There are many different types of tours available in Boston, Massachusetts. From history and architecture tours to food and drink tours, there is something for everyone. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to explore your city, be sure to check out some of the best Boston tours to see the most of the city.
The Freedom Trail is a great way to see some of the city’s most famous historical landmarks. The 2.5-mile trail winds its way through downtown Boston, and you can visit places like the Paul Revere House, the USS Constitution Museum, and Faneuil Hall.
If you’re interested in architecture, the Downtown Food & Freedom Trail Walking Tour is a great way to see some of the city’s most iconic buildings. You’ll learn about the history and architecture of places like the Boston Common, Trinity Church, and the State House.
For those interested in food and drink, there are a number of different tours available. The Beer Lovers’ Tour is a great way to sample some of the best craft beer in the city, while the Chocolate Tour lets you indulge your sweet tooth with some of the best chocolate in Boston.
And for those who want to learn about the city’s rich culinary history, a Boston food tour is a must-do.
TL;DR Our Boston Tourist Essentials
Looking to find the most essential tours, city cards, and boat excursions? Here is our ultimate pack of things you need for visiting Boston.
| Best Sightseeing Pass | Go Boston Card: Save up to 55% on Top Attractions |
| Best Walking Tour | Boston’s Freedom Trail Walk Into History® Tour |
| Best Ghost Tour |
Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour |
| Best Whale Watching | Whale Watching Cruise from Boston |
| Best Sightseeing Tour | “Boston in One Day” Sightseeing Bus Tour |
Best Tours in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Fenway Park: 1-Hour Guided Walking Tour
Enjoy a small group guided tour of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” home to the 2018 World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox. This one-of-a-kind experience gives fans up-close access to this historic baseball stadium, a true Boston icon since 1906.
City View Bike Tour: Bike the Boston Neighborhoods
Discover Boston’s famous sites and hidden treasures on this 2.5 to 3-hour guided bike tour – a perfect way to explore the city! Start at Little Italy in Boston’s North End and pass sites like Copley Square, Fenway Park, and the Faneuil Hall marketplace.
Cruise through Beacon Hill and admire the diverse neighborhoods as your knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary on Boston’s unique history. You may also choose to do this tour on an e-bike (select the e-bike option at checkout).
Boston Tea Party: Ships & Museum Interactive Tour
Enjoy a historical adventure and travel back to 1773 to be part of the famous Boston Tea Party. Take part in an interactive museum tour and re-live the battle and events with live actors and 3D holograms. See fully restored replicas of the ships.
Boston’s Freedom Trail Walk Into History® Tour
Walk through history along the Boston Freedom Trail’s famous red line to experience some of the most seminal landmarks of America’s revolutionary founding. Walk in the footsteps of the founding fathers to and from Faneuil Hall and Boston Common.
Boston Classic: Duck Boat Sightseeing Tour
Water is no barrier for a duck; why should it be for you? A Boston Duck Tour is a beautiful way to look at Boston on land and water. See all the major landmarks and hear the city’s history as you tour Boston in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle.
Boston 90-Minute Historic Sightseeing Cruise
Discover the historic and contemporary milestones of Boston’s inner and outer harbors during this fun, informative, fully narrated 90-minute tour.
Boston: Guided Trolley Tour
Discover Boston the easy way on the 3-hour Beantown Trolley Tour. Learn about the top sights from a local guide for a complete Boston experience.
Boston in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Experiences the best of greater Boston’s top attractions in one day in an air-conditioned luxury coach with an expert local guide. Visit the historic towns of Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord. Then see the best of downtown Boston itself.
Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous
Climb aboard a unique amphibious vehicle and discover Boston from a different perspective. The World War II-style “Duck” travels on land and water and takes you along historic streets and into the Charles River on an 80-minute tour of the city.
Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Join other adventure seekers and become an apprentice grave digger on an entertaining tour through the darker side of Boston. A scary, fun, and informative frightening experience that absolutely one of a kind.
Boston: New England Aquarium Skip-the-Line Ticket
Discover over 800 marine animals, including seals, seadragons, stingrays, sharks, and penguins. A four-story Giant Ocean Tank features a coral reef and hundreds of Caribbean reef animals—Pre-book tickets for convenient skip-the-line access.
Whale Watching Cruise from Boston
Join this 3-hour cruise for the opportunity to spot whales off the coast of Boston. See these magnificent creatures close-up from the deck of your ship. Spot Humpback and Finback whales and see White Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters.
Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
Discover Boston at your leisure with a one or two-day ticket on the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour. Create your itinerary to see the most famous sights of Boston at your own pace. Enjoy admission to the Old State House with your tour.
Boston Sunset Cruise
End your day on a perfect note on this 90-minute sunset cruise which provides spectacular views of the sunset and the Boston skyline.
Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston
A Hop-on, Hop-off tour with a twist! Climb aboard a trolley and experience a combination of transportation and onboard entertainment. With your full-day ticket, you can hop off at 18 stops throughout Boston, close to more than 100 points of interest!
“Boston in One Day” Sightseeing Bus Tour
Experience the best of Boston in one day on this fully narrated sightseeing tour of the area’s major sights. First, journey through the historic towns of Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord to visit Cambridge Common, stand on the Lexington Battle Green, and follow the Battle Road Trail — the route that Paul Revere took and where the Minutemen fought for freedom against the British during the American Revolutionary War.
Then, a two-hour motorcoach tour of Boston to see sights including Beacon Hill, the West End, the Seaport District, and the site of the Boston Massacre. You’ll also spend time at Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market) and the USS ‘Constitution.’
Top Sites Seen During Tour: North End (Little Italy/Fleet Center), New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Old State House, Seaport District, USS Constitution, State House, Site of the Boston Massacre, Museum of Fine Arts, Beacon Hill, Copley Place, Back Bay, and Trinity Church.
Boston: Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley 1-Day Ticket
Explore Boston on the comprehensive hop-on and hop-off trolley bus and discover the Cradle of Liberty and the Birthplace of Freedom at your own pace. Jump off at sights such as Boston Common and the USS Constitution, along with the sites of the Freedom Trail.
Go Boston Card: Save up to 55% on Top Attractions
The Go Boston® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility. Save up to 55% off retail prices on admission to over 40 attractions and tours, including Boston Duck Tour and more.
American History Bus Tour: Boston to Cambridge, Concord, and Lexington
This fascinating historical half-day trip from Boston takes you to the famous nearby Massachusetts cities of Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord with a leap back during the American Revolution. Journey along the Battle Road Trail, follow the route Paul Revere took as he warned the countryside with his infamous cry, “The British are coming!” Visit Harvard Yard and Cambridge Common, where George Washington took control of the Continental Army.
You’ll also stand on legendary Lexington Battle Green – the site of the infamous Battle of Lexington where 77 Minutemen stood their ground against 700 of England’s finest regulars– and pass the homes of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson and visit the family home of Louisa May Alcott, “Orchard House.” Your expert guide will teach you about this area’s prominent role in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War while taking you to the city’s most famous sights and off-the-beaten-path locales.
Boston Freedom Trail Day Trip from New York
See the historical sights and famous universities of the Boston area on this full-day trip from New York City. After a scenic drive through Connecticut, arrive in Boston, Massachusetts. See top Boston attractions, including Harvard University, Trinity Church, and the site of the Boston Tea Party. Follow the red-brick Freedom Trail, which leads to crucial historical locations. You’ll learn all about Boston’s rich and colorful history from your informative and engaging guide.
What to Know Before Booking Boston Tours
When looking for the best Boston tours, it’s essential to consider your interests and what you want to get out of the experience. Are you interested in history and architecture? If so, a walking tour of the city’s historical landmarks is a great choice.
