Being one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is bursting with history. If you’re living in the city or nearby, or just visiting, you need to check out these iconic historical landmarks and explore Boston and America’s past. Get ready to bring history to life by visiting these historic sites while exploring this modern city!
Boston’s Freedom Trail
Where: 139 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111
Get some comfortable shoes ready and prepare to explore the 2.5-mile route full of history!
The Freedom Trail starts at Boston Common and, as you follow the famous red brick path, you will be visiting 16 historic sites in total, including The Massachusetts State House, the Old State House, the Old North Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and many more. You can pick up at any point and ask anything to the men and women dressed in colonial attire.
This is the best way to see the most notable Boston historical sites in one place
Where: 306 Congress St, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA
Hours: Tour Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
This museum offers a multi-sensory experience for the entire family.
You will be immersed in the world of the American Revolution through 3D reenactments, live actors, interactive exhibits, and more! Let yourself be surprised and visit the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum!
Bunker Hill Monument
Where: Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129
Hours: Daily, 10 AM- 5 PM
The Bunker Hill Monument consists of a 221-foot granite obelisk located on Breed’s Hill, where the Battle of Bunker Hill occurred.
This crucial moment in history is a must-learn subject for your kids, and what better way of learning about it than visiting the site? You can make the 294-step climb to the top for awesome views of the city.
Harvard University
Where: 1350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Hours: Tours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM-5 PM
America’s oldest University and part of the Ivy League institution was founded in 1636 and you and the family can enjoy a nice walk around its building, a guided historical tour of the world-known campus, and more.
You will learn all about the history of the university and see its famous sites!
Paul Revere House
Where: 19 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
Hours: Daily, 10 AM- 4.30 PM | Closed on Tuesdays
Paul Revere left his house on April 8, 1775, to embark on a journey that will make him into a legend. Today, you can visit that house which is downtown Boston’s oldest building.
You will get to see how the 17th-century citizens lived and get a glimpse of the colonial times.
Plimoth Plantation
Where: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360
Hours: Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
The whole family can see and learn about what day-to-day living was like for the Pilgrims.
As you explore this living history spot, you will bring 17th century America back to life and see how those who settled America lived.
Where: 1 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA 02129
Hours: Museum Hours: Open Daily | 10 AM – 5 PM
Ship Hours: Open Friday – Sunday | 10 AM– 6 PM
Closed Monday – Thursday
This piece of history is a must-visit when you’re in Boston. The oldest commissioned U.S Navy Ship saw action in the War of 1812 and its final mission was in 1853.
The USS Constitution is meticulously painted to remain relevant to its time period.
New England Holocaust Memorial
Where: 98 Union St, Boston, MA 02129
Hours: 24/7
The New England Holocaust is a memorial to the people murdered during the Holocaust.
This is a must-visit landmark in Massachusetts for the whole family to learn about such an important mankind event. Each of the six glass columns symbolizes the millions of lives that were lost, one of the six biggest concentration camps, and the six years that the Holocaust lasted.
African Meeting House
Where: 8 Smith Ct, Boston, MA 02114
The African Meeting House served as a school, church, meeting space, and the place where The New England Anti-Slavery Society was established.
In 1832, Maria Stewart and Frederick Douglass gave speeches inside the house.
Old North Church
Where: 193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 10 AM- 4 PM
The oldest church building in Boston, this is the place where Paul Revere and Robert Newman warned residents that the British were coming by sea in 1775.
You can not only tour the site but also attend mass, as it still remains an active Episcopal church.
Old State House
Where: 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109
Hours: Wednesday- Sunday 10 AM- 5 PM
Old State House is the oldest building still standing in the city.
This is where Boston residents first heard the Declaration of Independence from the balcony! If this isn’t enough to convince you of visiting, outside the house you can still view the spot where the first fight for Independence occurred.
Massachusetts State House
Where: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
Hours: Monday- Friday 8 AM- 6 PM
The Massachusetts State House was completed in 1798 and was designed by Charles Bulfinch.
It features a distinctive dome with 23-karat gold, and inside you will get to see stained glass, the Holy Mackerel, and the Sacred Cod.
Granary Burying Ground
Where: Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
Hours: Daily, 9 AM- 4 PM
The final resting place for those who helped shape American history.
This small cemetery houses the graves of historical figures such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, citizens who were killed in the Boston Massacre, and many others.
Fort Independence
Where: 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127
Hours: 24/7
Fort Independence is the oldest fortified military site in British North America.
The fort was constructed in the 19th century, however, the first fort that stood here was built in 1643!
Fort Warren
Where: Fort Warren, Boston, MA
Fort Warren was used as a prison during the Civil War.
Located on George’s Island, it is said that the place is haunted, but yet such a worth-visiting landmark of Boston to visit with the entire family!
