Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the first part of our Boston Freedom Trail Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• (We divided the tour into two parts to make it easier to explore without rushing, allowing visitors to fully experience each site without feeling overwhelmed.)
• This tour begins near the Boston Common Visitor Center inside the Boston Common, along the Tremont Street side of the park.
• This tour goes in one direction, in the order of the official Freedom Trail sites.
• Walking the trail is free. Some buildings require donations.
• No advanced reservations are required.
• Summer weekends are the busiest. North End street fairs can create congestion but add to the atmosphere.
• Begin in the morning to complete the tour in one day. Cemeteries and historic sites have daytime hours.
• If short on time, skim all stops in one day and revisit favorites later. If you have two days, split the tour into two parts.
• Restrooms are available at Faneuil Hall, Boston Public Market, coffee shops, and hotel lobbies.
• The tour drains the phone battery fast, so start fully charged and bring a portable charger.
• Boston Public Market, cafes, and hotels have outlets—bring your charging cord.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:

• No advanced reservations are required.
• Kings Chapel: $5, more for guided tours. Burying Ground free.
• Old South Meeting House: 
  • $15 for adults
  • $13 for students and seniors
  • $8 for children
• Old State House:
  • $15 adults, 
  • $13 for students and seniors, 
  • $8 children
• Paul Revere House:
  • Adults $6, 
  • Seniors & Students $5.50,
  • Children $1
• Old North Church: View the church and its surrounding courtyard free of charge. To enter the church requires you to take one of the many tours available, ranging in price from $-$10

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• The Boston Common: 6:30 am-11 pm
• Massachusetts State House: 8:45 am-5 pm
• The Granary Burying Ground: 9 am-4 pm
• Kings Chapel and Burying Ground: Kings Chapel 10 am-5 pm. Burying ground 9 am-4 pm
• Old South Meeting House: 10 am-5 pm
• Old State House: 10 am-5 pm
• Faneuil Hall: 11am-5pm
• Quincy Market: 
  • 10 am-9 pm Mon-Sat
  • 12 pm-6 pm Sun
• Boston Public Market: 
  • Mon - Tues: 8 am-6 pm
  • Wed - Sat: 8 am-8 pm
  • Sun: 10 am-6 pm
• Paul Revere House: 
  • November 1 - April 14: 10 am-4:15 pm, 
  • April 15-October 31: 10m-5:15 pm
• Old North Church: 
  • Tuesday through Saturday:10am-5 pm; 
  • Sunday: 12:30 pm-5 pm
• Copps Hill Burying Ground: 9 am-4 pm

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Portable charger (at least one backup)
• Charging cord and brick (for charging at cafes and stops)
• Earbuds/headphones (wired or fully charged wireless)
• Layers for wind (coat, scarf, hat, gloves in colder months)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat for summer)
• Comfortable walking shoes (no heels or flip-flops)

Best Time to Visit  

The best time to visit the Boston Freedom Trail is spring through fall. Summers are hot and crowded, especially on weekends. Avoid walking in snow or ice, as the path is harder to see and can be slippery.

Safety Information 

• Use Crosswalks – Always cross at designated crosswalks and wait for the walk signal.
• Stay Alert – Cars usually yield, but always look both ways before stepping into the street.
• Beware of Icy Streets – Avoid walking the trail in snowy or icy conditions to prevent slips and falls.
• Watch for Wind Tunnels – Wind can make temperatures feel colder, so dress in layers.
• Wear Proper Footwear – The trail includes cobblestone paths, so wear supportive, broken-in shoes.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Boston Freedom Trail Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Boston Freedom Trail Itinerary.

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