Old North Church & Historic Site
Old North Church & Historic Site
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Built in 1723, Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and an icon of the American Revolution. Old North is famous for the events of April 18, 1775, when allies of Paul Revere secretly climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal that British forces were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. This daring act ignited the Revolution. Come and explore Old North with a guided tour of the church's crypt, balcony, or bell ringing chamber. If you prefer to self-guide, we offer an immersive handheld audio tour of Old North's majestic sanctuary. For those with limited time, our general admission includes access to the sanctuary and exhibit and the chance to chat with our knowledgeable Educators. Old North's beautiful campus is also home to two gift shops and the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, which offers free colonial printing demonstrations.
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: North End
Wandering around Boston’s North End can feel like being transported to Europe. Stroll down Hanover and Salem streets for the finest Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and a few boutique shops. Take part in the big debate as to whether Modern Pastry or Mike’s serves a better cannoli. Before your food coma sets in, make sure to stop by historic Paul Revere’s home, and follow the Freedom Trail to Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. Take a rest in a cafe on Hanover street and observe the quirky, European character of the North End.
How to get there
- Haymarket • 7 min walk
- North Station • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,350 within 5 kms
Attractions
588 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Nico Samneil Sy SaladoNewport, Vermont682 contributionsOld north churchWe just pass by to see why it is a tourist spot. Probably the history makes it but for someone who just wants something cool, nothing much to see. Typical old church infrastructure. There is no flat elvation for strollers when u use the back so u need to turn around the street. There is no parking space so find a garageVisited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2023
- Ruth JColumbus, Indiana19 contributionsBell Tower TourMy family of 4 attended the Bell Tower Tour. We enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the tower and how the bells operate. We also liked seeing the historic church. All staff members were extremely knowledgeable and friendly! We wanted to tour the crypts, it they are currently closed for restoration. The bell tour isn’t a “must” on the Freedom Trail, but stopping in to see the church is highly encouraged.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 June 2023
- Jaskel08California234 contributionsWe arrived too lateWe did the Freedom Trail that ended at Faneuil Hall and decided to walk/explore on our own the North End. Not a far walk, we ended up arriving in the evening when it was closed. Didn’t get to see the inside but the outside looked amazing. Didn’t get a chance to hear or understand it’s place in history.Visited June 2023Written 5 July 2023
- SvenskaGirlLargo, Florida34 contributionsRevolution’s EdgeRevolution’s Edge is a play currently being performed in the Old North Church, on the weekends. Well worth sweating it out (it was 88 degrees inside during it). So interesting to be sitting in those 300 year old pews. Play was acted by three professional actors, and it was incredibly moving.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 July 2023
- Midwest_Roamer22Lansing, Michigan45 contributionsRevolution’s Edge worth the visitMy family enjoyed the performance of Revolution’s Edge at the Old North Church, a production about the clash of ideals on the night the lanterns were hung, in the venue in which it actually occurred! The actors were excellent performers and the dialogue provocative and meaningful for any time period. I especially appreciated the characterization of Cato, a slave of the church pastor who is a Loyalist. It made me think about a slave held by my own revolutionary ancestor and what life must have been like for him. Even if there is no performance, the church is a worthwhile stop on the revolutionary trail.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 September 2023
- Raf RoggemanAsse, Belgium88 contributionsintresting for the history and nice neighbourhoodWe visited the church without guide and just went quickly throught it and read the info. We knew already something about the history, but the info on the boards about Paul Revere was intresting. And the whole neighbourhood is nice, certainly somthing you want to walk through when you're in Boston.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 September 2023
- CharlieMeyer2020Tulsa, Oklahoma81 contributionsWORSHIP WHERE YOUR FOREFATHERS WORSHIPPEDIt’s a woke church, but not in your face as plenty of others are in Boston, but you’re (probably) there to worship, not to convert or become a member. Plenty of conservative/traditional hymns/parts of the service with a great choir and organ. So, yes, absolutely positively attend (not just take the tour), but you must register on line in advance, because, as the saying goes-seating is limited. And don’t forget to generously contribute to the collection basket to keep spreading God’s word and also keep our great American Heritage alive.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 October 2023
- OrlandoMouseSt. Augustine, Florida2,239 contributionsIt is a beautiful building where the sound of freedom beganWhen following the Freedom Trail it will lead you into the North End of Boston and by Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church where the signaling of how the British are coming was done with lanterns. There are tours of the church when no services are being held as well as quaint gift shop. Remember to take a picture of the steeple (not the original one as it has had to be rebuilt due to weather.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,113 reviews
Excellent
1,912
Very good
1,003
Average
175
Poor
19
Terrible
4
Rob G
Bedfordshire, UK95 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Part of the freedom trail. Fee to enter the church.
It's a nice stroll to the church. Lots of shops on the walk to the church. Make the most of the opportunity.
It's a nice stroll to the church. Lots of shops on the walk to the church. Make the most of the opportunity.
Written 20 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
Sep 2023 • Couples
When following the Freedom Trail it will lead you into the North End of Boston and by Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church where the signaling of how the British are coming was done with lanterns. There are tours of the church when no services are being held as well as quaint gift shop. Remember to take a picture of the steeple (not the original one as it has had to be rebuilt due to weather.
Written 26 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.
Rashae Williams
Yardley, PA41 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We came here with our 8 month old, I had booked the tickets online in advance, and they don't care the time, they hold anytime all day.
