Old South Meeting House Boston
Stand where history was made! The Old South Meeting House is the original site of the Boston Tea Party, a cornerstone of American Revolution history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Old South Meeting House Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand where history was made! The Old South Meeting House is the original site of the Boston Tea Party, a cornerstone of American Revolution history.
"The value really comes from being in the actual space where key moments in U.S. history took place."
🎯 Combo Tickets for Value
Get dual tickets for Old South & Old State Houses for better context & value. :ticket:
🗣️ Join a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Tours, especially 'Slavery and Resistance,' are very engaging and informative. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Heart of the Boston Tea Party
Main Meeting Hall
Stand where colonists debated and planned the iconic Boston Tea Party, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.
Architectural Grandeur
Interior
Marvel at the impressive 18th-century architecture, a testament to the building's enduring historical significance.
Slavery and Resistance Tour
Various exhibits
Gain deeper insights into lesser-known narratives of the Revolution with this engaging and informative guided tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for History Buffs
Maximize Your Visit with Combo Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Tickets for Value
Get dual tickets for Old South & Old State Houses for better context & value. :ticket:
🗣️ Join a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Tours, especially 'Slavery and Resistance,' are very engaging and informative. :walking:
Tourist - free first afternoon!
📜 NPS Passport Stamp
First Freedom Trail site with a National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp. No admission needed for stamp. :stamp:
🚶 Self-Guided Freedom Trail
Follow the red bricks on the ground for a self-guided walk if you prefer. :red_circle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Tickets for Value
Get dual tickets for Old South & Old State Houses for better context & value. :ticket:
🗣️ Join a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Tours, especially 'Slavery and Resistance,' are very engaging and informative. :walking:
📜 NPS Passport Stamp
First Freedom Trail site with a National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp. No admission needed for stamp. :stamp:
🚶 Self-Guided Freedom Trail
Follow the red bricks on the ground for a self-guided walk if you prefer. :red_circle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Old South Meeting House a historically significant site, particularly for its connection to the Boston Tea Party. While some feel the admission price is a bit high for the interior exhibits alone, many agree that the value increases significantly when purchasing combo tickets with other sites or by taking an insightful guided tour, like the 'Slavery and Resistance' option. The chance to stand in a space where pivotal American history unfolded is a major draw for many.
"The Old South Meeting House Museum felt a bit expensive for what’s inside, but the value really comes from being in the actual space where key moments in U.S. history took place. The admission also includes entry to the other Freedom Trail museum, which helps justify the price. The exhibits do a good job walking you through the historical context, making it an educational stop. Whether it’s worth it depends on how interested you are in standing where history happened and learning about the roots of the American Revolution."
Oscar Fonseca
"We visited on a Wednesday morning in mid-June 2025. We were doing this as part of the Freedom Trail. They did not open until 10AM and we planned out our hike so that we would arrive here just around 10AM. We got here a little early and walked across the street to hang out at the small little park and then did some last min Walgreens shopping as well.
We did not have plans to pay to explore the church itself because we had already decided we wanted to do the Old North Church instead. But this was the first site on the trail (if you're doing it in order) that had a National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp. You do not have to pay to get access to the stamp.
We talked for a couple minutes with the staff here at the front as they were a bit on the shorter side and needed some help getting the large tall doors opened for the day.
They were really nice and look like a ton of resources here. Unfortunately we just didn't have the time so we had to pick and choose which place we were going to go in and explore and which places would just be a quick stop to check the box.
The cost here was $10 for adult, $8 for seniors and students and $5 for children 12 & under. Also FREE admission to US military and veterans, Massachusetts Teachers and EBT cardholders. They offered Gallery Talks and Walking tours at set times."
David L.
"What a great experience! I’m going to echo others and recommend you get the dual tickets! It’s such a short walk and a lot to learn! I also highly recommend taking a tour!!! I got the Slavery and Resistance tour. It was so good! Informative! I learned alot and it goes to both buildings! We also got to go on the second level in the meeting hall! If you take this tour I recommend going to the meeting hall looking around and then doing the tour before which will lead you to the next building where you can stay and look around! It’s great!!!!! You have to stop here!!!! There’s so much to read and look at! Can’t recommend enough, especially the tour!! So engaging!"
Hailey McCain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old South Meeting House is centrally located in downtown Boston, easily accessible via public transportation. The MBTA's Orange and Silver Lines stop at Downtown Crossing, which is a short walk away. Several bus routes also serve the area. If driving, be aware that parking in downtown Boston can be expensive and limited.
