Freedom Trail
add photosPick up a map of the trail at the National Historical Park Visitor Center, 15 State Street, or at the Charlestown Navy Yard; (617) 242-5642 or (617) 242-5601. www.nps .gov/bost/ freedom_ trail.htm
Only three of the sites charge a fee: the Old State House, the Old South Meeting House, and the Paul Revere House.
A fee is sometimes charged at the Charlestown Navy Yard for the Constitution Museum (the fee is currently being underwritten by an anonymous donor); the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young tours are free.
12 Reviews for Freedom Trail
46
33
'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"A Brilliant Tour of Boston History and Lure"
We started out by taking the Freedom Trail 90 minute walking tour from the visitor’s center. We stopped by some notable landmarks, including the Granary Burying Ground, Boston Common and Faneuil Hall.
The Freedom Trail in Boston is great. You can literally follow this red brick trail for about 3 miles all through the city – it will take you past a ton of historically significant landmarks. Our morning tour was lead by a tour guide in period costume who took us through a number of locations on the Freedom Trail.
The morning tour left off right at Quincy Market – we finally narrowed down our lunch choices and enjoyed a delicious meal – while our daughter continued to snooze away in her stroller.
We had the opportunity to hop on a second 90 minute walking tour right after lunch. It was led by the same tour guide (she was great!) and covered the important sites in the North End. We were excited to see this section of town, as it includes Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church where the 2 lanterns were hung to warn of the British army on the move and more.
We started out by learning about the area surrounding Faneuil Hall and continued to the North End. On the way we stopped to see a beautiful rose garden that had been built/planted in honor of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy – JKF’s mom.
While in the North End, after our tour ended, we made a pit stop for some delectable cannoli treats!
By the end of these two tours we were defnitely TIRED - it was a long day of walking... but we felt so satisfied from our adventure - what a great time!
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
1 family found this helpful
"Not a history buff, then this IS for you!"
Okay, so I admit it. I'm not really into history. It was just not my thing. So, a trip to Boston to see historical sites didn't seem like a very ideal vacation for me, but I was going to be with a great friend that I never see. So, long story short, I fell in love with the history in Boston, especially the Freedom Trail! Not sure about you, but I want MY KIDS to grow up learning the excitement of history and how it impacts our lives and government on a daily basis. This tour is rather long and would take a child of at least upper elementary age to really understand the significance. Younger kiddos may be exhausted and grumpy by the end of this tour. I would totally recommend the GUIDED, PAID tours, especially if you are NOT all that great with your revolutionary history. Not only do the guides know a ton of information, but they will bring the history to life for any children you have with you. This tour is a must see, really for ALL Americans. So, lace up your walking shoes, take a water bottle, and prepare to walk down history's red line in Boston. You will not regret it!
0 families found this helpful
"Lots of fun (and walking)"
If you enjoy walking through the city and historic areas you'll love this. The sidewalk has a red line to follow from start to finish. We start at Old Ironsides where you can tour the boat and visit the museum. All free! Then you follow the red line on the sidewalk. Try to get a visitor map before you start as it's a self guided tour. There are some historic sights that are privately owned and require admission if you want to visit them, if not just pass by. A fun detour is the Farmer's Market and the North End. Don't miss Mike's Pastry or modern pastry for fantastic Italian Cannolis! There are lots of restaurants in the North End, too. (all price ranges) If you have a map you can find them and easily find your way back to the marked sidewalk to finish the trail. It is a lot of walking by if you take you time and stop along the way the day will just fly by. We go often and get some deals at the Farmers Market on Saturdays.
1 family found this helpful
"An American History Enthusiast's Dream"
We walked the Freedom Trail last spring. We thought it was very interesting and informative. It was awesome to see the sites of so many important events in America's history. The trail took us several hours to walk, so it's important to wear good shoes and it's probably not ideal for little kids. I think it is a lot more fun for kids who are old enough to have learned about the American Revolution. They will get to see many of the places that they learned about in their history classes!
