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Freedom Trail Boston
Categories: Hotels & Travel Tours Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Tours, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
99 Chauncy StSte 401
Boston, MA 02228
Neighborhood: Chinatown
(617) 357-8300
- Nearest Transit:
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Bedford St @ Chauncy St (11, 276, 7)
Chinatown Station - Outbound (Orange Line)
Chinatown Station - Inbound (Orange Line)
159 reviews for Freedom Trail Boston
Review Highlights
"Spring for the $3 to tour Paul Revere's house."
(in 21 reviews)
"Follow the red brick, Follow the red brick."
(in 12 reviews)
"Bunker Hill Monument and battle ground site."
(in 17 reviews)
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159 reviews in English
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Review from Jon S.
Newport, RI
1/16/2012
Boston is a GREAT walking city and this is the best way to see it.
We parked at the USCG Boston station (free for military after 1500) and started the walk from there (drops in near Revere Plaza). Walking it with a toddler & senior = a a lovely stroll. Grab an pastry for a snack and scope which restaurant to dine at. We walked the route out to the Commons, got the picture in front of Cheers (first time visit for family) and took at cab back to Little Italy for chow. Great 1/2 day where you can see the big sights, get fresh air, avoid parking fees and a $40 trolley ride. I'm sure it's great, but you need to be around Boston for 2 days if you do it. -
Review from Elizabeth P.
Medford, MA
1/9/2012
On a lovely, unseasonably warm January day, we decided that after living in the Boston-area for almost half a year it was time to see some of the city. As a American Revolution-era history student, I couldn't help but suggest walking part of the Freedom Trail as a means of kicking off our site-seeing, and it was a blast. Of course, this is a great way to see historic sites in Boston, but it's also a lovely way of getting a sense of the city (and Charlestown) more generally. The tour takes you by a variety of other historic and cultural places not formally marked on the maps, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for potential detours of interest.
We parked by the Bunker Hill Monument, so technically walked the Trail backwards. On weekends parking around the monument is free (it's by permit during the week), and parking there was definitely less chaotic than driving downtown. While you can take guided tours, the reduced winter schedule and our desire to take the walk at our own pace with our own detours led us to simply print out a map off-line and follow the red brick/painted line through the city. We also opted not to buy a guidebook, since I've done research on colonial- and revolutionary-era Boston, but I would definitely recommend buying a book if you really want to get into the history of the sites visited. Some places, like Bunker Hill and the Paul Revere House have displays full of information; however, other sites like the site of the Boston Massacre and Copp's Hill Burying Ground aren't as well explained by markers.
The full tour is only 2 1/2 miles or so long, but it can take most of the day if you want to see everything fully and are interested in stopping for lunch and/or taking some steps off the path. -
Review from Jen S.
11/19/2011
Since we were only staying in Boston for the weekend, we wanted to make the most out of our short stay there so we decided to do the Freedom Trail which I definitely would suggest doing as you get to see a good part of the city.
We started at the Visitor Center, bought a map, and just did our own self-guided tour. You can pay for a guide which is $12.50 per person but we just wanted to take our time. Just follow the ride line or red brick line which leads to all the sites.
It is only a 2.5 mile walk one-way but you can easily spend a whole day just touring all the sites. We got through most of the sites except for Bunker Hill. We just didn't have the energy to make it up another hill, plus it was exceptionally cold and windy that day. -
Review from Eric L.
Boston, MA
2/8/2012
This is a fun and educational way to see Boston. For school kids and teachers looking for added fun and intrigue, we recommend Boston Adventures, the 2 1/2 hour scavenger hunt along the famed Freedom Trail, open year-round, too. Either way, enjoy your Boston adventures!
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Review from Steve G.
Winchester, MA
1/29/2012
Wonderful trip into American Revolutionary History - Great Google Freedom Trail Map Link
Boston was one of the founding engines for the American Revolution, and the Freedom Trail walks you through many of the most influential sites. And, Boston is a great, walkable city. It can be done in a few hours, a day, or even two - depending on your time and depth of interest. Fun for all ages, but some sites have limited access for the mobility-challenged.
If you would like a great Google Map of the trail, take a look at this. The map should be helpful for anyone planning a visit and contains a ton of useful traveler-related information including historic restaurants and non-official sites that are on the trail. Lots of pictures too - almost a full Freedom Trail Guide. http://www.stevestrave... -
Review from John B.
