Explore the Historic Freedom Trail in Boston
Discover Boston's Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile journey through history showcasing iconic sites from the American Revolution in a vibrant urban setting.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through Boston that showcases the city’s rich history and pivotal role in America's fight for independence. Suitable for all ages, this self-guided trail offers a unique way to engage with the past while enjoying the present-day charm of Boston.
A brief summary to Freedom Trl
- Boston, Massachusetts, US
Local tips
- Start your journey early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have ample time to explore each site.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail involves considerable walking on cobblestone streets.
- Consider downloading a map or a mobile app to help navigate the trail and discover additional historical facts.
- Take advantage of the free guided tours offered at various locations along the trail for deeper insights.
- Be sure to check the opening hours of each site in advance, as they can vary seasonally.
Getting There
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Public Transit
Start at the Waltham MBTA station on Moody Street. From there, take the Commuter Rail towards South Station. You will need to transfer at the South Station stop to the Red Line (Ashmont/Braintree direction). Once on the Red Line, travel to Downtown Crossing and transfer to the Orange Line (North Station direction). Get off at Haymarket station. From Haymarket, walk towards the Freedom Trail, which is marked with a red brick path. Follow the trail signs to explore various sites along the Freedom Trail.
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Walking
If you are near Waltham Common, head east on Common Street towards Main Street. Turn left onto Main Street and walk straight until you reach the intersection with Moody Street. Cross over and continue straight until you reach the Waltham MBTA station. From there, you can take the Commuter Rail to Boston as described above. Alternatively, if you prefer walking, it is about 10 miles to Boston, which will take approximately 3-4 hours.
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Bicycle
Rent a bike from one of the local rental shops in Waltham. Start by heading down Moody Street towards the Charles River. Follow the path along the river, which will connect you to the Alewife Greenway. Continue along the path until you reach Alewife Train Station. From there, you can take the Alewife subway line directly into Boston. Once in Boston, follow the bike lanes towards the Freedom Trail, which is accessible from several points in the city.
Discover more about Freedom Trl
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copps Hill Burying Ground
0.2 km
Discover the serene Copps Hill Burying Ground in Boston's North End, a historic cemetery offering deep insights into the city's rich past and stunning skyline views.
freedom trail
0.4 km
Discover the Freedom Trail in Boston, a historic 2.5-mile path showcasing key sites of the American Revolution and the birth of the nation.
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
0.5 km
Discover the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, a stunning blend of engineering and history in the heart of Boston.
The Paul Revere House
0.5 km
Discover the legacy of America’s revolutionary hero at The Paul Revere House, the oldest building in downtown Boston, steeped in rich history.
Pierce-Hichborn House
0.5 km
Discover the Pierce-Hichborn House, one of Boston's oldest buildings, and immerse yourself in the history of the North End's vibrant past.
Tony DeMarco Statue
0.6 km
Explore the Tony DeMarco Statue, a tribute to Boston's boxing legend, nestled in the vibrant North End rich with culture and culinary delights.
Charlestown World War II Memorial
0.6 km
Discover the Charlestown World War II Memorial, a solemn tribute to bravery and sacrifice, nestled along Boston's historic Freedom Trail.
The Boston Stone
0.6 km
Explore The Boston Stone, an iconic historic landmark in Government Center, and uncover the rich history of Boston in a unique setting.
Ebenezer Hancock House
0.6 km
Explore the Ebenezer Hancock House in Boston, a historical gem showcasing colonial architecture and rich American heritage.
The New England Holocaust Memorial
0.6 km
Explore the profound and moving New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston, a tribute to resilience and a vital reminder of history's lessons.
Boston National Historical Park- Charlestown Navy Yard
0.7 km
Discover the rich maritime history at Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard, showcasing the iconic USS Constitution and stunning waterfront views.
Charlestown Navy Yard
0.7 km
Explore the Charlestown Navy Yard, a historic maritime landmark in Boston, featuring iconic ships, museums, and stunning waterfront views.
Boston City Hall
0.7 km
Explore Boston City Hall, a stunning example of Brutalist architecture and a vibrant center of civic engagement in the heart of Massachusetts.
City Hall Plaza
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant heart of Boston at City Hall Plaza, where history, culture, and community converge in an iconic urban landscape.
