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The Freedom Trail
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- Nearest Transit:
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Government Center (Blue, Green)
State (Blue, Orange)
Park Street (Green, Red)
- Good for Kids:
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97 reviews for The Freedom Trail
This is such a great idea, especially for a pedestrian oriented city. The trail is basically guided with a red line or red bricks throughout the city.
We did the first part of the trail, and then trailed off somewhere after Faneuil Hall. We stopped so many times to take pictures and wander that it took us forever! We ended up doing Bunker Hill the next day, and going back to Faneuil Hall to eat later on.
The trial is free, and there is an information booth at the beginning of the trial, so you can pick up a map for $3 to educate yourself on what you are seeing while on the trial.
The Granary Burying Ground where Ben Franklin's parents, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and other patriots are either buried here or have markers commemorating them. I thought this place was beautiful. The fall leaves were everywhere and I had to take time to walk through it and observe the gravestones.
Faneuil Hall - Stop by here to grab some grub. Steamed lobster is amazing here!
We stopped at a random lobster place inside Faneuil...and I cannot remember the name [bah!]. However, if you find a lobster station with a giant silver lobster overlooking a lobster tank, and specials of $12 lobster with clam chowder, that's the one!!!
I had one of the best steamed lobsters with salt pepper lemon [i had to make my own sauce] and clam chowder ever. Clam chowder was creamy and perfectly made. I will never be able to eat clam chowder in California again. The lobster was steamed to order, and he cuts it right in front of you.
We also stopped by the Cheers Bar in Faneuil Hall. Although it isn't the real Cheers bar, the look and feel of it makes it fun. We got the Cheers glasses as souvenirs. =)
I was in Boston for business and had part of one day free for sightseeing. This was my first trip to Btown. After doing some research, I came to the conclusion that if I could only do one thing where here it should be the Freedom Trail. After walking almost the entire thing, I still stand by that choice!
Based on my limited schedule and the reviews I read here on Yelp, I decided to do a self-guided tour instead of paying for the Freedom Trail Foundation tour. I wanted the freedom (no pun intended) to go at my own pace and spend as little or as much at each of the stops as I wanted. I paid $6.50 for a guidebook at the Visitor Center and went on my way.
There were a few times that I got a little confused about where the trail went but I eventually figured it out. There is some construction that obscures the trail...it is no big deal, but keep your eyes peeled so that you don't miss it. I found myself backtracking a couple times because I didn't pay close enough attention! The map in my guidebook was really helpful in navigating.
Some of the stops along the trail charge a fee and some just have donation boxes. Since I was on a limited timeframe I only went inside Faneuil Hall (sp?), Paul Revere's House ($3.50 fee), and Old North Church ($3.00 suggested donation). I also wandered around the King's Chapel Burying Ground (didn't pay to go inside the chapel) and Copp's Hill Burying Ground. I walked all the way to the U.S.S. Constitution only to find out that it was closed...which was a major bummer. If you want to go on the ship or in the visitor center, be sure to check their hours before you walk there.
I was too tired to continue on to Bunker Hill, so I didn't really even see either of those stops but it was still nice to see Charlestown, the row houses and shipyard, etc. so that was all kinda a wash but overall I was glad I walked the last leg, even if it was just to see another neighborhood.
All in all, it was a great time--even by myself. It was a perfect fall day...60 degrees and slightly overcast. (Can't imagine how much more exhausted I would have been if I walked this in the summer!) I stopped at Mike's Pastry in North End for a cannoli and at Ducali right by the bridge for a quick lunch. Both were good choices.
I think next time I would take a guided tour, because I'm sure there are things I missed, even though I did some Internet research the night before to learn about the trail and the main stops. Plus, a tour guide (a good one, at least) always has anecdotal information and obscure facts that you just don't get in the standard, cheap guidebook. Plus, I get sick of reading sometimes and it would be nice to have someone tell me the information.
I'm a twenty-something and it took about 4 hours for me to walk the entire trail roundtrip. I stopped at all of the sites and read the plaques about each but I only truly explored a few. So, if you have children, older folks, or a larger group you should definitely allow more time. I walked the trail on a Tuesday in November and the stops weren't crowded at all but I imagine in the summer they are bustling. A word to the wise...this isn't a "trail" in the usual sense. It is a path through a major city. It goes up and downhill and through uneven cobblestone streets, so if you think that might be any issue because of age or health condition I would say take the trolley tour instead.