The trail takes you past the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere's House, the Old North Church, the Bunker Hill Monument, and several other historical sites. The trail is made of red bricks laid into the sidewalks/streets, so you know exactly where to go. Many of the sites on the trail have little museums inside, but they will only take cash. We wish we would have known that ahead of time! There was still plenty to see without going inside the buildings, though.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun walk through history"
When we went to Boston and went on the freedom trail, my husband and I had just been in New York City the weekend before and had walked almost everywhere that we went. When we saw the map for the Freedom Trail we thought it was going to take forever to walk it but before we knew it we were finished.
Go to the bathroom before you leave. We ended up having to pay to use the restroom at a McDonald's when we were done. I had never seen a pay-to-use public restroom before.
0 families found this helpful
"Wonderful"
Boston is in itself such a wonderful city. My entire family loves it (ages 15-49). Teen boys are often hard to impress, but walking this trail enguages the new with the old and there will be plenty to talk about at the end of the day as well as in years to follow. The history, the food, the people, the church, the pub, the list goes on and on. This is a long walk, plan accordingly. We started in the morning and finished with supper on the way back to the hotel. I don't think I would be brave enough to do this with a stroller, but for older kids, an absolute must!
0 families found this helpful
"Freedom Trail"
Is great for class field trips, kids and adults alike who want to learn more about Boston's rich history. The walk is long so wear comfortable shoes. Not for toddlers unless you plan to carry them. Dress appropriately for the weather. You can grab a map of the trail and do it yourself or pay for a tour.
1 family found this helpful
"Great for walkers!"
Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean it's time to be lazy! Just follow the red line through Boston and re-create your own walk of the freedom trail! If you prefer to do the guided tour, it is great as well! But if you are feeling adventurous follow your feet and see what you learn on the way! this was one of the first things I did in Boston and it really helped me appreciate the city!
1 family found this helpful
"A taste of history"
We did the self-guided tour by obtaining a map and following the marked trail. With a toddler who wanted to walk on his own instead of riding in the stroller, we liked going at our own pace and stopping whenever we wanted. It was interesting to see the significant historical sights. Great picture opportunities throughout. We finished the day with a scrumptious dinner in Little Italy and desserts from Mike's Pastries.
0 families found this helpful
"Freedom Trail walk thru Boston"
This is an excellent walk through Boston. The guides are very informative and in costume. The kids loved the costumes and the guide kept the kids attention even when talking about the facts. Bring your camera because this is a great opportunity for taking pictures! It is a little expensive though.
1 family found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking tour of the city’s colonial and revolutionary landmarks, begins at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. Only three of the sites are owned by the federal government; the rest are owned and operated by the city of Boston or by the state of Massachusetts, or are privately owned.
The Freedom Trail is easy to follow; just look for the red line on the sidewalk. If your children are young, the walk as a whole may be too long; instead, you may wish to visit just a few of the landmarks.
The sites on the Freedom Trail are:
The Boston Common
The State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
King’s Chapel
King’ Chapel Burying Ground
Benjamin Franklin Statue/Boston Latin School
Old Corner Book Store
Old South Meeting House
Old State House
Site of the Boston Massacre
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House
The Old North Church
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
USS Constitution — “Old Ironsides” & USS
Constitution Museum
Bunker Hill Monument
1 family found this helpful
"Great walking tour"
if you don't mind a few miles on concrete. The trail starts at a little map/info stand on the Common, then wanders around the older part of the city and, if you follow it all the way, crosses the river to the Bunker Hill monument. The trail is marked by a faded red line on the pavement, and with construction sites and such you need to pay attention to stay on it. You will pass many of the Revolutionary War-era landmarks in town, and along the way get a good look at some of downtown Boston. I recommend a more detailed map/guide than the free one -- there are many interesting things besides the stops on the trail itself. Plenty of places (commercial) to stop and rest, eat, drink or use the bathroom along the way. But, it's all concrete and pavement, so not for tender feet, and there's vehicle cross-traffic so watch the kids. It's a long walk, but I thought it worth the time to cross the bridge over to Charlestown. If you're too tired to walk back, there's a reasonably priced water taxi that will take you from the Navy Yard back to Boston Harbor.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Freedom Trail »
Find Activities near Freedom Trail »
Find Restaurants near Freedom Trail »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
