Downtown Freedom Trail Walking Tour - History & Architecture
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Downtown Freedom Trail Walking Tour - History & Architecture

Active
(194 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

No Costumes! No Yelling! No Huge Tour Group! Just the best in learning about Boston. Experience the history, architecture and culture of Boston wrapped in stories as we explore the Freedom Trail in Downtown Boston. On our 70-minute walking tour, admire the architecture, and learn about the history and culture of the city as you pass attractions and landmarks like Faneuil Hall, King's Chapel, and Boston Common.

Available options

10am Walking Tour

What's included

Professional guide
70-Minute Walking Tour of Boston's Freedom Trail
Pass attractions and landmarks like Faneuil Hall, King's Chapel, and Boston Common.

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The history and architecture of the Downtown Freedom Trail from Faneuil Hall to Boston Common. Includes Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, The Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Old South Meeting House, Old Corner Bookstore, Old City Hall, First Schoolhouse Site, King's Chapel, Tremont Temple, Old Granary Cemetery, Park Street Church, New State House and Boston Common.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

Often called the "Cradle of Liberty," this marketplace hosted the fiery protests that led to the American Revolution. Don't forget to look up at the famous grasshopper weathervane.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

Marked by a cobblestone ring in the pavement, this is the exact spot where the 1770 skirmish between Redcoats and colonists ignited the spark of rebellion.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Built in 1713, this was the seat of British colonial government. The Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians from its balcony.

5

The Old Corner Bookstore is a historic commercial building located at 283 Washington Street at the corner of School Street in the historic core of Boston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1718 as a residence and apothecary shop, and first became a bookstore in 1828.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

The massive brick church where the signals were given to start the Boston Tea Party in 1773.

7

The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is a memorial park located on a plaza between Washington Street and School Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The park contains two groups of statues to contrast an Irish family suffering during the Great Famine of 1845–1852 with a prosperous family that had immigrated to America.

8

Old City Hall is a building at 45 School Street in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., which housed the Boston City Council from 1865 to 1969. Designed by Gridley James Fox Bryant and Arthur Gilman, it was one of the first buildings in the French Second Empire style to be built in the United States.

9

The Boston Latin School, founded on April 23, 1635, is the first public school in America, originally located on School Street. Established by Puritans, it provided free, classical education to boys. A statue of alumnus Benjamin Franklin and a sidewalk mosaic now mark its original site.

10

As one of the sixteen historic landmarks along Boston’s Freedom Trail, King’s Chapel is an important part of a collective. Yet the historic church also stands alone with history unique to its own site. The history of King’s Chapel spans more than 330 years, from its founding in 1686; through the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation; through great periods of change, both difficult and triumphant; to its continued presence in 21st-century Boston.

11

Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts | Omni Parker House, Boston ...The Omni Parker House, founded by Harvey D. Parker in 1855, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States. Located on School Street in Boston, this historic hotel has hosted every U.S. president since Ulysses S. Grant and is the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie, Parker House Rolls, and the term "scrod".

12

Tremont Temple was formed in 1839 under the name The Free Baptist Church. Timothy Gilbert, a piano maker in Boston, resigned his membership at Charles Street Baptist Church when the congregation dissapproved of him inviting a black family into his pew stall at Sunday worship. The church met at several locations until 1843, when Gilbert purchased the Tremont Theater for $55,000 of his own money, which is the location at which our church currently meets. Tremont Temple is famous for being the first integrated church in America, since the church from its inception offered open attendance without charge, which fostered a church community that embraced racial diversity. While primarily dedicated as a place of worship, the Temple's versatile halls also hosted an array of public events, such as the unique display of an Egyptian mummy in 1850 and influential speeches against the scourge of slavery by renowned figures like Sam Houston and Frederick Douglass.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

The final resting place of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. It’s one of the most visited cemeteries in the country.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

The Boston Common is a public park in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest city park in the United States. Boston Common consists of 50 acres of land bounded by five major Boston streets: Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street, Charles Street, and Boylston Street.

15
Stop 15 Pass by

With its iconic 23-karat gold dome, this "new" State House (built 1798) serves as the modern seat of government and overlooks Boston Common.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
63 reviews
5★
46
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8
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1
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.6
131 reviews
5★
97
4★
20
3★
9
2★
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1★
4

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately

Meeting point

Departure Point: NW corner of State and Congress Streets, outside 28 State Street (Citizens Bank Building) and across State Street from the Old State House. Note that this tour does not return to the Starting Point.

Important notes

This walking tour starts at 10:00 AM and ends at approximately 11:10 AM. We meet at the Corner of State and Congress Streets outside 28 State Street, across the street from The Old State House.

It encompasses the Downtown Freedom Trail from the Old State House to Boston Common and includes interesting history and architecture along the way.

Departure Point: NW corner of State and Congress Streets, outside 28 State Street (Citizens Bank Building) and across from the Old State House.

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
  • • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air
  • Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center
By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem
16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord
10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod
60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
  • Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
  • Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
  • Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
  • Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world
Get Price per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 17-99
1
Childs
Age 5-16
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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