I am so glad that I walked the Freedom Trail. I got to see most of the historical sites that Boston is famous for as well as a handful of different neighborhoods. It was fascinating, easy, and cheap. I hope I can come back and do it again with my husband.
p.s. There are some iPod audio tours of the Trail that you can download. I wasn't able to because I don't have iTunes on my work computer but that would be a fantastic option!
We were only in Boston for 2 days, so we paid the $12 (donation) go on a guided historical tour, which was well worth it:
Pros:
*Go quickly through all the sites from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall without having to read anything
*If you're lucky, you'll get the "colonialist" dressed tour guide who is entertaining and might as well be walking POI himself
Cons:
*Guided tour ends at Faneuil Hall and does not continue on to the North End (additional/separate tour)...if you want to go all the way to Bunker Hill and not pay for another tour, you're on your own - which isn't too bad, just follow the Red Brick/Line!
Do:
*Wear comfortable Shoes (if you go the whole way, it's a good 2.5 mile walk with 16 stops)
*Make sure your camera if fully charged and that you have ample space on your memory card
*Have lunch at Faneuil Hall - we ate at King Fish Hall (Recommend: the chowder, lobster roll and fish and chips...and a couple beers!)
*Try to make it all the way to Bunker Hill (there is a clean restroom there after you've drank all that water from your walk)
*Climb up the Bunker Hill Monument if you're not tired from the walk from Boston Common...NOTE: there are 294 narrow steps that spiral all the way up to the top - awesome views of Boston!)
*Take a cab from Bunker Hill back to your hotel and sit in the indoor hot tub for an hour then go have a few beers
I remember as a little kid my parents making me walk this stupid thing one sweltering summer afternoon. It sucked.
Now that I'm older I see this thing all over town. If you're a tourist - follow it. It passes a lot of historic places and cool areas in Boston. Hopefully you'll have a guide of some sort to help you understand what you're looking at.
I highly recommend walking the entire trail on a nice day. Go slowly and observe your surroundings; while there's a starbucks on one side of the line, over there by those rocks? Yeah, that's where Sam Adams is buried. And if you're excited to go over there with a shovel to unearth a six pack? Maybe less time making smalltalk with the barista and more time learning about 'merica.
Lots of history and rampant commercialism along the trail, and even if you're not in it for the pursuit of absorbing American history, it's a good way to see various parts of the town without getting lost.
One thing of note - there's a lot of construction going on, so the trail is partially obscured at key intersections. Until they re-paint these areas, I would suggest printing out a map of the trail for reference.
Even if you don't want to pay to go into some of the sites along the Freedom Trail, you can still: 1) see a lot, 2) feel like you learned a whole bunch of American history, 3) get your exercise on!
The trail is clearly laid out with either the red bricks or red paint on the ground. Yes, I did not realize this until my second time doing the trail, but hey, at least I found it that time! My faves:
1. Boston Common - Sometimes during the summer, there are Shakespeare plays going on here, the famous Scooper Bowl ice cream festival, or other festivities. It's also a nice place to have a picnic if you're up for that.
2. The State House - The senators, state representatives, and governor do important stuff here! You can do a self-guided tour here, and there are different rooms you can check out that are pretty cool.
3. Granary Burying Ground - Ben Franklin's parents, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and other patriots are either buried here or have markers commemorating them.
4. Faneuil Hall - Stop by here to grab some grub and prepare for the rest of the trail. Ice cream, cookies, lobster rolls, chowdah...can't go wrong!
5. Bunker Hill Monument - If you can make it up all the stairs, you can get a nice view of Boston from all different sides of the monument. Plus, nothing like walking the entire trail and then climbing up some stairs. :-D
6. USS Constitution - Check the hours of operation before heading here. It's really neat to take pictures of/on, and then afterward, pop on over to the museum and get your history on.
A great way to enjoy Boston and the outdoors! If you go during the July 4th week, there are really cool festivities all week long, like reenactments. Check it out!
A great way to see Boston.
I wish Philadelphia had something like this.
Free and educational doesn't always equal FUN.... but the Freedom Trail was pretty darn fun. We did the whole trail to Bunker Hill on a Friday morning (8/14). I guess we were lucky we did it when (started a little after 9:30 AM) there were not too many people around. It's a great way to check several different neighborhoods: downtown, northend, and charlestown. We ended in the Bunker Hill Memorial (and yes climbed the 294 steps) - a little after 11 AM. We took our time and read all the plaques, took pictures and strayed off the red trail (just a little). Make sure you stop at:
Paul Revere's House - $3.50 is a great education investment
Old North Church - sit in a prayer box
Copp Hill Burial Grounds - read the old tombstones
Yes, I was one of the hoards of tourists that came to Boston over the 4th of July weekend, and went through the Trail with my mother and sister on the 4th to be symbolic and dorky and most of all, patriotic.
We went by ourselves and had a grand old time, all of us being history (and in mom's case, architecture) geeks. I won't go into detail, because everybody else has said it and can only be felt/experienced. It's a fun way to get to know Boston as a landmark of early American history. I highly recommend anybody to peruse the trail, especially students that are learning or have learned American history in classrooms. The Trail puts the latter to shame.
Optimally, it is best to go early in the morning, when the crowds and heat are minimal. We started at around 1pm, which was okay, but we couldn't get to see some end areas like the USS Constitution interior, which closed at around 6 (We got there at 7; they may have closed it entirely because it was the 4th). Nevertheless, one of the "must-do" things around Boston that ties the city and the history into one.
Sometimes I go on this trail even though I'm a Boston native, just for the fun of it. It's well designed, and it's great to see the historical landmarks tucked inside present-day Boston.
Grab a coffee from Dunkin' Donuts before walking to see the Old South Meeting House. That's what I'm talking about.
4 stars because it's a bit long and exhausting, especially in the summer. But who can you blame?
Hard to say anything more than everyone else already did, If you only have one day in Boston, the trail covers pretty much every major historical site in the city.
Officially, it's 2.5 miles long, but it sure felt a lot longer.
There's a lot of great stuff on this tour, but it can be dampened by the hoards of tourists that follow this trail. We saw most of it, and tried not to keep too close to the path so that we could walk without being bumped into or bumping into someone. We did this on a Friday afternoon, and started backwards. On purpose. I know now why the keep the Bunker Hill monument for last. The 294 STEPS you have to climb to get to the top!! We were fine going up, but once we got back down we were both shaking and tired. So, we rested up and carried on.
I couldn't help but keep singing Follow the Red Brick Road, and fell in love with Boston's version of Little Italy. 30 Italian restaurants on 4 blocks.
The Freedom trail is a great way to see the main historical spots of Boston and its downtown neighborhoods, but it certainly tests your stamina and patience.
Cool free thing to do, but just like trying to get back on the highway in Boston, confusing...! Come on people, we are on foot, and I do understand road construction, but don't make me walk out of my way to figure out where to walk and see the history of Boston, MASS...! haha, it was cool, but we did take unnecessary steps... cool free thing to do... just be forwarned... don't go through the foodcourt market buildings at Feneiul Hall... killer looking and smelling food that is hard to resist!
The Freedom Trail takes you every place in Boston that you need to go to get your full fill of history! Obviously, based on my previous reviews, I LOVE history and all that it stands for. I especially love the history of this nation and the dawn of our Revolution. I don't know why, it's just such a great story.
Begin anywhere you wish (though I recommend right at the Old State House on State St.) and just follow the trail. Made of brick and red lines, the trail will take you 2.3 miles all over the city of Boston (even across the Charles River to Breed's Hill to see the monument to the Battle of Bunker Hill) to each historic site that shaped the city of Boston and this nation.
Move from the Old State House to Faneuil Hall to King's Chapel to the Boston Public Latin School to the Paul Revere House to the U.S.S. Constitution... you name it, you can take the Freedom Trail there! There are great markers to help you on your way (and to point you in the direction of the next historic site) and you can spend as much or as little time as you want on the trail and at each site. It really is a great way to just see the city for absolutely no money - you can take your time and do what you wish, all while seeing everything the North End of Boston has to offer.
A self-guided walking tour which can be easily accomplished within an hour taking tourists to: Paul Revere House; USS Constitution and Charlestown Navy Yard; Bunker Hill Monument, and a walk on Charlestown Bridge. If history is your thing as exploring Boston's renowned landmarks and historic sites go the distance into the heart of Boston. I highly recommend the Freedom Trail for children of all ages as it is a good yet fun way to entertain them as they learn about America's history.
Follow the red brick road into history.
When in boston, definitely take the freedom trail. It is long, but you come across a lot of history and amazing places. It is so historical and amazing to be at the site where the boston massacre occurred and other historical places. I did the tour with a friend who is familiar with boston, so we did not need a tour guide. Even if my friend wasnt with me i dont think i would have needed a tour guide as you can pretty much do the whole trail on your own.
Follow the red brick road. Follow the red brick road. Follow the red brick road.