Samuel Adams Statue
0.8 km
Explore the Samuel Adams Statue in Boston's Government Center, a tribute to the revolutionary spirit and a symbol of American independence.
Unmissable attractions to see
Boston North Historic North End Sign
0.0 km
Discover the historic charm of Boston's North End, where culture, cuisine, and history come together in a delightful neighborhood experience.
Skinny House (Spite House) Boston, MA
0.2 km
Explore the Skinny House in Boston's North End, a quirky historical landmark that embodies the city's unique architectural charm and captivating stories.
Bill Russell Bridge
0.3 km
Experience the Bill Russell Bridge in Boston—an architectural gem offering stunning views and a rich cultural history.
Langone Park
0.3 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Langone Park in Boston's North End, a perfect blend of lush greenery and waterfront views for every tourist's adventure.
TD Garden
0.3 km
Discover the excitement of live sports and concerts at TD Garden, Boston's iconic arena that hosts unforgettable experiences year-round.
The Sports Museum
0.3 km
Explore the heart of Boston's sports culture at The Sports Museum, showcasing legendary teams and remarkable athletes in an interactive setting.
North End
0.3 km
Explore Boston's North End, a historic neighborhood bursting with Italian heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and captivating landmarks waiting to be discovered.
Old North Church
0.3 km
Discover the Old North Church, a historic landmark in Boston that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past.
Basement Crypt of the Old North Church
0.3 km
Discover the rich history of Boston at the Basement Crypt of the Old North Church, a key landmark in America's Revolutionary War narrative.
The Printing Office Of Edes And Gill
0.4 km
Discover the Printing Office of Edes and Gill in Boston's North End, a captivating museum that reveals the art and history of early American printing.
Paul Revere Mall
0.4 km
Explore the serene Paul Revere Mall in Boston's historic North End, a tribute to the American Revolution with beautiful gardens and rich history.
Off The Eaten Path, North End Food Tour
0.4 km
Discover Boston's North End with the Off The Eaten Path Food Tour, a culinary journey through authentic flavors and hidden gems.
Paul Revere Park
0.5 km
Explore the tranquility and history of Paul Revere Park, a scenic urban oasis in Bunker Hill, Boston, perfect for relaxation and reflection.
Paul Revere Statue
0.5 km
Explore the Paul Revere Statue in Boston, a historic landmark that symbolizes the American Revolution and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
0.5 km
Discover the serene beauty and cultural vibrancy of Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston's urban park that connects history with nature.
Essential places to dine
Alcove
0.1 km
Experience exquisite dining at Alcove in Boston with stunning waterfront views and contemporary American cuisine.
La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors at La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant in Boston’s historic North End – family-friendly dining with gluten-free options.
Euno
0.4 km
Discover authentic Sicilian flavors at Euno in Boston's historic North End – where every dish tells a story.
Bacco Ristorante & Bar
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Bacco Ristorante & Bar in Boston's historic North End - where every meal is a celebration.
Antico Forno
0.4 km
Experience authentic Southern Italian cuisine at Antico Forno in Boston's historic North End - where every meal tells a story.
Carmelina's
0.5 km
Savor authentic Italian flavors at Carmelina's in Boston’s North End – a culinary experience you won't forget.
The Daily Catch North End
0.5 km
Experience authentic New England seafood at The Daily Catch in Boston's historic North End.
TABLE
0.5 km
Discover exquisite Italian cuisine at TABLE in Boston's historic North End—where fine dining meets authentic flavors.
Lucca Restaurant
0.5 km
Discover Lucca Restaurant in Boston's North End for an authentic Italian dining experience with exquisite cuisine and fine wines.
Giacomo's Boston North End
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Giacomo's Boston North End - where tradition meets culinary excellence in every dish.
Bricco
0.5 km
Experience exquisite Italian dining at Bricco in Boston's North End—where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Blackmoor Bar and Kitchen
0.5 km
Experience the best of American gastropub cuisine at Blackmoor Bar and Kitchen in Charlestown—where great food meets lively atmosphere.
Tresca
0.5 km
Experience exquisite Italian cuisine at Tresca in Boston's North End – where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Mamma Maria
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Mamma Maria in Boston's North End—where every meal tells a story of culinary tradition.
Union Oyster House
0.6 km
Experience Boston's rich culinary history at Union Oyster House - America's oldest continuously operating restaurant serving fresh seafood delights.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Hub on Causeway
0.3 km
Explore Boston's premier shopping and dining destination at The Hub on Causeway, where unique retail experiences meet diverse culinary delights.