It was a great tour! The audio alone is about 40 mins straight, super fascinating, we didn't quite get through it all, but loved walking around and learning. It's not super stroller friendly, unless you're okay lifting up and down a few stairs, which we did, but would probably have carried her instead had we known.
It was a great tour! The audio alone is about 40 mins straight, super fascinating, we didn't quite get through it all, but loved walking around and learning. It's not super stroller friendly, unless you're okay lifting up and down a few stairs, which we did, but would probably have carried her instead had we known.
Written 21 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.
Jaime F
Hamilton, Canada25 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Worth seeing and pay the little extra to see the crypt and hear the background. If you’re doing a history tour of Boston you can’t leave this out
Written 13 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.
CharlieMeyer2020
Tulsa, OK81 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It’s a woke church, but not in your face as plenty of others are in Boston, but you’re (probably) there to worship, not to convert or become a member. Plenty of conservative/traditional hymns/parts of the service with a great choir and organ.
So, yes, absolutely positively attend (not just take the tour), but you must register on line in advance, because, as the saying goes-seating is limited. And don’t forget to generously contribute to the collection basket to keep spreading God’s word and also keep our great American Heritage alive.
So, yes, absolutely positively attend (not just take the tour), but you must register on line in advance, because, as the saying goes-seating is limited. And don’t forget to generously contribute to the collection basket to keep spreading God’s word and also keep our great American Heritage alive.
Written 8 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.
Raf Roggeman
Asse, Belgium88 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We visited the church without guide and just went quickly throught it and read the info. We knew already something about the history, but the info on the boards about Paul Revere was intresting.
And the whole neighbourhood is nice, certainly somthing you want to walk through when you're in Boston.
And the whole neighbourhood is nice, certainly somthing you want to walk through when you're in Boston.
Written 23 September 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.
Midwest_Roamer22
Lansing, MI45 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My family enjoyed the performance of Revolution’s Edge at the Old North Church, a production about the clash of ideals on the night the lanterns were hung, in the venue in which it actually occurred! The actors were excellent performers and the dialogue provocative and meaningful for any time period. I especially appreciated the characterization of Cato, a slave of the church pastor who is a Loyalist. It made me think about a slave held by my own revolutionary ancestor and what life must have been like for him. Even if there is no performance, the church is a worthwhile stop on the revolutionary trail.
Written 3 September 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.
TravelingBum10
United States2,706 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We walked by the church on our trail walk. It has a lot of plaques on the outside with some history markers. Very nice plaza area too
Written 28 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.
Jason F
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
The Old North Church is a can't-miss stop for any visit to Boston! We loved making our way through the sanctuary while listening to the audio guide. The guide included fascinating stories from the church's 300 years of existence, including the "one if by land, two if by sea" lantern signals and Paul Revere's ride. You can also talk to the church's knowledgeable Educators and ask questions. The whole experience was like stepping back in time! Highly recommend!
Written 22 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.
OldNorth1723
We're so glad you enjoyed your visit! Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience!
Written 23 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oliver T
Blaine, MN177 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Active church with an awesome history. Very interesting to learn about the church and how each person essentially had their own enclosed block for seating and common folk would have to go upstairs. Would definitely recommend!
Written 30 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.
boydownthelane
Leominster, MA16 contributions
What is the best location outside and away from the church to get a good shot of the lanterns after they have been lit during the ceremony?
Patriots' Day is coming up and it will make a great addition ot the group of photos.
All the events are listed here online at the Boston Discovery Guide forward-slash Patriots Day schedule.
OldNorth1723
Boston, MA
The best place to take a photo of the lanterns in the steeple would be from Hull Street by Copp's Hill Burying Ground. If you'd like to attend the Lantern Ceremony itself, tickets are still available at bit.ly/oldnorthlanterntix!
Hayley1607
Kent, UK118 contributions
How long might to take to walk around?
Michael N
Sealy, TX21 contributions
The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles and if you stop at each of the historic sites to see them it takes 5-6 hours.
The Old North Church can be seen in a self guided tour in 15-20 minutes. They do have a guided crypt and bell tower tour that takes about 30-40 minutes.
Null
Salem, MA30 contributions
There is no "charge" to enter. It's an optional donation to go towards the preservation of the site so that one day your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to visit.
The reason the church is not ornate is because it was an Anglican Church (Protestant - rejection of popery)
Greg C
Prescott, AZ123 contributions
I think you answered your own question. I fully agree.
TouristTrap9597
New Castle, PA311 contributions
Is Old North Church open on Sundays for tours?
indonesianprincess13
Philadelphia, PA92 contributions
Yes, after regular Sunday services.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Old North Church & Historic Site
- Hotels near Old North Church & Historic Site:
- (0.04 km) City Suites First of Boston
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- (0.37 km) Bricco Suites
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- Restaurants near Old North Church & Historic Site:
- (0.01 km) Caffe Lil Italy
- (0.05 km) Theo's Cozy Corner Restaurant
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- (0.15 km) Dino's Cafe
- Attractions near Old North Church & Historic Site:
- (0.02 km) Old North Main Gift Shop
- (0.04 km) Old North Memorial Garden
- (0.05 km) Historic Chocolate Program at Old North
- (0.05 km) The Printing Office of Edes & Gill
- (0.15 km) Secret Food Tours Boston