Magpie
5.0(167 reviews)

Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill

From$35
2 hours – 3 hours
Commentary: Guide · en
Boston, USA

About this activity

Discover Beacon Hill's rich abolitionist history on this engaging walking tour, visiting key Underground Railroad sites and learning about Boston's role in the fight for freedom.

Highlights

  • Explore Beacon Hill's historic streets
  • Learn about Boston's abolitionist movement
  • Visit key Underground Railroad sites
  • Discover stories of freedom seekers
  • Engage with knowledgeable local guides

Full description

Boston's role in the fight to end legalized slavery is linked by the Black Heritage Trail in historic Beacon Hill. This pedestrian path is best experienced on foot, in a small group, with a knowledgeable local guide! Your 2.5-hour loop tour travels from Boston Common to visit Underground Railroad sites, elite homes of "Boston Brahmins," and abolitionist landmarks such as the African Meeting House. Our small-group walking tour delves deeply into the years 1833 to 1863, the tumultuous years leading toward Civil War. We walk in the footsteps of 19th-century Bostonians, all of whom grappled with the "peculiar institution" of racial enslavement in the U.S. With a captivating storytelling approach, Hub Town Tours provides the perfect introduction to Boston's role in America's "Second Revolution." As we travel past landmarks from Civil War Boston, your guide shares the gripping story of local Bostonians finding their voices and demanding an end to injustice across their young nation.

Included / Excluded

  • Small Groups (16 guests max)
  • Black Heritage Trail (All 10 landmarks)
  • Beacon Hill Neighborhood
  • Gratuity for Guide (optional)
  • Admission inside Museums
  • Guides in Period Costume

Itinerary

1

Meet your guide at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the center of Boston Common, steps from the Boston Common Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street (02108). Look for a white granite column topped by a female figure holding a flag; four bronze statues surround the base of the central column.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Oldest public land in the Americas and Boston's communal grazing pasture (1634)

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Narrow cobblestone alleyways wind throughout historic Beacon Hill

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Elegant neighborhood square from elite world of 19th-century "Boston Brahmins"

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Built as a whites-only school in 1824, but among the first schools to integrate in Boston by 1855

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Home of leading abolitionist, state legislator, and former barber

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: Primary thoroughfare of Beacon Hill, lined with local shops and restaurants

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Historic meeting house (1807) and site of contentious debate over racial integration

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Pass by: Home of African-American community activist and abolitionist

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

Underground Railroad safe house owned by the Haydens, staunch abolitionists who were formerly enslaved

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11

1796 residence of Harrison Gray Otis, Boston mayor and nephew of revolutionary James Otis, Jr.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12

Pass by: Historic 1806 church designed by noted architect Asher Benjamin

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13

Pass by: Home of outspoken abolitionist and U.S. Senator beaten unconscious in the Capitol over the issue of slavery in 1856.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14

Pass by: Homes of several African-American abolitionists, including historian William Cooper Nell

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15

Pass by: Founded in 1835 as segregated school for Boston's African-American children

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16

Cultural center of Boston's African-American community and oldest extant black church building in the U.S. (1806)

Duration: 25 minAdmission: YES
17

Oldest extant house in Beacon Hill (1787) was home to African-American Revolutionary War veteran

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18

Pass by: Massachusetts state capitol and "Hub of the Solar System" (1798)

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
19

Our tour concludes beside the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial opposite 24 Beacon Street.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tours are conducted rain or shine; dress accordingly.
  • Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot.
  • Group sizes may vary; contact the provider for specific details.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Traveler reviews

5.0
167 reviews
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Canceled due to heat

Tour was canceled due to heat. How do I get a refund?

Z2543JNnancymJul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Adding Depth to America 250

Lin gave an excellent tour by providing the right amount of historical background information and combining storytelling with the history of the Underground Railroad on Beacon Hill. She changed our perception of the abolition movement in Boston and introduced us to new heroes like Elizabeth Freeman. The pace of the tour was perfect for our group.

Y789DXrebeccahJun 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great tour for history buffs!

Meaghan was very knowledgeable and friendly. I like that she used her voice to direct the sound so that everyone could hear her especially when traffic was loud. It seemed as if she had some theatre training. The only thing that was off was that there was a BAA road race that blocked the entrance to Boston Common parking garage and we had to park further away and try to find an open entrance to the common by going around the blocked off area for the race. If we had known in advance we would have entered the city from the north end/haymarket exit and parked by government center on the other side of the common.

Coastal08035887733Jun 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Beacon Hill and the History of the Underground Railroad

Dave was an exceptional tour guide. He was knowledgeable, appropriate and kind. The tour was fascinating and we learned so much.

Tami_GJun 14, 2026VIATOR

Fascinating Underground RR

Joe was very knowledgeable and kind. He welcomed questions and answered them happily. He was considerate to keep us in the shade as much as possible.

pammJ2461VVJun 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR
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