Dublin, OH
9/15/2011
The Pirates and Patriots Tour is a hidden treasure.
We did the Pirates and Patriots tour under the guidance of Privateer Nathaniel Ellis. In short, it was a very memorable 90 minutes filled with good stories, obscure history and a talented tour guide. We walked the entire tour and even though there were only 4 in the tour, Nate, as he asked to be called, never let that slow down his pace. We hit a few off the beaten path areas due to our small group and he had a lot of passersby hanging on his stories in different areas. He was knowledgeable and entertaining and I would recommend this tour to anyone seeking a bit of non standard history wit their tour.
Ye won't be disappointed partin' wit'booty fer this tour! -
Review from Chris B.
Red Hook, NY
8/13/2011
The Freedom Trail, a walking tour of the downtown streets of Boston, MA, is a must-do for any family, big or small. Besides showing you some of the famous landmarks like Boston Commons, the Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church, this tour also features lesser-known historical places such as Grannary Burying Ground and the Boston Latin School.
Also on the trail are some better known locations such as the site of the Boston Massacre and the USS Constitution (which from your history class was a major ship from the American Revolution-no giveaways here), as well as the Bunker Hill Monument.
There are also several other locations on the trail. Plan to spend more than one day, walking from one end to the other. But be careful of hidden places where stalkers lurk: between two buildings the line passes, and I ALMOST lost my $100 camcorder a few years back. Unfortunately, I had just enough mind to fight them off, and so I won.
For this tour, start off parking in the parking lot underneath Boston Commons (which can also be found on Yelp searched under "Boston Common Garage".) There are other places in the city in which you can park, but Boston Commons garage is the closest parking garage nearest the starting location. As you make your way into other days, pick up from where you last left off. The red-line on the ground, will lead you through the trail from beginning to end.
Let me also provide you some links to find information on each of these places, right from the Freedom Trail's official website each item is a link on this page: http://thefreedomtrail... (a map can be provided (make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed) at: http://www.thefreedomt...) -
Review from Alan N.
7/29/2011
There are very few places that I have seen in my life so far that have truly left me in awe. The statue of Liberty, Arlington Cemetary and now, the history I enjoyed along the Freedom Trail.
I arrived about 1:30p on a Wednesday afternoon and parked at the Nautica garage near the USS Constitution Museum (NOTE: If you park there and give a donation at the museum they will validate saving some $$). From there I followed the trail and enjoyed every stop I made along the way. In all I spent about three hours and didn't complete the entire trail because I had to get back but what I saw and experienced will be filed away in my mind as one of the neatest historical experiences of my life. I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Shianne K.
San Antonio, TX
8/2/2011 12 photos
You must do this if you are going to Boston!! My dad and I did not take a guided tour (we are fast walkers) but we were still able to take in Boston!!
I fell in love with this city!! The freedom trail is a great way to get started and see what Boston has to offer.. I wish I could have spent a whole week there!!
We went on a Sunday about 8:30 am. It was so perfect!! There was no traffic!! Most businesses didn't open until 9am, so it was peaceful when we started the trail. There are plenty of starbucks on the freedom trail so have no fear if you need a beverage.
Bathrooms however, are not in abundance. Make sure you get a freedom trail map before you start, so you have some type of idea of what you are looking at and where you are going.
Loved it!! -
Review from Faith D.
6/6/2011
This is a "must-do" when you come to Boston! I loved the walking tour to get a very thorough history of the area. Our guide was great and at times sang some songs along the way.
It takes a couple hours to complete and you definitely want some good, comfy walking shoes. You will want to bring a backpack with water and possibly snacks so you don't get too thirsty or hungry along the journey. The tour guide made a quick stop at a local vendor halfway through in case you forgot your backpack full of munchies.
Once you do the walking tour, it's fun to roam around the city and stumble upon the red line that charts the Freedom Trail.
Do this, bring a camera, and have fun! Oh yeah, bring some extra cash to tip your tour guide if he/she does a fantastic job. -
Review from Daryl C.
El Segundo, CA
10/19/2011
Walked the whole trail over the course of several days. History really came to life. I highly recommend this, but I wouldn't do it in 1 day.
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Review from Stephanie H.
Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wish it wasn't such a rainy day, would have made walking the Freedom Trail a lot more fun. Nothing TOO exciting, except for the fact that I got to actually see all of the places and things that I learned about in elementary history class. Super cool! 8-)
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Review from Bob K.
