Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the US, and nothing showcases this better than the Freedom Trail, an epic walking route that takes you to some of the city's most important historical sights.
To be honest, this was hands down the highlight of my visit to Boston. I walked the entire length of the trail, and I'm here to help you navigate and self-guide along the historic Freedom Trail so you don’t get lost as I did. I wish there had been a guide like this when I did the walk!
From a complete one-day itinerary suggestion to all the little details I wish I had known before walking the trail, here’s a comprehensive travel guide to the Freedom Trail! Let’s begin by taking a look at the map:
- Boston's Freedom Trail Map
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One-Day Freedom Trail Itinerary: 9 Best Stops
- Start your walk at Boston Common
- Check Out Granary Burying Ground and King's Chapel
- Admire the Old State House
- Enjoy Lunch at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Visit The Paul Revere House in North End
- Check Out Old North Church
- Cross Bill Russell Bridge
- Visit USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution
- Hike Up to the Top of Bunker Hill Monument
- Where to Stay in Boston?
- What is the Story Behind the Freedom Trail?
- Where does the Freedom Trail Start and End?
- Can you walk the Freedom Trail By Yourself?
- How to Navigate the Freedom Trail?
- How Long Does It Take to Do the Freedom Trail?
- Is the Freedom Trail Worth It?
- Further Reading for Northeast USA
Boston's Freedom Trail Map
| 🌤️ Best time: | May - October |
| 🚘 Get around: | Walk |
| 🕓 Time to spend: | 3 - 5 hours |
| 🚶♂️ Difficulty: | Easy |
One-Day Freedom Trail Itinerary: 9 Best Stops
Start your walk at Boston Common
The Freedom Trail begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. How fitting! Spanning over 44 acres in the heart of Boston, it serves as a vibrant space for public gatherings, activism, and recreation.
Standing right next to the park is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Massachusetts State House, a beautiful Federal-style government building with its iconic golden dome. It was built in 1798 and has served as the seat of Massachusetts' government since its construction.
It also offers a lovely space for picnics and relaxation when the sun comes out in autumn and spring. I visited when the weather was perfect. So, if you are looking for a place to take in the wonderful vibe of Boston, this is where you'll want to be.
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Right next to the Massachusetts State House, you'll find a directional sign, as shown in the photo above. If you look down, you'll see a red brick line as well. Both the signage and the line will guide you throughout the Freedom Trail. All you have to do is follow it and remember which direction you came from, so you don’t accidentally backtrack, something I admittedly did too many times 😂.
Check Out Granary Burying Ground and King's Chapel
As you follow the red-brick line, you will come across Granary Burying Ground on your left. It is one of Boston's oldest cemeteries, founded in 1660, and is famous for being the final resting place of many important figures from the American Revolution, such as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and more.
The cemetery is home to around 2,345 graves, though it is believed that more than 5,000 people may be buried there, including many in unmarked graves. You can walk around the burying ground and read about its history, the origin of its name, and much more.
After you are done, you can continue the trail and on your right, you will find King's Chapel, which is one of Boston’s oldest and most historically significant churches. It was founded in 1686 as the first Anglican church in New England, and the church you see now, with its remarkable example of Georgian architecture, dates back to 1754.
You can go inside and check out its beautiful interior and the oldest American pulpit that is still in use today. The church is open from 10 AM to 5 PM from Mondays to Saturdays, and the admission fee is from 5 USD to 7 USD depending on the tour you choose.
Admire the Old State House
As you continue along the trail, you will come across Old State House, another important landmark in the city. This Old State House was built in 1713 and originally housed both the colonial government and a merchant exchange. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud to Bostonians in 1776.
Not only that, but outside the building, the Boston Massacre took place in 1770, where British soldiers fired on colonists, killing five. You can find a commemorative ring of stones marking the spot where it happened, just outside the State House.
Something that's really cool, at least for me, is the fact that the Old State House stands amidst all the skyscrapers of Boston. It creates such an iconic contrast that captures Boston very well. You can also go inside the State House. The admission fee is 15 USD per person, and the building is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Enjoy Lunch at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
As you continue on, you’ll encounter Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a cornerstone of Boston’s history since the 18th century. Originally built in 1742, this iconic building served as both a bustling marketplace and a meeting hall where pivotal protests and speeches during the American Revolution were held.
Today, it’s a lively market with rows of stalls selling everything from food to souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the Freedom Trail and enjoy a quick bite at Quincy Market, which is where you’ll want to be if you're looking for a place to eat.
At Quincy Market, you'll find over 50 eateries, vendors, and kiosks offering all kinds of food and products. If you haven’t tried Boston’s famous seafood dishes, such as Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, I highly recommend grabbing some from Boston Chowda Co, a local quick-serve chain specializing in chowders and freshly baked breads.
There are seats available on the second floor, so once you grab your food, you can sit and enjoy it from above while overlooking the bustling market below. I absolutely love this market, it’s extremely lively and the perfect place for people-watching. The market is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Visit The Paul Revere House in North End
After lunch, we are going to enter the North End, sometimes referred to as Little Italy. It was one of the city's earliest residential areas and later became a major hub for Italian immigrants, which is why it earned its nickname.
This is also where you will find The Paul Revere House, a museum dedicated to Paul Revere, who became a legend following his midnight ride in 1775 when he warned colonial leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the approaching British troops.
The house is also the oldest surviving structure in downtown Boston, dating back to the 1680s, and you can learn more about his family life and the revolutionary period inside. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5:15 PM, and the admission fee is 6 USD.
Check Out Old North Church
As you make your way around the North End, you will come across Old North Church, another significant historical site that you should check out. Built in 1723, it remains the oldest standing church in the city, and its fame stems from its role in the American Revolution.
On the night of April 18, 1775, it was here that two lanterns were hung in the church's steeple to signal Paul Revere and other patriots that the British were advancing by sea. This event was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride", which propelled Paul Revere's name into legend.
The church itself is a stunning example of Georgian architecture and houses the nation's first peal of bells, as well as one of the first sculptures of George Washington. The church is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, except on Sundays when it is open from 12:30 PM to 5 PM. The admission fee is 5 USD.
Cross Bill Russell Bridge
After you are done in the North End, you can walk across Bill Russell Bridge to enter Charlestown, the last part of our walk along the Freedom Trail. Although this is not exactly a historical sight, it is still a part of the Freedom Trail, and one that I think you should stop by and check out the view.
From the bridge, you'll have an amazing panoramic view of Boston's harbor, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. You can also see Bunker Hill and its towering monument from here, which is where we're heading next.
Visit USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution
Once you cross the bridge, you have two options: you can either go to Bunker Hill and loop back to see the USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution, or vice versa. I recommend visiting the USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution first, as this will take some time, and they close pretty early, so you don’t want to miss them.
One of the coolest things you can do here, at least to me, is walking around the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer that was originally commissioned during World War II. The ship saw extensive combat, participated in seven battles in the Pacific, and even survived two Kamikaze hits.
The USS Cassin Young was recommissioned during the Korean War and eventually decommissioned in 1960. It was then moored in Charlestown, Boston, where it was turned into a National Historic Landmark. Today, you can walk around the destroyer, freely roam its decks, and observe exhibits about the missions it conducted during its service.
Each of its small rooms is used as a display to showcase how the crew lived, how missions and planning were conducted, what the engine room looked like, and my favorite part of all, the guns and how they operated.
The USS Cassin Young is located near the docking area at Charlestown, and you will be able to see some really nice historic structures as you make your way across the dock.
You will also see another frigate moored near the destroyer. That's the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and has played a significant role in early American naval history, particularly during the War of 1812, where it gained fame for its resilience against British forces.