This trail takes you through Boston- visiting some of the most historical locations of either Boston itself or for the Revolutionary War. You'll get to see the first school house, the cemetery where some of the patriots are buried, Paul Revere's house, site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, replica of the USS Constitution, and monument dedicated to Bunker Hill.
Go earlier in the morning when its not as hot and you won't get slowed down by slow huge groups of tourists or tourists with slow children/strollers.
Yeah .. just follow the red brick road. When you get to the state house, turn back around and go down park street again. I got lost because I didn't know there. There is also construction around town (and even a saturday market) that kinda blocks the view of the red brick road.
I agree with Yelper Jennifer M, stop by Mike's Pastry for a cannoli to re-energize yourself. I was starving by the time I got to North End (but then I had gotten in on a red eye anyways) ...
This is pretty cool. The history buff in you will love it. This trail would be more interesting and awe-inspiring (?) if you were in middle school and just learnt about all this. Oh, and this is a great way to walk around Boston and work out those legs.
This is a must-do if you are in Boston and a great way to check out the historical sites and Boston itself. I think it's pretty cool to check out places that were built during 1630s and played a major role in the creation of our country.
I noticed that a lot of tours and people start at Boston Common, but there's no right or wrong way to check out the Freedom Trail. Instead of following the trail itself, I just went by neighborhood and used the red brick trail as a guide to make sure I'm going in the right direction. I started at the North End because my friend worked at the Paul Revere House, so I wanted to check it out first and visit her and then headed to Charlestown for the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument. The following day I headed to the Boston Common area because that's where a majority of the sites are at.
I didn't do any of the tours and was fine reading from my tour book, but next time I visit Boston, I will check one out.
This 2.5 mile walk is a great way to see historical sites and familiarize yourself with Boston.
It starts in the Boston Common and you weave your way around downtown, over to North End, and end in Charleston.
But after you finish walking around the Quincey Market and before you head over the Paul Revere's house...make sure to take a detour to Mike's Pastry for a cannoli.
You can thank me later.
If you want to get to know Boston and do it cheaply this is the way to go.
Walking the trail is a great introduction to the city. We started at the USS Constitution and worked our way down to the common. Its amazing how you can feel the different vibes of the city. First you're in a quiet town with narrow roads and adorable houses with potted plants on every porch. If you get thirsty, you can grab a drink at the oldest fire station in New England. You cross the bridge and ,then, you're in Boston's equivalent of Little Italy, North End (you MUST grab a Cannolli at Mike's Pastry) with side to side Italian eateries lining the streets.
You cross a street and suddenly you're in the middle of a HUGE farmer's market with vendors selling fresh fruit, veggies, and even fish. You hit the Fanueil Hall and you're now walking along the "Cheers" bar and a kooky street performer in front of Quincy House.
The Trail takes you through the site of the Boston Massacre and then you're walking by the graves of the five men killed in it. you see the Massachusetts house, walk by the picnickers in Boston Common, and then, sadly, you're trip through time is over.
It's great exercise and, if you're like me and aren't into guided tours, you can get all the info you need on the plaques on every significant building. It also allows you to go at your own pace.
It does take a while but it''s worth every minute :)
I don't know a lot about Boston's history, but I kind of expected the Freedom Trail to be more of a trail. I really didn't expect it to be part of the city's downtown, surrounded by numerous Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Borders bookstores.
Each building on it calls itself a museum and charges you about $5 to get in. I didn't have any interest in paying $5 to go into an old, 2-story government building I'd never heard of prior to seeing it, so we only went into a few of them.
Paul Revere's house was interesting, but it was never clear if it was his actual house or a replica that was built later, because the lot across the street also said it was where Paul Revere's house was.
Maybe it's because I'm used to DC, where the museums, are huge, interesting, and free, but I found the Freedom Trail to be very disappointing. If you're visiting Boston, you should visit some of the sites on it, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it by any means.
I was here a few months ago when I was in town and semi walked the freedom trail. This time I was more prepare. I attended the 90min free walking tour offered by the state park ranger (15 State street). Although its not as "cool" as those colonel guy tours or relaxing as the duck tour, its FREE! Hey, learning about our own history shouldn't cost a penny! The tour takes you through most of the trail but it doesn't cross the bridge (that's Part II for me next time). Note: the walk is tiring- but there's places you along the way you can sit down to relax, my favorite is upstairs of Faneuil Hall (free ac and chairs!) and the court yard where Paul Revere's statues stands. I'm all patriotic now after the walk. As Patrick Henry once said..."Give me freedom or give me death!"
I walked the Freedom Trail on a few different occassions with a few different coworkers during our various stays in Boston for work. I enjoyed walking around the city, following this red line on the ground to take us to various historical landmarks. Being from California, I don't get to see this type of old architecture. It was definitely interesting and worthwhile of my time to see and learn about an area that is so historical.
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.
I LOOOOVE walking the Freedom Trail. History + exercise is definitely a good time. I definitely prefer to do it alone (or, with whomever I'm traveling with) rather than paying money to meander in a big group. Grab a good guide book and you're set for this.
I think of the Freedom Trail in thirds. The start up to Quincy Market / Fanueil Hall is the first third. By then you're probably feeling fine, but duck into the market for some mini cookies or maybe a lobster roll and a Sam Adams if its lunch time.
The second stretch is on the North Side. Old North Church is near the end. Stop in Dello's Caffe for some gelato or a fruit smoothie to refresh yourself.
Before you go to Charlestown for the Shipyard and Bunker Hill, consider that there aren't any T stops close in that area. If you walk there, you're either walking back or figuring out the bus. You can always bail toward North Station if you're tired, and save those for another day. Don't be the cranky sunburned woman I saw last time I was there!
For added fun, have a friend quiz you on the School St mosaic that commemorates the site of the first public school. It's harder than you might think!
The Freedom Trail is definitely something everyone should do when visiting Boston. You can finally put a face and/or emotion to the historical landmarks you've only heard about in history class. It's easy to navigate, and there are tons of restaurants (and gift shops) along the way. We were there on a weekday morning, so I imagine that's the best time to go unless you don't mind walking in a sea of tourists. Tons of fun, but it sure felt like it was way more than 3 miles.
What an awesome way to see Boston. We walked the 2.5 miles without even realizing it. I would definitely recommend starting early in the day, that was our only mistake. We started in Boston Common and followed the brick road all over town. It was aleady mid afternoon, so by the time we reached many of the historic destinations (Massachussetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burial Ground, Boson Massacre Site, Faneiul Hall) they were already closed, though we still enjoyed the views and all the statues! They do offer guided tours, so that would definitely be worth checking out.
We wanted to show our kids the history of the revolution and had a great time doing so on the trail. It's very easy to navigate - almost impossible to get lost - and is pretty compact (if you start at the commons and end at North Church). If you are short on time, skip going over to Charlestown. We spent the extra money and went to Paul Reveres house and the Meeting House - both were worth the visit. The only regret is I wish we had hired a guide as we show quite a few in action and they looked great.
You like free speech? How about the separation of powers? Get titillated by the thought of revolution? Then the Freedom Trail is for you!
In all seriousness, this is an amazing experience that all Americans and visitors should do when the come to Boston. If you really want to understand what happened during the revolution, and how we came to the ideals we embrace today, then walk the freedom trail.
The best part is - it's free! Just borrow a guidebook from a friend or purchase one on your way and you're off! The freedom trail is designed to do at your leisure, but to go all the way from the Common to Charlestown, leave yourself a good four hours to explore. Stop in for a beer, have some lobster down on the pier, visit Paul Revere's house, and remember that we wouldn't be here without this history - so embrace it!
DISCLAIMER: All of this gushing is coming from an American Studies graduate of Georgetown. If you can't tell, I've been obsessed with US History from Day 1. However, I've brought along every visitor to Boston to the Freedom Trail - those who hated the subject - and they loved the experience. Don't forget to snag a gelato in the North End to eat while crossing into Charlestown!
Bah! Follow the Freedom Trail... I love the history of Boston but the Freedom Trail has never held much for me.
It's some bricks. In the ground. And sometimes you can get a chick in a period dress to walk along with you and speak in an accent for a fee.
On a brighter note, it does sorta lead the way to finding cannolis!
Paul Revere would be so upset if he knew we let the Italians settle by his house.
We paid the $12 for a guided tour and it was worth it. Bought the tickets at the beginning of the tour (north end of Boston Common). Our tour guide was the perfect mix of knowledge and kitch (complete in colonial garb). His name was Colonial Cal, and I know I'm a huge nerd, but I just loved that he called us Patriots. "Huddle up, Patriots!", he would say when we got to an interesting site. Yes, you can walk it on your own by just following the path, but I learned way more than I would have if I had just done it myself (note, google James Otis, the unsung hero of the Revolution).
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!)
