The 62nd World Science Fiction Convention

  • Sept. 2-6, 2004
  • Boston, MA

At-Con Weblogs

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June 04, 2004

Tourism 101: Historic Boston

[We'll be posting general tourism information occasionally here, so you can plan things you might like to see in Boston before and after Noreascon Four.]

A Closer Look at The Freedom Trail

Most of the Boston National Historical Park sites are connected by the Freedom Trail. Recognized as National Recreation Trail, the 3-mile trail is a walking tour of 16 sites and structures of historic importance idowntown Boston and Charlestown. You can see a map of the whole trail at the official web site of the Freedom Trail Foundation.

Ninety-minute tours begin at the Visitor Center at 15 State Street and cover the heart of the Freedom Trail from the Old South Meeting House to the Old North Church. Tours leave at regular intervals, weather permitting. Call (617) 242-5642 for daily schedule or (617) 242-5689 for group reservations.

If you wish to walk the Freedom Trail without a tour, try the virtual tour on the Boston National Historical Park Virtual Visitors Center.

Start at (follow the red line you'll find on the sidewalk... sometimes painted, sometimes brick):

  • Boston Common

  • State House

  • Park Street Church

  • Granary Burying Ground

  • King's Chapel and Burying Ground

  • Benjamin Franklin's Statue/First Public School Marker

  • Old Corner Bookstore

  • Old South Meeting House

  • Old State House

  • Boston Massacre Site

  • Faneuil Hall

  • Paul Revere House

  • Old North Church

  • Copp's Hill Burying Ground

  • USS Constitution

  • USS Constitution Museum

  • Bunker Hill Monument
  • Most of these attractions are free, but some require a small fee or donation.

    Information on many of these sites can be found at the City of Boston Freedom Trail web pages.