Copley Square
The basics
A center of Boston life since the late 1800s, Copley Square is home to many of the city’s landmarks. It houses the Romanesque-style Trinity Church, and is surrounded by other signatures including the Old South Church, Boston Public Library, and soaring John Hancock Tower.
Visit independently to enjoy the square and its attractions as you wish. Or, for ease of transport and added insight, book one of the many Boston tours that stop at the square. Join a walking tour that covers it and attractions such as the Freedom Trail; discover it on a bike tour of Boston’s parks; or see it from a pedicab. Alternatively, visit on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, private tour, day trip from New York, or multi-day tour around the USA’s east coast.
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Things to know before you go
- Copley Square is a must-visit for experiencing quintessential Boston.
- The square is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.
- Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy the park and attractions such as the Trinity Church and Boston Public Library.
- Take a camera to capture one of Boston’s most iconic photos: Trinity Church’s turrets set against the glass John Hancock Tower.
How to get there
Bounded by Boylston Street, Clarendon Street, Dartmouth Street, and St. James Avenue in Boston’s Back Bay district, Copley Square is an easy walk from several top attractions, including Boston Common and the Freedom Trail. It’s also easily accessible via Boston’s “T” public transport system: take the Green Line subway to the Copley stop.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Copley Square buzzes with activity day and night. Head here early for crowd-free photo opportunities, or at dusk, when the fading sunlight glints on the John Hancock Tower. The square hosts a rolling program of summer events—watch for free concerts and its twice-weekly farmers market when dozens of food vendors set up stall.
What to See at Copley Square
Be sure to enter Copley Square’s Trinity Church to see its mural-adorned interior. Make time, too, to visit the Old South Church—one of the US’ founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, was baptized here—and view the exhibitions at Boston Public Library. Finally, stroll the square to see its Boston Marathon monument and Tortoise and Hare bronzes, dedicated to the annual runners.