United States
Massachusetts (MA)
Boston
Boston Attractions
Boston Common
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Boston Common

See all things to do
See all things to do
Boston Common
4.5
About
Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
  • Boylston • 4 min walk
  • Park St • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,461 within 5 kms
Cafe Bonjour
199
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Healthy
Thinking Cup
676
0.2 km$ • Dessert • American • Cafe
The Q
551
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Sushi • Vegetarian Friendly
Ostra
1,097
0.4 km$$$$ • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Sam LaGrassa's
1,591
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • American • Fast food • Deli
Yvonne's
473
0.3 km$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Toscano Ristorante - Beacon Hill
690
0.4 km$$$$ • Italian • Tuscan • Vegetarian Friendly
No. 9 Park
580
0.3 km$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Mooo Beacon Hill
851
0.5 km$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Ruka Restobar
287
0.3 km$$$$ • Japanese • Peruvian • Seafood
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Attractions
597 within 10 kms
Freedom Trail
17,813
0.1 kmHistoric Walking Areas
The Embrace
8
0.1 kmMonuments & Statues
Boston Common Carousel
22
89 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Citizens Bank Opera House
381
0.3 kmTheatres
Boston Public Garden
9,978
0.4 kmParks • Gardens
Boston Ballet
123
0.3 kmBallets
William Hickling Prescott House
26
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Granary Burying Ground
1,664
0.4 kmHistoric Sites • Cemeteries
Central Burying Ground
10
0.2 kmCemeteries
Massachusetts State House
768
0.4 kmArchitectural Buildings • Government Buildings
See all
See what travellers are saying
  • kay-cee-1138
    Houston, Texas443 contributions
    Famous, but just an urban park now
    Everyone knows about Boston Common, but its history doesn't really match the reality today. Walking through it on a Saturday morning following along the Freedom Trail, one could see it was a fairly nice green space. There were a few doubtful characters, but also a number of families out and about enjoying themselves. It is a park, albeit with a famous name.
    Visited September 2022
    Written 3 December 2022
  • Ryan
    Lodi, California143 contributions
    Beautiful Park In Downtown Boston
    By far one of our favorite places to visit while in Boston. I could see spending hours in this park and just enjoying the scenery. On a sunny day it feels like you're transformed back in time to where you can enjoy the peace and serenity of nature. From the rolling green hills to the lakes and bridges, the scene here is filled with beauty and history. Definitely a must stop and there are many wonderful picture opportunities as well.
    Visited September 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 26 December 2022
  • GoAlong2
    Seattle, Washington909 contributions
    Great city park
    We had an extra hour to spend while downtown in Boston. We went for a walk in the park on a chilly winter day. We enjoyed the trees and small hills and stopped by several sculptures in the park. An ice rink had been set up and there were people enjoying the park with their dogs or walking together. The new Martin Luther King Jr sculpture was attracting attention from a number of park goers. Several historical sites and tours are near the park as well. It’s a good place to begin exploring the center of town.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 February 2023
  • SteveB
    4 contributions
    Beautiful City Park
    Very Nice Park city Park. Lots of green open space. Great to walk around with the family. Many of the touristy places are walking distance from the Park. Great way to spend the day
    Visited December 2022
    Written 15 February 2023
  • lucycan
    San Diego, California3,436 contributions
    Great spot
    This is the public space dedicated in 1634. Yes, you read that correct. There is the Public Gardens (across the street to the West) which have only been around since the 1800s. Nice wide open space. Newest piece is the MLK "Embrace" which is really cool. Kind of like the Chicago Bean. Anyways you could wander around the Commons for hours.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 8 March 2023
  • volcanogirl
    Houston, Texas14,702 contributions
    America's Oldest Public Park
    Boston Common is interesting from a historical perspective, being America's oldest public park, but there's not a lot to see or do here as a tourist. We preferred the nearby Boston Public Garden that's full of beautiful trees and flowers. Boston Common had a lot of trash on the ground and overflowing trash cans. There is a newly unveiled sculpture called The Embrace that's worth seeing if you're in the area, but if you only have time to visit one, I'd go to the gardens instead.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 May 2023
  • Andres72423
    Bridgeport, Connecticut2,897 contributions
    Beautiful Park
    Historic Boston Commons. Beautiful park to take a stroll or just grab a bench and people watch. The gardens were beautiful especially early in Spring time. The weather was perfect for a stroll after catching a show in the theater district. Lots of people enjoying the day! They had the open market where people had tents and all kind of goods to sale.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 May 2023
  • romadaro
    Washington DC, District of Columbia1,565 contributions
    A Great Place to Spend the Day
    With its manicured lawns, the Common is a place that seems to be enjoyed by both tourists and residents from throughout the city. Highly recommend it if it’s a nice day and you have some time to kill. Lots of good restaurants and shopping surround it so you can’t go wrong.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 26 May 2023
  • kmetzger2016
    Arvada, Colorado6 contributions
    Wonderful place to stroll and let the kids play!
    Wonderful area to walk around, sit and have a coffee, let the kids play and just stroll. Cool bronze statues, especially The Embrace. Dedication to MLK and Mrs. King. Nice little carousel for our 3 year old.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 May 2023
  • 363cymru123
    Cardiff, United Kingdom129 contributions
    Fantastic area
    Boston Common is a must visit park while visiting the area. There is a large children's play area, a shallow children's splash pool (the frog pond), Parkman bandstand, monuments and statues galore. Plenty of grassed areas to chill out on as well as many park benches in both the sun and shade. There is a large information centre where you can pick up your FREE map of the Freedom Trail. The trail also starts from the information centre in the park, just follow the red brick path. There are also clean public restrooms here in the park too,
    Visited August 2023
    Written 6 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,518 reviews
Excellent
3,596
Very good
2,247
Average
575
Poor
77
Terrible
24
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,826 contributions
Nice green space
Sep 2023 • Couples
Boston Common was founded in 1634. It is a nice space in central Boston, with the Public Garden adjacent. Good to see so much green space in a big city!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrlandoMouse
St. Augustine, FL2,239 contributions
When in Boston you must visit the Boston Commons
Sep 2023 • Couples
When in Boston, you need to visit the Boston Commons. It is a beautiful park with rolling hills, a duck pond, a carousel, and many statues. In the summer there are the swan boats to take a ride about the duck pond. Nearby is a brass sculpture of “Make Way for the Ducklings”. The spring and summer the park is filled with multiple colored flower blooms. Near the carousel is the Frog Pond, which in the winter can become a skating rink. In the fall, the leaves on the trees change color creating a picturesque landscape.
The park has restrooms, meadows to sit in as well as park benches. It can be the home for outdoor concerts, fairs and events. It is definitely a place to see when in Boston. Also, there is a visitor center in the park, you can stop in for brochures as to what to do in the city. This is one spot where the Freedom Trail begins. You can even pick up a guide for the trail here. Take the time to enjoy.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pjgrad
Kent, WA502 contributions
lovely park
Sep 2023 • Couples
Lovely park with fountains, plantings, and lots of good people watching. Easy to get to and easy to walk around.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmish
Marblehead, MA201 contributions
A great park for a beautiful walk in the City
Aug 2023 • Friends
Love Boston Common, which is split into 2.
A brand new sculpture showing an embrace with 2 arms hugging was amazing, Frog pond with its fountain in the Summer and ice skating in the Winter. Lots of open space for sitting amongst the trees.
The second part of the parks, has monuments, lake with the famous Swan boats and bridge. The flowerbeds are in full bloom and very well kept.
This is such a great must to see whether you are a tourist or a local.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan M
Tuxedo Park, NY552 contributions
Expansive Green Space with Monuments
Jun 2023
Enjoy your stroll through part of Boston that has not changed in almost 400 years. Home to several notable monuments including the 54th Massachusetts and The Embrace.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry-Calif
San Francisco, CA377 contributions
COMMON FOR EVERYONE
Jul 2023 • Couples
Starting at the beginning of the Freedom Trail where it all began many, many, many years ago in 1635.

Sitting on a park bench, closing my eyes, I can imagine hearing the cows mooing in the green pasture field, seeing the early settlers enjoying the common, and hearing the volunteers soldiers vocal commands during their training; and now, hearing the joys of laughter of kids on the playground, seeing the elderly enjoying the beauties of nature, and hearing all folks chattering away in the sunshine

What a wonderful place. I’m glad I started here at the COMMON FOR EVERYONE at the Boston Common.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
363cymru123
Cardiff, UK129 contributions
Fantastic area
Aug 2023
Boston Common is a must visit park while visiting the area. There is a large children's play area, a shallow children's splash pool (the frog pond), Parkman bandstand, monuments and statues galore. Plenty of grassed areas to chill out on as well as many park benches in both the sun and shade. There is a large information centre where you can pick up your FREE map of the Freedom Trail. The trail also starts from the information centre in the park, just follow the red brick path. There are also clean public restrooms here in the park too,
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie
15 contributions
beautiful boston common
Jun 2023
this was such a pretty place to visit. I especially liked the musicians that were playing and that there is a carousel in the middle of the park. the dr king memorial was a nice touch also.
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BER0416
Chattanooga, TN691 contributions
Enjoy the green space
Jun 2023 • Couples
Absolutely wonderful and peaceful green space in the middle of downtown. Whether strolling the gardens, jogging, biking, or taking in the sun a must for your visit to Boston.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cggrimm07
Blackburn, UK85 contributions
Nice relaxing area to take a break
May 2023 • Couples
The Boston common is a nice place for a relaxing walk there are lots of trees from all around the world. It has a lot of grass to sit on and chill out and people watch. We visited on memorial weekend and there was ceremony with 37,000 flags placed in the ground it was a poignant experience. The start of the freedom trail is in the park.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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