Boston Common vs Boston North End: which should you do first?
If you only have time for one, do Boston North End first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 89 against 83 for Boston Common, and it has 125 ranked ways to see it versus 103. Boston Common is the cheaper entry at $22, so it is the better pick on a tight budget. With a full day in Boston, pair them: plan Boston Common in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.
Side by side
| Boston Common | Boston North End | |
|---|---|---|
| Ranked experiences | 103 | 125 |
| Top Outty Ranking | 95 | 97 |
| Average ranking (top 10) | 83 | 89 |
| Cheapest experience | $22 | $31 |
| Average time needed | 2.2h | 2.8h |
| Free cancellation | 100% of options | 100% of options |
| Free to visit | Yes | Yes |
Best ways to see Boston Common
- 1. Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour
Outty Ranking 95 · from $39 · 2.5h
- 2. Boston's Food and History: North End, Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill
Outty Ranking 91 · from $61 · 5h
- 3. Boston's Freedom Trail and Charming Beacon Hill Tour
Outty Ranking 86 · from $25 · 2h
- 4. Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill
Outty Ranking 85 · from $35 · 2.5h
- 5. Boston City View Bicycle Tour: History and Landmarks
Outty Ranking 80 · from $78 · 2.5h
Best ways to see Boston North End
- 1. The Full Revolutionary Story Epic Small-Group Boston Walking Tour
Outty Ranking 97 · from $59 · 3h
- 2. Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour
Outty Ranking 95 · from $39 · 2.5h
- 3. Boston's Freedom Trail: A Revolutionary Walking Tour
Outty Ranking 92 · from $31 · 2.5h
- 4. Freedom Trail Walking Tour with Bunker Hill and USS Constitution
Outty Ranking 92 · from $79 · 4h
- 5. Boston's Food and History: North End, Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill
Outty Ranking 91 · from $61 · 5h
Frequently asked questions
Boston Common or Boston North End: which is better?
If you only have time for one, do Boston North End first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 89 against 83 for Boston Common, and it has 125 ranked ways to see it versus 103. Boston Common is the cheaper entry at $22, so it is the better pick on a tight budget. With a full day in Boston, pair them: plan Boston Common in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.
Which is cheaper, Boston Common or Boston North End?
Ranked experiences at Boston Common start from $22 and at Boston North End from $31 per person. Boston Common and Boston North End can also be visited for free; paid options add guides, skip-the-line access or transport.
How long do you need at Boston Common and Boston North End?
Experiences at Boston Common run 2.2 hours on average and at Boston North End 2.8 hours, so both fit in one day in Boston with a break in between.
Can you do Boston Common and Boston North End on the same day?
Yes. Book the longer visit for the morning when crowds are lighter, and keep the afternoon for the other. 100% of Boston Common options and 100% of Boston North End options offer free cancellation, which makes it easy to adjust.
What is the best tour of each?
For Boston Common: Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour (Outty Ranking 95, from $39). For Boston North End: The Full Revolutionary Story Epic Small-Group Boston Walking Tour (Outty Ranking 97, from $59).
More Boston matchups
- Boston North End vs Granary Burying Ground
- Boston North End vs Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Boston North End vs Boston Old State House
- Boston Common vs Granary Burying Ground
- Boston Common vs Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Boston Common vs Boston Old State House
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace vs Granary Burying Ground
- Boston Old State House vs Granary Burying Ground
- Boston Old State House vs Faneuil Hall Marketplace

