Boston History & Highlights Walking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Boston's Freedom Trail
- Visit Boston Common and Public Garden
- Discover historic Beacon Hill
- See the Old North Church
- Learn about Boston's revolutionary past
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Boston's historic sites
- Visit to the Freedom Trail
- Exploration of Boston Common and Public Garden
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Please meet outside the main public entrance of the Boston RMV Service Center, located at 156 Blackstone Street. The RMV is in the same building as the Boston Public Market and sits directly across from the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Look for the glass-and-metal awning that extends over the sidewalk—this is right beside the Surface Rd & Hanover St bus stop. Above the entrance, you’ll see a sign that reads “Massachusetts Department of Transportation”. This is the correct door and the spot where your guide will be waiting.
Your tour starts at Faneuil Hall, where you'll learn about the revolutionaries who first pushed for independence from Great Britain.
Pass by: From Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to see Custom House Tower, the first skyscraper built in the city of Boston and originally the location where incoming goods were stored upon arrival to Boston.
You can't visit Boston without learning about the Boston Tea Party. At this former church, hear how Bostonians planned their 1773 act of rebellion and who said "No taxation without representation!
Pass by: Next, we'll pass the site of Boston's first bookstore, home to publishers of Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and Longfellow’s Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.
This hall housed the city council and America’s first public school. Admire its stunning French architecture and snap a photo with the Bronze Donkey.
Pass by: Next, you'll walk through Downtown Crossing, pass Old City Hall, and visit King’s Chapel. If lucky, you might hear the organist on the oldest church organ in the US.
Continuing on, you'll stop at the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was announced in 1776. Your guide will share both the excitement of that moment and the tragic Boston Massacre.
Boston Common, the oldest city park in the US, is a favorite for both locals and visitors. As you walk through, you'll see memorials, fountains, and recreation areas, all enjoyed since 1634.
Pass by: One of Boston's most popular neighborhoods, this area once declined due to sailors and British soldiers. You'll explore cobbled streets as your guide shares how it became the iconic spot it is today.
Pass by: This lesser-known but significant memorial honors one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War and their colonel, Robert Gould Shaw.
Admire the glittering dome of the historic Massachusetts State House. Learn about John Hancock, the original landowner, and Paul Revere, who presided over the 1795 cornerstone ceremony. Your guide will share how the building has stood the test of time and remains vital to the state’s government.
Originally part of Boston Common, this cemetery dates back to 1660. You'll pass the graves of famous Revolutionary heroes like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.
This lively garden, the first public park in America, is enjoyed by Bostonians for walks, exercise, and relaxation. As you stroll through, you'll learn how it was used during the Revolution and beyond. The tour ends here, a perfect spot to continue your day in Boston.
Meeting point
Start Location
The Greenway Carousel, 191 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pets are not permitted on the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children under 6 can join for free. Please let us know when booking if you're bringing a child under 6. Children aged 6 to 11 can join at the adult rate. Please inform us at the time of booking if you're bringing a child between 6 and 11, using the special requirements box on the checkout page.
- We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour.
- Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking.
- Experiences happen rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly.
Reviews
Wow!! We would have given this tour 6 stars if we could. Our tour guide, Dave, was so knowledgeable and spun the stories to weave Chicago's history so clearly for these East Coast visitors. Loved the mixture of interior and street landmarks. We learned so much and will be sure to recommend this tour to others. A true highlight activity of our visit to Chicago.
Ms. Ally, you were truly incredible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your knowledge, your stories, and your passion with us. You made this experience unforgettable, and we’re so grateful for you.”
We booked this walking tour on our second day in Boston, and am so glad we did. Travelling from Ireland, we were aware of the connections to Boston, but never really appreciated the deep history and importance of Boston. Our tour guide - Bob - was amazing. He is a true font of knowledge on everything from the background to the American revolution, its key players like Samual Adams and Paul Revere, the City as a centre of trade and commerce, and how it became a home for so many immigrants who transformed the City’s commerce, culture and politics. Best of all we learned all of this while strolling around the best parts of Boston and enjoying the most amazing food. Bob delivered with humour and fun. He was engaging and helpful, and has so much passion and deep historic knowledge which came across at every opportunity. The food aspects were incredible. We spent much of the time in the North End, - little Italy - and were introduced to several amazing multi generational family food businesses that we would never have found otherwise - bakeries, coffee shops and delis - with lots of wonderful food to sample. It was a fantastic tour. Genuinely, it completely enriched my knowledge and perspective on the City and was enjoyable from start to finish. There are lots of tours of the city - bus tours. Duck tours, ghoul tours, walking tours etc and some look a bit gimmicky with tour guides dressed is period costumes. If that’s your thing then fine, but you will miss on a tour like this one which so authentic, educational, fun and engaging. Travelling around the city with a guide with such knowledge and history as a guide like Bob, turned out to be a great privilege. I highly recommend this trip. I doubt you could find a better way to four or five hours in this most fascinating city,
Traveler reviews
Great walk around Boston
Nabil gave me and my family an amazing tour of Boston. Great insight and stories along the way, noticing small things that escape your notice unless you are in the know. Our kids were engaged throughout!
Excellent overview of the city
Nabil is a pro! He's naturally funny and super knowledgeable.
Fabulous tour
Nabil was awesome! He's full of history and funny too. Perfect combination! Made it really interesting
Great little tour of historic Boston
Olivia is very entusiastic and knowledgeable. The tour is organized and interesting and will give you a good physical work out as well as some ideas for sites you want to explore in greater detail.
Nice day spent in Boston
Nabil is our tour guide. Very nice and comprehensive explanation. We had great time