Boston Freedom Trail Self Guided Walking Tour

2 to 3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover the heart of American history with a self-guided tour along Boston's iconic Freedom Trail.

This 2.5-mile journey connects you to pivotal revolutionary sites like Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church, where the spirit of liberty came alive.

Immerse yourself in the stories of patriots and everyday citizens who ignited a movement for independence, narrated with vivid accounts and ambient sounds.

Perfect for history buffs and newcomers alike, this tour allows you to explore at your own pace and gain a deeper understanding of America's founding ideals.

— Self-guided exploration of Boston's historic Freedom Trail
— Visit key sites including Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and more
— Enjoy immersive narration and soundscapes enhancing your experience
— Perfect for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike

What's Included

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download
Smartphone (bring your own)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Boston Common Visitors Center can be found on the east side of Boston Common, near the junction of Tremont Street and West Street. It is a small wooden building on the edge of Parkman Plaza.

End point

Copp's Hill Burying Ground is close to Commercial Street with an entrance on Freedom Trail opposite the Skinny House. It is about two minutes walk from the Old North Church.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 to 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Boston Common

    America’s oldest public park, Boston Common, has witnessed nearly four centuries of history—from colonial grazing lands to Revolutionary War drills and modern-day gatherings. Take a moment here to imagine the generations who stood on this same ground in pursuit of freedom and change.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Copp's Hill Burying Ground

    Overlooking Boston Harbor, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of merchants, artisans, and patriots who shaped the city’s early story. Its weathered headstones whisper tales of everyday Bostonians caught up in the sweep of revolution.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Known as the Cradle of Liberty, Faneuil Hall has echoed with fiery speeches and debates since the 1740s. Step into the meeting hall where colonists first found their voice against British rule.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Granary Burying Ground

    One of Boston’s most visited cemeteries, the Granary is where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock rest among ornate, timeworn gravestones. Every marker tells a story of defiance, faith, and the price of independence.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • King's Chapel (Pass by)

    This elegant stone chapel, once home to Boston’s first Anglican congregation, blends British architecture with colonial resilience. Its adjoining burying ground, the city’s oldest, connects visitors directly to Boston’s earliest settlers.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Massachusetts State House

    Crowned with a gleaming golden dome, the State House stands as both an architectural jewel and a symbol of self-governance. Designed by Charles Bulfinch in 1798, it reflects the ideals of the young republic it helped to lead.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Old North Church & Historic Site (Pass by)

    Famous for the lanterns that sparked Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the Old North Church remains a powerful symbol of revolution. Its soaring steeple and sacred pews offer a glimpse into the faith and courage that fueled America’s fight for liberty.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old South Meeting House (Pass by)

    Once a Puritan place of worship, this hall became a hotbed of rebellion as thousands gathered here to protest British taxation. It was from these pews that the Boston Tea Party was born.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old State House (Pass by)

    Boston’s oldest surviving public building witnessed both colonial rule and the dawn of revolution. Just outside its doors, the Boston Massacre unfolded—an event that forever altered the course of history.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Park Street Church

    Rising gracefully beside Boston Common, Park Street Church became a beacon for progressive reform and abolitionist voices in the 1800s. Its spire still points skyward as a reminder of the city’s moral and spiritual conscience.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • The Paul Revere House (Pass by)

    The oldest surviving building in downtown Boston, this modest home once belonged to the famed silversmith and patriot. Step close and imagine Revere preparing for his legendary midnight ride.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Nestled in Boston Common, this elegant bandstand has hosted music, speeches, and celebrations since 1912. It continues the park’s legacy as a gathering place for public life and civic pride.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Standing tall atop Flagstaff Hill, this grand memorial honors those who fought for the Union during the Civil War. Its bronze figures and marble reliefs tell a moving story of sacrifice and unity.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Old City Hall (Pass by)

    A masterpiece of French Second Empire design, Old City Hall reflects Boston’s nineteenth-century ambition and civic pride. Its graceful façade now houses restaurants and offices, preserving history amid modern life.

    Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Marking the location of America’s first public school, this humble spot celebrates centuries of learning and leadership. Among its earliest students was none other than Benjamin Franklin.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Statue of Benjamin Franklin

    Just steps from the site of his former school, this statue honors Boston’s most famous son—a printer, inventor, and statesman whose wit and wisdom helped shape the nation.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11

    This stirring bronze monument commemorates the bravery of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and his all-Black regiment in the Civil War. Its artistry and emotion make it one of Boston’s most powerful memorials.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Quincy Market

    Bustling with shops, street performers, and local food stalls, this lively marketplace bridges past and present. Once a colonial trading center, it’s now a favorite gathering spot for Bostonians and visitors alike.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
  • Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
  • Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Supplied by Drives & Detours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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