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Boston Common
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Bound By Tremont, Beacon, Charles and Boylston StreetsBoston, MA 02139
- Nearest Transit:
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Beacon St Opp Walnut St (43, 55)
Tremont St Opp Avery St (191, 192, 193, 43, 55, SL5)
Boylston Station - Outbound (Green Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
191 reviews for Boston Common
191 reviews in English
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Review from Chandler M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Walking down the path that Paul Revere used to warn that the British were coming!
I am in history! -
Review from Hilary H.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a lovely park to go for a stroll, read a book, or just watch the world go by.
I hadn't been since I was a kid, and I have to say the Common is much smaller than I remembered! Not that that's a bad thing - it's quite quaint, very well-maintained and convenient to the theater district, downtown and Beacon Hill. I can see this being the ideal spot for a picnic lunch or an afternoon of sunbathing for the cityfolk.
My companion and I sat for an hour or so on a bench enjoying the sunshine and the constant flow of people, music, games and traffic noise around us. It was a lovely afternoon made even lovelier by this lovely park. -
Review from Michelle J.
Cambridge, MA
4/10/2012 80 Check-ins Here
Having a nice sunny green space in the middle of the city is nice and appreciated at all times of the year. Downtown Boston doesn't have much green space and if you aren't near the river it's really hard finding an open outdoor area. That being said the Common is a nice place to be anytime of the year.
In the winter you have ice skating at Frog Pond, which is very popular with locals and tourists alike. I've even seen some parents take their kids sledding off the mini-hill near the monument. During the summer there's baseball and tennis courts open to the general public.
Including the ice sculptures that adorn the park during New Years Eve celebrations there's also the summer Shakespeare on the Common series that is hosted during the summer. Scores of people gather on the lawn for the free performances. All around a good place to go if you're active or just want to sit around in the sunshine and lazy the day away.
This ends my public service announcement. I'm going to take a walk through the park and grab something for lunch. -
Review from Kelsey M.
Boston, MA
5/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
What can you say about the first public park in the USA? There's all kinds of things to do throughout the year. Be sure to take some nuts for the squirrels, they'll come up to take it from your hand!
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Review from Brian K.
3/28/2012
We took a stroll; perfect place for a picnic in the warmer months.
So many squirrels...they act like pigeons. -
Review from Christopher R.
Brookline, MA
4/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love this little gem in the middle of Boston. No matter what time of the year there is always something going on.
Baseball in the Spring, Shakespeare in the Summer, Napping in the Fall, and Ice Skating in the Winter.
There are always those little tours being led by someone in old boston garb. Great place for a picnic. Its more open and active than the Public Garden across the street. -
Review from Voravut R.
Dorchester, MA
4/25/2012 8 Check-ins Here
You come to Boston you have to come to the Boston Common. I have spent numerous afternoons on her grass, reading, playing frisbee or just plain sleeping. It is truly an oasis in the middle of the city. A grassy oasis with sight & sounds all its own. All cities should be so lucky to have such a great green space. I especially love the free movies & Shakespeare in the Common on those great summer days when all you need is a blanket & a few hours to be entertained. It is a Boston icon that cost nothing to enjoy but will give a person many hours of joy back.
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Review from Emily D.
If you're new to Boston or have lived here forever... You have to come to "the Commons" and have a picnic here at least once.
It's a great park to just relax on a summer day. Bring a blanket and lunch and just people watch. Or take a ride on the famous swan boats. Winter is great for all the fun activities like ice skating and "First Night Boston" on NYE.
The trees and flowers are so beautiful and vibrant in the spring. We came here to take our engagements photos. There were so many options for places to take pictures.
Definitely a must if you're visiting here.Listed in: When I think of Boston...
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Review from Judd L.
1/28/2012 6 photos
DURING THE WINTER....
When you first reach the top the stair well at the Boylston T Station, you'll see this very open space park that's void of any people. It's the only time of the year that the grounds have a chance for peace and quiet. Ironically, so do the occupants of the Central Burying Grounds established in 1754. -
Review from Nikolette C.
Malden, MA
The garden, the swan boats, the frog pond, that weird stone gazebo thing...oh how I love the Commons.
I often enjoy walking through the park on any old day, but it is much prettier in the late spring through fall with all the beautiful flowers.
Don't miss all the beautiful statues, or scrumptious roasted nuts vendors, throughout the park. -
Review from Kawena K.
A visit to Boston is not complete without a visit to the Commons. It's nice to just sit on a bench and watch people walk by since there are so many different types of people who walk through the park. The garden area is really pretty when the flowers are in bloom and there's water in the duck pond. I always wanted to take a ride in one of those duck boats but never really made the effort. Other times, you might get lucky and see a Quidditch practice in session. Yes, you read that right. Quidditch as in Harry Potter. It's not every day you see people running around with broomsticks between their legs! Definitely come visit this place. You won't be disappointed.
Listed in: Bosetona
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Review from Dor Z.
1/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Ducks!
Dogs!
Horses (with cops on top)!
Love it. -
Review from Cheri D.
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
On my trip to Boston I knew I'd have to come here. I just love to sit and chill and people watch, especially when visiting a new city. When walking around all day, I always plan a little afternoon rest time, to give my feet a break and to plan the rest of the day. It also really gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of people in the city.
I actually fell right asleep on a bench beside the frog pond. Man, a little nap was the best idea ever. Feeling refreshed, we re-located to a nice big grassy area where i could have a tiny snack and check my map for what to do next. There where people playing frisbee, walking dogs, and people just sitting and chilling like we were.
I didn't see any of the swan boats that some of the other reviewers are talking about, they are actually across Charles St. in the Public Gardens.
Boston Common is centrally located and perfect for a little de-crompressing after a long day of work, or a long day of touring the city.
Also... i could watch dogs and squirrels all day. There are a-plenty of both here :)Listed in: Get Outside!
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Review from Jenelle J.
Boston, MA
1/29/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Nice oasis in the midst of downtown Boston. Favorite times? During the summers, when the flower gardens near the swan boats are perfectly manicured, and during the winters, when everything is snow-covered. Otherwise I tend to find my nature elsewhere.
Definitely recommend going to Shakespeare on the Common in the summer - definitely a must-do Boston experience! -
Review from Kevin L.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's like a smaller, posher, more manicured version of New York's Central Park.
Along with the eye-catching flora, absurd swan boats, and imposing statue(s), Boston Common comes with the related trappings one might expect: yuppie joggers, yummy mummies with strollers, and surprisingly talented street artists.
I can see why one would want to live in a building abutting this park. And I can also appreciate why said residence might be exorbitantly priced.
As an epitome of ultra-urban green space, this park is exceedingly exemplary. I'll leave you to interpret what exactly that means... -
Review from Andrea B.
8/30/2011
I've only ever been to the Boston Common during the spring or summer, and it is beautiful. Like everyone else at this park, I love just sitting in the shade in the grass, or if it's not too hot, in the sun. I don't remember this at all, but my parents told me that we had picnics here frequently, and that I absolutely loved playing in the frog pond when I was little (not unlike just about every other kid at the park).
More recently though, my friend and I almost met an early demise at this lovely park. We had just emerged from one of the little parking garage buildings and were looking for the T stop. We were just walking along, minding our own business, when someone runs up to us and yells at us to move. We're a bit flabbergasted, but we move, of course. At this point, I take in my surroundings a little more carefully, and find that we were in the midst of a colonial reenactment of sorts. Just moments later, cannons go off!
So yes, I love the Boston Common, but it also happens to be the place where I nearly met my death by cannon fire. I bet THAT is an experience that not many people can claim to have!Listed in: Downtown Boston, Boston Tourist Traps
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Review from Leslie L.
Boston, MA
8/31/2011
This is a great park in which I never feel out of place in my work clothes, sneakers, lying on the grass without a blanket, reading a book, on my lunch hour.
I'm fortunate enough to work very close to here, and it's been the greatest simple pleasure.
Sure, it's under construction, but that'll be completed one day. If you like to hear sort of korny old-timey tour guides herald their 1 PM tour, go hang out near the Park Street Station. If you like peace and quiet, hang out near the Boylston Station.
There's always lots of food carts. Once after I ran a 5k in Southie, I stopped here to get some Fried Dough To-Go. Who gets fried dough to-go? I do, that's who, so I could jam it into my mouth with no regard for table manners in the privacy of my own apartment.
I once saw a squirrel with one of those rounded icey-drink lids stuck on it's neck. :( Luckily, the cup lid was around his shoulders, and not around his head, so he could still get his nom nom on. I felt so sad. I tried to catch it to save it, but we all know how well that works. -
Review from Janet D.