Anaheim Hills, CA
11/10/2011
My wife and I did half of the Freedom Trail and it was very interesting. Saw many of the historic buildings, Paul Revere's home ($3 for the tour), cemetery and saw a few people working there in costume. This shows you the history. Definitely worth the walking tour which the walk is pretty flat with no hills except at the end. I highly recommend doing this self guided walking tour which is free if you plan on visiting Boston. People there are very friendly and kind if you need to ask for directions. Unfortunately, because it was the beginning of winter, many tours had limited days which we missed.
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Review from Mariam P.
Chicago, IL
10/4/2011
We did the Freedom Trail 90-minute tour with Nathaniel Ellis, aka tour guide Chris. For three girls from Chicago, the tour was a great experience all the way through. Not only did he let us join his group after we rushed on the T to catch the last tour at 4pm, he also was engaging, fun, and knowledgeable about the landmarks (I should hope so!). Chris made our weekend in Boston great fun, and the only regret we had was that we didn't do the full tour.
He also left us with a great quote I think of everytime I see people dawdling on the sidewalk: "It's a sidewalk, not a sidestand!"
Thank you so much, Chris! -
Review from Mr F G and Ms M S.
Flushing, NY
8/27/2011
It was 8 AM, the weather was nice, sunny day, well fed (though not enough sleep cos it's hard to get some shut-eye in a sauna bus) so we were excited to start the day in Boston.
First stop: Boston common,where it's supposed to be where the visitor center located. Wrong, it's under renovation. It said it moves to across the street. No, it was not open yet . So no map, no info.
But we remember reading in some articles to just follow the red path, so we looked for red path and there it was, some blurry reddish line on the path.
It was easy afterwards, the red line /red brick was there guiding us and it took us back to old America, where the history was created hundred years ago. The buildings were interesting, from oldest tavern to old but calming burying ground, and since we started early, there was no other tourist , only bostonians going to work and we could just took photos as many as we could.
The whole trail took us around 2- 2 1/2 hours walking, there is no T (subway) at USS Constitution museum and we ended up taking the water shuttle as it was the closest to across the island.
Price: Free. It's easy just follow the red line, no need to take the official tour.
Location: start from Boston Common in park street to Charlestown up north
Time: Start early so you don't have to fight photo op with other tourist, but not too early if you want to enter all the buildings as most buildings opened after 9AM.
Verdict: The trail was neat and well planned. Definitely a must go.
We don't think we'll take this trail again if it's only the two of us. For those who are not used to walking, try divide the trail into 2 time, one from Boston common to Copps hill burial ground and the second in Charlestown ( USS constitution ,Bunker hill, etc) . It would be nice if there is subway at the end of the trail so we could go straight to downtown or other places. Because not everyone took the package trolley/duck tour and we wanted to go to other places after finishing the trail instead going back to the same route. -
Review from Melanie B.
Santa Clara, CA
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're in Boston for the 1st time, I highly suggest you take a stroll on the Freedom Trail. There are tour guides all dressed up in patriotic outfits that will give you an overview of some Boston history. Definitely, a great trail and easy to follow. Just literally follow the line on the ground and yes it's a bit unfaded so good to just walk around the Boston Common. It will soon connect with one another.
Great pit stop would be the water park area to relax. I relaxed under a big oak tree and people watched. I love this area! -
Review from Carol K.
Gilbert, AZ
7/27/2011
Definitely a go. Loved the rich history and so many of the sites linked together. This was a great walk and look into our past. We didn't do a formal tour, just strolled around and enjoyed the sites, museums, mini tours of buildings etc.
You could take a few days and do it well. We thoroughly enjoyed the Freedom Trail. . -
Review from David O.
Edmonds, WA
8/11/2011
If it is past the fall of 2012, stop reading, my review is probably not very applicable anymore. Despite my two star rating I will add, if you're visiting Boston, this is a MUST visit. But read on on why I rated this so low.
The Freedom Trail would better be called the endless construction trail right now. The first half of the trail is a huge disappointment.
The main Visitor Center were it starts in Boston Common, closed for renovation. The trail starts at a store front across the street. The trail would then normally head northeast through the Boston Common to the Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Memorial. Nope. The entire southeastern corner of the Boston Common is closed off and torn up for "improvements" and construction. So follow the detour signs.
