The best way to explore the city of Boston and its history is to follow The Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile walking route marked by a red brick path, passes many locations significant in the history of the United States and its independence. The trail was created in 1951 and now boasts over 4 million walkers a year, so expect some company.
While there are only 16 official stops along the Freedom Trail, there are several other places along the route worth visiting, so make sure to read this post completely, to not miss all that Boston has to offer!
The Freedom Trail Walking Map
Attractions along The Freedom Trail
Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden was established in 1837 as the first public botanical garden in America. It is now most notable for its Make Way for Ducklings statues. During the warmer months this is where you can take a ride on the Swan Boats.
For any Cheers fans out there, visiting the Cheers restaurant is a must. You will recognize the outside view from the show, and the upstairs bar has been rebuilt as a replica from the show’s set. There is no other bar in the world where everybody knows your name.
Just across the street is the Boston Common, created in 1634 as America’s first public park! It has gone through many changes and seen many important events since its creation as a public grazing area. In the winter, get your skates ready for ice skating on Frog Pond.
Massachusetts State House
Atop Beacon Hill sits the Massachusetts State House. The building houses the Massachusetts General Court (state legislature) and the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts.
Free tours are given weekdays from 10am to 3:30 pm, and require a reservation via phone at 617-727-3676.
Park Street Church
The Park Street Church has a beautiful 217 ft. steeple right on the corner of Boston Common. This church served as a focal point for supporting Abolitionist causes in its early days and is still involved in important social issues to this day.
Granary Burying Ground
Adjacent to the church is the Granary Burying Ground. This is the final resting site of many Revolutionary War-era patriots, including Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock.
King’s Chapel & Burying Ground
The King’s Chapel began in 1686, but the current stone building was completed in 1754. The chapel is also home to the last and largest bell ever made by Paul Revere, which still rings to this day.
Adjacent to the church is the Burying Ground, which served as Boston’s first burial site and only one from 1630-1660.
Old City Hall & Boston Latin School
The next stop is two in one.The building you will see is the Old City Hall, home to the Boston city council from 1865 to 1969. In front is a statue of Benjamin Franklin, Boston’s first public statue of a person, which actually predates the building by over 20 years.
This is also the former location of the Boston Latin School, the first public school in the United States. There is now a plaque on the sidewalk commemorating the site.
Old Corner Bookstore
The Old Corner Bookstore is no more a quick photo, unless you want a burrito from the Chipotles that now occupies the space. At its height in the 19th century, the Old Corner Bookstore brought in regulars including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriett Beecher Stowe.
Old South Meeting House
Across the street is the Old South Meeting House, most notable for it being the organizing point for the Boston Tea Party. The building is now a museum and an active gathering place for discussion and free speech.
Old State House
The Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, built in 1713. It is now a museum with a collection of Revolution-era artifacts that tells a small portion of the history of the revolution in Boston.
At the steps of the old State House is the site of the Boston Massacre, when five protesters were killed by the British Army on March 5, 1770. It was used as propaganda to help fuel the American Revolution.
Just a block away is Faneuil Hall, which has served as a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1743. Inside are several shops along with a museum on the third floor.
Through the back doors of Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market. It was built in 1825 as an expansion of the full Faneuil Hall. This long building is filled with food stalls as a hallmark location to try local flavors.
New England Holocaust Memorial
Adjacent to Faneuil Hall is the New England Holocaust Memorial. These six glass towers represent the six major extermination camp, the menorah candles and the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. Take a moment to reflect on the impact of bigotry and evil throughout history and today.
Paul Revere House
The Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in Boston, built around 1680. This is where Paul Revere lived during the American Revolution. While it underwent many changes after Revere moved, it has since been restored to his time, giving a glimpse into the colonial life.
Little did you know, you are going to be walking past the best cannoli in Boston, from Mike’s Pastry! Located in the heart of Boston’s Little Italy, this pastry shop has everything you need for lunch, dinner or a delicious snack.
Note: The store only accepts cash, so make sure to hit up an ATM before getting here.
Old North Church
You might have learned Longfellow’s famous line “One, if by land, and two, if by sea.” Well, the Old North Church is where these two lanterns hung to warn the militia of the impending movements to the city of Concord. Make sure to take a quick tour inside the church to see where the Revolution began.
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
Walking across the Charlestown Bridge, the next stop is the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Climb aboard with a free tour provided by an active Navy member.
Bunker Hill Monument
The last stop of The Freedom Trail is Bunker Hill Monument. It was built in memory of the bloody Battle of Bunker Hill, where the newly formed colonial army was able to cause significant damage to the British forces. Also, where these infamous words were uttered: “don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”
Make sure to time your walk through Boston correctly, as the last time you can start climbing the monument is 4:30 p.m. This is perfect in the spring or fall to get the start of the sunset with a panoramic view of the city.