If you're looking to tour Boston on a budget, then the Freedom Trail is an absolute MUST. It's basically a 2.5 mile red line that goes throughout Boston, meant to be followed on foot, with many historical landmarks along the way. Walking along the trail is free, but if you want a small pamphlet or guidebook to tell you what landmarks you should be looking for and why, you can purchase one at the visitor center in Boston Common.
I HIGHLY recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the cobblestone roads and hills can make the 2.5 mile walk pretty tiring.
Agreed with Dawn, you can find great cannolis on the trail. It would be ok for tourists, but it goes on and on and never ends so map it out first, you would want to get to tired.
I feel like im always on the flipping freedom trail when i walk home from work (pru to blue line) i dont hit the trail til park st area. It will bring you to all the sites and many nice areas of the city not to be missed.
I took a last minute trip to Boston. I had never been before but I was coming with a friend who was a student at MIT, so she knew what she was doing. I was at a complete loss. We started following The Freedom Trail just so I could see a few of the quick spots along the way. I was more than impressed. Saw a lot of historical things I wasn't thinking I could cram into one visit to Boston. Although a lot of stops along the trail you actually have to pay for to go inside, it's nice to see a lot of it from the outside- like Paul Revere's house. It was a lot of fun though and I'd like to complete the trail next time I go.
I will admit though a few times the red line that you follow went off in a few weird directions.. like directly up to the door of a building, but I didn't realize the trail split, so you could continue on another way if you wanted. It got a little bit confusing at points trying to rewind and find where it split again. Or when the line was strictly bricks.. I couldn't tell if it was just a part of the sidewalk, or the actual bricks of the trail line.
If Boston were to anthrpomorphize, it would point to the Freedom Trail and declaim, "This is why I'm hot."
Bitches, you can see all the historical highlights of Boston for free! (sort of...you can definitely walk by them all for free...but even the few things that have admissions are cheap) Personally I'm a sucker for the Paul Revere house - I like to see how they lived in Ye Olden Times. But the whole trail is homage to the birth of our country, set amongst the modernity of the financial district and the saucy little brownstones of the North End. Although a mere 2.5 miles, you can easily spend two days on this trail.
I rarely get past the North End. By the time myself and whatever visitor finish the Paul Revere house, we've worked up quite an appetite and so we partake of the many culinary delights of the area and then role ourselves to Haymarket and back home. But getting all the way to Charlestown is worth the payoff - it's free to hike up the Bunker Hill monument and the view is wicked.
I can't stomach the Freedom Trail too well. I mean, literally can't stomach it - after walking what I consider a large part of it, I had such a huge stitch in my side that I couldn't walk. I swear, I'm really not that unfit - just was having a granny-in-a-young-20-something-body moment.
Personally, I don't really find the appeal in taking an official tour with someone wearing a white powdery wig or a 'corset' and herding us around with the person in ye olde Colonial outfit as our leader. I'd much rather read up on the locations-of-interest myself, learn about it at my own pace and in my own way, and then go exploring all of them on my own schedule (or with my own group). But it's not to be missed. I think it's cool that there is this trail, and it's pretty great to be able to trail (pun intended) around in Paul Revere's footsteps (well, not literally but historically). I love learning about the history of it all. I just would personally recommend checking out each place on your own schedule, plus that way if you want to spend more or less time in each spot, you can do so, and even split it up into more than one day if you wish.
If it's true that you can download an audioguide for it to an iPod, that's pretty cool! If you'd feel 'safer' or prefer being led around by a guide though, then go ahead. You've got to do at least part of this tour at least once in Boston... even if you can't survive the whole thing for whatever reason and have to trail (pun intended) off at some point.
The Freedom Trail is historic and an easy way to get a great tour of Boston. We stayed at a hotel along the trail so it was easy to see parts one day and then another part other day.
It seems pretty long so splitting up the trail was a great option for us. I really enjoyed the variety of places along the trail, such as a cemetary, churches, old buildings, markets.
(Watch out for Fanueil Hall during warm weather! It was a madhouse during cold weather so I imagine summer is brutal.)
The Freedom Trail is fun to do. Get a map, good guidebook, and go walk. We started at the visitor's center but just did our own thing. It's a good thing to do for tourist.
You can see Boston Common, Boston Massacre site, Park Street Church, MA State House, Graveyards, 1st Public School, Old City Hall, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North End, Paul Revere's House, North Church, Bunker Hill, USS Constitution.
Plan to spend the whole day to do it all. Only 2.5 mi long, self-guided trail.
Just found out after my trip: FREE guided Boston National Park 90-min ranger tour! Website here:
http://www.nps.gov/bos...
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!
