Boston Common
America's oldest city park, a vibrant green heart in Boston offering history, recreation, and a peaceful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Boston Common
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's oldest city park, a vibrant green heart in Boston offering history, recreation, and a peaceful escape.
"A beautiful, historic park right in the heart of the city, perfect for a stroll or people-watching."
🚗 Park Smartly
Use the garage under Boston Common or apps like SpotHero. Limit luggage visibility if parking overnight.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the Common and surrounding areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frog Pond
Central Boston Common
A beloved spot for families, offering a splash pad in summer and ice skating in winter. Perfect for cooling off or enjoying seasonal fun.

Parkman Bandstand
East side of Boston Common
Historic bandstand hosting free concerts and events, adding a lively atmosphere to the park. A great place to soak in local culture.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Flagstaff Hill, Boston Common
A poignant tribute to Civil War soldiers and sailors, offering a moment of reflection and historical context within the park.

Swan Boats in Public Garden
Adjacent to Boston Common
Iconic swan boat rides offer a charming and leisurely way to experience the beauty of the adjacent Public Garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Boston Common
Parking & Transit Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
Use the garage under Boston Common or apps like SpotHero. Limit luggage visibility if parking overnight.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the Common and surrounding areas.
🚇 Embrace Public Transit
The MBTA is often easier than driving. Consider park-and-ride lots like Wellington.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water or buy from vendors. The Frog Pond is great for kids to cool off.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
Use the garage under Boston Common or apps like SpotHero. Limit luggage visibility if parking overnight.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the Common and surrounding areas.
🚇 Embrace Public Transit
The MBTA is often easier than driving. Consider park-and-ride lots like Wellington.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water or buy from vendors. The Frog Pond is great for kids to cool off.
📸 Capture the Views
From historic monuments to city skylines, there are many photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Boston Common is widely praised as a beautiful, historic urban oasis offering a welcome respite in the heart of the city. Visitors appreciate its vast green spaces for relaxation and recreation, the seasonal activities at the Frog Pond, and its central location for exploring other attractions like the Freedom Trail and Public Garden. While generally well-maintained and enjoyable, some note that it can get crowded, and parking in the vicinity is a common challenge.
"Boston Common is a beautiful, historic park right in the heart of the city. The open green spaces are perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or just relaxing and people-watching. There are plenty of paths to explore, benches to rest on, and seasonal events that make it lively throughout the year. It’s easy to get to, and the surrounding city views add to the charm. A great spot to take a break while exploring Boston."
Sam L
"Great place to spend a couple hours during you day getting some step, some sun, and spending some time with someone you love. Great walking options, cool things to see, awesome awesome swimming pond, lots of food and snacks, in the middle of everything, and always local vendors selling kick knacks..."
john carpenito
"Pleasant area to walk and play with the family over a sprawling grassy area with some shaded trees. There is a large shallow water area (frog pond) for the kids to enjoy the water spray and cool down.
Central location with easy access to the subway and walking distance to Chinatown."
David W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boston Common is easily accessible via the MBTA subway system. Several stations are within walking distance, including Park Street (Red & Green Lines), Downtown Crossing (Red & Orange Lines), and Boylston (Green Line). If driving, the Boston Common Garage is a primary option, though expensive.
Parking directly at Boston Common is available in an underground garage, but it can be costly. Many visitors prefer to park at MBTA stations outside the city center (like Wellington or Oak Grove on the Orange Line) and take the train in.
Absolutely! Boston Common is a central point. You can easily walk to the Public Garden, Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, and the Theater District.
The Silver Line bus from Logan Airport will take you to South Station, from where you can transfer to the Red Line to Downtown Crossing, a short walk from the Common. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare is also an option.
Yes, most of the main paths in Boston Common are paved and accessible for strollers. The adjacent Public Garden also has paved paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Boston Common is a public park and is free to enter and explore.
Boston Common is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific areas or facilities within the park may have their own hours.
Many events, like concerts at the Parkman Bandstand, are free. However, special ticketed events may occur, so it's best to check the official Boston Parks and Recreation website for schedules and ticketing information.
While there isn't a specific tour solely for Boston Common, it's a key stop on the Freedom Trail tours. You can also explore independently or join general Boston walking tours that often include the park.
Dogs are welcome in Boston Common but must be leashed at all times. Please be mindful of other visitors and clean up after your pet.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can stroll through its many paths, relax on the grass, visit the Frog Pond (splash pad/ice rink), see the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and enjoy seasonal events. It's also a starting point for the Freedom Trail.
The Frog Pond is a popular feature in Boston Common, offering a splash pad for kids in the summer and an ice-skating rink during the winter months.
Boston Common is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours when it's populated with visitors and locals. Like any urban park, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
It's the oldest city park in the United States, established in 1634. It served as a campsite for British troops before the American Revolution and has been a site for public gatherings and protests throughout history.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day, depending on your interests. A quick stroll might take an hour, while exploring thoroughly, visiting the Frog Pond, and enjoying a picnic could take several hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't full-service restaurants within Boston Common itself, there are often food vendors selling snacks and drinks. The adjacent Public Garden and nearby areas like Downtown Crossing and the Theater District offer numerous dining options.
Quincy Market (part of Faneuil Hall Marketplace) is a short walk away and offers a wide variety of affordable food stalls. Chinatown, also nearby, has many excellent and budget-friendly Asian eateries.
Union Oyster House, one of Boston's oldest restaurants, is a short walk from the Common and is known for its lobster rolls. Many other seafood restaurants are also in the vicinity.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity in Boston Common. There are plenty of open green spaces perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal.
Yes, the areas surrounding Boston Common, particularly Beacon Hill and Back Bay, have numerous coffee shops, from local cafes to larger chains.
📸 📸 Photography
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Parkman Bandstand, the Frog Pond, and the views of the State House are all great photo opportunities. The adjacent Public Garden with its bridges and swan boats is also a photographer's dream.
Absolutely! During autumn, Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden are stunning with vibrant fall colors, making them ideal for photography.
Drone usage is generally restricted in city parks, including Boston Common, due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to check with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for specific rules.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but it's also when the park is most lively.
Yes, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a prominent landmark. The 'Make Way for Ducklings' statue in the Public Garden is also a very popular photo spot, especially for families.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Adjacent to the Common is the Public Garden, where kids will love the iconic Swan Boats and the 'Make Way for Ducklings' statue. The Freedom Trail also starts at Boston Common, offering an engaging way to introduce children to American history in a digestible format.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Many events held at the Parkman Bandstand are also free. For affordable eats, head to nearby Quincy Market or Chinatown, both offering a wide range of budget-friendly dining options. Consider using the MBTA's park-and-ride options to save on parking costs.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore landmarks like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the Massachusetts State House which overlooks the Common. The park's historical significance is palpable, offering a tangible connection to America's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Freedom Trail Connection
When exploring the Freedom Trail from Boston Common, consider starting at the Visitor Center near the Common for maps and information. The trail winds through various neighborhoods, offering a comprehensive look at Boston's rich history. Some travelers suggest doing the trail in reverse, starting from Charlestown and ending at the Common, to experience a different flow.
Remember that the Freedom Trail is a walking tour, so comfortable footwear is essential. The Common itself provides a beautiful green space to rest before or after your historical exploration. The integration of the park with the trail makes for a perfect blend of nature and history in one visit.
Boston Common vs. Public Garden
The Public Garden, established in 1837, is renowned for its formal Victorian design, meticulously maintained flower beds, and the iconic Swan Boats that glide across its lagoon. It's a more manicured and romantic space, perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying botanical beauty. The two parks are directly adjacent, separated by Charles Street, making it easy to transition between them.
Many visitors enjoy experiencing both: starting with the historical significance and open spaces of Boston Common, then moving to the picturesque beauty and unique attractions of the Public Garden. The 'Make Way for Ducklings' statue in the Public Garden is a particular hit with families.
Seasonal Activities and Events
As fall arrives, the park and its surroundings become a spectacle of autumn colors, making it a prime spot for enjoying the foliage. The crisp air is ideal for walking and exploring. During the winter, the Frog Pond freezes over to become a beloved ice-skating rink, offering a classic New England winter experience. Holiday events and decorations often add to the festive atmosphere.
Spring brings a renewal of greenery and blooming flowers, making the Common a pleasant place for a stroll. Throughout the year, Boston Common is a hub for community events, festivals, and protests, reflecting its role as a central gathering place for the city. Checking local event listings is recommended to catch any special happenings during your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit