Freedom Trail: Self-Guided Audio Tour Boston

Immerse yourself in the history of the American Revolution with this self-guided audio tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail. Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes and learn about Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, the fight for American Independence, and more!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Freedom Trail - Explore early Boston and U.S. history on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail with a self-guided walking audio tour. Pass 16 historic sites, from downtown Boston through the North End to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Highlights include Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution.

Note: This 3 mile-long tour covers the essentials of Freedom trail in 1-2 hours.

  • Boston Common - Embark on this adventure into America’s Revolutionary past at the heart of old Boston: the Boston Common. This spacious green has been a part of the city since it’s early colonial beginnings. We’ll begin the tour by the Visitor Center and find the red-brick path. As we follow the path, we’ll dive back in time to the 1700s and set the scene….
  • Massachusetts State House - The first stop along our red-bricked Freedom Trail tour is right at the corner of Boston Common: the Massachusetts State House! This building is both historic and architecturally beautiful…. and of course, we can’t forget about it’s eye-catching golden dome! We’ll pause in front of the State House to catch up on a couple of key Revolutionary War characters (and soon-to-be American heroes) and a little colonial history. We’ll also take a look at the Robert G Shaw and 54th Memorial, which stands opposite the State House. Who was Shaw and what made the 54th Regiment so significant? We’ll get into all of those details right here.
  • Park Street Church - From the State House and Shaw Memorial, we’ll continue following the Freedom Trail. That brings us through Boston Common and out to the Park Street Church. As we walk, we’ll dive into the most important question of all: what prompted the Revolutionary War? As we peel back the layers, we discover that the battle for American Independence was one falling domino in a long chain of dominos stretching across multiple continents and older wars…
  • Granary Burying Ground - This brings us to the truly ancient Granary Burying Ground! Established in 1660, this is only Boston’s third-oldest burying ground. Can you imagine what’s changed in the last 400 years? Well for one thing, this ground is so old it actually holds the grave of Mother Goose. We still hear her stories today! We’ll also visit the graves of American legends like Paul Revere, Robert Paine, and James Otis. And we can’t miss John Hancock and Sam Adams’ graves either! Lastly, we’ll visit the graves of those killed in the Boston Massacre, one of the stepping stones to the full-blown revolution. We’ll be heading to the site of this Massacre later.
  • Boston Irish Famine Memorial - A few steps down from the Latin School, we’ll find the Irish Famine Memorial. Here we’ll jump a bit later into Boston history and talk about the new wave of immigrants after the revolution. We’ll learn about the hardships they faced and overcame… and where these communities are today.
  • Old South Meeting House - Just across the street from the Irish Famine Memorial, we’ll find the historic Old South Meeting House. This small, tucked-away building is easy to miss but we’ll pause in front of it. Here, we’ll be transported back in time to one of the most fateful events leading up the Revolutionary War… the Boston Tea Party. We’ll learn all about the organizers, their motivations, and of course the consequences of their “tea party”.
  • Old State House - Our red-brick road finally brings us to the one of the most popular stops along the Freedom Trail: the Old State House. We’ll pause here to identify key architectural features and learn about it’s significance (and long history!). Then, we’ll walk around to the other side….
  • Boston Massacre Site - … to see the site of the infamous Boston Massacre! But was it a massacre? Or just a rowdy riot, as the British said? We’ll dive into the thrilling tale while standing at the very spot where history unfolded. We’ll also learn about Crispus Attacuks, an honored American hero.
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace - We’ll follow the Freedom Trail to another popular resting spot: Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market! First we’ll explore the site’s fascinating history and then explore it’s huge range of food options!
  • Haymarket - As we continue our journey along the red-bricked path of the Freedom Trail, we’ll also dive into the story of the historic Haymarket, the new and striking Holocaust Memorial out in front, and the stunning view of the Custom House Tower a little beyond. We’ll learn a bit about each of these sites as we make our way to another popular stop.
  • The Paul Revere House - Our path brings us to another popular stop along the Freedom Trail: Paul Revere’s House! Here we’ll learn about Paul Revere’s famous “Midnight Ride”, it’s immortalization in a poem by Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, and the truths and myths behind this historic moment.
  • Old North Church & Historic Site - From Paul Revere’s House, we’ll make our way to the Old North Church. This is the iconic site where the “one if by land, two if by sea” lanterns were lit, silently signalling the British troops’ movements to colonial revolutionaries.
  • Copp’s Hill Burying Ground - From the Old North Church, we’ll follow the Freedom Trail farther up to the historic Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. This historic cemetery in Boston’s North End is older than the Granary… but only by a year!
  • USS Constitution Museum - Our last few stops are a little farther along, over the bridge and into the Charlestown Navy Yard. There we’ll see the historic and impressive USS Constitution – and learn all about her epic battle against the Guerriere. We’ll explore the naval battles of the War for Independence in more detail while at this historic site.
  • Bunker Hill Monument - Finally we’ll follow the Freedom Trail up to the Bunker Hill Monument, built to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. We’ll walk around this hill, exploring the site of this epic battle and getting an understanding of the brutality and intensity of the battle for freedom. This site is the last along our comprehensive tour along Boston’s historic Freedom Trail.
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes with this self-guided audio tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail! Get the facts behind the story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, relive the fight for American Independence, and much more—journey back in time to historic Boston in the days of Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. As you walk the Freedom Trail, you’ll learn about everything from the Boston Common to the USS Constitution. Plus, relive the Battle of Bunker Hill with a riveting bonus tour!