Old North Church Gift Shop
0.3 km
Explore the Old North Church Gift Shop for unique gifts and historical treasures in Boston's vibrant North End.
Loft & Vine
0.3 km
Explore Loft & Vine in Boston's North End for unique gifts, locally-sourced treasures, and a taste of the city's artistic spirit.
Shake the Tree
0.5 km
Discover unique clothing and gifts at Shake the Tree, a charming boutique in Boston's historic North End, where local artisans shine.
Heart & Sole Boutique
0.5 km
Explore Heart & Sole Boutique in Boston's North End for a unique shopping experience filled with fashion accessories, jewelry, and women's clothing.
LIT Boutique
0.5 km
Shop unique women's fashion at LIT Boutique in Boston's North End, where style meets local charm and quality.
Olde North Square Gift Shoppe
0.5 km
Explore Olde North Square Gift Shoppe for unique Boston souvenirs and local artisan gifts in the heart of the historic North End.
The Boston Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts at The Boston Gift Shop, the perfect place to capture the spirit of Boston.
Boston Stone Gift Shop
0.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at the Boston Stone Gift Shop, the perfect place to take a piece of Boston home with you.
Best of Boston
0.8 km
Discover unique Boston-themed gifts and local artisan crafts at this charming gift shop, perfect for souvenirs and keepsakes.
Job Tyler's General Store
0.8 km
Explore Job Tyler's General Store in Boston's Faneuil Hall Market for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the city's spirit.
Artists for Humanity - The Store
0.8 km
Explore the vibrant creativity of Boston at Artists for Humanity - The Store, where local art meets unique souvenirs for every traveler.
Place & Gather
0.8 km
Discover unique local treasures at Place & Gather, a boutique in Charlestown, showcasing the best of Boston's art and fashion scene.
Kaybea Collection
0.8 km
Discover unique women's fashion at Kaybea Collection, a charming boutique in Charlestown offering stylish apparel for every occasion.
Neighborhoods
0.9 km
Discover the best souvenirs and local crafts at the Souvenir Store in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston's vibrant shopping destination.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ward 8
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail culture at Ward 8, a must-visit bar in Boston's West End offering creative drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Corner Cafe
0.3 km
Discover the charm of Corner Cafe in Boston's North End, where authentic drinks meet a cozy atmosphere in a historic setting.
Wicked Craft Co.
0.5 km
Discover craft cocktails and delightful dishes at Wicked Craft Co., a top bar and restaurant in Boston's historic North End.
Stanza Dei Sigari
0.5 km
Experience the charm of Stanza Dei Sigari, a unique bar and cigar lounge in Boston's historic North End, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Caffè dello Sport
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and vibrant sports culture at Caffè dello Sport in Boston's historic North End.
MIA Roof Deck
0.5 km
Experience stunning skyline views while enjoying crafted cocktails at MIA Roof Deck, a lively bar in Boston's historic North End.
Parla
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy at Parla, Boston's premier cocktail bar and brunch destination in the heart of the North End.
Farmacia
0.5 km
Discover Farmacia, a cocktail bar in Boston's North End, where innovative drinks and a cozy atmosphere create the perfect night out.
The Bell In Hand Tavern
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Boston's nightlife at The Bell In Hand Tavern, a historic bar offering delicious food, drinks, and lively entertainment.
Durty Nelly's
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Durty Nelly's, a charming pub in Boston offering delicious food, a great drink selection, and live entertainment.
The Flamingo
0.7 km
Discover The Flamingo, a vibrant bar in Boston's North End, renowned for its lively atmosphere and diverse cocktail selection.
Teddy's on the Hill
0.8 km
Experience the heart of American cuisine at Teddy's on the Hill in Boston's historic Beacon Hill, where warm hospitality meets delicious flavors.
The Tip Tap Room
0.8 km
Savor the essence of Boston's culinary scene at The Tip Tap Room, where American flavors meet an impressive beer selection in a cozy atmosphere.
Sullivan's Public House
0.8 km
Experience the heart of Boston's pub culture at Sullivan's Public House, offering great drinks, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Black Rose
0.9 km
Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at The Black Rose, Boston's beloved Irish pub offering authentic cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