You can also go inside and tour the wooden frigate, or visit the USS Constitution Museum across the dock to dive even deeper into its history. Although both the frigate and the museum are free of charge, you can donate $10 to $15 to help with upkeep, as the museum is a non-profit organization. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Hike Up to the Top of Bunker Hill Monument
And we've finally reached the end of the Freedom Trail, where you'll come across a massive obelisk located at the top of Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston. This is the Bunker Hill Monument, built to commemorate the pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill fought in 1775 during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.
The British ultimately won the battle, but at a significant cost, suffering more than twice the casualties of the American forces. The battle highlighted the colonists' determination and marked an important early moment in the revolution, precisely what this monument commemorates.
The Obelisk is 221'5" or 67.5 meters high, and you can climb its 294 steps all the way to the top for free. However, they do limit the number of people allowed up there, especially in the summer, as it can get pretty hot inside, and you will be sweating a lot as you make your way up.
Personally, I found the climb to be a fun experience overall, although it can be a bit challenging at times. However, the view of Boston from the top is well worth the effort. You can also visit in the evening for a stunning view, but be sure to plan your visit carefully. The monument is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
If you want to learn more about the events that unfolded here, you can visit the museum located right across the street. The museum is free to enter and is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. During the winter, its hours are shortened to the afternoon only. Congratulations, you've completed the 2.4-mile Freedom Trail!
Where to Stay in Boston?
What is the Story Behind the Freedom Trail?
As you may know, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, with a long and rich history dating back to its founding in 1630. It was also a hotbed of resistance against British rule and the site of several key events that sparked the American Revolution, such as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston.
This walking trail was created in 1951 to connect all of these sites into an epic route. It is a fantastic way to learn about the history of the American Revolution while visiting some of Boston's most iconic landmarks, all in one go.
Where does the Freedom Trail Start and End?
The trail runs from Boston Common in the city center all the way to Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Boston. Below are all the attractions the trail passes in order from Boston Common to Charlestown:
- Boston Common
- Granary Burying Ground and King's Chapel
- Old State House
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- The Paul Revere House
- Old North Church
- Bill Russell Bridge
- USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution
- Bunker Hill
Can you walk the Freedom Trail By Yourself?
Of course, especially if you have this travel guide on hand. The trail is very easy to navigate (if you know what to look for), and all the important sights are listed in this guide, so you can easily follow it and guide yourself to the end of the trail.
How to Navigate the Freedom Trail?
You can easily do the Freedom Trail on your own, as there is plenty of signage along the way. The simplest method is to follow the red brick line shown in the photo above, which will guide you all the way from Boston Common to Bunker Hill.
However, you don’t have to stick strictly to the red brick line if you don’t want to. For example, if something interesting catches your eye along the way, feel free to take a detour and return to the line later.
Use it as a guide, just make sure you remember which direction you came from because you definitely don’t want to backtrack unintentionally as I did unknowingly many times 😂!
How Long Does It Take to Do the Freedom Trail?
It depends on how much you want to see, but from beginning to end, you can expect to spend at least half a day visiting all the sites I’ve listed here. For a more relaxed pace, I recommend dedicating an entire day to the Freedom Trail so you have ample time to enjoy the sites without feeling rushed.
I was in Boston in October and started my walk around 2 PM, finishing around 5 PM, just in time for sunset. I had to rush because the weather forecast didn’t look promising after that day, so for photography, it’s better to do the Freedom Trail when the sun is out.
Although I felt a bit rushed, I still had an awesome time. If I hadn’t needed to hurry, I would have spent 2-3 more hours just relaxing along the way.
Is the Freedom Trail Worth It?
It's totally worth it! Even if you're not a history buff, you'll enjoy all the sites along the trail. It also gives you a better sense of the city compared to quickly rushing through each tourist attraction with, say, a hop-on hop-off bus.
Walking the Freedom Trail allows you to immerse yourself in the incredibly rich history of Boston, all the while allowing you to see so many cool sceneries you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, like the panoramic harbor view at Bill Russell Bridge, the charming old quarter of the North End, and more.
If you have more than a day to spare in Boston, I highly recommend you do the entire route. Trust me, you are going to love it!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
- Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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