Old State House 🇺🇸

Step into living American history at Boston's Old State House, located at 206 Washington Street along the famous Freedom Trail. Completed in 1713 as the Second Town-House, this 2½-story historic landmark is the city's oldest extant public building. Until 1745, it reigned as Boston's tallest building at 65 feet.

It housed all three branches of the colonial and state governments before serving as Boston's city hall and later transitioning into a vibrant history museum. Inside, rooms are arranged around a striking spiral staircase passing through a central rotunda. You can explore rich Boston-related exhibits across the first and second stories, as well as live reenactments.

On the exterior, admire its classic brick facade, gable roof topped by a central tower, an eastern balcony, and decorative lion and unicorn figures. Just outside the eastern elevation, you will find a memorial marker—surrounded by a brass ring with stars—marking the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre. Situated right between the Old South Meeting House and Faneuil Hall, it is an essential historic stop on your Boston itinerary.

What to see at Old State House

• Boston's oldest extant public building, dating back to 1713
• Classic brick facade featuring a central tower, balcony, and lion and unicorn figures
• Interior exhibit rooms and rotunda centered around a beautiful spiral staircase
• 1770 Boston Massacre memorial marker located just outside the eastern side
• Host to engaging Boston-related historical exhibits and reenactments

Visiting tips

Take the MBTA subway directly to the site, as the basement conveniently connects to the State station.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Old State House is easy to reach on Boston’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Fine Arts Boston and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Boston travel guide.