The next stop is the old Granary Burial Yard. Well, this is torn up with construction with two projections going on including drainage repairs and grave stabilization. Grave markers are completely buried in dirt in some places (I find it rather disrespectful) where drainage work is going on, there is yellow safety tape all around, and lots of dirt.
The Old Bookstore? Unused, closed, and appears to have some sort of restoration work going on.
Along the trail you pass the old Boston City Hall, complete with Ruth Chris signs on it. Yes - you read that right. Ben Franklin's statue is apparently where you can get valet parking for Ruth Chris. Ugh.
Keep on going down the trail and you'll learn that the Boston Massacre site is located in the middle of a construction zone. No sign, no nothing. Well, plenty of very confused foreign tourists wandering a dangerous intersection with construction all around. The actually "site" apparently is surrounded in chain link fencing with some construction lighting towers.
Oh wait, it just keeps going. Follow the trail down to Fanueil Hall Marketplace and you'll find the first floor completely closed and under renovation, the second floor available as long as there is no event going on (of course we weren't that lucky) so we couldn't go in at all. It is also surrounded with barriers and construction fencing, blocking off most of the first level for - you guessed it improvements.
If you're planning a trip to Boston and the Freedom Trail is an integral part of your visit - I strongly suggest waiting until the fall of 2012 or even to 2013. I wish we had.
Now once you get past the first half of the trail. The other eastern half features are accessible. Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church are both incredible places. The Copp's Hill Burial Ground is also very fascinating, in a quiet North End neighborhood, just west of the old North Church. While there a black cat followed us around, and even "posed" by a gravestone. It was a thing that makes you go, hmmmm...
I'm sure it will return to its historical and visual glory in another 18 months. The rich American history here is absolutely outstanding - I just wish there has a better approach taken for "renovations" and "improvements." -
Review from Calli C.
4/21/2011
Oh Freedom Trail. I have walked you as part of field trips, family expeditions, first dates, bad dates... The best part is being able to drop in on all the roving tours, which offer up interesting tidbits of information, made better if the tour guide is in period dress. See how many you can spot! We counted 9.
It's only 2.5 miles supposedly, but there are enough twists and turns that it can seem longer. It does take you by all the important historical locations in Boston, which is great when you need to provide a cliff-notes version of the Revolutionary War in an hour to visitors from out of town. However, it's just a good basis to view some of my favorite (and not so favorite) sights in Boston: the Lenny Zakim bridge as viewed from Charlestown, the hideous eyesore of Boston City Hall, the Rose Kennedy Greenway and lack of Central Artery, and the lovely alleys and mini-parks that spring up throughout the city. -
Review from Cassy H.
4/12/2011 4 photos
Follow the red brick road and walk around Boston to experience the ultimate U.S. History! Boston Massacre, Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, etc...!
This is the thing to do to experience and sight-see Boston through the lens of a U.S. History buff or just for someone who can appreciate the early days of the American Revolution. My friend and I walked around this place with a tour book since the visitor center was closed when we went, but it was pretty easy to find... just follow the marked red path. Each historical site is marked with plaque and usually has some sign explaining its historical significance.
I'd say Freedom Trail takes a good 2 hours.. for someone walking leisurely and not rushing through the sites. -
Review from Kate F.
9/6/2011
We had a lot of fun walking the trail ... stared in Boston Commons and finished at the USS Constitution (took the ferry back ... takes you right by the Aquarium) ... I would highly recommend asking a hotel for a Freedom Trail brochure because it has descriptions of each stop, so you'll know exactly why you're looking at an old building! There are plenty of bars along the way, in case you need to stop in for a beer or two.
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Review from Chris C.
2/17/2011
The Freedom Trail encompasses all of the historically significant places in Boston from the American Revolution. We didn't follow the entire trail while we were here, but we did visit the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Old North Church, and a couple of other spots along the way. There's a visitors/information center right near the Old State House where you can find free maps to help guide you along your tour if you want to just do a self-guided tour like we did. Most of the designated places have some sort of plaque or sign near the building explaining it's historical significance, so it's still possible to enjoy the trail without help from a tour guide.
This would be a great place to take your 8th grade or 11th grade son or daughter, since these tend to be the years when the American Revolution is studied in most U.S. schools. I think I probably would have appreciated this trail even more had I just learned about it in school. -
Review from Misha T.
3/3/2011
I'm a nerdy US history major so I might enjoy the freedom trail more than most but It's super walkable and all the stops are relatively cheap. I didn't make it past Fanieul Hall really because I had a plane to catch but I particularly enjoyed the old state house.
On an amusing note the old city hall is now a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse -
Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
9/13/2010 8 photos
The is a great walking tour of the historic parts of Boston and I absolutely adored the Freedom Trail. You can pay and join a tour led by a docent wearing a historic garb or just grab a free map at their booth and walk at your own pace. It's an awesome way to discover the rich history of Beantown jam packed into a two-mile walk.
During my visit this past weekend, I was able to see the Boston Common, the State Park House, The Old Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, King's Chapel Burying Ground, Benjamin Franklin Statue, The Boston Latin School, Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Paul Revere's House and finally the North End.
Next week when I go back to Boston, I'm going to ride the trolly hop and take a cruise to the USS Constitution and see the monument at Bunker Hill. -
Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
7/3/2011
Even if you don't dig history, as long as you enjoy walking or being outdoors this is a GREAT self guided tour of Boston with some interesting sites, scenes, and stories along the way. Seriously, how many US cities can you think of with as much history as Boston - and how many of those give you a dirt cheap and excercise rich way to experience the culture. Sure it is a bit touristy, but to say you wouldn't want it that way would be to say you didn't want people to be interested in the history of their country.
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Review from Michelle A.
Henrico, VA
8/2/2010
As an official tourist (trying hard not to look like one of course) I wanted to add a few things to help my fellow travelers...
1. If you don't like guided tours, for $7 you can buy a book so you can do a self-guided tour. Just go to the Visitor Center in The Common.
2. There's a brick trail (or red painted trail, depending on where you are on the tour) in case you are map challenged. It's a lifesaver.
3. If you are a history buff-light like I am, go with a self-guided tour. I didn't need or want to check out every belltower, crypt, and tourist museum along the way, and this way I could explore further when I wanted, and leave when I was ready. It also let me and my husband stop along the way- Lunch in Quincy Market, dessert at Mike's, etc.
But it is a really good tour- and if you do the whole thing in one day, you've walked enough to justify a nice plate of pasta from the North End for dinner!Listed in: Best things about Boston...
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Review from Jen K.
5/21/2010
A funny thing happened to me in Boston...
If you live in Portland, you are constantly asked about the weather wherever you go. Portland (and Seattle) are pretty much synonymous with rain to the rest of the country. And as an Oregonian, I don't let the rain bother me. Who needs an umbrella? It is a sign of weakness. Throw your hood on and go about your business.
So after a warm and sunny Friday, I set off Saturday morning to walk the Freedom Trail. It was overcast and a few drops started to fall. As I shopped on Newbury Street, a cashier at Filene's Basement pointed to an umbrella stand nearby and recommended I add one to my purchases. And I laughed at her, "I'm from Portland. We know rain."
Believe me, she got the last laugh. Boston turned out to be a walker's paradise. To start the Freedom Trail from my hotel at Copley Square, I walked past the boutiques on Newbury Street, through the Public Garden and Boston Common then up Beacon Hill past the golden dome of the State House. Then the official trail began and it was easy and fun to follow the red line all through the city.
Unfortunately, it started to rain. And not delicate little drops. It was actually like someone was throwing buckets of water at me. What do I remember about the Freedom Trail? There are lots of churches where you can seek sanctuary from the rain. There are many burial grounds that fill with puddles so deep at times you feel like you are stranded on little islands of turf. Trying to pass by Paul Revere's statue involved climbing on benches and dodging under trees to evade the weather. On the Charlestown Bridge, truck drivers will drive in the right lane and intentionally go through puddles to coat walkers from head to toe with a wave of water. Can you blame them?
What was even more amusing is that it turns out my pants become see through when wet. So it was good times on the street that day.
Some of the stops along the trail are free, others ask for suggested donations and still others have admission charges. My favorite stop along the trail was the ship yard in Charlestown. It was Marine Week and that is a group of fellows that appreciate see through pants. It is also home of the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and a nice FREE museum. The lowlight was probably Fanueil Hall which was like a slightly historic food court.
While the famous quote goes, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." My personal lesson learned was, "Those who don't use umbrellas will be heckled on the streets of Boston and have the time of their life."Listed in: Boston = Wicked Awesome!
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Review from Christina V.
