USS Constitution Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the USS Constitution. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• The Full Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Boston Walking Tour

• Boston's Freedom Trail: A Revolutionary Walking Tour

• Boston Pizza Lovers Food and History Walking Food Tour

• Entire Freedom Trail Walking Tour: Includes Bunker Hill and USS Constitution

• Boston City View Bicycle Tour: History and Landmarks

It’s free to explore on board the USS Constitution historic ship, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. The USS Constitution Museum—where you can learn all about the 18th-century frigate—operates on suggested admission tiers, with a recommended donation of US$15 to support the non-profit organization.

Yes, the USS Constitution is a legendary US warship, and one of the original wooden-hulled frigates commissioned by George Washington. While you can explore the ship independently, the most popular way to visit is on a tour of the Boston Freedom Trail—touring with a guide means you can learn all the secrets of the ship known as "Old Ironsides."

Per one customer who booked Boston's Freedom Trail: A Revolutionary Walking Tour, "We did the Freedom Trail walking tour with Alissa, and it was fantastic! She was knowledgeable, funny, and really easy to get along with. You could tell she enjoys what she does and knows so much about Boston's history. The pacing was perfect—it never felt rushed or slow, and the 2.5 hours went by so fast. I'd definitely recommend this tour, especially if you get Alissa as your guide!"

Yes, you can go aboard the USS Constitution; tickets aren't needed as it's free to visit. The three-masted frigate is an official site along the Freedom Trail, and an included stop on many Boston guided tours. If you take a sightseeing cruise on Boston Harbor, you may also see the USS Constitution from the water.

Guided tours of the USS Constitution last about 30 minutes and are available Tuesday through Sunday on the half-hour. It's worth setting aside some additional time to visit the nearby USS Constitution Museum, whose exhibits explore the ship's history, preservation, and pivotal role in the War of 1812.

Yes, the USS Constitution is still seaworthy. The three-masted frigate sets sail to mark significant events and commemorations. Each year on the Fourth of July, the USS Constitution cruises across Boston Harbor with a fleet of boats, firing a 21-gun salute to celebrate the United States' Independence Day holiday.

No, there are no restrooms on the USS Constitution. Sailors aboard the 1797 naval frigate once used primitive toilet facilities known as heads, but today, those are just for display. The closest restrooms for visitors are at the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center and the USS Constitution Museum.

Opening hours vary at the USS Constitution, so check the website before planning your trip. Admission to the ship is on a first-come, first-served basis, so lines can sometimes be lengthy. Wait times are usually longer on holidays and weekdays, as this is a popular destination for local school groups.

Yes, there are active-duty crew aboard the USS Constitution. In wartime, between 400 and 500 crew would join each cruise, including marines, gunners, carpenters, and even musicians. Today the US Navy assigns just three commissioned officers and 75 enlisted crew members to the ship---you might meet some of them onboard.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the USS Constitution. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Boston:

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace

• Boston Common

• Boston North End

• Quincy Market

• Granary Burying Ground

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Boston.