Boston Common

Boston Common is the city's central green space and one of its oldest public places. It was established in 1634 and covers about 50 acres in the heart of downtown. For most visitors it is the starting point for the Freedom Trail, and the city's visitor centre is on the Tremont Street side.

The Common is good for a slow walk with a few fixed points. Opposite the Massachusetts State House, at the corner of Beacon and Park Streets, the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial honours Shaw and the Black soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. On Flag Staff Hill the Soldiers and Sailors Monument commemorates the Civil War dead, and the Parkman Bandstand in the eastern part of the park is used for concerts and theatre. On the Boylston Street side, the Central Burying Ground contains the grave of the portrait painter Gilbert Stuart.

The Frog Pond sits near the middle of the park and changes with the seasons. In winter it becomes an ice-skating rink with a learn-to-skate programme, in spring and autumn it is a reflecting pool, and in summer it turns into a spray pool with a children's carousel nearby. It is run by the Skating Club of Boston with the City of Boston, so check its own schedule for skating sessions.

The park is free and open to everyone, which makes it useful for families who need a break between museums, and for anyone staying downtown who wants a morning run or a picnic. As with any city-centre park, it tends to be busiest at weekday lunchtimes and during events, and early mornings are quieter. Bring a layer outside summer, as the open lawns can feel exposed in wind. Allow an hour to walk around, or longer if you are starting the Freedom Trail here.

Park Street station sits under the eastern corner of the Common and Boylston station is under the southern corner, both on the Green Line. The Public Garden is directly across Charles Street, and the Massachusetts State House, the second stop on the Freedom Trail, faces the Common from Beacon Street.