Boston Freedom Trail: Full Walking Tour with Bunker Hill & USS Constitution

Summary

Walk Boston’s full Freedom Trail story from State House to Old Ironsides

You’ll walk every step of Boston’s Freedom Trail — from the golden dome of the State House through secret corners in the North End to Bunker Hill and the decks of USS Constitution. With stories from locals and time for snacks or breaks, it’s not just history — it actually feels alive under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

I should’ve known my shoes would betray me about halfway through the Freedom Trail — they were fine for breakfast but by Granary Burying Ground I was wishing I’d listened to our guide, Mark, about “proper walking shoes.” He noticed me limping a bit and just grinned, offered a story about how Samuel Adams probably wore worse. It made me laugh, which helped more than I’d admit. The thing is, this isn’t one of those quick-hit tours. We started right at the Massachusetts State House, gold dome shining even under that weirdly humid Boston sky, and just kept moving — past old churches where you could still smell candle wax in the air, through crowds near Faneuil Hall where someone was selling roasted nuts (the sweet smell followed us for blocks).

Mark seemed to know everyone — or at least he acted like it. He waved at a cop outside the Old State House and called out a greeting in what sounded like perfect Boston accent. At Copp’s Hill Burying Ground he got quiet for a second while telling us about an odd gravestone; there was this hush that settled over our group, broken only by some kid nearby trying to pronounce “Paul Revere” like a local (“Pahl Re-vee-ah”). We saw everything: the North End’s narrow streets, Paul Revere’s house (which is smaller than you think), and finally made it all the way up to Bunker Hill Monument. Honestly didn’t expect to feel much there but… something about standing on that hill after four hours of stories kind of sticks with you.

The last stop was the USS Constitution — “Old Ironsides.” The wood felt cool under my hand and I swear you could almost hear old sailors yelling orders if you closed your eyes for a second. By then my feet were shot but I didn’t care; we’d done the whole thing, every step. If you want the full day trip along Boston’s Freedom Trail from start to finish (with lunch breaks and bathroom stops when needed), this is it. And if your shoes fail you? Well, you’ll have good company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete Freedom Trail walking tour

• Visit Massachusetts State House
• See historic church tied to Abolition
• Explore Granary Burying Ground
• Visit 1749 Anglican Church
• See Benjamin Franklin statue and school marker
• Tour Old South Meeting House
• Visit Boston Old State House site
• Explore Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Walk through Blackstone Block area
• See Paul Revere's 1680 house
• Visit key Revolutionary church in North End
• Explore Copp's Hill Burying Ground
• Learn about Battle of Bunker Hill
• Visit Bunker Hill Monument
• Tour USS Constitution ship

Top questions

How long does the full Freedom Trail walking tour take?

The tour takes about four hours from start to finish.

Is this Freedom Trail tour suitable for kids?

It’s recommended for children 12 years or older; younger kids may find it too long.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are four restroom stops along the route whenever needed.

Does this tour include both Bunker Hill and USS Constitution?

Yes, both Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution are included as final stops.

What should I bring on this walking tour?

A large water bottle, camera, hat, comfortable shoes, ID for adults, and maybe a snack.

How do we return downtown after finishing at USS Constitution?

You can either walk back or take a ferry to Long Wharf.

Are gratuities expected for guides on this tour?

No gratuities are expected or accepted by guides on this tour.

Can infants join in strollers or prams?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in strollers or prams during the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes a four-hour narrated walking tour covering every stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail from Massachusetts State House to Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution. All restroom breaks are planned as needed; no guide gratuity is expected or accepted. Service animals are welcome and public transport options are nearby if you need them at any point.