The 2.5-mile (4km) Freedom Trail, a red line on the sidewalk, connects 16 interesting sites associated with Boston's early history. Walking from Beacon Hill to Charlestown can take hours, but even visiting a couple of destinations makes a good introduction.
The trail was created in 1958 and begins in Boston Common (Beacon Hill is across Beacon Street from here) - America's oldest public park - although visitors can walk as little or as much as they have the energy for. Many people stop off at the visitor centre first, but usually come armed with their own maps and guides.
Along the trail visitors pass everything from street vendors, monuments and graveyards to churches, meeting houses and statehouses.