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
This was a great tour that not only included local charm, great Italian eats, insider tips on how to experience Boston, but also a great history lesson you don't always read in the books.
Would definitely recommend this night tour to everyone. Our driver, Carl, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Our 7 year olds loved the tour a lot and consider it the best part of their Washington DC trip. I can see it being a bit hard to enjoy it fully when the weather doesn't cooperate but we had some great weather so we were really lucky.
We enjoyed our guide Bob and trainee Maddie. Our group was small, including us "locals" from Vermont, two world travelers from Minnesota, and a couple from Ireland. Rain dampened our walk and our clothes, yet we still enjoyed the learning, the history, the food and the company. Bob was very knowledgeable and informative and friendly. We highly recommend him and the North End Foodie Tour!
Traveler reviews
Olivia was the Best!
Olivia was the best! She was so friendly and funny. I would recommend it!
Olivia was great!
Olivia was a great tour guide, she showed us around the city and told us everything about the city in a very friendly armosphere! 10/10!!
A brilliant way to learn about Boston.
Brilliant history tour with Nabil yesterday. He was extremely knowlegable & had a pleasant, charming manner. The tour was fascinating & we learnt a lot. Would definitely recommend the tour & the guide.
Food and Freedom Tour
Was an excellent tour. Nabil (our tour guide) was gear! Can't recommend this enough!
The GOAT of tour guides!
Ilan was our tour guide and he did an exceptional job. He was knowledgeable, a great listener, and had so many unique historical facts & stories that we were engaged for the entire tour. Our brains hurt trying to absorb and remember all of it! Thank you Ilan!