Yes, the Old South Meeting House is a significant stop on Boston's historic Freedom Trail. You can follow the red brick path to find it easily.
If you arrive in the afternoon, you can still enjoy the Freedom Trail. While guided tours might be morning-focused, you can do a self-guided walk using the red brick path or download an audio tour from the National Park Service.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Boston and can drop you off near the Old South Meeting House. The address is 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108.
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, they can be costly. Consider using public transport or walking if you're already in the downtown area to save on parking fees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $10 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors, students, and children. Military personnel, veterans, Massachusetts teachers, and EBT cardholders often receive free admission.
You can visit the exterior and the area around the building without paying. However, to access the exhibits and interior, admission is required. You can get the National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp without paying for entry.
Yes, discounts are available for seniors, students, children, US military and veterans, Massachusetts teachers, and EBT cardholders. Check their official website for the most current pricing and discount information.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special events or tours, is recommended to secure your spot and avoid potential queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Old South Meeting House website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. They typically open around 10 AM.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore exhibits detailing the building's history and its role in the American Revolution, including the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party. You can also experience the architecture and imagine the historical gatherings.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The 'Slavery and Resistance' tour is particularly praised for its depth and engagement, offering a comprehensive look at the site's history.
Information on accessibility can be found on their official website. While historic buildings can present challenges, efforts are often made to accommodate visitors.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check with staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on photography, especially flash photography, to respect the historical artifacts and exhibits.
This meeting house was the site of numerous crucial pre-Revolutionary War meetings, most famously the gathering that led to the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Old South Meeting House is located in a vibrant downtown Boston area with numerous dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside historical buildings to preserve the exhibits. It's best to consume them outside or at a nearby eatery.
You'll find a wide range of cuisines, including American, Italian, seafood, and international options. There are also many coffee shops and bakeries for quick snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, especially the facade and entrance, offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the main meeting hall with its historical seating and pulpit is a key subject.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to inquire with staff upon entry. Flash photography is often prohibited to protect the historical artifacts.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots. For interior photos, consider visiting when crowds are thinner to get clearer shots of the historical elements.
While the actual Tea Party happened elsewhere, the Old South Meeting House is where the planning occurred. You can capture the essence of that history within its walls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it, consider purchasing combo tickets that include other sites, as this can offer better value and variety. Engaging children with the stories of brave colonists and pivotal moments can spark their interest in history. Look for any family-friendly programming or tours that might be available during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing combo tickets if you plan to visit multiple historical sites, as this often provides a cost saving. If your budget is extremely tight, you can still appreciate the building's exterior and its historical significance as part of a self-guided Freedom Trail walk.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the knowledgeable staff and consider attending any Gallery Talks or special programs offered. The detailed exhibits and the building's architecture provide ample material for in-depth exploration and understanding of the revolutionary period.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Boston Tea Party: A Pivotal Moment
While the actual act of throwing tea occurred at Griffin's Wharf, the Old South Meeting House served as the crucial meeting point where the colonists organized and galvanized. Reenactments of the Boston Tea Party are held here annually on December 16th, offering a vivid and immersive experience for visitors.
Understanding the context of the Tea Party is essential for appreciating the significance of the Old South Meeting House. It wasn't just a building; it was a forum for dissent and a catalyst for revolution. The exhibits inside provide detailed accounts and artifacts that bring this dramatic period of American history to life.
Architectural Significance and Preservation
Preserving such a historic structure involves ongoing efforts to maintain its integrity while making it accessible to the public. Visitors can admire the original woodwork, the high pulpit, and the galleries where congregants once sat. The building's acoustics are also noteworthy, having hosted countless speeches and debates that shaped the nation.
Experiencing the architecture firsthand allows visitors to visualize the past and appreciate the historical context. The building itself is a silent witness to centuries of American history, from colonial gatherings to revolutionary fervor and beyond. Its continued existence is a gift to future generations seeking to understand the nation's origins.
Beyond the Tea Party: Slavery and Resistance
This tour highlights how individuals, both enslaved and free, navigated the oppressive systems of the time and actively participated in movements for change. It provides a more nuanced understanding of the revolutionary era, acknowledging the diverse experiences and struggles of all who lived through it.
By exploring these deeper historical layers, visitors gain a more comprehensive and critical perspective on American history. The Old South Meeting House, through its exhibits and tours, serves as a vital space for confronting the complexities of the past and understanding its ongoing relevance.
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