historic tours of boston

THE 10 BEST Boston Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in boston.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

2. The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston

3. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

4. Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

5. Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour

6. Hidden Gems on the Freedom Trail - Guided Group Tour of Boston

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

8. Day Trip from Boston To Salem Witch Exhibits

9. Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II

10. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

11. Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

12. Boston: North End to Freedom Trail - Food & History Walking Tour

13. Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour

14. Walking Tour Downtown Freedom Trail + Beacon Hill & Copley Square

15. Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour

16. Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl

17. Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission

18. Public Small Group Walking Tour of the Full Boston Freedom Trail

19. Haunted Boston Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

20. The Small Group Boston Tour, I know secrets that others don't!

21. Boston and Cambridge Private Day Tour

22. Boston's Revolutionary and Drunken Past with Ye Olde Tavern Tours

23. Boston "Death and Dying" Walking Ghost Tour

24. Food Tasting and History Tour of Boston's South End Neighborhood

25. Boston Summer Nights Tour plus River Cruise

26. Guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour

27. Tour of Lexington and Concord from Boston USA

28. North End Food and History Tour

29. Iconic Boston Food Tasting and History Tour On the Freedom Trail

30. Boston History and Freedom Trail Private Walking Tour

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The 15 Best Boston Tours

Get to know one of America's most historic cities with these tours.

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Hoping to experience Boston through the eyes of a local? A guided tour may be just the thing. Factoring in traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected some of Boston's best tours. Whether you're eating your way through the North End or zipping around Boston Common on a Segway, you'll see this New England city in a new light and learn some of its history along the way during these top Boston tours.

The Revolutionary Story Tour

Price: Adults from $76; kids from $38 Duration: 4 hours

Many reviewers call this tour enjoyable and one of the best walking tours they'd ever been on thanks to the engaging guide. Led by a local resident with degrees in history, political science and public policy, the tour takes visitors through the streets of Boston to chronologically retell the story of the American Revolution. Along the 3.5-mile jaunt, you'll pass by a dozen of the sites featured on the Freedom Trail, and you'll also hear about the key players in 18th-century Boston, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere.

Tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. There is also a 1:30 p.m. tour Thursday through Sunday during the winter months and daily during the summer months through the beginning of November. There is a maximum of 16 people per tour. The company partners with another local guide to provide private tours.

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City Experiences by Hornblower – New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $45 Duration: 3.5 hours

Hop on one of City Experience's high-speed catamarans for a whale watching excursion to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This area is a magnet for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures who head there to feed. New England Aquarium naturalists on board offer their insights on whales, answer questions and explain whale behaviors, a big plus for travelers. During your trip, you may see several different species of whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, sei whales and endangered right whales.

Tours leave from mid-May through early-November from Long Wharf, which is located near the aquarium. Tour frequency depends on the month, but there is at least one per day. Cruisers say the tour is fun and report seeing plenty of wildlife. Combo tickets that include admission to the aquarium are also available. The company also offers sightseeing and sunset cruises.

CityView Trolley Tours

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $20 Duration: 1 hour

The family-friendly hop-on, hop-off CityView Trolley Tours offer a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city and visit its top attractions , something visitors (especially those in Boston for the first time) appreciate. Stops at the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market and Old North Church, among others, make it easy to access sites along the Freedom Trail and other neighborhoods. What's more, guides share fun and informational tidbits along the way.

Trolleys run daily from mid-April to November from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: While you can hop on and hop off the trolley as you please, tickets are only valid for one full tour loop. Two-day passes are also available.

Old Town Trolley Tours – Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $29 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the top sights in Boston on this hop-on, hop-off trolley tour that makes 18 stops. Along the route, you can hop off and explore attractions like Faneuil Hall, the "Cheers" bar, the USS Constitution and the Old State House, and then hop back on at your leisure. Without getting off, you'll tour for about 90 minutes. Trolleys frequently stop approximately every 15 minutes. Participants praise the convenience this tour offers and rave about the entertaining, informative guides. Reviewers also say the tour is a great way to see the city without having to do a lot of walking.

Trolleys run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the time of year. For one-day tours, tickets allow for unlimited re-boarding. Tickets also get you discounted rates for a Boston Harbor cruise as well as discounted entry to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Two-day tickets, as well as the Ghosts & Gravestones evening tour are also available.

Boston Pizza Tours – North End Pizza Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2.5 hours

Sink your teeth into some of Boston's best pizza on this walking tour. You'll start your stroll in North End, which is considered Boston's Little Italy. Along the way, you'll pass by five sites on the Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. The tour cost includes three full-size pizza slices, water and a cannoli. Tourgoers applaud guides for their positive attitudes and entertaining, educational delivery of Boston history. Reviewers are also complimentary of the food.

Tours are generally offered two times daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but a 5 p.m. tour is offered during certain months of the year. Tours are capped at 12 participants. The tour can accommodate vegetarian diets; those with other dietary restrictions (such as vegan diets or food allergies) will need to take a private tour.

Fenway Park Tours

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $17 Duration: 1 hour

Baseball fans and history buffs relish the chance to take a behind-the-scenes peek at America's oldest ballpark. Even non-baseball fans find the tour worthwhile, according to reviewers. The tour takes visitors to important sites within the ballpark, including the world-famous 37-foot-high Green Monster. The excellent guides, full of Red Sox and Fenway Park trivia, offer an entertaining tour and are a hit with participants.

Tours run year-round from 9.m. to 5 p.m. (at 10 a.m. November through March) and start on the hour. On game days, the last tour is scheduled three hours before game time. Fenway Park also offers a variety of other stadium tours, including Day Game Premium Tours and Fenway in Fifteen, a condensed 15-minute tour.

Courtesy of Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway

Boston Segway Tours

Price: From $69 Duration: 1 or 2 hours

Boston Segway Tours takes visitors on an adventure through the city. Since it's faster to glide than walk, you can cover much more ground on Segway than by foot. As you travel from Boston Common to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, your guide takes you by some of Boston's most famous landmarks while always keeping an eye out for riders' safety, according to tour-takers. Pick a two-hour tour to visit Cambridge.

Participants must be 14 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride; additional restrictions may apply.

Urban AdvenTours – City View Bike Tour

Price: From $60 Duration: 3 hours

Exploring Boston by bike is a great way to cover a lot of ground in an exciting, active way. Urban AdvenTours' flagship City View Bike Tour takes participants on a 10- to 12-mile trek through six different neighborhoods. You'll bike through major Boston sites, such as North End, the Boston University campus and Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, the South End, Boston Common and Long Wharf. Along with the comprehensive overview of the city, riders commend the care guides take in making them feel safe.

This tour rides daily at 10 a.m., with additional 2 p.m. departures on Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. The tour is best for those comfortable riding on city streets. Children must be age 10 or older. Adults can upgrade to an electric bike for an additional fee. Urban AdvenTours also offers cycling trips through Cambridge and the Emerald Necklace park system, as well as a family-friendly tour for kids 10 and younger.

Off the Eaten Path Tours

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $40 Duration: 3 hours

On this food tour of the North End – Boston's famous Italian neighborhood – owner Paula Noukos promises more than just samples of tasty food. Besides stopping at popular spots, such as Bricco Panetteria and Galleria Umberto, you'll hear tips on how to shop for the best extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You'll also learn about the history and architecture of this unique neighborhood, a highlight for reviewers. Travelers are also fond of the guide and appreciate her vast knowledge of the neighborhood.

Tours are generally offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and are limited to 12 people.

Courtesy of Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $53; kids from $38 Duration: 80 minutes

Quack and splash your way around Beantown with the entertaining Boston Duck Tours, which takes passengers around Boston and into the Charles River on World War II-style amphibious landing vehicles. On the tour, entertaining "conDUCKtors" keep up a lively patter, describing neighborhoods, Boston history, architecture and trivia along the way. A highlight for many visitors is when the vehicle heads into the river offering a different perspective of the city.

Ticket discounts are available for seniors and children 2 and younger. Tours depart from the Museum of Science, the Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium several times a day from mid-March through early-December.

Boston Crawling – Independence Pub Crawl

Price: From $75 Duration: 2 hours

Sip your way through the city at four historic watering holes on Boston Crawling's Independence Pub Crawl. On this tour, you'll visit pubs that have historic significance, drink local brews and hear Boston's "secret" history as you barhop along the Freedom Trail. Reviewers say the tour is informative and fun and applaud the beer recommendations provided by the guides.

Participants can take tours daily at 3 and 7 p.m. There is also an additional noon tour on the weekends. Tourgoers must be at least 21 years old, regardless of whether they're drinking. Tickets include four draft beers of your choice. If you prefer to purchase drinks as you go, you can purchase tickets for a lesser price.

PhotoWalks Tours of Boston – Freedom Trail

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $20 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the historic sites of the city and refine your photography skills at the same time on this tour. In addition to visiting Freedom Trail landmarks, such as Boston Common, Park Street Church, the Granary Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre Site, you'll also learn expert tips on how to use your camera or smartphone to take the best pictures – a highlight for many participants. Reviewers are also complimentary of the insightful guides.

Tours run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday year-round at 1 p.m. The tour is capped at 10 participants, but maybe more during peak times of the year. If you're interested in exploring other neighborhoods or topics, you can sign up for one of PhotoWalks' other tours, including Beacon Hill and the North End, among others.

Courtesy of the Freedom Trail Tour

Freedom Trail Tours – Walk Into History

Price: Adults from $17; kids from $8 Duration: 1.5 hours

The nonprofit Freedom Trail Foundation leads the way on this tour of the Freedom Trail – a milelong path that weaves past some of the city's most historic sites. A costumed guide, in character, leads you to 11 sites, including Boston Common, King's Chapel, the Old South Meeting House, the Boston Massacre site and Faneuil Hall. Reviewers rave about the guides and the characters they inhabit, and highly recommend this excursion over a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail.

Tours are given daily at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Other themed tours, including tours that focus on the women of the Revolutionary War and African American patriots, are also available.

Boston Foodie Tours – Boston Public Market & North End Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 3 hours

Boston Foodie Tours explores two of Boston's famous mainstays: The North End and the Boston Public Market. After enjoying pizza, cannoli and bread in the North End, you'll wind your way to the market to sample doughnuts and ice cream, among other treats. Your tour concludes with a tasting of clam chowder and cornbread. Past tourgoers say this is a must-do experience while visiting Boston.

Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Tours are not given on major holidays. The company also offers a comprehensive tour of the North End, plus a private foodie outing to Beacon Hill, among other options.

City Brew Tours – Boston Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

For an in-depth Boston beer education, City Brew Tours' Signature Brew Tour is a great place to start. During the tour, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three craft breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 different local craft beers and a snack along the way. Tourgoers laud the knowledgeable guides and love that driving isn't an issue.

City Brew offers this tour Wednesday through Sunday. Outings depart at 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday through Sunday, tours begin at noon. All participants must be 21 or older to tour. Tours are capped at 14 participants. A Boston Brew Mystery Crawl is also offered, as are private tours.

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Tags: Tours , Boston , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , New England Vacations , US Vacations

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Boston Common (1634)

Small Group Tours of Historic Boston

"Boston State House is the hub of the solar system. You couldn't pry that out of a Boston man, if you had the tire of all creation straightened out for a crowbar."

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1858)

WELCOME TO THE HUB

Hub Town Tours prides itself as the best small-group tour in Boston, whether that's visiting the iconic Freedom Trail     or strolling the historic neighborhoods of  Beacon Hill  and Back Bay . As a local small business, w e embrace Holmes's mindset: a pride of place grounded in the fact that this  small to wn played a central role in forming the United States of America. O ur intimate walking tours transports you, our guest, back to the historic town, animated people, and revolutionary ideas born in Boston, Massachusetts.

"Brilliant. We honestly couldn’t recommend our guide enough. He was perhaps the single best tour guide we’ve had on any tour, ever!"

Massachusetts State House (1798)

TOURS OF ALL TYPES

Hub Town Tours focuses on the incredible history found all around "The Hub" of Boston. We offer top-quality, small-group walking tours along the Freedom Trail , over Beacon Hill , and in Back Bay , as well as  Custom Tours for private groups large and small.

FREEDOM TRAIL

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From History to Food: The 15 Best Boston Tours You Have to Take!

History is in every cobblestone step of Boston. From the lanterns hung at Old North Church to alert that the British were coming to the haunted halls of the famous Omni Parker House Hotel, this city has so many stories to tell. It’s no wonder one of the best things to do in Boston is to go on a tour that tells you all about its many historical landmarks. 

But there’s more to Boston than history. A foodie will love spending an afternoon touring the many top dining spots of the city’s beloved North End. And a photography lover would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place than Boston’s Beacon Hill, featuring some of the most photographed spots in the United States. And any sports fan would adore meeting the famous Green Monster of Fenway Park.

With so many things to see and do, how do you know which tour is right for you? We’ve compiled our list of the absolute best tours in Boston to help you get started. Stick to these fun and unique Boston tour recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this historic city!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Tours in Boston, MA

1. capture the memories of your trip with a photography walking tour.

What’s better than a knowledgeable tour guide? A knowledgeable tour guide who is also an incredible photographer! When you take a photography walking tour of Boston , you’ll be guided throughout this stunning city by someone who can help you capture every moment. 

You’ll follow a carefully planned route to see some of the biggest cultural (and more photogenic) landmarks in the city. You can book either a group tour or a private tour, but either way, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind way of looking at Boston. 

Along the way, your photographer will capture shots of you and your party as you explore Boston. As you learn about the city’s history, you’ll also hear tips and tricks to boost your own photography skills. Once the tour comes to an end, your guide will lead you to a cozy cafe to review your photos and pick out the ones you like. 

You’ll send yourself a postcard with your favorite shot, and you’ll also receive 15 to 20 professionally-edited images in five to 10 days after your tour. This unique Boston tour is a great way to collect beautiful souvenirs of your journey to this historic city.

Try the Boston Photography Walking Tour

2. Eat Boston’s Most Famous Dishes on a Bites of Boston Tour

Learning about Boston’s history is always fun. But learning about the city’s history while eating your way through it is even better.

The Bites of Boston Tour is one of the best Boston tours because you’ll learn about the city in a unique way. You’ll uncover why Boston’s famous foods are so famous in the first place. Where and why was the Boston Cream Pie created? What’s up with the Beantown nickname? And what’s really the best place to get chowder in the city?

You’ll dive into the history of these dishes over the course of a three-hour eating tour of Boston. You’d better arrive on an empty stomach because there’s plenty to dine on throughout the journey. 

You’ll stop by historic restaurants, pubs, and more, where Boston’s best foods were born. You can also upgrade your tour to include a beer tasting at two of Boston’s most beloved taverns.

Take the Classic Bites of Boston Tour

3. Admire the Historic Architecture of the City

Boston is a city like no other, and the architecture plays an essential role in creating that feeling. No matter where you look, you’ll find buildings that feel lost in time, bringing you back to the days of the Revolutionary War. Boston’s history is true American history, and going on an architecture walking tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the people and places that built this country.

You’ll stroll along the historic Freedom Trail, where you’ll walk from landmark to landmark between the famous Faneuil Hall to the beloved Boston Common. Although you’ll hear plenty of historical facts, you’ll also get an in-depth look at the city’s architecture. 

As you stroll the cobblestone streets, you’ll see sights like the Park Street Church, a congressional church that was among the first in the country to advocate for social justice topics like the women’s rights and anti-slavery movements, and the Old Corner Bookstore, the oldest commercial building in Downtown Boston. You learn about the buildings and the stories that happened within their walls.

Learn History & Architecture on a Walking Tour

4. Walk the Freedom Trail with an In-Character Guide

There are many ways to experience the famous Freedom Trail, but the Freedom Trail Walk into History Tour is one of the best tours in Boston. This tour, brought to you by the official Freedom Trail Foundation, is an experience like no other!

Your period-costumed guide will take you through the Freedom Trail, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of great American patriots like Crispus Atticus, John Quincy Adams, and many more. Eleven of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites are featured on this 90-minute tour.

See Paul Revere’s final resting place at the Granary Burial Ground, learn about the history of the oldest public school in the US, and explore America’s first public park, the Boston Common. Your knowledgeable guide will help you feel like you were truly there at the start of the United States. 

Walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail

5. Tour One of the Most Beautiful and Historic Theaters in the Country

Boston’s Theater District is home to a number of historic theaters that put on can’t-miss shows. Among them is the beloved Boch Center Wang Theatre. One of the coolest tours in Boston allows you to go behind the scenes at this cultural hub.

The Boch Center Wang Theater Behind-the-Scenes Tour takes you inside this marvel. As soon as you enter this theater, you’ll take in a breathtaking sight. You’ll be greeted by a massive chandelier soaring high above you on the ornately-decorated and mural-filled ceiling, which is held up by gilded marble columns. You’ll know you’re in for one incredible tour as soon as you see this sight!

On this one-hour guided tour, you’ll learn about how the theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, came to be and why it’s designed the way it is. You’ll even get the chance to stand on the iconic stage, which once held such incredible acts as Ella Fitzgerald, Queen, Liza Minnelli, and Elton John.

Visit the Historic Boch Center Wang Theatre

6. See the Boston Sights That You’ve Seen in Your Favorite Films

Hollywood is not the only place where you can step into the shoes of your favorite actors. Boston has been home to a number of beloved shows and movies. You’ll be able to see all these iconic spots on the Movie Mile Walking Tour , one of the most unique Boston tours.

On this interactive tour, a local actor will take you to both famous and little-known filming locations of your favorite shows and movies. You’ll sit on the park bench from Good Will Hunting , see where Jack Nicholson hung out in The Departed , and even grab a drink at the original bar from Cheers .

Along the way, you’ll uncover insider secrets from the sets of Fever Pitch , Legally Blonde , Mystic River , and more. It’s the perfect tour for a film lover on a Boston vacation.

Live Out Your Own Filmic Fantasy

7. Take a Historical Tour of one of Boston’s Most Beautiful Locations

When we think of Boston’s history, we often think of the Revolutionary War first. We picture the Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party, but Boston has played a role throughout America’s greatest conflicts. And you can take a walking tour that allows you to learn about the part Boston played in the Civil War.

This tour takes you through Beacon Hill, one of the most scenic and historic areas of Boston. On this Beacon Hill Tour , you’ll walk the Black Heritage Trail, which explores the lives of African-Americans in Boston in the 19th century. 

You’ll see homes on the Underground Railroad, visit the African Meeting House, and learn about the struggle for equality throughout the area. You’ll be just blocks from the wealthiest of Boston, but you’ll hear about a very different reality from the lives these Bostonians are living.

There are many historical tours in Boston, but this Boston tour is one-of-a-kind. The struggle of African-American Bostonians is little discussed and even less understood. On this tour, you’ll dive deep into a reality that deserves a spotlight.

Explore Hidden Landmarks in Beacon Hill

8. Go on a Pub Crawl With a Ghostly Theme

Taverns have long played a role in the history and culture of Boston. And with the Haunted Pub Crawl , you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers as they gathered, drank, and planned a new country.

This unique Boston tour takes you to the most notoriously haunted pubs and restaurants of Beantown. You’ll grab a drink as you listen to stories of the Americans who once drank there, from Samuel Adams to John Adams to Paul Revere. 

You’ll also hear more sordid tales of the city. Not all historical figures are quite so friendly. You may or may not see the apparitions of these Boston residents, but you’ll surely feel their presence as the hair on the back of your neck stands up hearing these ghastly tales. You’re going to need more than one drink of liquid courage to spend the evening hearing these incredible stories!

Experience a Haunted Pub Crawl

9. Journey into Boston’s Underbelly on a Trolley Tour

Sure, you could go on a sightseeing tour, but the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour is one of the coolest tours in Boston. Not your average tour, this excursion is considered a “frightseeing” tour. 

On this unique Boston tour, you’ll hop aboard a trolley with a costumed guide who will do their best to scare the pants off you. Don’t worry – they’re pretty friendly, even if the ghosts you may encounter aren’t so much.

On this 90-minute tour, your 17th-century gravedigger guide will tell you Boston’s most gruesome tales. You’ll learn about the story of the Boston Strangler, be guided around the city’s most haunted areas, and hear tales of those who performed the most sordid acts imaginable, often in plain sight.

You’ll also be taken to Copp’s Hill Burial Ground and Granary Burying Ground, Boston’s oldest cemeteries, and visit the gravesites of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and many others. You never know just what you might see on this tour, which is as informative as it is spine-chilling.

Venture to Boston’s Burial Grounds

10. Tour the North End’s Best Dining Spots

Boston’s North End is arguably home to some of the best food in the country. From famous cannolis to fresh seafood dishes, this area of the city is a foodie’s paradise, which is why the North End Secret Food Tour is one of the best food tours in Boston.

You’ll walk along this charming area, filled with quaint and colorful restaurants and gastropubs. On this three-hour tour, you’ll learn about the area’s roots as you’re taken to seven stops. What treats are awaiting you? You can expect fresh pasta courtesy of Boston’s Little Italy, pizza eaten in the shadow of the famous Old North Church, an Italian sandwich like no other, and so much more.

Your guide is as knowledgeable about Boston’s history as they are about the city’s best food. Expect a tour filled with little-known facts and even littler-known Boston treats.

Discover Boston’s North End

11. Journey Through the History of ‘America’s Most Beloved Ballpark’

Speaking as someone who isn’t even a baseball fan, I marvel at Fenway Park every time I see it. It’s the oldest MLB ballpark, and there’s so much history in every square inch of this beloved stadium. A Walking Tour of Fenway Park is one of the best Boston tours and something you truly cannot experience anywhere else.

On a one-hour guided tour, you’ll explore the historic grounds of this Boston icon, home to the Boston Red Sox. You’ll learn about the history of this stadium, which is over 100 years old, as you see Pesky’s Pole, sit atop the famous Green Monster, and take in the views of Boston from the Roof Deck. You’ll then tour the Fenway Park Living Museum, which is home to more than 170,000 stadium artifacts and 150,000 photographs. 

You can take either a public or private tour, but you do get access to features with a private tour you won’t get with a public one. With this upgrade, you may visit a number of additional locations, like the famous Red Seat, the Visiting Team Clubhouse, or the Green Monster Scoreboard.

Get Up-Close Access to Fenway Park

12. Take a One-of-a-Kind Tour on Both Land and Water

What’s the best tour in Boston? Many locals and visitors alike will tell you that there’s nothing quite like a Boston Duck Tour . You’ll climb aboard a World War II-style “Duck” that takes you through the streets of Boston and into the Charles River.

On this 80-minute tour, you’ll be led by a “ConDUCKtor,” who will tell you all about the history of the most significant landmarks of the city. You’ll see the State House, Bunker Hill, the Boston Common, Copley Square, Newbury Street, Quincy Market, and more. 

You’ll hear little-known facts about these iconic locations before you head to the Charles River for the splashdown. From the water, you’ll take in one of the best views around both Boston and Cambridge. This tour is one of the best Boston sightseeing tours available, and you’ll love every minute aboard your Duck.

Book the World-Famous Boston Duck Tour

13. Step Back in Time During an Interactive Tour

There are many great tours of Boston, but few allow you to get in on the fun as much as the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Interactive Tour . This tour will enable you to relive the Boston Tea Party with live actors, 3D holograms, and replica ships.

When you arrive, you’ll receive a handbill from one of the colonist actors, telling you which part you’ll play. You never know what you might get. Then, you’re off to start a revolution.

In the meeting house, you’ll learn all about the fateful night of December 16, 1773. You’ll then get your own disguise before you begin the march to Griffin’s Wharf. It’s up to you and your fellow revolutionaries to throw crates of tea into the sea. You can also explore the replica ships, designed to look like the original ships from the Boston Tea Party. 

Inside the museum, you’ll watch British soldiers and colonists fight before your very eyes. You’ll then head into a giant wraparound theater where you’ll watch the battle play out.

Become a Part of the Boston Tea Party

14. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on a Donut Tour

What do you think of when you think of Boston food? Maybe you think of the Boston Cream Pie. Or perhaps a lobster roll springs to mind. But how about donuts?

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Underground Donut Tour is easily one of the best food tours in Boston. From Union Square Donuts to Kane’s Donuts to even more under-the-radar stops, you’ll eat your way around the city donut-style. 

You’ll be led from the Financial District to the Boston Public Market, where you’ll sample donuts alongside apple cider as you learn about the history of this massive market. Then, you’ll head into Little Italy and stop at one of the oldest bakeries in the city for a unique treat. Then, it’s back to the Public Market for even more donuts. 

Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach because you’re sure to want to sample as many donuts as you can. And along the way, you’ll learn even more about Boston’s history, making this tour as educational as it is delicious.

Eat Some of America’s Greatest Donuts

15. Look for Whales off the Coast of Boston

Prime whale-watching season in Boston lasts from May to October, although you may see some whales outside of these months. But if you are visiting during this prime season, you’ll definitely want to hop on a Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise . Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about these stunning creatures as you spot them in the water.

You’ll meet with researchers of the Whale Center of New England aboard this three-hour cruise, who will provide expert commentary as you look for humpbacks, finbacks, and minke whales. You may also spot some white-sided dolphins if you keep your eyes peeled.

With a climate-controlled cabin space and cushioned seating, you’ll be able to search for whales in comfort, even if the weather is getting chilly in Boston. And with a state-of-the-art sound system, you’re sure to hear your guide’s commentary and won’t miss a minute of the whales breaching.

Join a Whale Watching Cruise

There you have it! The 15 best tours in Boston. Do you have any unique Boston tours you’d recommend? Let us know in the comments!

Planning a trip to Massachusetts? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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Boston By Foot is a non-profit educational organization committed to inspiring locals and visitors to discover and appreciate the diverse stories of Boston by exploring the cityscape together.

We envision a city whose residents and visitors have a deep understanding and appreciation of the city’s complex and diverse history, geography, and communities.

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Haunted Tales of the Charles River

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Tour of the Freedom Trail

Drink your way through Boston's history

Since 2013, Ye Olde Tavern Tours has been offering historic tavern tours in Boston. 

We were foun ded a P hD in American history and two-time author.

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Thousands and thousands of guests have trusted us to learn about Boston's revolutionary and drunken history.

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TOUR ALONG THE FREEDOM TRAIL (includes beer or cider)

Samuel Adams statue in front of Faneuil Hall in Boston

Learn the revolutionary and drunken history of Boston

See 10 sites on the Freedom Trail and have a beer in 3 historic taverns. Craft beer (or hard cider) is included in the price!

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"The entire group enjoyed the tour and were all impressed with [our guide's] knowledge, especially with all the little tid-bits and factoids [she] knew about the area. It was quite different from other tours and was the perfect length. We will do it again when we’re back in Boston."

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Ye Olde Tavern Tours guides are trained historians who love beer and meeting new people. All of us studied history in undergrad and many of us have graduate degrees in history. We are super enthusiastic about history and sharing the craziest stories from Boston's revolutionary (and drunken) past!

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Our tours were founded by a PhD in American History and two-time author. Her second book, King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father , is available now or purchase a signed copy at the end of your tour.

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Historic Boston

Day 1: Boston

Explore Charlestown and the North End

Visit the New England Holocaust Memorial

• Founded by Holocaust survivor Stephan Ross, the memorial is designed to inspire remembrance, reflection, and hope

Dinner at Quincy Market

Day 2: Boston • Lexington and Concord

Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Take a guided tour of Lexington and Concord

• Lexington Battle Green
• Old North Bridge
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View Boston at the Prudential Center 

Day 3: Boston • Plymouth

Visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums (April-October)

Visit the Edward M. Kennedy Institute (November-March)

Head out on the water to observe the lobsters and various species of marine life that live in Plymouth Harbor. By the time you’re back on dry land, you’ll have a new understanding of the many creatures that live beneath the ocean. (Available April through October)

Take a guided tour of Boston and Cambridge 

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Enjoy an evening activity

Experience Boston's performing arts scene firsthand with a live theater performance.

Day 4: Salem • Boston

Visit one of Salem's witch museums

Visit the House of the Seven Gables

Depart for home

Experience even more

Enjoy free time in Boston

Explore Boston by land and by sea in a brightly colored “duck boat”—an amphibious World War II-style vehicle. Sights include Bunker Hill, the Old North Church, the Longfellow Bridge, and more on your comprehensive tour of the city. (And yes, there will be quacking.) Just when you think you’re nearly done, pass by EF Center Boston and splash into the Charles River for spectacular views of both the Boston and Cambridge skylines. (Available March through November)

Day 5: Boston

Take a tour of Fenway Park

Visit the Museum of Science

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Seven House Museums to Visit Within City Limits

Here's where to admire architecture and antique furniture.

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Photo by Ellen Gerst

This grand Federal-style mansion was designed by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch. Built as the first of three homes for former mayor Harrison Gray Otis in 1796, the house is one of the last remaining structures from what used to be Bowdoin Square. Thanks to Boston’s period of urban renewal in the 1960s, the historical home now straddles Beacon Hill and the West End. Inside, its paint colors and carpet designs are historically accurate—and they’re surprisingly vibrant.

Otis House Museum, 141 Cambridge St., historicnewengland.org .

The Nichols House Museum photo via Wikimedia/ Creative Commons

Nichols House

Beacon Hill’s other Bulfinch-built house museum was once home to suffragist and landscape architect Rose Standish Nichols. Among her many accomplishments, she was a founding member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom in 1915, which has a mission to unite all women for peace, disarmament, and gender equality.

Nichols inherited the Federal-style home on Mount Vernon Street from her father in 1935, and ruled the roost until her death in 1960. She never married, but often hosted salons at the house, gathering intellectuals to  discuss  and debate progressive ideas over afternoon tea. Nichols intended for the house to be left as a museum after her death, and since then, it’s shown Bostonians what life was like in Beacon Hill at the turn of the century. Tour highlights include furniture handmade by Rose’s sister, Margaret Nichols Shurcliff.

Nichols House Museum, 55 Mount Vernon St.,  nicholshousemuseum.org .

Photo by John Woolf for A Glimpse of the Past at the Gibson House

Gibson House

For a snapshot of life in Victorian Boston, step through the double doors of the Gibson House on Beacon Street. Though you wouldn’t know it from the outside, this brownstone conceals a historical interior that hasn’t been altered since 1954. That’s thanks to Charles Gibson Jr., who in the 1930s decided he should preserve the contents and opulence of his family’s 1860 home. A guided hour tour through the house’s four levels features a one-of-a-kind Victorian ventilator shaft (you have to see it to understand its majesty), “Japanese Leather” wallpaper, a 15-piece bedroom set, and more.

Photo by Ed Lyons on Flickr/Creative Commons

James Blake House

Built in 1661, the James Blake House is the oldest house in all of Boston. It’s tucked between Upham’s Corner and Columbia Point on a sliver of green space, though it’s about 400 yards from its original location on what is currently Massachusetts Avenue. The home’s original owner, a minister named James Blake, settled in Dorchester in the 1630s. He built the house in the Western English style, now a rare sight in New England. The Dorchester Historical Society only offers tours of the house on the third Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

James Blake House, 735 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, dorchesterhistoricalsociety.org .

Photo by Jules Struck

Prescott House

This impressive Federal-style construction dreamed up by architect Asher Benjamin flaunts unique rounded bay fronts and white columns. It was built overlooking the Common in 1808 for a merchant named James Smith Colburn, and on land once owned by portrait painter John Singleton Copley to boot. In 1845, historian William Hickling Prescott moved into the house, and about a century later, it was purchased by the National Society of Colonial Dames. The home, also known as the Headquarters House, is now open as a house museum on select Wednesdays and Saturdays.

William Hickling Prescott House, 55 Beacon St., Boston, nscdama.org .

Photo by Leslee on Flickr/ Creative Commons

Ayer Mansion

Just down the street from the Prescott House, the Ayer Mansion is the only extant home designed by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Perhaps best known for his kaleidoscopic stained glass works, Tiffany worked his magic on not just the windows, but on stone and glass mosaics. The famed Gilded Age artist also clad the home in exterior mosaics—only the Ayer Mansion and his private home feature original Tiffany exterior work. Tours of the 1902 mansion are offered at least one Saturday and one Wednesday per month. Though the museum is house is closed to the public for maintenance during August, a tour schedule is regularly available on ayermansion.org .

Frederick Ayer Mansion, 395 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, ayermansion.org . 

Photo by Tim Sackton on Flickr/ Creative Commons

Shirley Eustis House

William Shirley, the Royal Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony until 1756, spent his summers at “Shirley Place,” which he built in 1751. It also served as the summer home of William Eustis, a post-Revolution Massachusetts governor who took office in 1822. Now called the Shirley-Eustis House, the place is one of the last remaining Royal Colonial Governors’ mansions in the country. Tours of the mansion, the carriage house, and the grounds are offered 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday until Labor Day. Offseason tours can arranged by appointment.

Shirley-Eustis House, 33 Shirley St., Roxbury,  shirleyeustishouse.org .

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Historic Boston: A Walker’s Paradise — Your B Town Weekend

By Bill Malcolm* (he/him)

Historic Boston makes for a perfect weekend. The city is so walkable (and has such great public transit); you will have sore legs. The historic city is home to many universities, so it seems in part like a college town on steroids. 

Founded by the Puritans in 1630, it grew due to its great harbor and fishing. And it is where America started. The Puritans were an independent bunch and didn’t take kindly to the British taxation schemes and heavy-handed tactics. 

Massachusetts is a civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights pioneer. Massachusetts celebrates 20 years of legal same-sex marriage. Governor Maura Healey (she/her) was the first elected lesbian Governor in the nation while Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (she/her) is the city’s first Chinese mayor. 

Although Boston has just a few bars, a ferry ride away is fabulous   

Getting there

I took Delta (aka Republic, the regional carrier) nonstop into convenient Boston Logan Airport. Then I hopped on the free airport bus (the SL1) to my hotel in the nearby Seaport District (The Aloft). Once in Boston, you can walk, take transit, use the shared bike system to get everywhere. 

What to do 

Learn about the history of this city by taking a Boston by Foot Walking Tour. I took the history walk (aka Heart of the Freedom Trail Walk) which met in front of Faneuil Hall by the statue of Samuel Adams. A guide tells you the history of Boston and how our country came to be thanks to the independent and freedom minded people that galvanized all the colonies to rebel against the British and form the U.S. This summer they will also feature a history of LGBTQ+ Boston walking tour entitled Boston by Foot Walking Tour: Boston’s LGBTQ+ Past. 

Nearby Faneuil Hall is the Old State House, the oldest surviving government building of the old British Colonies which was built in 1713. It also served as the birthplace of the independent government of Massachusetts.

Make your first stop the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. You will find it at 700 Boylston Street. It’s really more of a museum that’s used as a library. Don’t miss the murals especially on the 3rd floor. The murals surrounding the staircase hall are the only mural work outside France by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (he/him), a French painter who was considered one of the greatest muralists of the 19th century. 

Other musts are the Boston Common and the Public Garden which are two great parks in the middle of the city. Then follow the 2.5 mile self-guided Freedom Trail with 17 revolutionary landmarks.

Take the Green Line subway out to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum near Northeastern University. This quirky museum has a plant filled courtyard and more. Enjoy the Raquib Shaw: Ballads of East and West. Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts. And of course, Fenway Park.

Walk around the waterfront including the Aquarium which features sea lions. 

Take the ferry to Provincetown for a lively summer scene. 

Where to eat

I had dinner at the Boston Chops Urban Steakhouse Downtown which was great. If you don’t like steaks, try the salmon. You can even sit in an old bank vault. 

Don’t miss the fast casual Eataly in the Prudential Center. Filled with Italian specialties, it also offers fast casual dining featuring everything Italian. You can’t beat their pizza, but they also have salads and more. Take home some gourmet pasta sauce or Italian cheese and wine. 

The food hall behind Faneuil Hall (Liberty Market) has every type of Boston specialty dish you could imagine. I had a fresh carrot juice and salad while others enjoyed lobster bisque in a bread bowl. The seafood in Boston is fresh and local – indeed it was one of the city’s first industries that supplied cod to Europe back in the day.  Boston nightlife

I loved the Club Café Bistro and Video Bar. Located in the Back Bay neighborhood, this was a fun multi-purpose bar. They had two cabaret shows the Saturday night I was there. Plus they serve food, so dining is an option. There is something going on every day: drag brunches, karaoke, and more. Founded as a video bar in 1983, it has survived the retraction of bars in the city which some blame on gentrification while others note it is a nationwide trend. Other bars in Boston: Jacque’s Cabaret – the drag bar, Cathedral Station: the sports bar, Bar: In nearby Dorchester, and The Alley Bar - downtown.

Where to stay 

I stayed at Marriott’s Altoft Boston Seaport at 401 D Street. The modern, new hotel has a Brazilian steakhouse in the Building and a fun WXYZ Bar. Nearby is a liquor store and a Dunkin Donuts. South Boston is just a half mile south which also has restaurant and retail options such as the Foodie’s Market at 230 West Broadway (which has a hot food and salad bar) and you can take the #9 bus into Back Bay. Best of all, the Aloft is a value and has no annoying resort fees.

Sadly, many Boston hotels now tack on US$35 dollars a day or more for a fee which is sometimes called an amenity fee or a destination fee or a resort fee. I don’t pay junk fees especially where they are buried as a footnote as “taxes and fees” on third party booking sites. Do your homework on hotels at TripAdvisor.com. 

Helpful hints

Get around on the 5 subway lines or the bus system, known as the T, is a breeze. 

South Boston is a different neighborhood from the South End. It’s confusing.

Boston is a city of neighborhoods. Both South Boston and the South End are great as is Back Bay and Copley Square.

Spirit Magazine is your LGBTQ+ publication. 

Bay Windows is the newspaper although it is down to just a few pages.

Plan your trip and get info on the scene at https://www.meetboston.com/plan/trip-ideas/lgbtq-boston/.

Special thanks to Meet Boston for their helpful travel tips and recommendations! 

*Bill Malcolm (he/him) is a syndicated travel writer whose column appears in publications and on websites throughout North America and on the travel blog at www.iglta.org.

All Image Credit: Unsplash

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New Boston Freedom Trail Tour to celebrate historical LGBTQ figures. How to go

The freedom trail is an iconic part of any visit to Boston.

The two-and-a-half-mile red bricked path passes 17 different historical locations in the city connected to the history of not only the state of Massachusetts but the entire country and the central promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness it was founded upon.

But freedom come at different times for different people - and now, just in time for Pride month and the 20th anniversary of Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, which legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts, the Boston Freedom Trail will be honoring the contributions of the city's LGBTQ+ community.

Rainbow Revolutionaries are guided tours that will focus on the often-overlooked role that queer individuals have played in history and their own journey towards freedom to live openly.

When and where can I take the Rainbow Revolutionaries tour?

Rainbow Revolutionaries will start in June 2024, available on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:45 a.m. The guided tour will run for 90 minutes and cover one mile and four stops. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $8 for children.

It will begin at Boston Common, behind the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, then the Massachusetts State House, the Park Street Church and ending at the Old Corner Bookstore.

The LGBTQ community has always been here

Queer people have always been a part of history, whether or not they have been acknowledged, some even in plain sight. The tour will discuss political milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, such as same sex marriage and more, and the personal lives of famous Bostonians, including authors, an actress, and even dating back to the Revolutionary War.

"It's a privilege to bring these stories to light and acknowledge the identities of people who may have felt hidden in the shadows during the time they lived in," said Program Manager Catherine Benjamin, as stated on the Rainbow Revolutionaries website.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: New Boston Freedom Trail Tour to celebrate historical LGBTQ figures. How to go