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Being together with my 13 year old daughter 24/7 inside a Mini Cooper or a "cozy" hostel room for the past 21 (of 45!) days has been perplexingly pleasant. I say perplexingly because we've invaded each other's space far more in our 2,400 square foot home. Our mutual conclusion is that we are lacking certain "stressors" on this trip and our female vibes are completely in sync. But, as I walked to Boston Common alone, I remembered the key lesson I learned back in Austin...occasional bouts of air conditioned solitude preserve pleasant.
She didn't know what she was missing. Who am I kidding? I would have just gotten an eye roll, fake gasp and or "Really, Mom???" if I told her she was walking in the U.S.A.'s oldest city park (dating back to 1634!).
What to do? Should I follow the meandering walkways and soak up the meticulous landscaping...or, sit next to picnickers under one of the massive shade trees...or, ride on a storybook goose-boat in the picturesque pond...or, soak up the sound of a live jazz band playing in the shade? I followed, soaked...and, snapped a ton of photos...without being pestered one single time.Listed in: The Retro Advice 45-Day Mom &…
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Review from Lisa D.
9/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Chill~ that's what I do here. Enjoy the street artists, the weather, people watch, grab a hot pretzel, chill on a bench and did I say people watch?
Grab a sandwich from Lambert's across the way, read a book and just enjoy the day. -
Review from Jon T.
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Don't get me wrong, I like the Common. As someone who grew up in New England, it would be hard not to. I love the way it looks in the autumn, and the frog pond in the winter is a must.
However, as far as beautiful parks go, the Public Garden obviously has it beat. And with it being close by, I usually spend more time there. Still, the historic feel of the Common is quite nice. -
Review from John L.
8/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Boston Common is Boston's primary park area. It's a beautiful park, with its statues, fields for play, the Frog Pond, the gazebo that can be used for a panoply of purposes (Deval Patrick rallies, beginnings of Marc C. Scavenger Hunts, etc.), historical remembrances, etc. It's also next to the Public Garden, which gives you swan boats and duck statues. You will find many panhandlers, etc. , but that's to be expected in a city park.
It's also the name of a terrible NBC comedy from the period when NBC would make terrible comedies that could be paired up with Friends, Frasier, or Seinfeld. Like worse than the outsourcing comedy or the couples comedy that NBC used this past season as filler between Community, Parks & Recreation, The Office, and 30 Rock. But we're not going to hold that against it. Would you hold it against a place if it were named "Just Shoot Me"? Actually yes, yes you would. -
Review from remie m.
Newport Beach, CA
8/31/2011 2 photos
WOW!!! i lucked out to get a beautiful day 2 walk inside this park!
I loved everything abt it! The atmosphere of how locals and tourist combine. . .such a beautiful park. . .so much history surrounding it.
Did a stroll thru the park, would've been great to have a picnic here.
We sat on an open bench and "Talked" . . . did a few ppl watching and watched some squirrels play. If i had more time would've liked to have spent more time here. . .its like a getaway from the city in the middle of the city! :) -
Review from Michelle L.
Honolulu, HI
6/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was one of my favorite stops while on my visit to Boston. Absolutely gorgeous. It was nice to just slow down the afternoon and really take in the sights. The flowers were so beautiful and the duckies were a real treat. I found some ducklings and even a swan nesting area.
The Boston Common is a must-see. It's truly a beautiful park. Five stars. -
Review from Chris B.
Red Hook, NY
10/10/2011
One of the biggest parks in Boston, and best known, is also one of the cleanest parks in Boston. Although it doesn't beat New York City's Central Park in land-size, it does get my vote for a very cool park to take a little while in.
Even in one section, there is even an area where some vendors come and sell water on really hot days, and in some places, some vendors sell sweatshirts on really chilly (fall/autumn) days. And although I still have the sweatshirt I bought in 1997, my overall weight and height have changed, so I no longer fit into this sweatshirt. My brothers (who are now the age I was, when I bought this shirt) now proudly wear this sweatshirt. While the sweatshirt hasn't faded, its a proud memory that I was to this park, many years ago. And whenever I stop into Boston, I make sure to take a quick stop at Boston Commons. -
Review from Mireya V.
8/8/2011 1 photo
I LOVED this park! If it wouldn't have been so freaking hot, I would've spent all day walking here, enjoying the scenery and taking pictures on my new S8100! I love picnics, which made this park a prime location! If I lived here, I would quit my job and picnic (as a verb).
