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Bunker Hill Monument, Boston, MA

Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffFree

Bunker Hill Monument

Monument Square, Charlestown · Boston, MA

Why you should go…

The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot granite obelisk on Breed's Hill in Charlestown, built atop a fortification from the June 17, 1775 battle. You can climb 294 steps up a tight spiral stairway to the top for views over Boston, with only 25 people allowed inside at a time. A statue of William Prescott stands on the grounds, and the Bunker Hill Museum across the street has exhibits on the battle and the monument. There is no elevator to the top.

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  • #monument
  • #freedom trail
  • #national park
  • #city views

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Bunker Hill Monument, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum

    Free

    Step aboard Old Ironsides, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    TD Garden

    $25–$50

    Catch a Bruins or Celtics game or a big concert at Boston's arena, built directly above North Station.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    The Sports Museum

    Under $25

    Boston sports history museum inside TD Garden.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Old North Church & Historic Site

    Under $25

    Boston's oldest surviving church, where two lanterns in the steeple launched Paul Revere's ride in 1775. Crypt and bell-tower tours dig deeper.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Revolutionary Spaces

    Under $25

    Boston's Old State House and Old South Meeting House, twin landmarks of the American Revolution.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Old State House

    Under $25

    Tour Boston's oldest surviving public building, where the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony in 1776.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this