5 Freedom Trail Historic Sites in Boston For Under 5 USD

1. Granary Burying Ground

Some of the United States most notable early citizens are buried in this cemetery. John Hancock’s tomb is the elaborate obelisk along the far wall. Along the back of the cemetery, you’ll find Paul Revere’s grave. In the front of the cemetery under matching tombstones, James Otis and Samuel Adams were laid to rest. Other markers to note are a tombstone honoring the victims of the Boston Massacre and the Infant’s Tomb.

Download the free map to your phone and spend an hour or so looking at markers and see who else you can find buried there.

2. Faneuil Hall

You’re truly standing on sacred revolutionary grounds as you enter Faneuil Hall. The “Cradle of Liberty” was never built to birth the revolution. Instead, wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil built the building as a center for commerce in 1741. Yet, the building became the gathering ground for protests against the Sugar Act and Stamp Act. It’s also where the Sons of Liberty proclaimed their dissent from British rule.

Historians give talks every half hour to acclimate visitors to the building’s history. Admission to Faneuil Hall is free. When you’re done exploring Faneuil Hall, refuel in Faneuil Hall Marketplace located behind the historic building where Peter Faneuil’s vision finally came true. There’s something for all budgets at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

3. Paul Revere’s House

This is one of the few stops on the freedom trail with a cost associated to it. However, at 3.50 USD for adults and 1 USD children, it’s well worth the money. The house was built in 1680 and is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. This is the house where Paul and his family lived when he made his famous midnight ride to Lexington. As you take in what life was like living in colonial times, be sure to also consider the Revere’s had nine children living under that roof.

4. USS Constitution

Here’s a little known fact – the USS Constitution, launched in 1797, is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy. No, it’s no longer sailing out to battle, but it does make a few trips a year into Boston Harbor for special events like the city’s Fourth of July Celebration. Admission to tour “Old Ironsides” is free, and tours start every 30 minutes.

When you’re done touring the ship, stop by the museum for more on the ship’s storied history and the physics behind the strong sides that helped her defeat countless enemy and pirate ships. There are plenty of fun, interactive exhibits for the entire family to enjoy.

5. Bunker Hill

The farthest flung point on the Freedom Trail is Bunker Hill. It’s worth a visit not only so that you can tell friends you walked the entire freedom trail but also because it was the first battle fought in the Revolutionary War. Today, the park has a monument visitors can walk to the top of for spectacular views of Boston, and a small museum commemorating the site’s famed battle where it took 3,000 redcoats to dislodge a small militia army.

The cost? Free.