Downtown Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill & Back Bay Walking Tour

Boston , United States

Downtown Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill & Back Bay Walking Tour

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About this experience

See THREE AREAS on our Walking Tour: The Freedom Trail Downtown, Beacon Hill and Back Bay! No Costumes! No Huge Groups!

Enjoy Boston's history, vibrant atmosphere and wonderful architecture on this 2-hr Guided Walking Tour of the Downtown Freedom Trail between Faneuil Hall and Boston Common, historic Beacon Hill and end in Copley Square, Back Bay.

Sites include the Old and New State House, Old Granary Burial Ground, and the site of the Boston Massacre. See where the Boston aristocracy lives on Beacon Hill on our way to the Boston Public Garden and the Victorian brownstones in historic Back Bay. See the famous Cheers restaurant, Newbury Street and Commonwealth Avenue on our way to the Boston Marathon Finish Line. Other Highlights include The Boston Massacre Site, Old & New City Halls, Old South Meeting House, King's Chapel, Park Street Church, Beacon Hill, Boston Public Garden, Swan Boats, Boston Public Library, Trinity Church.

Available options

Downtown Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill & Back Bay Walking Tour

What's included

See Victorian Brownstones throughout the Back Bay neighborhood

Stroll through the Boston Public Garden and view the Swan Boats

Professional/Local Guide

2-Hour Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail + Back Bay via Beacon Hill

See popular sites between Faneuil Hall and Copley Square including Old State House & Quincy Market

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Downtown Freedom Trail History & Architecture from Faneuil Hall to Boston Common. Includes Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, The Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Old South Meeting House, Old Corner Bookstore, Old City Hall, First Schoolhouse Site, King's Chapel, Tremont Temple, Old Granary Cemetery, Park Street Church, New State House and Boston Common. Plus Additional interesting architecture along the way!

Stop 2

We pass Beacon Hill where the Boston Aristocracy lived and see its historic Federal Style Architecture as well as
other interesting features of the area like the Frog Pond, Purple Windows and Gas lamps.

Stop 3

On we see the interesting sites of Boston Common, we will get the story of how Boston was transformed with the largest landfill in the world by using technology to fill in and create Back Bay, starting with the Boston Public Garden, the first Botanical Garden in the U.S. We will see the Swan Boat Lagoon, Make Way for Ducklings Statues, the Monument to the first successful use of ether - and, of course, Cheers!

Stop 4

We will see Boston's "Parisian-based" residential Commonwealth Avenue and the Boutique Area of Newbury Street. We'll relate other restaurants and other interesting sites as well.

Stop 5

We will end our Walking Tour in Copley Square after we view the beautiful architecture in the area, including Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, The New Old South Church and John Hancock Tower, plus a whole lot more! We end near the Boston Marathon Finish Line, the oldest continuously operated Marathon in the World.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

221 reviews

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168

4★

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Tripadvisor 4.7

251 reviews

5★

201

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

Departure Point: The corner of State and Congress Streets (outside Citizens Bank Building), and across State Street from the Old State House
Address: 28 State Street,
Boston, MA 02109
Dates: Daily

Important notes

This walking tour starts at 10:00 AM and ends at approximately 12:00 noon. We meet at the Corner of State and Congress Streets outside 28 State Street, across the street from The Old State House.

The tour includes the Downtown Freedom Trail and goes to Copley Square in Back Bay via Beacon Hill. Freedom Trail Sites included are Faneuil Hall, The Old and New State Houses, Boston Massacre Site, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old City Hall, First Public Schoolhouse site, King's Chapel, Tremont Temple, Granary Burial Ground, Park Street Church and Boston Common.

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air

Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center

By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem

16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord

10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod

60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world