The squirrels here are SUPER aggressive and NOT afraid of people. They are so much bushier in Boston than they are in San Diego; I think it's the heat! I saw several jumping about and going up to people and eating out of their hands! It's all fun and games until they go for a nut (no pun intended). -
Review from Skye G.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
There are so many things to love about the city and this place is one of them.
Walk around and enjoy the open space, come here in the winter for ice skating on the frog pond or check out the New Year's ice sculptures, and in the summer pull up some grass and relax and people watch. -
Review from Nicole V.
4/12/2011
Can anyone not love the Common? It's just so.... happy.
Even though it's not huge, it's big enough. I consider it to be perfect sized for Boston. My favorite thing to do is to just walk around for a while and people watch. There's also reading, picnicking, and lots of picture opportunities. We actually took our Christmas card picture this year in the Common. Yes, I'm 24 and my mom still makes us take Christmas cards. I can guarantee you I'll be taking them for years to come too...
...Back to reviewing, it's also a great place to meet people. Park Street is the choice meet up for Red Line and Green Line friends. You can take friends visiting the city to the Frog Pond or just walk around to see what's going on.
Bonus: one time in the fall I was walking through and saw people playing Quidditch. It still makes my day...Listed in: Out of Towners..., Our 2.5 Day Boston Excursion
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Review from Erik O.
Boston, MA
The commons are alright.
A good spot to walk around in fall or winter, but, i'm not crazy about them in the summer. too many bums.
find me at the esplanade. -
Review from Jeremy G.
Humble, TX
8/3/2011
(To avoid confusion, please note that Boston Common [and therefore this review] refers to the big grassy areas bordered by Beacon, Charles and Tremont. The "pretty" area that everyone loves is Public Garden, located adjacent to the Common.)
Man, this place is *amazing* after a good snowfall!
During the rest of the year, I would say it's a good spot for locals to play and relax but not a must-see for tourists. If you're from out of town, skip this area and go see the aforementioned Public Garden. -
Review from John S.
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's called the Common because it can be used by anyone. And that amorphous "anyone" uses the Common all the time.
I'm Boston by nature (though not by birth), and so I've got a lot of pride in the beautifully maintained and historically important parkland. I've eaten lunch on it, played frisbee on it, and found excuses to walk across it just because it was there. It's a wonderful place, and it makes me happy to know it'll be there for centuries more. -
Review from noc f.
Sacramento, CA
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favorite park!
Clean and has a safe feeling...Only been here twice and in the day time though so I can't speak for what goes on in the dark.
Great place to take pictures for us tourists. Beautiful view.Nice man made lake where you can take a swan ride and relax after a day full of shopping since it's very close to Newbury street where you can shop til ya drop!
I'll take this park any day compared to Central park in NYC. -
Review from Eric F.
12/4/2011
One of Boston's many landmarks that's awesome for a beautiful Fall stroll. There's the frog pond and tennis courts as well for those interested in activities here.
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Review from Julia F.
5/12/2011
I used to hang out here alot more when I was a little kid. It was one of the places my dad would take my older sister and I. It has changed alot since then, and though I go here less frequently these days, it still holds a special place....
Shakespeare on the common. It's pretty dope. If you haven't gone, go!
When you walk through here on a Friday night, just before the bars let out, don't be surprised if it looks like every couple feet people are about to bone on a park bench or against a tree. My guess is... They are.Listed in: Parks & Rec
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Review from Keli R.
Wolcott, CT
5/23/2011
I love The Common. In one day, you can do so much. See so many beautiful things and interesting people. It is family friendly and refreshing. In one day we saw:
1. a Quiddich (yes...Harry Potter...Quiddich..broomsticks and all) game going on between Harvard students..it was Hilarious! and I don't even know about Quiddich!
2. A one man band who was inspiring and lovely. He has been around the world spreading the word of music. please do not mistake him for a crazy homeless person..give him a chance.
3. Students creating some sort of info-mercial with a person in a Polar Bear costume..not sure why, but funny none the less.
4. A Greek Independence Day Parade and festival...full of food vendors, crafts and tons of music (OPA!!!)
5. An abundance of puppies (who doesn't love puppies!)
6. A stroll through a historic old cemetary...
And this was just in a couple hours!! Imagine what you can discover?! Go there...now!
**side note...I went there once years ago...and hand fed a squirrel a peanut..they are so used to people that they come right up to you sometimes. Dangerous and stupid???? HA! I LAUGH IN THE FACE OF DANGER!! -
Review from Chris C.
