A walk along the two-and-a-half-mile length of the Freedom Trail is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with Boston while exploring and capturing the essence of the city’s historic sites and landmarks. The Freedom Trail is conveniently marked with a painted or bricked red line, making it easy for pedestrians to follow. Numerous signs along the trail identify each of the 16 stops, guiding visitors through history.
Start at Boston Common
Boston Common, recognized as America’s oldest public park, serves as the ideal starting point for your historical walking excursion. If time is of the essence and you are physically fit, you could traverse the length of the trail in approximately an hour; however, this approach may not provide ample time to engage with the attractions along the way. Consequently, it is advisable to allocate three hours or more to leisurely stroll the trail and appreciate its Revolutionary-era landmarks.
Walking the Trail
The 2.5-mile trail is a linear path: it begins at Boston Common and concludes in Charlestown at the Bunker Hill Monument, which honors the first significant battle of America’s Revolutionary War. Admission is free for many sites along the trail, with three exceptions: the Paul Revere House, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House. If you can only choose one, the Paul Revere House offers the most intriguing tour among these options. Revere, a renowned patriot, is a captivating, multifaceted figure in American history.
Moreover, during your Freedom Trail stroll, you will encounter iconic landmarks such as Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church, where Revere awaited the lantern signal—”One if by land, two if by sea”—prior to his famed midnight ride.
Finding the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail Information Booth (617-536-4100) is conveniently located on Boston Common at 139 Tremont Street. Here, you may obtain a map and brochure detailing the various trail sites. Additionally, an audio tour is available for purchase. Although you can technically begin at any point on the trail, starting at Boston Common guarantees you will visit all 16 historic sites along the one-way path.
To reach the starting point of the trail and the Boston Common Visitor Information Center via subway, take the Red or Green Line to Park Street Station. Upon exiting the station, turn around 180 degrees; the Center will be approximately 100 yards ahead. If you’re arriving by car, the best option for parking is the Boston Common underground parking garage located on Charles Street.
Additionally, National Park Service rangers conduct guided tours of the trail and its notable sites. While some programs are offered daily year-round, others are seasonal, so it is wise to check the current day’s schedule online. Furthermore, the Freedom Trail Foundation (617-357-8300) provides public tours as well, featuring guides dressed in Colonial period costume.
