Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail was conceived in 1951 by William Scofield, a renowned Boston journalist. He envisioned a walking route that would allow everyone to explore Boston's cityscape and gain a deeper understanding of the origins of American history. The three-kilometer Freedom Trail, paved with red brick, begins at Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument. It passes 16 historical sites, including 17th- and 18th-century houses, churches, and Revolutionary War sites. As a crucial part of Boston's history, it's often said to be the best place to start exploring Boston. Walking the red-marked route takes about half a day, and the historical sites along the way offer a glimpse into the hardships people endured in that era as they journeyed towards freedom.

Attractions Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
(617)3578300

Transportation:
Take the Green Line to Arlington Station, Boylston Station, or Park Street Station. From there, walk to the Freedom Trail Customer Service Center.

Time reference: More than 3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Freedom Trail tours

1-Day Itinerary: Walking the Freedom Trail Highlights

The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile walking route connecting 16 historic sites significant to the American Revolution. This itinerary covers key landmarks, ideal for a day trip to immerse yourself in colonial history.

  • Start at Boston Common (accessible via the Green Line T station "Park Street").
  • Walk to Massachusetts State House (5 min walk).
  • Visit Granary Burying Ground (7 min walk).
  • Proceed to King's Chapel and King's Chapel Burying Ground (5 min walk).
  • Walk to Old South Meeting House (7 min walk).
  • Visit Old State House (5 min walk).
  • Explore Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (7 min walk).
  • End the trail at Bunker Hill Monument (take the Orange Line from Haymarket to Community College, then 15 min walk).

Transport: Mainly walking; T subway for Bunker Hill Monument.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Downtown Boston or Back Bay (e.g., The Godfrey Hotel, Marriott Copley Place). Try classic New England clam chowder at Quincy Market or nearby seafood restaurants.

Souvenirs: Historical books, miniature statues, colonial-era replicas, Boston-themed apparel from shops near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.


2-Day Itinerary: Freedom Trail and Boston’s Historic Neighborhoods

Combine the Freedom Trail highlights with visits to Boston’s nearby historic neighborhoods and museums.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary for the Freedom Trail main sites.
  • Day 2: Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (5 min taxi or 15 min walk from Faneuil Hall).
  • Explore the North End neighborhood (walk 10 min), enjoy Italian culture and food.
  • Visit Paul Revere House (5 min walk from North End).
  • Afternoon visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts or the Boston Public Library (via Green Line to Copley Station, 15-20 min travel).

Transport: Walking, T subway, and occasional taxis.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Downtown or North End for easy access. Enjoy Italian dining on Hanover Street in North End.

Souvenirs: Tea Party memorabilia, Italian pastries, historic prints, local artisan crafts.


3-Day Itinerary: Freedom Trail Plus Greater Boston Exploration

This itinerary offers a deep dive into Boston’s historic core with added excursions to nearby cultural and educational sites.

  • Days 1-2: Follow 2-day itinerary above.
  • Day 3: Visit Harvard University and Harvard Square in Cambridge (Red Line T from Downtown Boston to Harvard Square, ~20 min).
  • Tour Harvard’s museums, libraries, and campus.
  • Return to Boston to visit the New England Aquarium (Blue Line to Aquarium Station).
  • Evening stroll along Boston Harborwalk.

Transport: Walking and T subway lines (Red and Blue Lines).

Accommodation/Food: Consider Cambridge hotels like The Charles Hotel for day 3 or stay in Boston all days. Try seafood at waterfront restaurants.

Souvenirs: Harvard apparel, nautical gifts, local art, and educational books.


4-Day Itinerary: Freedom Trail and Cultural Boston

Expand your visit with museum tours, gardens, and theaters along with the Freedom Trail experience.

  • Days 1-3: Follow 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4: Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts (accessible via Green Line, 20 min).
  • Spend the afternoon at Boston Public Garden and take a Swan Boat ride.
  • Enjoy a performance at the Boston Opera House or Wang Theatre in the evening (walking distance from Downtown).

Transport: T subway and walking.

Accommodation/Food: Downtown or Back Bay stay. Try upscale dining or historic taverns like the Bell in Hand Tavern.

Souvenirs: Art prints, Boston-themed glassware, performance memorabilia.


5-Day Itinerary: Full Historical and Neighborhood Experience

Immerse yourself in Boston’s history and culture with visits beyond the Freedom Trail including local neighborhoods, parks, and markets.

  • Days 1-4: Follow 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5: Explore South Boston (“Southie”) for its Irish heritage, beaches, and Fort Independence (taxi or bus).
  • Visit the Boston Harbor Islands by ferry from Long Wharf (20 min ferry ride).

Transport: Ferry, taxis, and bus services (MBTA routes 7, 9, 11 to South Boston).

Accommodation/Food: Stay centrally. Sample fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants and local pubs in South Boston.

Souvenirs: Nautical gifts, Boston sports team apparel, handmade jewelry from local artisans.


6-Day Itinerary: History, Culture & Day Trips Around Boston

Explore Boston’s history, culture, and nearby towns on day trips while enjoying Freedom Trail and city highlights.

  • Days 1-5: Follow 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to Lexington and Concord, famous Revolutionary War towns (accessible by commuter rail from North Station, about 45 min each way).
  • Visit battlefields, Minute Man National Historical Park, and local museums.

Transport: Commuter rail, taxi, and walking in Lexington and Concord.

Accommodation/Food: Boston hotel stay or charming B&B in Concord for overnight. Try classic New England fare at local taverns.

Souvenirs: Revolutionary War memorabilia, local maple syrup, artisan crafts.


7-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Boston and Beyond

Enjoy a full week exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail, cultural gems, and historic New England towns for a rich American history experience.

  • Days 1-6: Follow 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Visit Salem, MA, famous for its witch trials history (train from North Station, 30 min).
  • Explore Salem Witch Museum, historic homes, and waterfront.
  • Return to Boston for a farewell dinner.

Transport: Commuter rail to Salem and local walking.

Accommodation/Food: Final night in Boston. Enjoy seafood and classic Boston fare at historic restaurants.

Souvenirs: Salem witch trial memorabilia, local candles, handcrafted jewelry, Boston historic prints.


User Reviews

By Beidou Nebula_XM |

Walking through Boston's historic district, you'll discover that as the oldest city in the United States, amidst the skyscrapers, there are also old buildings full of historical stories. Most tourists who come here will take this route to visit Boston's Old Town.

It was already past 3 p.m. after lunch, and we'd only walked a small portion of the Freedom Trail. From the harbor, a short walk along the city streets brought us to Quincy Market, where we saw many horse-drawn carriages. Honestly, the Freedom Trail is quite long, and most people started at Boston Common and stopped at Quincy Market for a rest stop, which contributed to the huge crowds.

With one month to go until Christmas, various Christmas decorations have already been put up on the streets of American cities, and huge Christmas trees are everywhere.

The famous Quincy Market was our last stop on the Freedom Trail (we were too tired to walk after a day of walking).

The market is surrounded by extremely modern skyscrapers. Walking in the old city of Boston is like being at the junction of the past and the present, constantly traveling through different times.

On our last night in Boston, I'd seen so many beautiful photos of the city online that I couldn't help but remember one photo of the city from the waterfront. After walking a section of the Freedom Trail, we decided to drive to Fan Pier Park in southern Boston to capture the city at night. This stunning nightscape was an unforgettable farewell to our trip to Boston.

Regarding the Freedom Trail: You can join a guided tour at the visitor center. The guides will show you around in classical costumes on the boat. If you are not good at listening to English, it is better to give it a try.

By Metasequoia |

The Freedom Trail is a red brick street that winds for over three kilometers from Boston Common to Charlestown. Along the way, you'll find 17th- and 18th-century houses, churches, and Revolutionary War relics. It's a crucial part of Boston's history and a tourist attraction actively promoted by the Boston government.

By Luziqun |

The trail starts at the visitor center in Common Park. You'll see it from the Park Str station, and then you can walk along the red bricks. The trail ends at one end, overlooking the USS Constitution, which is quite interesting, and the other, the Bunker Hill Monument.

By Mars User |

It's fun. I can't remember when I went there. I'll go back if I have a chance.

By Chloe |

There are clothing stores on both sides of the street. I had lunch at a Turkish restaurant. The pizza was good and the place was crowded. It's a famous place on this street, but I forgot the name. There are two fences at the entrance, so you can eat outside.

By roadtofly |

Following the map, you can roughly string together the attractions that need to be visited in downtown Boston.

By Jie Yatou |

The Freedom Trail is full of cultural attractions. If you are not familiar with the history of American independence, I recommend buying a Chinese-language Boston tour guide from the app. This will make the journey more meaningful.

