The Burying Ground as seen from the Bunker Hill Monument
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Copp's Hill Burying Ground Boston

4.5
·184 reviews·Boston, United States

Boston's second oldest cemetery, a Freedom Trail stop with historic graves, revolutionary tales, and stunning harbor views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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The Burying Ground as seen from the Bunker Hill Monument

Copp's Hill Burying Ground Boston

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Boston's second oldest cemetery, a Freedom Trail stop with historic graves, revolutionary tales, and stunning harbor views.

4.5
(184 reviews)

"A poignant glimpse into Boston's past with unique stories and breathtaking city views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail

Copp's Hill is a key stop on Boston's Freedom Trail. Wear comfy shoes!

🧐 Look for Bullet Holes

Seek out Daniel Malcolm's grave for a unique historical marker.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 184 reviews

Type

Cemetery

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Daniel Malcolm's Grave

Daniel Malcolm's Grave

Northern corner

A Patriot, wine merchant, and Son of Liberty, his tombstone bears bullet holes from British soldiers.

African American Burial Ground

African American Burial Ground

Northern corner

Discover the resting place of over 1,000 African Americans, a significant historical section often overlooked.

Instagram
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Eastern edge

Enjoy stunning views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline from this elevated vantage point.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the historical markers. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos. Be aware that some areas might have limited visibility after dark.

Respect the Resting Place

This is a historic cemetery, not just a tourist spot. Tread lightly, avoid disturbing headstones, and remember that many important figures and over a thousand African Americans are interred here. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Your Ultimate Boston Weekend Guide! As promised here are some of my favorite spots to eat around the neighborhoods mentioned: Beacon Hill/ Back Bay: 🦞 Saltie Girl (best seafood) ☕️ Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, George Howell, Blank Street (best coffee) 🍽️ Yvonne’s, 75 on Chestnut (great dinner spots) Fanueil Hall/ North End: 🦪 Union Oyster House (oldest in Boston, great chowder) 🍝 Mamma Maria (best It...
@yllaram
29.7K likes • 272.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail

Copp's Hill is a key stop on Boston's Freedom Trail. Wear comfy shoes! TikTok

🧐 Look for Bullet Holes

Seek out Daniel Malcolm's grave for a unique historical marker. Reddit

💀 Boston is filled with boneyards, so watch your step... #historyrulez #boston #bostonlife #truecrimetiktoks #truecrime #mystery #cemetery
@urbanistariel
25.5K likes • 191.3K views
7 facts you didn’t know about Copp’s Hill Burying Ground #boston #massachusetts #freedomtrail #history #historyfacts #historylovers
timetravelboston
116 likes • 3.2K views

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the scenic overlooks of the harbor and city. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Silence

Remember this is a cemetery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Instagram

Esse é o segundo cemitério mais antigo de Boston datado de 1659, fica na região do bairro "The North End". Nesse cemitério "Copps Hill Burying Ground" está enterrada pessoas importantes da época da revolução americana, abolicionistas, jornalistas da época e 1000 negros. O cemitério faz parte do roteiro turístico da cidade. #brasileirospelomundo #brasileirosnoseua
boston_brazil
266 likes • 10K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Freedom Trail

Copp's Hill is a key stop on Boston's Freedom Trail. Wear comfy shoes! TikTok

🧐 Look for Bullet Holes

Seek out Daniel Malcolm's grave for a unique historical marker. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the scenic overlooks of the harbor and city. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Silence

Remember this is a cemetery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(184 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Copp's Hill Burying Ground to be a historically rich and atmospheric site, offering a poignant glimpse into Boston's past. Many appreciate the detailed historical markers, the unique stories like Daniel Malcolm's grave, and the impressive city views. Some note the uneven terrain and the solemn nature of the location.

"While this cemetery has some truly horrific stories attached - one of which is they completely moved all the gravestones and buried people on top of each other (it was said that there are 2300 gravestones but upwards of 10,000 bodies actually exist)

It’s incredible that you have this beautiful residential building staring at a cemetery that once had to be rebuilt because bodies were sliding out and mortar in this brick was disintegrating.

It’s also located in a nice part of town 🫶🏼"

Lizzy Klein

"This Boston's second oldest cemetery, dating from the middle of the 17th Century. It is now on Boston's Freedom Trail but in the nineteenth century it had fallen into some considerable disrepair. Amongst those buried here is the somewhat notorious Cotton Mather the well known apologist for the Salem Witch Trials (although he did not actually participate in them). There are some impressive views from the cemetery and it is well worth a visit."

Bernard Savage

"Incredible burial ground filled to the brim with the famous ....and not so famous. Headstones date from the 17th. Century onwards and are some of the most interesting I have ever seen in the one place. Gravestones are unfortunately very tightly packed and set in rows so care must be taken negotiating them as some are quite fragile. Thankfully the majority of headstones are made of slate and are as sharp and clearly defined as the day they were carved. An absolute must visit if taking in the Freedom Trail. Allow approx. 1 hour to view. Very helpful information plaques throughout the graveyard. Limited parking nearby....it is the North End after all."

Frank Murphy

What People Like

Historical depth
Unique grave stories
Scenic city views

What People Dislike

Uneven terrain
Solemn atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Copp's Hill Burying Ground is easily accessible via public transportation. It's located in the North End and is a stop on the Freedom Trail. The closest MBTA subway stations are Haymarket (Orange and Green Lines) and North Station (Orange and Green Lines), both a short walk away. TikTok

Parking in the North End is notoriously difficult and limited. It's highly recommended to use public transport or rideshare services. If you must drive, look for garages in the surrounding areas, but expect to pay a premium. Reddit

Yes, Copp's Hill Burying Ground is an integral part of Boston's historic Freedom Trail, making it easy to find and incorporate into a walking tour of the city's revolutionary sites. TikTok

While the grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours, it's advisable to visit during the day for safety and to fully appreciate the historical markers and views. Visiting after dark is not recommended. TikTok

The best way to explore is on foot, taking your time to read the informational plaques and observe the unique headstones. Consider joining a guided Freedom Trail tour for deeper historical context. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a public historic site and does not require an admission fee. It is free to enter and explore during its open hours. Instagram

The burying ground is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special event closures before your visit. TikTok

The terrain within the cemetery can be uneven, with narrow paths and sloped areas. While some parts are accessible, visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to navigate the entire site. Reddit

While there aren't official tours specifically for Copp's Hill, it is a stop on many general Freedom Trail tours. You can also find self-guided tour information online or at visitor centers. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, please be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see historic headstones dating back to the 17th century, including those of notable figures like Cotton Mather and Daniel Malcolm. The site also offers impressive views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring Copp's Hill Burying Ground, depending on their interest in reading the historical markers and enjoying the views. Reddit

There are no public restrooms directly within the burying ground. You'll need to find facilities in nearby Faneuil Hall Marketplace or other public areas in the North End. TikTok

The bullet holes are said to be from vengeful British soldiers who fired upon the tombstone after Daniel Malcolm, a Patriot and wine merchant, opposed their taxes and actions. Reddit

The northern corner, near Snow Hill and Charter Streets, is believed to be the site of an unmarked African American burial ground. Over 1,000 African Americans are interred here, with very few surviving headstones. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photography spots include the historic headstones, the panoramic views of Boston Harbor, and the unique grave of Daniel Malcolm. The golden hour light can also create beautiful shots. InstagramReddit

While personal photography is allowed, please be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of other visitors or during any memorial services. Instagram

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, especially if visiting in the late afternoon. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the city views, while a standard lens is good for headstone details. TikTok

Drone usage is generally prohibited in historic cemeteries and urban areas due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed. TikTok

Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers the most flattering light for photography, casting a warm glow on the headstones and cityscapes. Reddit

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Copp's Hill Burying Ground Boston (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide