Granary Burying Ground Boston
Walk among legends on Boston's Freedom Trail. See graves of Paul Revere, Sam Adams, John Hancock & Boston Massacre victims.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better visibility
Granary Burying Ground Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among legends on Boston's Freedom Trail. See graves of Paul Revere, Sam Adams, John Hancock & Boston Massacre victims.
"A must-see for all history enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to America's founding."
🚶♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail
The Granary Burying Ground is a key stop on Boston's famous Freedom Trail.
📚 Grab a Free Map
Volunteers often hand out helpful maps and info packets to guide your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graves of Patriots
Freedom Trail
See the final resting places of Revolutionary War heroes like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock.
+1
Boston Massacre Victims
Near Tremont Street
Pay respects to the five victims of the Boston Massacre, a pivotal event in American history.
+1
Colonial Gravestone Art
Throughout the cemetery
Marvel at unique 'death's head' carvings and remarkably preserved inscriptions from the 17th century.
Benjamin Franklin's Family
Near the obelisk
Discover the graves of Benjamin Franklin's parents, a testament to his Boston roots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Resting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail
The Granary Burying Ground is a key stop on Boston's famous Freedom Trail.
📚 Grab a Free Map
Volunteers often hand out helpful maps and info packets to guide your visit.
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a cemetery. Avoid loud noises and touching gravestones.
📸 Capture History
The colonial gravestones are incredibly photogenic, especially the 'death's head' carvings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail
The Granary Burying Ground is a key stop on Boston's famous Freedom Trail.
📚 Grab a Free Map
Volunteers often hand out helpful maps and info packets to guide your visit.
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a cemetery. Avoid loud noises and touching gravestones.
📸 Capture History
The colonial gravestones are incredibly photogenic, especially the 'death's head' carvings.
🌃 Night Tours Available
Spooky night tours offer a unique perspective, but gravestones are hard to read.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Granary Burying Ground as a deeply historical and well-preserved site, offering a tangible connection to America's founding figures. The presence of graves like Paul Revere's and the Boston Massacre victims is a major draw. Some find the daytime experience enhanced by helpful volunteers and informative tours, while others enjoy the spooky atmosphere of night tours, despite reduced visibility.
"Wow, what a great historical site with many famous people. There was an individual outside lending a map and information on the burying ground which was helpful. The only disappointing thing was seeing someone taking the coins off Paul Revere’s grave marker. I said something to him a couple of times only to be ignored, it was a few minutes before closing time and I’m sure this is a common occurrence. A must see."
Jon Harrison
"Historic graveyard along the Freedom Trail. Volunteer was standing outside of the graveyard handing out information packages to read while walking through the graveyard. Returned it at the end. Lots of tours walking through. Busy on the weekends. Only open certain hours so check ahead."
Kris M
"As a cemetery lover, this was absolutely beautiful. We definitely saw a few tours here but we came on our own. Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock are all buried here. The victims of the Boston Massacre are also buried here. Lots of "death's head" gravestones. It is quite a big cemetery and could have spent a lot of time here. Boston has done an impeccable job on the upkeep and preservation of this Burial Ground."
Catherine P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Granary Burying Ground is centrally located on the Freedom Trail, easily accessible from Boston Common. It's a short walk from several MBTA subway stations, including Park Street and Downtown Crossing. Parking in the area can be challenging and expensive, so public transport is highly recommended.
Yes, the Granary Burying Ground is located right next to Boston Common, making it a convenient stop when exploring the park and the Freedom Trail.
Many visitors opt to walk the Freedom Trail, which includes the Granary. You can also explore independently using a map or join a guided tour for historical context.
During the day, the area is generally considered safe, though you might encounter people asking for money. It's best to be aware of your surroundings.
While the grounds are generally locked at night, special 'Ghosts and Gravestones' tours allow access after dark for a spooky experience, though reading gravestones is difficult.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Granary Burying Ground is typically free. However, guided tours may have associated costs.
The burying ground is not open 24/7. It's best to check the official operating hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Yes, numerous guided tours, including the Freedom Trail tour and spooky night tours, visit the Granary Burying Ground. +1
Admission to walk through the Granary Burying Ground is free. Costs are associated with specific guided tours.
Yes, you can visit on weekends, but expect larger crowds compared to weekdays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's the final resting place for many notable figures, including Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Crispus Attucks, and the victims of the Boston Massacre. Benjamin Franklin's parents are also interred here. +1
These are distinctive colonial-era gravestones featuring skull-like carvings, often with wings, symbolizing mortality and the soul's journey. They are a unique artistic feature of the cemetery.
Boston has done an excellent job preserving and maintaining the Granary Burying Ground, ensuring the historic gravestones remain legible and the grounds are kept tidy.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the site.
It's most famously known as the burial site of the victims of the Boston Massacre and many patriots of the American Revolution.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the unique 'death's head' gravestones, the obelisk for Benjamin Franklin's parents, and the markers for historical figures like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.
During the day, the inscriptions are usually legible. Night tours can make photography challenging due to low light conditions.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and the solemnity of the site. Avoid intrusive photography.
Morning light can be softer and less crowded, while late afternoon can offer dramatic shadows. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
The cemetery is quite large, so plan your visit to capture the key historical markers and interesting gravestones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when visibility is best for reading names and dates. While night tours are spooky, they might be too intense for younger children, and the lack of light makes it hard to appreciate the historical details. Bringing a simple map or using a guided tour can help keep kids engaged and provide context for what they are seeing.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1Don't miss the Boston Massacre victims' memorial and the chance to see the final resting places of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Exploring the colonial gravestone art adds another layer of historical appreciation. Consider joining a daytime guided tour for the most comprehensive historical insights.
👻 Spooky Seekers
While the daytime visit allows for a deeper appreciation of the historical figures and gravestone art, the nighttime tours provide an atmospheric and eerie experience. Be prepared for limited visibility of the gravestones themselves, but embrace the storytelling and the chilling ambiance of a historic cemetery after dark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance
+1Beyond the famous patriots, the cemetery also holds the remains of the five victims of the Boston Massacre, a pivotal event that fueled colonial resentment towards British rule. The presence of their graves underscores the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period. Additionally, the burial site of Benjamin Franklin's parents highlights the city's deep connection to one of America's most revered Founding Fathers.
+1Exploring the Granary Burying Ground provides a profound sense of history. The remarkably preserved colonial gravestones, many featuring intricate 'death's head' carvings, offer a glimpse into 17th and 18th-century funerary art and beliefs. It's a place where history comes alive, allowing visitors to walk among the very individuals who shaped the United States.
Navigating the Grounds and Tours
For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided tours are highly recommended. The official Freedom Trail Tour offers in-depth historical narratives during the day, allowing for clear viewing of the gravestones.
When visiting independently, take your time to wander and observe. The sheer number of historical figures buried here is astounding. Remember to be respectful of the resting places and avoid disturbing the site. The upkeep and preservation of the cemetery are commendable, allowing visitors to connect with history in a meaningful way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit