re near the finish line, it truly can take upwards of an hour to walk a single block, but some enjoy being in the midst of the action. Hotels in the Back Bay and Kenmore areas will be steps from the Marathon route and in the center of everything; hotels in Beacon Hill, Government Center and Seaport will be a bit more removed.

Jessica Puckett

Anna Borges

Karthika Gupta

If experiencing the finish line excitement is your thing, there are a few choices literally on the route for prime viewing: the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square; The Eliot , which stands dramatically on one of the final corners of the course; and The Lenox , just yards from the finish line. All feature their own dedicated viewing areas for guests.

For mealtime, the revitalized Eastern Standard , as well as both Blue Ribbon Brasserie and Blue Ribbon Sushi, are physically on the marathon route. For carbo-loading the night before, consider the $65 chef’s tasting menu (which includes housemade pasta) at the South End’s popular SRV, or venture over to North End for an Italian feast at Bricco.

To treat tired legs after the race, there are a number of great spas in Boston, but you can’t beat the facilities and Las Vegas-style opulence of The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor, or the exquisite privacy (just four treatment rooms) at the Guerlain Spa at Raffles Boston . The latter, in particular, feels especially suited to runners—each treatment room has its own hydrotherapy tub for warm soaks, and the spa menu includes the Boston Energy hot stone massage. You’ll be back to pounding the pavement in no time.

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Walk Into History®

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Newport Cliff Walk repairs get federal funding boost

The funding comes just as the city discovered sinkholes in another section of the popular tourist attraction.

PROVIDENCE – The city of Newport’s efforts to fix the Cliff Walk section that collapsed more than two years ago are getting a federal funding boost. Along with a city contribution, the federal support should be enough to fully repair and reopen that stretch.

The funding comes just after the city discovered sinkholes in another section of the Cliff Walk, underscoring the challenges of managing a popular tourist attraction that’s vulnerable to erosion and the forces of nature.

The congressional delegation representing Newport announced the federal cash infusion on Monday.

“This federal funding will help make the walking trail safer and preserve its natural and historic significance for future generations,” US Senator Jack Reed said in a news release issued with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Gabe Amo.

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Newport’s Cliff Walk, which starts at a beautiful beach, skirts stately mansions, and ends up on a rugged natural shoreline, draws more than a million visitors a year, according to the city of Newport. In March 2022 , a portion of the Cliff Walk between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street collapsed, sending debris into the sea below. Another section crumbled a few months later . A short detour has been in place ever since, and the city says it hasn’t dented people’s enthusiasm for the path.

As the city mulled its options, some experts said the city faced tough questions about whether to rebuild in an area susceptible to the grinding forces of nature or to retreat – in other words, make the detour permanent. But the city pushed to rebuild the Cliff Walk back to how it was before the collapse. The question came down to money.

The answer came from Washington. On Monday, the congressional delegation announced that the city had received a $11 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. That grant would go toward repairing the collapsed section. The total repair project is expected to cost $13.75 million. The city is planning on trying to float a bond to fund the rest of the project cost, or about $2.75 million. The Cliff Walk money would be part of a much larger bond in the city.

“We feel confident that we should be able to repair and reopen that particular section,” said Tom Shevlin, a spokesman for the city. “The Cliff Walk is a statewide treasure.”

Separate from the grant, the Cliff Walk is also getting a $5 million federal earmark that the congressional delegation secured. The city will use that earmark for a broader assessment of the entire walk.

Governor Dan McKee has also proposed steering $8 million in state bond proceeds to the Cliff Walk in his budget. If it’s in the final budget, the proposal would go to voters, who would have the final say on whether to borrow the money.

Asked whether that proposal will remain in light of the federal funding that has now been announced, McKee’s office said in an emailed statement:

“We are grateful to Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse for securing crucial federal funding to restore this iconic landmark that is a key driver of Newport’s local economy. We will be engaging in discussions with the City of Newport about the proposed bond funding for the Cliff Walk in the Governor’s budget.”

The process of fully assessing the Cliff Walk will be accelerated due to the discovery of sinkholes earlier this month, which closed a southern portion of the walk. The city is scheduled to have ground-penetrating radar explore the area this week.

Brian Amaral can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @bamaral44 .

Red Sox place O'Neill on 7-day concussion IL

The Boston Red Sox announced Thursday they placed outfielder Tyler O'Neill on the seven-day concussion list and reinstated outfielder Rob Refsnyder.

O'Neill left Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians after colliding with Rafael Devers on a fly ball. He received eight stitches to his forehead as a result.

Rafael Devers and Tyler O’Neill collide on a pop fly in the outfield. Both players were able to walk off the field on their own. pic.twitter.com/WAjHeliYGT — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 15, 2024

O'Neill, who confirmed he was diagnosed with a concussion, has been dealing with dizziness and brain fog but felt better Thursday, according to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey . He'll travel with the team for its weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and plans to be ready to play Tuesday in Cleveland against the Guardians.

O'Neill was off to a terrific start at the plate in his first season with the Red Sox. The 28-year-old registered a 1.209 OPS with seven home runs, eight RBIs, and 11 walks across 48 at-bats.

The Red Sox acquired O'Neill from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-player trade in December.

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