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The 15 Best Boston Tours

Get to know one of America's most historic cities with these tours.

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Hoping to experience Boston through the eyes of a local? A guided tour may be just the thing. Factoring in traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected some of Boston's best tours. Whether you're eating your way through the North End or zipping around Boston Common on a Segway, you'll see this New England city in a new light and learn some of its history along the way during these top Boston tours.

The Revolutionary Story Tour

Price: Adults from $76; kids from $38 Duration: 4 hours

Many reviewers call this tour enjoyable and one of the best walking tours they'd ever been on thanks to the engaging guide. Led by a local resident with degrees in history, political science and public policy, the tour takes visitors through the streets of Boston to chronologically retell the story of the American Revolution. Along the 3.5-mile jaunt, you'll pass by a dozen of the sites featured on the Freedom Trail, and you'll also hear about the key players in 18th-century Boston, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere.

Tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. There is also a 1:30 p.m. tour Thursday through Sunday during the winter months and daily during the summer months through the beginning of November. There is a maximum of 16 people per tour. The company partners with another local guide to provide private tours.

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City Experiences by Hornblower – New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $45 Duration: 3.5 hours

Hop on one of City Experience's high-speed catamarans for a whale watching excursion to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This area is a magnet for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures who head there to feed. New England Aquarium naturalists on board offer their insights on whales, answer questions and explain whale behaviors, a big plus for travelers. During your trip, you may see several different species of whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, sei whales and endangered right whales.

Tours leave from mid-May through early-November from Long Wharf, which is located near the aquarium. Tour frequency depends on the month, but there is at least one per day. Cruisers say the tour is fun and report seeing plenty of wildlife. Combo tickets that include admission to the aquarium are also available. The company also offers sightseeing and sunset cruises.

CityView Trolley Tours

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $20 Duration: 1 hour

The family-friendly hop-on, hop-off CityView Trolley Tours offer a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city and visit its top attractions , something visitors (especially those in Boston for the first time) appreciate. Stops at the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market and Old North Church, among others, make it easy to access sites along the Freedom Trail and other neighborhoods. What's more, guides share fun and informational tidbits along the way.

Trolleys run daily from mid-April to November from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: While you can hop on and hop off the trolley as you please, tickets are only valid for one full tour loop. Two-day passes are also available.

Best Boston Tours

Old Town Trolley Tours – Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $29 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the top sights in Boston on this hop-on, hop-off trolley tour that makes 18 stops. Along the route, you can hop off and explore attractions like Faneuil Hall, the "Cheers" bar, the USS Constitution and the Old State House, and then hop back on at your leisure. Without getting off, you'll tour for about 90 minutes. Trolleys frequently stop approximately every 15 minutes. Participants praise the convenience this tour offers and rave about the entertaining, informative guides. Reviewers also say the tour is a great way to see the city without having to do a lot of walking.

Trolleys run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the time of year. For one-day tours, tickets allow for unlimited re-boarding. Tickets also get you discounted rates for a Boston Harbor cruise as well as discounted entry to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Two-day tickets, as well as the Ghosts & Gravestones evening tour are also available.

Boston Pizza Tours – North End Pizza Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2.5 hours

Sink your teeth into some of Boston's best pizza on this walking tour. You'll start your stroll in North End, which is considered Boston's Little Italy. Along the way, you'll pass by five sites on the Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. The tour cost includes three full-size pizza slices, water and a cannoli. Tourgoers applaud guides for their positive attitudes and entertaining, educational delivery of Boston history. Reviewers are also complimentary of the food.

Tours are generally offered two times daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but a 5 p.m. tour is offered during certain months of the year. Tours are capped at 12 participants. The tour can accommodate vegetarian diets; those with other dietary restrictions (such as vegan diets or food allergies) will need to take a private tour.

Fenway Park Tours

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $17 Duration: 1 hour

Baseball fans and history buffs relish the chance to take a behind-the-scenes peek at America's oldest ballpark. Even non-baseball fans find the tour worthwhile, according to reviewers. The tour takes visitors to important sites within the ballpark, including the world-famous 37-foot-high Green Monster. The excellent guides, full of Red Sox and Fenway Park trivia, offer an entertaining tour and are a hit with participants.

Tours run year-round from 9.m. to 5 p.m. (at 10 a.m. November through March) and start on the hour. On game days, the last tour is scheduled three hours before game time. Fenway Park also offers a variety of other stadium tours, including Day Game Premium Tours and Fenway in Fifteen, a condensed 15-minute tour.

Best Boston Tours

Courtesy of Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway

Boston Segway Tours

Price: From $69 Duration: 1 or 2 hours

Boston Segway Tours takes visitors on an adventure through the city. Since it's faster to glide than walk, you can cover much more ground on Segway than by foot. As you travel from Boston Common to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, your guide takes you by some of Boston's most famous landmarks while always keeping an eye out for riders' safety, according to tour-takers. Pick a two-hour tour to visit Cambridge.

Participants must be 14 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride; additional restrictions may apply.

Urban AdvenTours – City View Bike Tour

Price: From $60 Duration: 3 hours

Exploring Boston by bike is a great way to cover a lot of ground in an exciting, active way. Urban AdvenTours' flagship City View Bike Tour takes participants on a 10- to 12-mile trek through six different neighborhoods. You'll bike through major Boston sites, such as North End, the Boston University campus and Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, the South End, Boston Common and Long Wharf. Along with the comprehensive overview of the city, riders commend the care guides take in making them feel safe.

This tour rides daily at 10 a.m., with additional 2 p.m. departures on Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. The tour is best for those comfortable riding on city streets. Children must be age 10 or older. Adults can upgrade to an electric bike for an additional fee. Urban AdvenTours also offers cycling trips through Cambridge and the Emerald Necklace park system, as well as a family-friendly tour for kids 10 and younger.

Off the Eaten Path Tours

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $40 Duration: 3 hours

On this food tour of the North End – Boston's famous Italian neighborhood – owner Paula Noukos promises more than just samples of tasty food. Besides stopping at popular spots, such as Bricco Panetteria and Galleria Umberto, you'll hear tips on how to shop for the best extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You'll also learn about the history and architecture of this unique neighborhood, a highlight for reviewers. Travelers are also fond of the guide and appreciate her vast knowledge of the neighborhood.

Tours are generally offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and are limited to 12 people.

Best Boston Tours

Courtesy of Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $53; kids from $38 Duration: 80 minutes

Quack and splash your way around Beantown with the entertaining Boston Duck Tours, which takes passengers around Boston and into the Charles River on World War II-style amphibious landing vehicles. On the tour, entertaining "conDUCKtors" keep up a lively patter, describing neighborhoods, Boston history, architecture and trivia along the way. A highlight for many visitors is when the vehicle heads into the river offering a different perspective of the city.

Ticket discounts are available for seniors and children 2 and younger. Tours depart from the Museum of Science, the Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium several times a day from mid-March through early-December.

Boston Crawling – Independence Pub Crawl

Price: From $75 Duration: 2 hours

Sip your way through the city at four historic watering holes on Boston Crawling's Independence Pub Crawl. On this tour, you'll visit pubs that have historic significance, drink local brews and hear Boston's "secret" history as you barhop along the Freedom Trail. Reviewers say the tour is informative and fun and applaud the beer recommendations provided by the guides.

Participants can take tours daily at 3 and 7 p.m. There is also an additional noon tour on the weekends. Tourgoers must be at least 21 years old, regardless of whether they're drinking. Tickets include four draft beers of your choice. If you prefer to purchase drinks as you go, you can purchase tickets for a lesser price.

PhotoWalks Tours of Boston – Freedom Trail

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $20 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the historic sites of the city and refine your photography skills at the same time on this tour. In addition to visiting Freedom Trail landmarks, such as Boston Common, Park Street Church, the Granary Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre Site, you'll also learn expert tips on how to use your camera or smartphone to take the best pictures – a highlight for many participants. Reviewers are also complimentary of the insightful guides.

Tours run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday year-round at 1 p.m. The tour is capped at 10 participants, but maybe more during peak times of the year. If you're interested in exploring other neighborhoods or topics, you can sign up for one of PhotoWalks' other tours, including Beacon Hill and the North End, among others.

Best Boston Tours

Courtesy of the Freedom Trail Tour

Freedom Trail Tours – Walk Into History

Price: Adults from $17; kids from $8 Duration: 1.5 hours

The nonprofit Freedom Trail Foundation leads the way on this tour of the Freedom Trail – a milelong path that weaves past some of the city's most historic sites. A costumed guide, in character, leads you to 11 sites, including Boston Common, King's Chapel, the Old South Meeting House, the Boston Massacre site and Faneuil Hall. Reviewers rave about the guides and the characters they inhabit, and highly recommend this excursion over a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail.

Tours are given daily at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Other themed tours, including tours that focus on the women of the Revolutionary War and African American patriots, are also available.

Boston Foodie Tours – Boston Public Market & North End Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 3 hours

Boston Foodie Tours explores two of Boston's famous mainstays: The North End and the Boston Public Market. After enjoying pizza, cannoli and bread in the North End, you'll wind your way to the market to sample doughnuts and ice cream, among other treats. Your tour concludes with a tasting of clam chowder and cornbread. Past tourgoers say this is a must-do experience while visiting Boston.

Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Tours are not given on major holidays. The company also offers a comprehensive tour of the North End, plus a private foodie outing to Beacon Hill, among other options.

City Brew Tours – Boston Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

For an in-depth Boston beer education, City Brew Tours' Signature Brew Tour is a great place to start. During the tour, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three craft breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 different local craft beers and a snack along the way. Tourgoers laud the knowledgeable guides and love that driving isn't an issue.

City Brew offers this tour Wednesday through Sunday. Outings depart at 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday through Sunday, tours begin at noon. All participants must be 21 or older to tour. Tours are capped at 14 participants. A Boston Brew Mystery Crawl is also offered, as are private tours.

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Tags: Tours , Boston , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , New England Vacations , US Vacations

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THE 10 BEST Boston Tours & Excursions

Boston tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

tour guide boston

1. Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops

tour guide boston

2. Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston

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3. Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option

tour guide boston

4. Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings

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5. The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston

tour guide boston

6. Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

tour guide boston

7. Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

tour guide boston

8. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

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9. Full-Day Tour from Boston with Lost River and Flume Gorge

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10. Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

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11. Boston Seafood Lovers Adventure

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12. Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

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13. Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour

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14. Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

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15. Hop-on Hop-off Boston Sightseeing Tour With 24 Stops

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16. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

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17. Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl

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18. View Boston Observation Deck Admission Tickets

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19. Boston: North End to Freedom Trail - Food & History Walking Tour

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20. The Small Group Boston Tour, I know secrets that others don't!

tour guide boston

21. Boston Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour

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22. Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour

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23. Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II

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24. Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

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25. North End Food and History Tour

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26. Boston Sightseeing Tour - a fully-narrated driving tour

tour guide boston

27. Tour-in-Four -- A Private four hour walking & driving city tour

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28. Walking Tour: Downtown Freedom Trail plus Beacon Hill to Copley Square/Back Bay

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29. Public Small Group Walking Tour of the Full Boston Freedom Trail

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30. 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option

What travelers are saying.

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  • Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston
  • Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark
  • Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour
  • Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission
  • Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops
  • North End Boston Food Tour
  • Intrepid Urban Adventures - Boston
  • Mobsters and Lobsters
  • Walk & Talk Boston Walking Tours
  • Night Rider Private Charters of Boston
  • Boston Chinatown Tours
  • Walking Boston - Tours
  • Trailblazer Tours Boston - Private Tours
  • Boston Foodie Tours
  • PhotoWalks Tours
  • Tuckamore Aviation
  • The Motorsport Lab
  • New England Aquarium Whale Watch
  • Boston Crime Tour
  • Boston Segway Tours
  • Boston's "Politically Incorrect" North End Food Tour

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The Freedom Trail

The 13 best Boston city tours

Get to know the Hub on these culinary and history walks, sightseeing jaunts, market treks and other city tours

Bostonians would sooner root for the Yankees than endure the indignities of a slow-moving city tour with a bunch of non-natives, but that doesn’t mean we still don’t love exploring the best Boston attractions with savvy visitors in tow. From the best free things to do in Boston to the best museums in Boston , the Hub offers plenty of cultural options and activities. While it’s easy to hit the pavement and enjoy “America’s walking city” at your own pace, if you really want to dig deeper and learn all about the area’s rich, unique history and culture, make your plans now to check out these cool Boston city tours.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the  best   things to do   in Boston

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Best Boston city tours

Fenway Park Tour

1.  Fenway Park Tour

  • Things to do
  • Sport events
  • Fenway/Kenmore

This is the one you haul all the out-of-towners to—mostly because you can’t wait to go yourself. The hour-long tour includes player and ballpark history and visits to the press box and Pesky’s Pole; depending on the guide, you also might visit the bullpens and peek behind the anachronistic scoreboard. Game-day tours are available as well—hours, options and prices vary, check the website for special event info and restrictions.

Historic Sightseeing Cruise

2.  Historic Sightseeing Cruise

This narrated, 90-minute sightseeing tour takes you around some of the Harbor Islands while recounting the city’s history as a shipping port, as well as the role that the harbor played in the Revolutionary War. Just prepare yourself for the conditions (tours are offered daily, year-round), as well as the inevitable real estate envy when you sail past all the stunning waterfront condos. 

Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

3.  Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

  • price 1 of 4

For a city that’s often hamstrung by booze-related blue laws, Boston sure has a fine collection of breweries. The city’s most famous brewer is Samuel Adams, the Revolutionary and “maltster” after whom the brewery is named. Tours of the Jamaica Plain facility run daily (except for Sundays) and are free, although there is a suggested charitable donation of $2. You’ll taste the malts, smell the hops and enjoy multiple samples.

Boston Public Library Art and Architecture Tour

4.  Boston Public Library Art and Architecture Tour

  • Attractions
  • Libraries, archives and foundations

You can spend years visiting the BPL and never have proper knowledge of the beauty contained within. These free, volunteer-led tours—no appointment needed—offer architectural insight into both the original Renaissance Revival McKim building and the modernist Philip Johnson wing (added in 1972). Even longtime patrons are impressed by the sheer volume of oils, tapestries and sculptures populating the halls, including the John Singer Sargent murals that took some 30 years to create. 

Freedom Trail Tour

5.  Freedom Trail Tour

The Freedom Trail  often gets a bad rap among locals, some of whom are tired of the gussied-up guides posing as historical figures as they shuffle tourists through the historical sites. If you don ’ t want to take a guided tour, it ’ s easy to enjoy the lovely self-guided stroll, two and a half miles that remind you of the city’s unparalleled Colonial and Revolutionary history. And if the trail has only whetted your appetite for historical discovery, consider taking a self-guided tour along the Black Heritage Trail or the Women’s Heritage Trail .

Arnold Arboretum Tour

6.  Arnold Arboretum Tour

  • Parks and gardens
  • Jamaica Plain

This Jamaica Plain respite is worth a visit, in part due to the oldest and largest collection of lilac bushes in the world, predating even the founding of the arboretum in 1872. Free weekend tours will help better acquaint you with the vast expanse of flora. Check ahead to confirm hours and weather cancellations, and look into special seasonal themed tours that focus on one species, like the greenhouse collection of potted bonsai plants.

Old State House Tour

7.  Old State House Tour

  • Historic buildings and sites

Designed by Bulfinch and completed in 1798, this magnificent structure replaced the old legislative building across Boston Common, which had been the headquarters of the British government. Included with admission, tours help visitors understand how the Old State House was the political center of Revolutionary Boston. Enthusiastic guides explain how the voices of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and others rang out from the halls and changed American history forever.

North End Market Tour

8.  North End Market Tour

Even if you’ve eaten in the North End before,  Boston Food Tours ’  exploration of the neighborhood will take your knowledge to another level by teaching (and feeding) you along the way. On the tour you ’ ll learn how Italians ’ food traditions were adapted to America, while acquiring insider cooking tips and discovering where to buy the very best ingredients. At multiple stops, you ’ ll learn about the very best of the neighborhood, ensuring you ’ ll get more out of your future visits.

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

9.  Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

Our city’s history is not all puppy dogs and rainbows—death, disease and crime make sizeable appearances as well. By taking a Ghosts & Gravestones tour (days/times vary by season), you will learn about murders and executions like the ones that took place on the Boston Common. Try not to be spooked by stories of paranormal activity at the Omni Parker House or the legend of the Boston Strangler.

Walks with the Local AMC Chapter

10.  Walks with the Local AMC Chapter

The Appalachian Mountain Club wants to show you parts of Greater Boston you’ve never explored before. Year-round hikes and nature walks, both accessible and challenging, take you all around the state (and sometimes New Hampshire, too), lasting anywhere from 3 to 20 miles. Dates and times vary, and walks cost just $1 if you’re not an AMC member.

Castle Island Park and Fort Independence

11.  Castle Island Park and Fort Independence

  • South Boston

Locals sometimes forget about the 1850 granite bastion known as Fort Independence, poised at the ocean end of South Boston on Castle Island. It’s a good spot for an all-day picnic, or to pretend you’re going on a medieval raid. Free tours of the fort are offered on summer weekends; check in advance for details.

