How to Take a Historical Tour of Boston

The Freedom Trail in Boston is one of the best places in the country to take a historical tour. Along the Freedom Trail are 16 historic sites including Boston Common, Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill Monument and the site of the Boston Massacre.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Walking shoes
• Maps of Boston
• Umbrella

1. Get a map. Stop by the Greater Boston Convention and Visitor Bureau Visitor Information Center to pick up a map and other information about the Freedom Trail. The Visitor Information Center is in Boston Common at 147 Tremont Street.

2. Choose a date. Tours can get quite crowded in the spring and fall months, particularly on the weekend.

3. Select a tour. Call Boston By Foot at [phone] or the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center at [phone] to book a historical tour of Boston. Boston By Foot offers a variety of different guided tour packages at reasonable rates. The park visitor center features seasonal tours of Boston at no charge. It is also very easy to take a self-guided tour of the area, which will allow you to spend more time at each stop along the way.

4. Prepare for bad weather. Always carry an umbrella and dress in layers when taking a walking tour of Boston.

5. Take the tour. A historical tour of Boston tells the story of the American Revolution through a series of parks, museums, churches and other historic locations. Absorb the history, architecture and culture of the area by spending time at each of the stops.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop and have a bite to eat. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants along the Freedom Trail where you can stop for food and refreshments.
• Start early. There is so much to see on a historical tour of Boston; you will likely spend all day in the area.
• Do not wear high heel shoes. The Freedom Trail is full of brick and cobblestone walkways, which could be dangerous if you do not wear appropriate footwear.