2/17/2011
I really like Boston Common because it feels like it fits in better with its surroundings in comparison to Central Park in New York. You can find some beautiful views of the city here, and there's lots of benches and ponds and places to find a nice spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's not quite as diverse as Central Park in terms of how it looks from one part of the park to the next, but it's a great place to take a walk around and enjoy the city while not feeling like you're in the middle of a city.
The park was generally pretty clean, and it was definitely safe during the daytime and early evening. Good place to take your kids and a perfect spot to take a walk after dinner.Listed in: She said I think I'll go to…
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Review from April C.
3/18/2011
There's not much I could add about the Boston Common that probably hasn't already been said in it's near-150 reviews, so I'll keep it short and simple...or not. Who am I kidding, I can't do that!
The Common is a Boston icon, and is truly a gem (aptly described, as it is the anchor of Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace) for residents or visitors alike.
There are benches aplenty, three T stops to choose from (Arlington, Park or Boylston), ample restaurants, attractions and other outings lining the park perimeter, the paths are mostly paved and the scenery (on most days) is beautiful (more on that later).
If I accomplish nothing else with this review, I must call to your attention that there are two sides to the Common, split by Charles Street. The side closer to Newbury and bordering Arlington Street is the "Disney Land" side of the Common - this is where the infamy lives: the beloved "Swan Boats", the iconic George Washington statue, the stunning gardens, the bubbling fountains and the smallest suspension bridge in the world (betcha' didn't know that!) are all residents of the greener side of the fence.
Enter, the OTHER side of Charles Street. This is where the tourists tend to clutch their children a little closer, make sure the fanny pack is secured, constricted pupils nervously darting back and forth. "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in the Common, anymore..."
But this is where Bostonians live (sometimes, literally). This is where we take our dates skating on frog pond in the bitter cold winters. Where we play tennis on the under-served courts in the crisp, fresh autumn. Where we chomp on Italian ice and watch a little league game in the heavy, hot summers. Where we make our re-entry into the outdoors on the first warm, moist spring day.
Tourists cautiously make their way through this authenticity that is downtown Boston Common, until they happen upon the hill leading up to the holy grail, the Statehouse. Their heart rates stabilize, as they loosen the death-grip on their child's hand, reaching for the oversized camera. "Look, honey, the Statehouse! Run up the hill so I can get a picture! That graveyard is supposed to be nearby, isn't it?" And although they don't realize it, the shiny gold dome of the Statehouse blinding them into false security, there is a bum sipping on his brown bag, looming behind a tree, watching just a *little* too closely as Johnny runs up the hill and throws his arms into the air for a photo...
But what's a city without a little flavor, right? [yeah, whatever you need to tell yourself...] But there's a light at the end of the [T] tunnel: the Common and all it's glory that I love so much, even if I write deprecating, sarcastic Yelp reviews about it.Listed in: You're Poor? Yeah, We've Got…
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Review from Lorrie M.
11/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a pretty nice park and I've heard people compare it to Central Park in New York (but I am guessing a lot smaller since there are parts of Central Park that look like the middle of a forest ....) but I really like the look and feel of this place.
I'm not really sure how I feel about the dead bodies buried there, but it's got historical significance. When I strolled through it, despite the day being sort of cloudy and overcast with a good chance of rain, I saw many people out walking about as well as playing with their dogs.
I like that Boston Commons is mostly a huge field so it seems like a great place to hold a group sports game of tag football or something.
I do like that the freedom trail tour, one of them at least, begins there. It's a nice stroll through even at night! -
Review from Leila C.
Nashua, NH
5/17/2011
The Common...I like to call it The Commons. I tend to add s's to things though.. (i.e. Barnes and Nobles, etc.).
Great park: swan boats, gardens, really cute duckling statues perfect for a photo op. Great spot for picnicking, a nice stroll or people watching. -
Review from todd w.
Granbury, TX
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
always wanted to go there; happy i finally did.
#BostonCommon is just BURSTING with life & activity.
new romance.
happy pups.
frisbees.
conversations.
relaxation.
fresh green grass.
cool breeze.
Provided a much-needed reprieve from my professional routine while in town. -
Review from Yumi H.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful and relaxing park! Known for being one of the cleanest parks in Boston... so I've heard! Plenty of benches to relax on. You can spot playgrounds, fountains, small cemetaries, tall buildings, and colleges across the street.
