Boston Common Tours

Boston Common which includes a city, wildflowers and a statue or sculpture
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The oldest public park in the United States has been the stage for centuries of drama. These days it’s the perfect place to unwind.

Boston Common is the place where locals and tourists alike come to picnic, enjoy musical performances and play. It’s also the start of the Freedom Trail, and is often buzzing with eager tourists ready to begin their exploration of Boston’s Revolutionary-era landmarks. But before you hit the trail, don’t forget to spend a little time in this fabulous 50-acre (20-hectare) public park.

Each springtime the famous Swan Boats come out to glide the waters of the common, just as they have for over 130 years. Take your sweetheart for a cruise, and admire the gardens and the historic buildings in the skyline peeping above the trees.

In summer, sit and cool off by the elegant Brewer Fountain. Or head for the Frog Pond where children can splash in the spray pool. In winter the Frog Pond is transformed into an enchanting ice-skating rink. Whether you can skate or not, the Skating Academy offers a wide variety of lessons. You’ll be twirling, and maybe even cutting figure eights, in no time.

Climb the slight rise to Flagstaff Hill to the large, white granite Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The hill is a great photographic vantage point and a popular tobogganing run in winter. One of the parks most visited monuments is the bronze relief sculpture that commemorates the bravery of Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War.

Boston Common had its beginnings as a cow pasture (“common”) in 1634. It was an encampment for British Red Coats prior to the American War of Independence, and was used for public hangings until 1817 and was a recruitment point during the Civil War. Stroll through the park’s historic Central Burying Ground, on the Boylston side of the park, and examine the hundreds of fascinating gravestones from the 1700s and 1800s. The Common has also served as a historic rallying point for protests, from anti-slavery meetings to anti-war gatherings.

Boston Common and the neighboring Public Gardenare located in the heart of the city. They serve as two of the links in Boston’s network of parks and gardens known as the Emerald Necklace. The Boston Common Visitor Information Center is located on the Tremont Street side of the park near the start of the Freedom Trail. It’s open daily, and admission is free.

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Reviews of Boston Common

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3036
" "5 - Excellent 63.43501880484747%
4 - Good
1551
" "4 - Good 32.40702047638947%
3 - Okay
169
" "3 - Okay 3.531132469703301%
2 - Disappointing
14
" "2 - Disappointing 0.29251984956122024%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.3343083994985374%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 28, 2020

Nice public garden. Even though the foliage was just beginning to bloom it appears to be a beautiful public space

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 29, 2019

Enjoyed the Common decorated for the Holiday Season.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Oct 29, 2019

Filthy and full of homeless people

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Oct 11, 2019

Lots of homeless aggressively asking for change-avoid the Boston Commons -did not feel safe [from Seattle with tons more homeless]

5/5 - Excellent

architect44
Aug 30, 2019

One of Americas's great historic urban parks, flanked by appealing places such as Newbury Street and Beacon Hill.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 21, 2019

It was fun just to walk through the park and people watch. It felt very safe and family friendly.

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