Boston Common
Boston Common
4.5
About
Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Boston Common
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Boylston • 4 min walk
- Park St • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,606 within 3 miles
Attractions
869 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- romadaroWashington DC, District of Columbia1,585 contributionsA Great Place to Spend the DayWith its manicured lawns, the Common is a place that seems to be enjoyed by both tourists and residents from throughout the city. Highly recommend it if it’s a nice day and you have some time to kill. Lots of good restaurants and shopping surround it so you can’t go wrong.Visited May 2023Written 26 May 2023
- kmetzger2016Arvada, Colorado6 contributionsWonderful place to stroll and let the kids play!Wonderful area to walk around, sit and have a coffee, let the kids play and just stroll. Cool bronze statues, especially The Embrace. Dedication to MLK and Mrs. King. Nice little carousel for our 3 year old.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 May 2023
- 363cymru123Cardiff, United Kingdom129 contributionsFantastic areaBoston Common is a must visit park while visiting the area. There is a large children's play area, a shallow children's splash pool (the frog pond), Parkman bandstand, monuments and statues galore. Plenty of grassed areas to chill out on as well as many park benches in both the sun and shade. There is a large information centre where you can pick up your FREE map of the Freedom Trail. The trail also starts from the information centre in the park, just follow the red brick path. There are also clean public restrooms here in the park too,Visited August 2023Written 6 August 2023
- JimmishMarblehead, Massachusetts202 contributionsA great park for a beautiful walk in the CityLove Boston Common, which is split into 2. A brand new sculpture showing an embrace with 2 arms hugging was amazing, Frog pond with its fountain in the Summer and ice skating in the Winter. Lots of open space for sitting amongst the trees. The second part of the parks, has monuments, lake with the famous Swan boats and bridge. The flowerbeds are in full bloom and very well kept. This is such a great must to see whether you are a tourist or a local.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 August 2023
- OrlandoMouseSt. Augustine, Florida2,239 contributionsWhen in Boston you must visit the Boston CommonsWhen in Boston, you need to visit the Boston Commons. It is a beautiful park with rolling hills, a duck pond, a carousel, and many statues. In the summer there are the swan boats to take a ride about the duck pond. Nearby is a brass sculpture of “Make Way for the Ducklings”. The spring and summer the park is filled with multiple colored flower blooms. Near the carousel is the Frog Pond, which in the winter can become a skating rink. In the fall, the leaves on the trees change color creating a picturesque landscape. The park has restrooms, meadows to sit in as well as park benches. It can be the home for outdoor concerts, fairs and events. It is definitely a place to see when in Boston. Also, there is a visitor center in the park, you can stop in for brochures as to what to do in the city. This is one spot where the Freedom Trail begins. You can even pick up a guide for the trail here. Take the time to enjoy.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
6,522 reviews
Excellent
3,600
Very good
2,247
Average
575
Poor
77
Terrible
24
Keion G
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Don’t know if it’s still there at the location near the hotels. When saw this statue it was amazing to see then it may have been taken down
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
forgotmypword
Boston, MA36,780 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Fireworks!! If you are not a nice ght-owl, this is the place to be for an amazing fireworks display at 7pm on New Year’s Eve.
Other “first night” events take place here too duch as ice sculpures and an ice skating performance on Frog Pond.
Other “first night” events take place here too duch as ice sculpures and an ice skating performance on Frog Pond.
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,827 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Boston Common was founded in 1634. It is a nice space in central Boston, with the Public Garden adjacent. Good to see so much green space in a big city!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrlandoMouse
St. Augustine, FL2,239 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
When in Boston, you need to visit the Boston Commons. It is a beautiful park with rolling hills, a duck pond, a carousel, and many statues. In the summer there are the swan boats to take a ride about the duck pond. Nearby is a brass sculpture of “Make Way for the Ducklings”. The spring and summer the park is filled with multiple colored flower blooms. Near the carousel is the Frog Pond, which in the winter can become a skating rink. In the fall, the leaves on the trees change color creating a picturesque landscape.
The park has restrooms, meadows to sit in as well as park benches. It can be the home for outdoor concerts, fairs and events. It is definitely a place to see when in Boston. Also, there is a visitor center in the park, you can stop in for brochures as to what to do in the city. This is one spot where the Freedom Trail begins. You can even pick up a guide for the trail here. Take the time to enjoy.
The park has restrooms, meadows to sit in as well as park benches. It can be the home for outdoor concerts, fairs and events. It is definitely a place to see when in Boston. Also, there is a visitor center in the park, you can stop in for brochures as to what to do in the city. This is one spot where the Freedom Trail begins. You can even pick up a guide for the trail here. Take the time to enjoy.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pjgrad
Kent, WA502 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Lovely park with fountains, plantings, and lots of good people watching. Easy to get to and easy to walk around.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmish
Marblehead, MA202 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Love Boston Common, which is split into 2.
A brand new sculpture showing an embrace with 2 arms hugging was amazing, Frog pond with its fountain in the Summer and ice skating in the Winter. Lots of open space for sitting amongst the trees.
The second part of the parks, has monuments, lake with the famous Swan boats and bridge. The flowerbeds are in full bloom and very well kept.
This is such a great must to see whether you are a tourist or a local.
A brand new sculpture showing an embrace with 2 arms hugging was amazing, Frog pond with its fountain in the Summer and ice skating in the Winter. Lots of open space for sitting amongst the trees.
The second part of the parks, has monuments, lake with the famous Swan boats and bridge. The flowerbeds are in full bloom and very well kept.
This is such a great must to see whether you are a tourist or a local.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan M
Tuxedo Park, NY552 contributions
Jun 2023
Enjoy your stroll through part of Boston that has not changed in almost 400 years. Home to several notable monuments including the 54th Massachusetts and The Embrace.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry-Calif
San Francisco, CA377 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Starting at the beginning of the Freedom Trail where it all began many, many, many years ago in 1635.
Sitting on a park bench, closing my eyes, I can imagine hearing the cows mooing in the green pasture field, seeing the early settlers enjoying the common, and hearing the volunteers soldiers vocal commands during their training; and now, hearing the joys of laughter of kids on the playground, seeing the elderly enjoying the beauties of nature, and hearing all folks chattering away in the sunshine
What a wonderful place. I’m glad I started here at the COMMON FOR EVERYONE at the Boston Common.
Sitting on a park bench, closing my eyes, I can imagine hearing the cows mooing in the green pasture field, seeing the early settlers enjoying the common, and hearing the volunteers soldiers vocal commands during their training; and now, hearing the joys of laughter of kids on the playground, seeing the elderly enjoying the beauties of nature, and hearing all folks chattering away in the sunshine
What a wonderful place. I’m glad I started here at the COMMON FOR EVERYONE at the Boston Common.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
363cymru123
Cardiff, UK129 contributions
Aug 2023
Boston Common is a must visit park while visiting the area. There is a large children's play area, a shallow children's splash pool (the frog pond), Parkman bandstand, monuments and statues galore. Plenty of grassed areas to chill out on as well as many park benches in both the sun and shade. There is a large information centre where you can pick up your FREE map of the Freedom Trail. The trail also starts from the information centre in the park, just follow the red brick path. There are also clean public restrooms here in the park too,
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie
15 contributions
Jun 2023
this was such a pretty place to visit. I especially liked the musicians that were playing and that there is a carousel in the middle of the park. the dr king memorial was a nice touch also.
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A que hora deja de funcionar la fuente donde se bañan los niños
Conociendo con AEDA // @dittuto_unbite
Miami, FL93 contributions
Esta noticia la encontré publicada el 27 junio 2019
La piscina de rociadores de Boston Common Frog Pond ha regresado durante el verano para dar un toque a la temporada.
Las familias fueron invitadas a la reapertura del amado lugar con diversas festividades programadas desde las 11 a.m. Se ofrecieron sorteos, pintacaritas, experimentos científicos y música, mientras que la piscina para niños arranca el verano.
