The Paul Revere House is a 17th-century timber-framed home at 19 North Square in Boston‘s North End. It was built around 1680 and is the oldest house in downtown Boston. Paul Revere owned it from 1770 to 1800, and he set out from here on the night of April 18, 1775, for his midnight ride to Lexington. Today it is a Freedom Trail stop where travelers can step inside a real Colonial-era household.
What to Expect at The Paul Revere House
The visit is self-guided, with interpreters stationed in the rooms to answer questions. On the ground floor you pass through the hall and kitchen, with their overhanging second story, casement windows and massive hearth. These spaces show how the house looked in the late 1600s, when merchant Robert Howard lived here. Upstairs, the chambers are furnished to the Revere family’s era and include several pieces that belonged to the family.
The adjoining Pierce/Hichborn House, a brick Georgian home from around 1711 that belonged to Revere’s cousin, is part of the same nonprofit complex. Small exhibits highlight Revere’s work as a silversmith, engraver and bell caster. The cobblestone courtyard is a good place to pause between buildings.
- First-period architecture: The c.1680 frame, leaded casement windows and second-story overhang are rare survivors in an American city.
- Revere family furnishings: Upstairs chambers display items connected to Revere, his two wives and their 16 children.
- Silver and craft exhibits: Displays cover Revere’s silversmithing and his later copper and bell foundry work.
- Courtyard bell: A bronze bell cast by the Revere foundry sits in the courtyard.
- North Square setting: The cobbled square still follows its colonial street plan.
The Paul Revere House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 19 North Square, Boston, MA 02113 |
| Neighborhood / Area | North End, on the Freedom Trail |
| Operating Hours | Daily 10AM-5:15PM (seasonal hours vary) |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid, low-cost ($); discounted for seniors, students and children |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Haymarket (Orange/Green Lines), about 7 minutes on foot; Aquarium (Blue Line); no on-site parking, garages near Haymarket |
| Official Website & Phone | paulreverehouse.org · +1 617-523-2338 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 10AM or after 3PM to avoid the midday school groups and Freedom Trail tours that fill the narrow rooms. The North End’s streets are tight and street parking is scarce, so the T is the easiest option. From Haymarket, walk through the Greenway underpass and follow Hanover Street to Richmond Street, then on to North Square.
The courtyard and ground floor are the most manageable areas for wheelchairs and strollers. The upper floor of the 17th-century house is reached only by steep stairs. Afterward, walk five minutes to the Paul Revere Mall and Old North Church, where the signal lanterns were hung. Then head to Hanover Street for cannoli and espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Paul Revere House open?
The house opens daily from 10AM to 5:15PM, with seasonal adjustments and holiday closures. Early mornings are quietest, especially from spring through fall.
How much are tickets?
Admission is inexpensive and paid at the door, with reduced rates for seniors, students and children. Check the official website for current prices; reservations are generally not required for individuals.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes touring both floors and the courtyard. Allow extra time if you want to talk with the interpreters.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Children enjoy the short, hands-on scale of the visit, and kids’ admission is minimal. Wheelchair users can access the courtyard and ground level, but the historic upper floor requires stairs.
When planning your Boston travel guide or comparing verified attractions and history museum in Boston, pair this stop with standout local spots including Institute of Contemporary Art, Ocean Prime, SRV, and Mamma Maria (nearby).