Hialeah, FL
9/15/2010
Such a lovely walk. My fiance and I were in Boston for a couple of days last week and we decided to see what the Freedom Trail was about... it was amazing. Twisting and turning all throughout the city taking you through city, communities, historical landmarks... it was so beautiful.
We didnt take a tour.. we just grabbed a map and did it at our own pace.. cant really get lost.. there is, after all, a pretty clear red trail for you to follow! lol We had a great time following the trail and look forward to taking our families over to check it out first hand.. the dozens of pictures we took along the way hardly do it justice. Thank You Boston!!! -
Review from Kate C.
Stamford, CT
6/14/2011 1 photo
Um, okay. Well, I liked the fact that it provided an easy way to explore Boston and learn something at the same time. Maybe we should have done a guided tour, but I didn't feel like I learned or saw much. It also seemed like a bit of a tourist trap along the way. Would recommend though, maybe with a tour guide, as a good way to see Boston.
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Review from Cassie H.
7/19/2010
We read online and heard from friends and coworkers that the Freedom Trail was a great thing to do to learn about the history of Boston and that it could be done via guided tour or on your own -- and most importantly that it was a very cheap (like dirt cheap) thing to do.
So my husband and I took the "T" down to Park Street to walk the famous Freedom Trail. It started out great, and following the red path is the easiest thing ever. But we were disappointed to find out that dirt cheap wasn't what we thought -- each museum and the Paul Revere house wanted entry fees. So we skipped them. We did give small donations to the free for entry churches. Along the way we saw many other people doing the Freedom Trail and we passed through the Italian part of Boston w/ wonderment at the restaurants and bakeries.
Overall, the walk itself is something to experience. Be wary if you're not fit though - the walk does wind around and go up and down hills. If you think you're not gonna spend money, you're going to see the "cheap" version of the tour we did. If you are ready to shell out some dough, the Paul Revere house is about $8/adults, the Boston Massacre Museum $8/adults, and the USS Constitution -- who knows with that line! -
Review from Shea D.
3/29/2010 2 photos
Now this was cool.
Even the ridiculously cold temperatures this past Saturday couldn't detract from the sights that the Boston Freedom Trail has to offer. If you are *at all* interested in the history of the Revolutionary War, check this out. First off, the city of Boston makes it RIDICULOUSLY easy to follow this thing. Even if you don't know in advance (like we didn't) that there's a "trail" charted out for you on the streets and sidewalks, it's incredibly hard to miss the red bricks in the sidewalk and red paint on the streets that make up the "trail". Second, there are these cool seal things along the trail that make it REALLY obvious what you're following if you had actually managed to miss the really obvious red bricks and red paint.
The Freedom Trail highlights some of the most exciting initial moments of the Revolutionary War, and you get to walk from downtown Boston all the way to the North End (which actually isn't that far) to see what happened and where it happened. Being able to stand at the site of the Boston Massacre, for example, is pretty compelling no matter how schooled (or in some cases, "unschooled") you are in Revolutionary War history.
The best part? You can pick and choose which sites you want to stop at and see, and for how long. I absolutely detest tour "groups," and I really hate it when I'm forced to walk along a set path that's crowded with tourists who jabber loudly on their cell phones. The Freedom Trail leaves you free to see what you want, where, and for how long. It's the very definition of freedom. :-)Listed in: I'm Shipping Up to Boston
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Review from Dan G.
Methuen, MA
8/14/2011
Check out the National Park Service tours. Park Rangers take you along a portion of the Freedom Trail and tell about the events that lead to the American Revolution. The tours are free, start at the visitor center next to the Old State House and are offered at 10 am, 2 pm and 3 pm daily in he summer. They have been offering programs on the Freedom Trail since 1974.
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Review from Jim W.
9/14/2008
When I lived in Boston (which was up until recently) this was a must do for most of the folks that visited. It's absolutely worth the time and effort. If you can - try and do it when the weather is nice.
The first time we walked the freedom trail it was cold, windy and raining most of the time. So we spent more time learning about the inside of every place where you could get: hot coffee. hot tea. hot soup than we did learning history on the trail.
If you or your guests have time, do it in sections and really dig in to the areas along the trail. Well worth it.Listed in: IGO (Institute of the Great…
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Review from Kenny L.
2/11/2008
Ever wondered what that red trail along downtown Boston is named or lead to?
If you said Republican and Hell, you may be right...oh wait. I'm sorry, it's the Freedom Trail and it lead you some of the most historical landmarks in Boston during the Revolutionary period.
Some highlights of the Trail include:
1. Having historical landmarks explained to you by tour guides dressed like Benny Franklin and pleasant ladies.
2. Boston Common (the homeless and squirrels were there well before the park was built)
3. State House (with its beautiful 23K golden dome and copper overlay once worked on by Paul Revere)
4. Granary Burial Ground with John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams (buried with a Sharpie, loudspeaker, and beer, respectively).
5. Faneuil Hall. Quincy Market is NOT part of the Trail (First food court before the founding of our nation according to Wikipedia, so it must be true).
6. Old North Church and Paul Revere's house in North End (If those delicious Little Italy restaurants and shoppes were there during Paul Revere's ride, we wouldn't have know the British were coming! Darn Mike's Pastry!) -
Review from Paul C.
Fremont, CA
10/29/2011
Very cool and inexpensive way to see the historical sites in Boston. There are tour guides you can pay for that will give you details on each site but I just preferred to move at my own pace, plus, you can kind of listen in to those tour guides should you choose to.
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Review from Teej T.
Urbana, IL
12/4/2007
As an American history teacher and super uber geek, I was absolutely excited to walk the Freedom Trail. Imagine my ridiculous delight when I realized that there was a friggin' red brick line that led you up and down and over and around through Boston's most historic sites, taking you from the State House, through the Commons, down to the Granary Burying Ground, up past Park Street, Faneuil Hall, the Holocaust Memorial, and curving into the North End before turning you out at Bunker Hill.
I found the small placards of information, and available signs immensely helpful, and the idea that I was walkign where some of the country's most significant moments happened made the fact that my gloveless hands and hatless ears were raw and freezing from all of the walking in 30 degree weather worth it.
It's free, it's convenient, and it's amazing--walk the Freedom Trail already!Listed in: Boston Calling....
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Review from Jeff D.
Winchester, MA
7/28/2005
The Freedom Trail is a great place to spend the day learning about the History of Boston.
Start at the Boston Common Park St. Station "T" and follow the red line.
You can visit anything from the Copps Hill Burial Ground in the North End, the North End itself with its famous Italian Heritage ,architecture, and food, Paul Revere's house and statue, the Old North Church, The USS Constitution and Museum, the Charlestown Navy Yard, Bunker HIll Monument in Charlestown, and Samuel Adams' Grave. Stop for Lumch i the North End or Quincy Market, and enjoy the view of Boston from Bunker Hill.
FOR MORE INFO: Visit - http://www.thefreedomt...
TIP: If you don't want to walk back the entire way take the "T" MBTA water shuttle from Charlestown to Boston back.
or take the water shuttle first to Charlestown, visit the USS Contitution and Bunkier HIll first, and then go back on the Freedom Trail.
You get a good view on the boat of the Skyline of Boston from the water.
Also check oiut the USS Cassin Young Battle ship next to the Constituion ship
Note: the USS constituion does sail once in awhile when it is turned around so if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of it on the water. -
Review from Kenny B.
12/22/2006
I like this trail. I guess I've become a bit of a history geek, so I do enjoy walking in the same areas that our forefathers did. And seeing a lot of the different stops. Plus it takes you throughout so many great parts of the city, so how can you go wrong?
Its good exercise, its free (if you decide not to hit up the various museums along the way), entertaining, and its educational.
Besides, living on the West Coast you don't really get a sense of that American history like you do on the East Coast, especially Boston. So it is a definite welcome change. Wooo Freedom Trail!!!!! -
Review from Andrew C.
12/2/2009
I didn't have time tonight to walk the entire trail but the parts of it a friend showed me were astounding. Never before has American history come together in a way that it felt tangible. Touching the walls of the original statehouse where the Boston Massacre took place gives closure to just one of the many stories unlike any textbook or History channel special ever could. You people, the residents of Boston, have a treasure right under your feet and all around you. I hope you know, appreciate and continually enjoy that.
Looking at Samuel Adam's tombstone, knowing you're a mere six feet from one of the men who was most instrumental in the founding of this country is absolutely mind boggling. There are no words. Thanks, maybe.
On a lighter note, I told him the beer named after him was only mediocre. He didn't respond. -
Review from Emily S.
Stockton, CA
9/29/2006
We had a very nice visit to Boston. One of my favorite experiences was the Freedom Trail.
Who doesn't want to know about the rich history of our country?
5 stars!
