Any budget-friendly visit to Boston's fantastic Freedom Trail should start at one of the two National Park Service Visitor Centers. The NPS personnel are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and they can help you plan your visit. All of what they provide is completely free (paid for by US taxpayers), although you may wish to make a small donation. Their free guided tours - which include the downtown Freedom Trail Stops, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and the USS Cassin Young - are well done, as good or better than anything you will pay for. And, the new Visitor Center at the base of Faneuil Hall is a showplace.
The National Park Service has also produced a free app that can be downloaded to an Android or iPhone/iPad device. Search Google Play or iTunes for "NPS Boston" to download the app. The app is very well done but it only covers "official" 16 Freedom Trail Stops - there is a lot more you will want to see. Use the NPS app in conjunction with the custom Google Map referenced below for a complete and free guide to everything.
Most of The Freedom Trail Stops are free, with exceptions of the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, and Paul Revere House. If visiting all three, purchase a Freedom Trail Ticket at any of these Stops. It will save about 20% over individual tickets. You can purchase it online, but there is little advantage to purchasing before you arrive.
Another option for visitors visiting the admission-charging Stops and other Boston-area attractions - including a tour from TheFreedomTrail.org, museums and a trolley or duck-boat tour, is a bundled package from Go Select.
Dining in Boston can be expensive, but bargains are available. Wonderful lunch deals are frequently offered, including lobster, in the Blackstone Block neighborhood. The Blackstone Block is on the walk between Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House in the North End. Several of the pubs mentioned in my Ezine article "Freedom Trail Restaurant Guide - Historic Restaurants," feature good, reasonably priced food in a colorful atmosphere.
There are many other good options in and around the North End (Boston's Little Italy and the location of the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Copp's Hill Burying Ground). Several of my favorites include:
Galleria Umberto, for pizza-oriented lunch fare, is very popular with the locals. 289 Hanover Street (617) 227-5709.
La Summa, is one of the best for old world (not trendy) Italian. 30 Fleet St 617-523-9503. Check Restaurant.com for coupons.
Pizzeria Regina, Boston's oldest pizzeria, has been here since 1926. 11 1/2 Thacher Street. 617-227-0765.
There are two great Italian pastry shops on Hanover Street in the North End. Mikes Pastry at 300 Hanover Street is larger and has inside seating. Modern Pastry is at 257 Hanover Street. Both are fantastic.
Public transportation on the MBTA is the best way to get around. If your trip spans several days, consider a multi-day pass. Children 11 and under are free, and junior-high and high school students receive a 50% discount with ID and a special ticket.
There is a wonderful Water Shuttle ride across the inner harbor between Long Wharf (near Faneuil Hall and the Old State House) and the Charlestown Navy Yard (near the USS Constitution). It is part of the MBTA, and the single ride adult fare is $3.00, children are free. It is the F4 route and it is an inner harbor tour on the cheap - a great ride on a nice day.
Pick up a free CharlieCard at any transit station. The CharlieCard is a plastic reusable ticket for the MBTA. By showing the card, you receive discounts on attractions such as FreedomTrail.org tours, 2 for 1 admission at the Old State House, Boston Duck Tours, restaurant discounts (10% off at the Warren Tavern in Charlestown), and more. Search and download the "CharlieCard discount booklet" to learn more.
Enjoy your visit - The Freedom Trail is a special place!
Steve Gladstone is a Boston-based writer / historian and author of the "Freedom Trail Boston - Ultimate Tour & History Guide - Tips, Secrets and Tricks." For more Freedom Trail information, visit http://www.stevestravelguide.com/ For a guide to all the referenced official and unofficial Freedom Trail Stops, use this interactive Freedom Trail Google Map, a free tour guide in your pocket.
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