Do you want to explore the city’s trendy neighborhoods? A food or pub crawl tour is a great way to do that. Irrespectiyour interests, there will surelya Boston tour that’s perfect for you.
Some of the most popular Boston tours include:
- Walking Tours: As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston is rich in history and architecture. A walking tour is a great way to see all the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and Beacon Hill.
- Food Tours: Boston is a haven for best restaurants in the country. If you’re a foodie, a food tour is a great way to sample the city’s culinary offerings. From seafood and Italian cuisine to local craft beer, you’ll find something to your taste on a Boston food tour.
- Pub Crawls: As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is no stranger to a good pub crawl. If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to explore the city’s nightlife, a pub crawl tour is a great option.
- Ghost Tours: If you’re feeling brave, a ghost tour of Boston is the perfect way to get your scare on. These spooky tours explore some of the city’s most haunted locations, including the USS Constitution Museum and the Granary Burying Ground. You can even take a ghost tour of Salem if you’d like.
See Related: Boston CityPASS Review
What is the best way to tour Boston?
There are a lot of ways to do so in Boston! With its vast history, there are plenty of great Boston sightseeing tours to help you explore the top sights while learning the history and being guided by American patriots.
Several top tours include venturing through the Freedom Trail, following Revolutionary-era stories, and visiting long-lost bars. If you’re more of a foodie, you can eat at award-winning restaurants while being chauffeured around on tours to create a personalized dining experience and try iconic dishes.
Discover the best of Boston’s nightlife on a pub crawl of historic taverns, or explore the city by Segway, bike, boat, or foot.
See Related: Do You Need a Car in Boston?
What are the different types of tours in Boston?
While there are many different types of tours in Boston, some of the most popular include Revolutionary tale tours, Boston harbor cruises, Boston Duck Tour, Old Town Trolley Tours – Boston Hop on Hop Off Hop Out Trip, Segways for Boston, and the Freedom Trail.
If you like something a bit more exclusive consider a private tour of Boston, where a local guide or tour operator will customize an itinerary just for you and your group. This is a great option if you want to see specific sights or have specific interests.
Some companies also offer themed tours, such as ghost tours, food tours, brewery tours, and even haunted pub crawls. These can be a lot of fun and are a great way to experience the city’s unique culture.
What is the best way to experience Boston?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to experience Boston depends on your interests and what you want to get out of your visit. However, some of the best ways to explore Boston include taking a walking tour, Boston duck tours, exploring the city by Segway, or taking a food or pub crawl tour.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience all that Boston has to offer, be sure to check out one of the many amazing tours available in the city. From walking and food tours to pub crawls and ghost tours, there’s something for everyone.
And, with so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find a tour that’s perfect for you.
FAQ
What are the best Boston tours?
Boston may be explored on foot, by bus, ship, kayak, Segway, or bicycle by tourists and locals. The 1630s Puritan Meeting House, the Federal-style Johnson Mansion from 1830, and Trinity Church from 1873 are among the city’s most well-known landmarks that may be seen on a history tour. Take a Ghosts of Boston tour to learn about spooky sites like the Granary Burying Ground, where many significant figures from the Revolutionary War are buried, or visit one of Boston’s darker chapters with a trip that includes stops at the witch trial site in Salem and Lizzie Borden’s haunted home.
Or, go on The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) red-bricked walking trail that leads visitors to 16 historically significant sites, including the State House and the USS Constitution Museum. Other popular tours include the Duck Boat tour, which takes guests around the Charles River on an amphibious vehicle; a Boston Celtics game at TD Garden; a brewery tour; and a food tour of the city’s many different neighborhoods.
What is the best walking tour in Boston?
That’s up for debate, but our top picks are the Freedom Trail Tour, Harvard University Campus Tour, and Salem Witch Walk. The Freedom Trail Tour is an excellent option for first-time visitors to Boston. This popular 2.5-mile walking tour takes you to 16 historically significant sites, including the Boston Common, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church.
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