La celebración gratuita terminó a la 1 p.m. pero la piscina de rociadores permanecerá abierta hasta las 6 p.m. a diario.
Lake L
Milwaukee, WI218 contributions
Just a comment to solve the mystery here. With my allergies, I am pretty sensitive to outdoor smells. I noticed the "pot" smell right away last week in Boston common. But being a gardener, I know what it really is, Boxwood. These are pretty little smooth leaf shrubs that come from England. Several types, the English train them into hedges. Boxwood has a smell that is very much like pot but worse, it is unpleasant. I looked around but there was so much to see that I could not locate where the boxwoods were. Must be a lot of them, especially near the Visitor Center. My Lowes store always has plenty of boxwood plants and that whole section of the greenhouse stinks.
So, I can't really say what everyone in Boston Common is smoking, but I do know lots of boxwood shrubs when I smell them.
Lake L
Milwaukee, WI218 contributions
Thanks for the info from all of you. Good arguments, I agree, pot smell varies with the type. Not legal here but the kid next store sure likes his skunk weed.
I only smelled this near that little visitor's center near the sidewalk and it distinctly had that awful boxwood smell (Thought they were trimming hedges) or something. For rest of Common, I can't say. I just walked in and out any number of times, so I might have missed the real pot that the rest of you smelled.
Cabs2
Chestnut Hill Ma
Could you tell me if there are mosquitos at the frog pond for movie night?
Thank you
Canesbiggdogg
Miami, FL1,636 contributions
I've only been there during the day and have not seen mosquitos.
travelista8
San Francisco, CA9 contributions
What is the "hip" or trendy neighborhood in Boston? Shops, galleries, restaurants etc?
bunnycakes
Toronto, Canada97 contributions
Hi - sorry for the late reply - you definitely want to walk along Newberry St. for the galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
I am interested in running tomorrow morning around the Common and the garden. I'm planning to start around 5 am. Will I have a problem with safety at that time of the morning? Thanks
Dan H
Sharon, MA21 contributions
That area will be busy with people going to work, so it should be safe.
kimflenn
Lubbock, Texas75 contributions
Hi, I am planning a surprise visit for my husband's birthday the last few days of November. Is the "scenic view" worth the extra expense or is the "forrest view" a great way to go? We like a nice view with a patio or balcony but don't want to upgrade all the way to the Ocean View. Any input is appreciated! Thank you, in advance.
connielee63
Herkimer, NY39 contributions
I would say for the actual time spent in the hotel, not to bother with the upgrade. IT's a BEAUTIFUL city and area, so you really shouldn't be disappointed either way. Don't be afraid to set out on foot and take in EVERYTHING the city has to offer! ENJOY!!!!
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Claim your listingBOSTON COMMON: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Common
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Boston Common:
- Walking Tour of the Downtown Boston Freedom Trail - History & Architecture (From £23.33)
- Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops (From £40.80)
- Walking Tour: Downtown Freedom Trail plus Beacon Hill to Copley Square/Back Bay (From £35.00)
- Walk the Historic Freedom Trail (From £15.56)
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option (From £35.78)
- Hotels near Boston Common:
- (0.21 mi) The Godfrey Hotel Boston
- (0.18 mi) The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
- (0.26 mi) Four Seasons Hotel Boston
- (0.29 mi) Moxy Boston Downtown
- (0.24 mi) Hyatt Regency Boston
- Restaurants near Boston Common:
- (0.12 mi) Thinking Cup
- (0.06 mi) Earl of Sandwich
- (0.20 mi) Cafe Bonjour
- (0.12 mi) Bakey Babka
- (0.12 mi) Sal's Pizza
- Attractions near Boston Common:
- (0.09 mi) Freedom Trail
- (0.10 mi) Boston Town Crier
- (0.17 mi) Lessons on Liberty
- (0.16 mi) Escape The Room Boston
- (0.07 mi) The Embrace