By Tingting |

I originally thought that walking along the Freedom Trail might be a rather boring itinerary. However, strolling through the streets of Boston, I was unexpectedly captivated and moved by this city. This city, rich in history, is so welcoming, cheerful, and full of humanistic feelings.

By Zhong Shiyi |

There are many attractions along the Freedom Trail, including historical buildings, various shops and restaurants.

By Xiaoran |

Walking along the red tiles is the Freedom Trail, where you will see people dressed in 18th-century costumes explaining the route to tourists.

By Leonard |

I really like the arrangement of attractions on the Freedom Trail. On the ordinary road, there are two red tiles guiding tourists forward. Along the way, they pass many historically significant attractions and learn about the history of the United States. It is quite like reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles.

By Chris |

The Freedom Trail is a man-made brick road. You don't have to look for it; it's right under your feet. All you have to do is start.

By Jack Man |

Boston is the most culturally and historically rich city in the United States. The Freedom Trail is a tourist route designed specifically for Boston. It connects buildings and attractions related to the American Revolutionary War. The trail is beautifully designed and marked with Freedom Trail signs. Following these signs, you can see the essence of Boston. The Freedom Trail begins in Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument. The entire route takes about three hours to walk.

By saplings |

I highly recommend walking from beginning to end. Remember, the Freedom Trail isn't closed off. Those with obsessive-compulsive disorder can take a car and start at a certain starting point, then slowly explore the trail along the way. So, you'll need comfortable shoes, a backpack (for water, groceries, etc.), and a brisk pace. Just keep walking. Follow me on China-TravelNote for updates on my travel plans and the beautiful scenery along the way.

By Zhang Miaomiao |

The entire Freedom Trail (I didn't really understand the history, it was basically a tourist walk—photographing and walking) took over four hours, all walking. I recommend organizing your sights on a map. For longer distances, consider taking the bus in the summer, as it's too hot. If the weather is nice, I love walking with my boyfriend. We can take our time, savor the scenery, and chatting keeps the walk from getting boring.

By jingzong |

Don't trust the map marked on China-TravelNote. It's wrong. It made me walk half an hour longer. I should have gone directly to the visitor center of Boston Park and started walking.

By Yingqi |

Starting from Boston Common, there are route maps along the way, but the road markings are broken in some places. The road markings are more complete near the monument.

By Bessie |

Starting from Boston Common, the first half of the route is packed with attractions, and it's quite interesting to follow the red brick signs along the way. The second half is mostly just a training run, with relatively few attractions.

By Dear white 518 |

A must-see when visiting Boston is the Freedom Trail. While this so-called Freedom Trail isn't the same route the Revolutionary War troops took, it does exemplify the history of the American Revolutionary War's first shots and its march toward independence and freedom. Designed specifically for visitors, this historical journey begins in Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument. Two red brick lines guide you along the way, past more than a dozen historic buildings and attractions. Maps and explanations are available at the Visitor Center (inside Quincy Market). The entire walk, exploring and photographing, takes about three hours. It's best to arrive early, as some museums and churches close around 5 or 6 p.m.

By Carolus |

It is a very historical attraction and a rare city in the United States with a strong literary and artistic atmosphere.

By Ayigu |

I really want to go, I really want to go, I really want to go, I really want to go, I really want to go, I really want to go

By The meaning of travel |

I like the city of Boston very much, don't miss it

By Walking Old James |

A complete walk can basically cover all the attractions in Boston. The whole walk takes about three hours. There are trails at different times of the day, and there will be tour guides in distinctive costumes to lead the group on a tour.

By pale |

Whether you are a tourist or a student, the Freedom Trail is the best way to get to know Boston.

By Ian52 |

American history begins here and needs to be seen.

By Aquarius Aunt |

I walked the entire route. It's a simple one, but it's full of historical significance, with some of Boston's classic buildings on both sides of the road.

By Zhuang and Orange |

The Freedom Trail was conceived in 1951 by William Scofield, a renowned Boston journalist. He envisioned a walking route that would allow everyone to explore Boston's cityscape and gain a deeper understanding of the origins of American history. The three-mile, red-brick Freedom Trail begins at Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument. It passes 16 historical sites, including 17th- and 18th-century houses, churches, and Revolutionary War sites. As a crucial part of Boston's history, it's often said to be the best place to start exploring Boston. Walking the entire route, marked with red markers, takes about half a day. The historical sites along the way offer a glimpse into the hardships people endured on their journey to freedom. (Source: Internet)

By Xinfeng |

This is a must-visit place. It can be said that the voice of freedom and independence of the United States was issued here, and the gunshots of freedom and independence were fired here!

By Irene Yang |

Unlike New York, Boston is a city full of American history and culture. If you want to understand the past of this city, the best way is to take the Freedom Trail. There are several related attractions along the way, so it is better to do your homework in advance to understand the early history of the United States.

By Fisherman |

Boston's top tourist attraction, the three-mile Freedom Trail, is truly unique. No map is needed, as the signposts are everywhere. Along the way, you can stroll, eat, and learn about the history of both the United States and Boston. It takes at least half a day to complete the route.

By Lunar_Astra |

There are signs on the road after walking 3 or 4 kilometers.

By Qbir-Sabrina Jun |

This is a must-do, as you'll pass many historical sites along the way. Wear comfortable shoes.

By Lute at Ten O'Clock |

I went there for the purpose of writing a travelogue. It's not very interesting in itself. If you don't have a special purpose, you don't have to go.

By afar |

The reason I recommend the Freedom Trail is that Boston is a very walkable city. It is small and clean. And the Freedom Trail does not require any thought. Just follow the signs on the ground and you can walk through the important historical sites in the city and see the scenery. As a newcomer to Boston for the first time, you can definitely spend half a day walking around the city.

By elfin-Love Ice Cream |

A line connects many important historical attractions in Boston. Each attraction has an introduction. It is quite satisfying to walk around and eat.

By Peace of mind |

The buildings are perfectly preserved and you can feel the history of the city, which is a must-see.

By Mr. Longan |

Strolling along the red bricks in the city full of high-rise buildings, the collision of history and modern atmosphere will easily make you discover the charm of Boston!

By Guangguang |

If you're new to Boston and have time to stay, I recommend walking the Freedom Trail. It takes you to Boston's main attractions and offers a glimpse into the American Revolutionary War and Boston's history. If you don't have a guide, you can purchase an audio guide (in English) for the Boston Freedom Trail online to hear the stories along the way.

By Fish that swim all day long |

Take a walk along the Freedom Trail and see the Italian restaurants and distinctive buildings on the street

By Someone |

It is a long road that connects many historical sites in Boston. The road is paved with red bricks. Just walk along the red bricks. There will be signposts on the roadside. Boston Park is the starting point of the Freedom Trail.

By Chubby-faced sister |

If you have half a day in Boston, a walk along the Freedom Trail is a must. The red line takes you through Boston's historic landmarks, ensuring you'll never miss a single detail and never get lost. Exploring this historic and cultural city on your own two feet is truly rewarding. I really love this creative idea.

By Duan Zhengdou |

I thought it was a grand avenue, and I kept looking for it on the navigation, but it always showed that I had arrived. I walked a few steps and passed it. Later I found out that it was just a few rows of red bricks, which was Liberty Avenue, hahahaha

By littne |

Boston, considered the oldest capital of the United States, is only a few hundred years old. The Freedom Trail is perfect for a walking tour, or urban orienteering. The route is marked with red signs, and there are many historical sites and museums to visit along the way. Walking is the best way to experience the city's history.

By joejoe |

The starting point of American history is the Freedom Trail in Boston. It is about 4 kilometers long and has 18 attractions. After walking it, you will understand the history of America's independence from Britain.

By uu |

When you arrive in Boston, if the weather is nice, you must walk the Freedom Trail, which is basically just walking on the road.

By Ivy Tomato |

Boston is to Americans what Zunyi is to us: a revolutionary base. The Freedom Trail, a double row of red bricks, connects 16 historical and cultural sites throughout Boston, laying out the city's past before our eyes.

By Xiaomu |

The history along the way is very interesting.

Most of them are concentrated near Boston Common, just walk along the red bricks.

My personal favorite is the Granary Burying Ground, across from the Suffolk University Law School. There, you'll find the tombstones of Paul Revere, the figure in the MFA's most famous portrait; the renowned painter John Smibert; Boston's first mayor; and three signatories of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. The small obelisk inside was erected by the family of the renowned Freemason, Benjamin Franklin. The cemetery entrance is decorated with Egyptian influences.

By H.⚡ |

A classic walking route to savor Boston's history, basically starting from Park St. and crossing the entire Boston city. It is a very good walking route with food, drinks and fun along the way.

By |

If you are interested in history, you can follow the Freedom Trail. It is quite interesting!

By Emily🌻 |

The week in Boston was a particularly memorable journey. My son didn’t complete the Freedom Trail because he was too young at the time, but the whole city was really great. I hope to have the opportunity to revisit Boston again.

By Angela |

I walked through it twice, passing a cathedral and finding a small square space inside, which was a place for prayer. Then I passed some statues and some memorial decorations, walked across an iron bridge connecting Boston and Cambridge, and arrived at the towering monument. The second walk felt much shorter.

By Cinderella's gorgeous encounter |

The most famous one! I was in Boston for a conference and stayed downtown. Every day I'd go to restaurants and hang out along this street. It was incredibly convenient for someone like me who has no sense of direction!

By Elaine |

A road worth taking! Rich in history, you can enjoy the harbor scenery along the way

By Full Moon |

If you have limited time in Boston, you must take a day to walk along this trail. The essence of Boston's history is all here. If you have more time, the parks and some attractions along the way are worth a second visit. You can spend a few hours quietly, sometimes just to listen to the birds and people, or to feel the sea breeze and the heat of the sun.

By Oolong tea |

History lovers can take a good walk and string together the entire city. Many historical buildings are interspersed with modern buildings, which is quite impressive.

By Shu🐣 |

I thought it would take a long time to walk, but actually 2 hours was enough.

By Mr. Dong |

This is a great way to get to know Boston. Take in everything as you go.

By zhangqing |

Take the red line. Along the way, you'll find historic buildings, shops, and eateries. You can stroll and eat your way through the route. It's a bit like the American way of retracing the Revolutionary Route, perhaps? I saw many Americans bringing their children to teach them about the history of these buildings. If you want to experience the "American spirit" of the people of Massachusetts, you should definitely take a stroll. And there are attractions along the way...

By China-TravelNote users |

It is nice to visit the scenic spots in the United States, after all, it reflects the era at that time.

By Iron Umbrella Hero |

Following the directions on the road, you can stroll along and half a day will be enough.

By messy hair |

This is a must-see for anyone wanting to understand Boston's history and culture. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the walk and see the sights along the way.

By liumengke |

It took me most of the day to walk the Freedom Trail. It was easy to find by following the red line on the ground. After crossing the bridge, I had to walk a long way to reach the last boat.

By Big Donald |

It's quite funny... It's just a road...

By The extraordinary of ordinary life |

It takes a deep understanding of American history to understand the stories behind each building. Even without a deep understanding of American history, seeing the diverse architectural styles is a delight. The red guideline design is particularly worth learning from.

By Yaya |

The Uber driver dropped us off at a corner and we were a little lost, but overall it was good.

By A Crazy Scene |

The photo is of Boston's famous Freedom Trail...

A short paragraph.

Along this 2.5-mile (approximately 4 kilometers) long Freedom Trail,

Boston's ancient attractions can be visited one by one.

The starting point is Boston Commons.

Finally, we went to the USS Constitution exhibition on the Charles River.

There are 16 sightseeing spots in total

By North of the Arctic |

The starting point is the Information Center in Boston Common. There are two or three forks at the end. It takes a full half day to walk down. You'll pass many churches, meeting houses, Quincy Market, and other famous buildings. It's a must-see in Boston. On the way back, you can take a boat on the Charles River.

By Ganin x |

In fact, the Freedom Trail is quite cheap. It sounds good. In fact, there are red lines drawn on many roads in Boston. If you follow the red lines, you will reach someone's home or the former residence of someone. You know, you can learn some history of Boston and the entire United States. If you like humanities, you can go there.

By The moon is bright |

Boston's Freedom Trail is an abbreviation of the history before the founding of the United States. The famous Tea Party originated in Boston, which triggered the American Revolutionary War.

By whpyh |

This is a very convenient place in Boston. By following the route, you can connect all the important attractions in Boston.

By Xiao Mu Di |

The symbol of Boston, you can walk along the Freedom Trail for about 4 hours to cross Boston and appreciate the history and customs of Boston.

By Pavilion |

You can start from the end point ~ Because the monument on Bunker Hill has 294 consecutive steps, you may not have the energy to climb it by the end ~ This way you can walk to Chinatown for dinner ~ Perfect 👈🏼😌👉🏼

By marshal |

Those who like to run wild or those who love history must walk on the Freedom Road here.

By Moonlight Cheese |

I absolutely love the entire city of Boston. This sightseeing route is incredibly convenient, as you can simply follow the arrows on the ground. If you're visiting the city for the first time, consider this route first.

By Guan Erxin |

Learn about the history of the American Revolutionary War as you walk.


The attractions mentioned in the above itinerary