The Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile red-brick path through the birthplace of American independence — 16 historic sites, from Boston Common to Bunker Hill — and Boston's single most iconic experience.
What it is
Created in 1951, the Freedom Trail strings together the places where the American Revolution took shape — meeting houses, churches, burying grounds, and the sites of famous events. A continuous red line (brick or painted) on the sidewalk guides you the whole way, so you can't get lost. In 2026, the country's 250th anniversary, the trail is more popular and meaningful than ever, and a new augmented-reality experience, "Relive 1776," has been added along the route.
The 16 official sites
- Boston Common — the start; America's oldest public park.
- Massachusetts State House — the gold-domed capitol.
- Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground — resting place of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.
- King's Chapel & Burying Ground.
- Boston Latin School site & Benjamin Franklin statue, and the Old Corner Bookstore.
- Old South Meeting House — where the Boston Tea Party was set in motion.
- Old State House and the Boston Massacre site.
- Faneuil Hall — the "Cradle of Liberty."
- Paul Revere House — the oldest building in downtown Boston.
- Old North Church — "one if by land, two if by sea."
- Copp's Hill Burying Ground.
- USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown — the finish.
How long it takes & which sites are free
Walking the full trail without stopping takes about 2–3 hours; budget a half to full day to actually go inside sites. It's free to walk, and many stops — the churches, burying grounds, Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill — are free to enter. A few (the Paul Revere House, Old South Meeting House, and Old State House museums) charge a small admission.
Tips for walking the Freedom Trail
- Follow the red line — it's continuous, so a map is optional.
- Wear comfortable shoes — it's 2.5 miles, partly on historic cobblestones.
- Start early to beat midday crowds, especially in summer 2026.
- Pause in the North End for Italian food and a cannoli mid-trail.
- From Charlestown, you can take a short ferry back across the harbor for a scenic finish.
- Consider a guided tour with a costumed guide for the stories behind the sites.
Freedom Trail tours & tickets
Guided walking tours and site tickets — check live availability and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Freedom Trail take?
About 2 to 3 hours to walk straight through, or a half to full day if you go inside the sites along the way.
Is the Freedom Trail free?
Yes, it's free to walk, and many sites are free to enter. A few museums (the Paul Revere House, Old South Meeting House, and Old State House) charge a small admission.
Where does the Freedom Trail start and end?
It starts at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, near the USS Constitution. Just follow the red line on the sidewalk.
Do you need a guide?
No — the red line makes it easy to self-guide. But a costumed guided tour adds a lot of historical context if you want it.
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