Magpie
5.0(190 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

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

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A deep dive into fascinating history

Our guide, Dana, was spectacular! A former high school history teacher and National Park guide, Dana puts his heart and research into every story he told.

andreasW6885KRAug 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR

This tour was so informative and enlightening! I would recommend anyone visiting, or living, in Boston to experience it!

This tour was so informative and taught a bit on the lives of enslaved people and their plight for freedom. Megan did a wonderful job educating us on some of the more famous, and those not as famous, abolitionists who had their hands in helping dissolve the abysmal and dreadful institution of slavery. Since the tour is a walking tour of Beacon Hill, she allowed many breaks so that we were not so physically overwhelmed. I think this educational tour would be a wonderful learning experience for the young and old, as well as Boston natives or those just visiting Boston. It allowed the tourist to understand a bit about the importance Boston played in the fortification of the Underground Railroad. It was definitely a side of Boston I would not have gotten to enjoy and experience if I had not done the tour.

Wanda_BAug 26, 2026VIATOR

Wonderful

Meghan was absolutely wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and passionate about the information she presented. Would absolutely recommend this tour!

Global57407Aug 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Very informative!

Loved the tour. We had booked a previous tour with HUB and decided to do one of the other tours as well before we left Boston.

jillmX3539EMAug 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Highly recommended tour if you are lucky to get Lin as your tour guide!

Excellent tour with an excellent guide, Lin. She was so informative and there was no end to how much she knew about the area of “ safe” houses and abolitionist activity in and around Beacon Hill in the 18th and 19 th centuries . The streets are hilly so keep that in mind.

janegL2283OMAug 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR
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