Boston: Old State House/Old South Meeting House Museum Combo

Exploring Boston’s revolutionary history can be quite the journey, and this combination ticket to the Old State House and Old South Meeting House offers a compelling way to do just that. These two sites, located within a few blocks of each other along the famed Freedom Trail, take you inside the buildings where American independence took shape. And the best part? For just $15, you get access to both — a real bargain for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

What makes this experience stand out? We appreciate the value for money — two historic sites for one ticket. The expert guides and well-preserved buildings create an engaging visit, and the interactive exhibits bring Boston’s revolutionary days to life. Also, the opportunity to walk between landmarks in the heart of downtown Boston makes it a manageable, enjoyable outing.

That said, a potential consideration is the accessibility of the Old State House, which isn’t wheelchair friendly due to stairs. So, travelers with mobility issues might prefer Old South Meeting House, which is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. This combo tour suits history enthusiasts, families, and anyone wanting a meaningful introduction to Boston’s revolutionary past.

• Two historic sites, one ticket: Visit the Old State House and Old South Meeting House conveniently on the same day.
• Rich historical significance: Both locations played key roles in Boston’s revolutionary story.
• Guided and self-guided options: Knowledgeable staff and exhibits enhance your understanding.
• Affordable price: At $15, the value for a full day’s educational experience is excellent.
• Great for families: Children 12 and under are free during a specific week, making it very family-friendly.
• Accessible options available: Old South Meeting House is wheelchair accessible; the Old State House is not.

The Old State House: The Heart of Colonial Governance

Built in 1713, the Old State House is one of America’s oldest public buildings. Its stone façade and historic significance make it a must-see. Once the seat of royal government, it’s where Boston’s colonial leaders debated and made decisions that led to independence. Today, the building features exhibits that tell tales of the Boston Massacre, an event that helped ignite the revolution.

Travelers will love the stunning architecture and the chance to stand where colonial Bostonians once gathered. According to reviews, visitors find the staff well-informed and the exhibits engaging. Jessica, one reviewer, praised the beautifully maintained buildings and friendly, knowledgeable staff, describing the overall experience as “wonderful.” She also appreciated the guided aspect, which helped bring history into context.

However, it’s worth noting that the Old State House isn’t wheelchair accessible and has many stairs, which might limit some visitors. If accessibility is a concern, keep this in mind. The location on Washington Street makes it easy to include in a walking tour of downtown Boston.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Old South Meeting House: The Site of Revolutionary Rallying

Just two blocks away, the Old South Meeting House dates back to 1729. Known as the largest building in colonial Boston, it was the hub of civic activism. This is where colonial Bostonians gathered to voice their frustrations, including the meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party. Today, it hosts exhibits and public programs that vividly illustrate the importance of free speech and civic engagement.

Visitors will enjoy walking into a building that once held some of the most stirring mass meetings of the era. The atmosphere is authentic, with many reviewers mentioning the informative guides and interactive exhibits. Jacqueline, another reviewer, noted how “the entry process was super easy,” and appreciated the guides explaining the history in an engaging manner. She described her experience as “amazing,” highlighting the value of an interactive tour.

Accessibility is a plus here, with elevator access to the lower level, restrooms, and the museum store. This makes it a comfortable experience for a broader range of visitors.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

When you purchase the combo ticket, you’re free to enter either site at any time during their 10 AM to 5 PM opening hours. Both locations are within a three-minute walk, making it easy to move between them, even if you’re on a tight schedule.

You can choose to visit in any order, which is handy if you want to start with the more accessible Old South Meeting House or the historic Old State House. Both buildings feature exhibits and gallery talks that bring Boston’s revolutionary past to life. Expect to see displays related to Boston’s role in the fight for independence, including artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations.

The staff are generally well-informed, and guided tours are available at each site, adding depth to your visit. Reviewers like Marius, who called the sites “must-see” for anyone interested in colonial and revolutionary history, appreciated the educational value and the well-maintained surroundings.

The Value of the Ticket

At just $15, this combo provides access to two of the most historically significant buildings in Boston. The price includes all exhibits and gallery talks, so it’s a good deal for those wanting a rundown of Boston’s role in American independence.

During a special promotion from February 17 to 23, 2025, children 12 and under can visit for free, making it even more attractive for families. Considering the quality of the exhibits, the knowledgeable staff, and the historic significance, this price offers excellent value.

The Educational and Cultural Impact

These sites are more than just historic buildings—they’re places where visitors can connect with the American story. The Old State House symbolizes colonial resistance and governance, while the Old South Meeting House embodies civic activism and free speech.

The combination of these sites offers a balanced perspective on the revolutionary period, illustrating how governance, protests, and mass meetings contributed to the birth of a nation.

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Visitors’ Experience: Authentic and Engaging

From reviews, it’s clear that visitors find the experience informative and engaging. Jessica remarked on the friendly staff and the overall presentation, while Jacqueline appreciated the ease of entry and guides’ explanations. These personal touches make the visit more meaningful.

Many reviewers also noted the beautifully maintained buildings and the interactive nature of exhibits, which keep visitors interested and help the history resonate. The exhibits are designed to appeal to both adults and children, especially during the week when kids 12 and under can go free.

This combo is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to see where pivotal moments unfolded. It’s equally suited for families wanting an affordable, educational outing. Travelers interested in civic activism and American independence will find the exhibits particularly compelling.

However, if you require full accessibility, be aware that the Old State House has stairs, while the Old South Meeting House offers elevator access. It’s also an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their time because both locations are close together and easy to visit in a single day.

Absolutely. The combination of historic significance, accessible exhibits, and affordable pricing makes this a worthwhile stop in Boston. The sites provide a tangible connection to the revolutionary era, with exhibits and guided tours that make history come alive.

While the Old State House might pose some access challenges, the overall experience is well-rounded, especially for those interested in the foundations of American democracy. The knowledgeable guides and well-maintained buildings create a memorable and educational experience.

This tour suits those looking for a meaningful, cost-effective way to explore Boston’s revolutionary past. Whether you’re a history buff, a family out for a day of learning, or a curious traveler, this combo will give you a solid introduction to Boston’s role in shaping the nation.

Are the two sites close to each other?
Yes, they are just a three-minute walk apart, making it easy to visit both in the same day without wasting time.

Can I visit the sites at any time during their open hours?
You can enter at any time during the open hours, which are from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, providing flexibility.

Is the Old State House accessible?
No, the Old State House is not wheelchair accessible and has many stairs, so it may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues.

Is the Old South Meeting House accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, including an elevator to the lower level, making it more accessible for all visitors.

How much does the tour cost?
The ticket is priced at $15 per person, which includes entry to both sites and access to all exhibits and gallery talks.

Are children allowed free entry?
Yes, from February 17 to February 23, 2025, children aged 12 and under can visit for free.

What should I bring or prepare for the visit?
Wear comfortable shoes, especially since the Old State House has stairs. Check the opening hours and availability before your visit to plan accordingly.

Exploring Boston’s pivotal moments in American history has never been more accessible or more meaningful. With this combo ticket, you get a well-rounded, affordable peek into the city’s revolutionary roots, perfect for anyone wanting a genuine and educational experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: