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Parks & gardens

Boston Common

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Boston Common

About Boston Common

Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States, spanning more than 200,000 square meters in downtown Boston. Travelers visit to walk along its network of paved pathways, rest on open green lawns, or use the space as an easy navigation point while touring the downtown district.

Getting There

Located directly in the city center, the grounds are reachable within a 5- to 10-minute walk from most central areas. The site is also directly accessible via public transportation, with transit stops such as Park Street Station situated right at the perimeter.

Time to Spend

Plan to spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to walk across the property or pause between sightseeing stops.

When to Visit

Mornings are generally quiet and best for uncrowded walking. The park gets crowded on sunny weekends, during summer afternoons, and when public events take place. Visiting during spring or autumn provides comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoors.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its central position, the site pairs well with several adjacent destinations:

  • Park Street Church (0.3 km)
  • Boston Public Garden (0.4 km)
  • Beacon Hill (0.4 km)
  • Boston Athenæum (0.4 km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Boston Common

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Boston Common Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Park Street Church

Temples & religious sites

Park Street Church

Park Street Church stands where Tremont Street meets Park Street, across from Boston Common. Built in 1809, it is well known as the starting point of the Freedom Trail.

0.3 km away

Beacon Hill

Shopping & districts

Beacon Hill

A historic neighborhood just north of Boston Common and the Public Garden. Georgian brick townhouses, narrow lanes, and gas lamps create an old-world atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely stroll.

0.4 km away

Boston Public Garden

Zoos & aquariums

Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden sits in downtown Boston next to Boston Common and is known as the oldest public botanical garden in the United States. It's a great spot for a stroll past statues like the one of George Washington, and it's conveniently close to a subway station.

0.4 km away

Boston Athenæum

Museums & galleries

Boston Athenæum

Located in Boston's Beacon Hill, this historic membership library opened in 1807 and stands as one of America's leading independent libraries. Strolling through its stately stacks and reading rooms lets you soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era.

0.4 km away

Old State House

Museums & galleries

Old State House

Built in 1713 at the corner of Washington Street and State Street, this is Boston's oldest surviving public building. Today it houses a history exhibit and makes for a convenient stop along the Freedom Trail.

0.8 km away

New England Holocaust Memorial

Heritage & monuments

New England Holocaust Memorial

A memorial built to honor the Jewish victims of Nazi Germany. It's a quiet stop in downtown Boston for reflecting on history.

1.0 km away