Things to Do in Boston: Walking the Freedom Trail, Boarding USS Constitution and Getting In from Logan

Boston’s 16 official Freedom Trail sites, which ones charge admission, what to bring to board USS Constitution, Boston Common, the airport ride and where to stay.

• 2.5 miles of red-brick Freedom Trail
• 16 official historic sites
• 221 ft Bunker Hill Monument
• $0 to board USS Constitution

By The Advised Traveler Team. Last updated: October 28, 2026.

For a first trip to Boston, the Freedom Trail does most of the planning for you: a red-brick line runs 2.5 miles past 16 sites tied to the American Revolution, from the State House downtown to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.

We put this page together from the Freedom Trail Foundation’s 2025 brochure, the U.S. Navy, the National Park Service and the City of Boston, with sources dated at the bottom.

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• The Freedom Trail, stop by stop
• Free vs. paid sites
• USS Constitution
• Boston Common
• Logan Airport to downtown
• Where to stay
• Visiting from abroad
• FAQ
• Sources

Walking the Freedom Trail: the 16 official sites

Downtown and the North End come first, then the trail crosses to Charlestown. The foundation’s list:

• Around the Common: Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel and its burying ground.
• Downtown: the Benjamin Franklin statue and Boston Latin School site, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, the Boston Massacre site and Faneuil Hall.
• North End: Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.
• Charlestown: USS Constitution and its museum, then Bunker Hill.

A few dates from the brochure: Faneuil Hall, “the Cradle of Liberty,” opened in 1741 and houses a national park visitor center; the Paul Revere House, built around 1680, is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and the only home on the trail; Old North Church (1723) is the city’s oldest surviving church building.

The foundation sells costumed guided walks and audio guides, and our partner GetYourGuide lists Freedom Trail tours and other Boston outings. Compare the meeting point, the length and whether paid admissions are included.

See all Boston tours and activities on GetYourGuide

Is the Freedom Trail free?

Walking it is. The brochure flags admission at a handful of sites, without listing prices:

Visiting USS Constitution: hours and ID rules

Launched in 1797 and still a commissioned Navy warship, USS Constitution is berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The Navy lists free visits year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus some Monday federal holidays; closures can happen for operations or bad weather.

Bring a physical ID: visitors 18 and older need a federal or state-issued photo ID or a passport; digital IDs are not accepted. Screening is airport-style, so skip open drinks and gum. Parking next to the ship isn’t possible; the Navy points to nearby garages.

The trail ends a short walk away at the Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-foot granite obelisk run by the National Park Service, whose FAQ mentions its 294 stairs.

Boston Common, America’s oldest park

The City of Boston dates the Common to 1634 and calls it America’s oldest park. Its Frog Pond turns into a skating rink in winter and a spray pool for kids in summer.

Logan Airport to downtown Boston

Frommer’s puts Logan International 3 miles from downtown and says the SL1 Silver Line bus stops at every terminal and runs to South Station free from the airport, with a transfer to the Red Line.

Double-check before you land: the guide doesn’t date its information, and we could not read the MBTA or Massport sites. Confirm the SL1 policy and subway fares on mbta.com.

Where to stay in Boston for a first visit

Compare Boston hotel prices and reviews

Weather, and tips for visitors from abroad

We could not read official climate normals for Boston, so we don’t give monthly temperatures here; the National Weather Service’s Boston office is the place to check before you pick dates.

Coming from outside the U.S.? Look at SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, our partner, which shows eligibility and a quote online; European residents can also compare Chapka Cap Assistance. A U.S. eSIM from our partner Yesim covers maps and transit apps on an unlocked phone. More on the country in our USA travel guide.

Boston FAQ

What should I do on my first day in Boston?

Walk the Freedom Trail from Boston Common to Bunker Hill and board USS Constitution on the way (normally closed Mondays).

How long is the Freedom Trail?

2.5 miles, linking 16 official sites, according to the Freedom Trail Foundation.

Do you need ID to visit USS Constitution?

Yes, if you are 18 or older: a physical federal or state-issued photo ID or a passport. Admission is free.

How do I get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?

The SL1 Silver Line runs from the terminals to South Station; check current fares and policy with the MBTA.

Where is the best place to stay in Boston for sightseeing?

Downtown along the Freedom Trail, or Charlestown if you want to be near the Navy Yard.

More Boston tours

More ideas from our partner GetYourGuide. For a harbor cruise, check the departure wharf and the bad-weather cancellation terms.

Sources

All checked on October 28, 2026.

• Freedom Trail Foundation, official 2025 brochure.
• U.S. Navy, USS Constitution hours and visitor info.
• National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park FAQ.
• City of Boston, Boston Common.
• Frommer’s, Boston: getting there, undated.

Written by the Advised Traveler team from the sources above; we have not stayed in Boston. Admission prices and transit fares are not listed here, so check each operator before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.