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Old State House, Boston, MA

Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

Old State House

206 Washington St · Boston, MA

Why you should go…

Built in 1713, the Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston and a stop on the Freedom Trail. The Boston Massacre took place in the square outside on March 5, 1770, and on July 18, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read from its balcony. Inside you can explore the Council Chamber and Representatives' Hall, and outside look for the lion and unicorn statues on the roofline. One ticket also covers the nearby Old South Meeting House.

  • #freedom trail
  • #history museum
  • #american revolution
  • #colonial boston

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 Old State House, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Revolutionary Spaces

    Under $25

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

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Faneuil Hall Marketplace & Quincy Market

    Free

    Historic 1742 marketplace packed with food stalls, street performers, shops, grab chowder where revolutionaries rallied.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Union Oyster House

    Free

    Eat oysters and seafood at the original oyster bar inside a Georgian building on Boston's Freedom Trail near Faneuil Hall.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Granary Burying Ground

    Free

    A 1660 burial ground on the Freedom Trail where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock rest among slate headstones.

    0.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Massachusetts State House

    Free

    Tour the gold-domed 1798 capitol on Beacon Hill, with marble halls, murals and the Sacred Cod in the House chamber.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston

    $25–$50

    Hop-on hop-off narrated trolley tour of Boston with 17 stops near the Freedom Trail.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours