Tips for Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston

The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile route that winds its way through the city past 16 of the most important historical monuments and landmarks.

The Freedom Trail in Boston is one activity you won’t want to skip. There are also a lot of options for how to experience the Freedom Trail, from guided walking tours to self-paced discovery. Here are a few tips for travelers interested in walking the Freedom Trail and a bit of what to expect to help you plan.

Freedom Trail - Paul Revere Statue — Freedom Trail – Paul Revere Statue

The Logistics

Thankfully, the trail’s clear signage and brick pavement make it challenging to get lost, even if you decide to do a self-paced tour.

There are two starting points for the route: Boston Common and the Bunker Hill Monument. Both parking garages are available; even though you have to pay a fee, it’s probably the safest and most convenient parking option.

We recommend parking, then taking public transportation to the opposite end of the trail and working your way back, so you’re conveniently at your car when you’re tired out at the end of the day.

How Long does the Freedom Trail Take?

To get an appreciation for what you’re seeing, we recommend taking more time than this, but everyone has their own pace. 4-6 hours seems to be average, although some people will opt to split the Freedom Trail between two days to spend more time at the individual stops along the route.

Points along the Boston Freedom Trail

We picked our starting point at Boston Common, but remember that you can walk the Freedom Trail in either direction or split it up into sections as needed.

1. Boston Common

Founded in 1634, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the US. While its diverse history includes being used as a grazing area for farm animals, and execution and punishment site, and a military training ground, today it’s a popular spot for outdoor recreation, whether that’s having a picnic lunch in the summer or enjoying the famous ice skating rink in winter.

2. Massachusetts State House

Also called the “New State House,” this is the current Massachusetts government building. It’s open from 8:45 am to 5 pm on weekdays, with self-guided or public tours (by reservation).

3. Park Street Church

This historic church was constructed in 1809 and continues to be actively used to this day. You can attend a service on Sundays or during visiting hours during the summer months if you want.

4. Granary Burying Ground

Some of the most famous historical figures in America were laid to rest at this graveyard dating back to 1660. You can search for the tombstones of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere, among others.

5. King’s Chapel and Burying Grounds

Founded in 1686 and then rebuilt in 1754, this is the first Anglican church of Boston. The cemetery next to the church is the resting place of several noteworthy historical American figures.

6. Ben Franklin Statue and Boston Latin School

The oldest public school in America was the education site of at least 5 of the members who signed the Declaration of Independence. Although the school is only a replica and has been rebuilt, the original site is now commemorated by the statue of Benjamin Franklin.

7. Old Corner Bookstore

This historic shop was built in 1718 and was used by numerous publishing companies over the years. Today, it has been put to a less glamorous use as a Chipoltle, but hey, it’s a nice spot to grab lunch on your Freedom Trail tour in Boston!

8. Old South Meeting House

Visit the place where notable events like the Boston Tea Party were planned and numerous historical artifacts and documents held in the museum.

9. Old State House

Once the site of the Massachusetts Court, the Old State House is now open for self-paced tours and occasional re-enactments of historic events performed by staff.

10. Boston Massacre Site

The Boston Massacre is one of the most notable events leading up to the Revolutionary War. The spot where British soldiers fired into a crowd of people, killing 5, is commemorated by today’s site marker.

11. Faneuil Hall

Historically used for government meetings, debate, and diplomacy, Faneuil Hall today is one of Boston’s most popular shopping areas. It is a great place to get a souvenir of our Freedom Trail experience.

12. Paul Revere House

Visit the home of one of Boston’s best-loved patriots and learn about Paul Revere’s life before his role in the Revolutionary War. Tours take place from 9:30 am to 4:15 pm daily, with occasional special events or re-enactments.

13. Old North Church

Boston’s oldest church includes several attractions within it, including the gardens, Old North Church Bookshop, and Captain Jackson’s historic chocolate shop (be sure to grab a well-deserved treat!).

14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

The largest colonial cemetery in Boston, Copp’s Hill, is free to enter and includes the gravesites of notable people such as the anti-slavery activist Prince Hall and USS Constitution builder Edmund Hard.

15. USS Constitution and Museum

After seeing the ship builder’s grave, you can see the warship itself at the USS Constitution Museum. It’s the oldest warship still floating and holds numerous artifacts of war in the ship museum.

16. Bunker Hill Monument

The final (or first!) stop on the Boston Freedom Trail is the Battle of Bunker Hill site, which was the first significant clash between the British and Colonists during the Revolutionary War. You can get a pass to climb to the top of the monument from the Bunker Hill Museum.

Plan for the Freedom Trail

Now that you have the low-down on this historic Freedom Trail Boston Tour, you can plan out your own Freedom Trail Self-Guided experience.

Remember that while the Freedom Trail itself is accessible, many of the individual stops will have prices. It’s also worth checking whether there are any special events, such as re-enactments or festivals, in Boston during your stay, which you can incorporate into your walk on the Freedom Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Freedom Trail take to walk?

The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles long and takes most people 4–6 hours to complete, including stops at the 16 historic sites along the route. If you simply walk the trail without entering any buildings, you can finish in about 1.5–2 hours. Those who want to go inside multiple stops — such as the USS Constitution Museum, Old South Meeting House, or Bunker Hill Monument — should plan for a full day. Many visitors split it across two half-days to give each site proper attention. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as much of the route follows cobblestone and brick-paved streets.

Is the Freedom Trail free?

Walking the Freedom Trail itself is completely free — the 2.5-mile red-brick path through Boston is a public route accessible to everyone at any time. However, many of the 16 individual stops along the way charge admission. The USS Constitution Museum ($20 adults), Old South Meeting House ($8), Paul Revere House ($7), and Bunker Hill Museum (free but requires a pass for monument access) all have fees. Several stops — including Boston Common, Faneuil Hall’s main hall, and the Granary Burying Ground — are free to enter. Budgeting $30–50 per person covers most paid sites.

What is the best starting point?

The two official starting points are Boston Common (south end) and Bunker Hill Monument (north end in Charlestown). Most visitors start at Boston Common because it has the main visitor center, easier MBTA subway access (Park Street station on the Green and Red lines), and parking at the Boston Common Garage. A practical tip: take the T to Charlestown first, walk the trail from Bunker Hill south toward Boston Common, and end near your car or the central subway hub. This leaves you in the busier downtown area at the end of the day — convenient for dining and onward travel.

Can you do the Freedom Trail in one day?

Yes, one day is the standard way to experience the Freedom Trail, and it’s very doable. Start by 9:00 AM, walk from Boston Common through the downtown sites (Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House), cross into Charlestown for USS Constitution and Bunker Hill, and wrap up by 4:00–5:00 PM. If you want to go inside every site that charges admission, a full day becomes tight. A common two-day split: Day 1 covers the downtown and North End sites (stops 1–14), Day 2 focuses on Charlestown (USS Constitution and Bunker Hill) with more time to explore each in depth.

Is the Freedom Trail accessible for strollers?

The Freedom Trail is largely accessible but has some challenging stretches. The red-brick path and cobblestone sections in the North End and around Paul Revere House can be rough for strollers and manual wheelchairs. Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and most museum entrances are wheelchair accessible. The Bunker Hill Monument (294 steps, no elevator) and some older buildings like Paul Revere House have limited accessibility. If mobility is a concern, the trail can be walked partially — the downtown section from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall is the most accessible segment. A self-guided audio tour allows you to pause and explore at your own pace.”