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • For the tour guide app to function as intended, iPhones must be iOS 13 or above and Androids must be version 9 or above.
Location
Boston Common Visitors Center
Tremont Street
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(71 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jordy_n
Sep 4, 2024
Great tour! - This tour works great. It was very easy to use and follow and enriched our Freedom Trail experience. The Freedom Trail itself is extremely easy to follow as the train is marked on the ground. This tour was definitely better than using the public tours containing 60 people! We downloaded it on one phone prior to our visit and each used an earbud.
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_h
Aug 20, 2024
Awesome! - Walked the entire trail. Great scenery great information at our own pace. Effortless, GPS cues. Great product!
Review provided by Viator
Jamesi103
Jul 30, 2024
great self-guided walking tour - This self-guided walking tour was perfect. Easy to download and hit all the high points. It was well worth it especially if you are pressed for time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laberta_c
Jul 21, 2024
Too Late - We arrived 15 minutes after closing so had to wing it. We had no idea where to start or where to go; lost our money and a chance to enjoy an experience
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_w
Jun 30, 2024
Walking Boston’s Freedom Trail - This audio tour with a map is just the thing to do if you want an independent tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail. The descriptions of the sites as well as the history lessons given are wonderful. The map is easy to follow and the GPS embedded in the app prompts the reader to start again with commentary once you reach the next highlight. The trip takes about 6hours, more if you go into some of the buildings. I would highly recommend this trip. Make sure you download the app before starting out.
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_w
Jun 1, 2024
Making History enjoyable - I love the info given on the tour. History is awesome and this made it even more enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone. I'd also suggest doing it on the weekend when the work crowd is not around.
Review provided by Viator
I7758tppaulaf
May 8, 2024
Delightful stroll through American History - Really enjoyed the Freedom Trail narrative. My cell phone was perfect for me to share with my Brother-in-Law as we walked from location to location. We were lucky the weather was beautiful. I especially liked the historical significance of each stop and the description of our surroundings. Sometimes the audio began just as we were approaching the next location! Well worth the ticket price!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronleej
Jun 24, 2024
Great way to do the Freedom Trail Tour - Excellent!!! Loved the info. Loved doing it at my own pace. Some of the tour groups with personal guides were going much slower than we wanted to go, and with 20 or 30 people all strung along the path. The only challenges we had was getting the app figured out. For the first few stops we couldn't get it to play and show the map at the same time. We got stuck somewhere in the app and couldn't get it to work right. After several attempts we got it going and it was fine after that.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbie_f
Jun 24, 2024
Wishing it was a 24 hour option - I wish the tour was good for 24 hours. I wasn't able to finish as there were tornado warnings and I chose to seek shelter
Review provided by Viator
Digital_hassan
Apr 28, 2024
Lost and Disappointed: The Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour Misses the Mark - I was eagerly looking forward to exploring the historic Freedom Trail with the help of the Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour App by Stories With Action. Armed with enthusiasm and my iPhone, I thought I was set for a day of historical discovery. However, the experience was anything but enlightening. Right from the start, the app presented challenges. It offers four different tour options, yet none seemed to function properly. Navigating through the app was confusing and unintuitive, leading to a frustrating start to my journey. The most glaring issue was its inability to accurately pin my current location. It kept suggesting that I use other mapping apps like Google Maps, which defeats the purpose of a self-guided tour app designed to streamline my visit. The content provided by the app did little to enrich the experience. Each stop was accompanied by a disappointingly brief description, lacking depth and the engaging narratives one would expect from a historical tour. In stark contrast, I ended up joining a live guided tour from the visitor center at Boston Common, which was filled with informative and humorous storytelling—exactly what was missing from the app. In conclusion, the Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour App was a letdown. I ended up abandoning it in favor of a live guide who provided the rich historical context and engagement that the app sorely lacked. For those planning to walk the Freedom Trail, I strongly recommend skipping this app and opting for a live guided tour instead. It might cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for the quality of information and the overall experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today