Boston Lobster Tours

12.  Boston Lobster Tours

Trap-to-table is the only way to eat your favorite crustacean. Take a tour aboard a legit Downeast-style lobster boat with up to three other friends (bench seating is offered), and cruise around the Boston Harbor for 75 minutes, learning about the local industry and hauling up two traps of your own; whatever is of legal size is yours to keep and (presumably) eat.

City Wine Tours

13.  City Wine Tours

Two hours of wine drinking under the auspices of learning? Yes, we imagine a few Bostonians would partake. Choose between four neighborhoods—South End, Back Bay, North End or Assembly Row in Somerville—then join an intimate group led by a wine connoisseur. The guide leads you to top-notch hot spots where you’ll learn how to taste, pair and buy fine wines.

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BOSTON TOURS

Experience boston with a personal guide.

tour guide boston

Simply The Best Boston Sightseeing Tours

Experience Boston - a historic & vibrant city, on a private tour with your own personal guide. With its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture., dining, education, and sports, there is something for everyone! We are passionate about our city, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

This is not a mass-market tour. We offer customized private tours in Boston that deliver more of what you want to see. While most Boston tours will touch on the highlights of this great city, we want to show you all that and more. We believe that visiting Boston should be fun. We'll give you the stories behind the scenes through the eyes of the locals. Walking along the iconic Freedom Trail, you'll hear stories from the American Revolution. Plus, you'll hear unique stories, like how a deadly wave of molasses once flooded Boston's North End and why the locals never say "Beantown".

Come and experience Boston at your own pace. How to explore the city is entirely up to you. We offer walking tours, driving tours, and step-on bus guide services. It's our goal to make sure you see as much as possible while having fun along the way. You just might learn a few things too!

tour guide boston

BOSTON SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Experience more than 250 years of history on Boston’s Freedom Trail a red brick line connecting historically significant sites.

Most Freedom Trail tours only cover half of the trail. Our 3 hour tour will show you everything from the Boston Common to Copp's Hill - 14 sites in all plus many other interesting things to see and stories to hear!

The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

tour guide boston

Tour-In-Four

A four-hour combination walking and riding tour. In this extended tour, you will stroll through the historic North End. Perhaps have a snack from a famous North End pastry shop. See the Old North Church and Paul Revere's house, Explore Copp's Hill Burial Ground and learn about the "Spite House", the "Brink's Job" robbery. and the Great Molasses Flood and so much more. Stroll through the cobbled streets near Faneuil Hall and learn about our Revolutionary War past. Drive through downtown, Historic Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, and Fenway. If time permits head over the Charles River to MIT & Harvard. Travel through the new and vibrant Seaport District and along the beautiful Boston Harbor.

tour guide boston

Freedom Trail Tours - 3 Options available

Experience more than 250 years of history on Boston’s Freedom Trail which is a 2.5 mile red line connecting 16 historically significant sites.

The price listed for for all walking tours is for up to 10 participants. Each additional guest is $10.00/person up to 30 people.

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The Overview Tour

This tour covers the many exciting sites & attractions of Boston, Cambridge & Charlestown in a short amount of time. See sites along the waterfront, through the North End, Charlestown, The West End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Cambridge, if time permits also see portions of Harvard and MIT.

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The Everything Tour

The name says it all. This exciting journey covers all major sites with a stop for lunch. In this detailed excursion you will experience all of the sites & attractions we offer.

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Beacon Hill Tour

Beacon Hill is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in America. From the golden dome of the State House to the luxury homes of Louisburg Square, this tour takes you by picturesque streets, highlighting examples of early American Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture.

Learn about Boston's first settler, Reverend William Blackstone, a reclusive clergyman. Hear about Robert Gould Shaw and his role in leading freed slaves in the Civil War. Walk portions of the Black History Trail and stroll along the famous cobbles of Acorn Street.

tour guide boston

Cheers! Beacon Hill & Back Bay Combo Tour

Starting atop Beacon Hill by the gold domed 1798 State House, stroll through these historic neighborhoods, one from the early and the other, late 1800’s.

The elegant red brick sidewalks and Federal style townhouses of Beacon Hill have attracted residents from Louisa May Alcott to John Kerry. See the cobblestoned street that is the most photographed in the city, and hear of the famous residents in this charming exclusive Historic District. Architectural detail, flowered window boxes, and wrought iron finishes decorate these magnificent homes.

tour guide boston

Back Bay & Copley Square Tour

In this exciting and historic excursion you will learn how it earned its name and how its progressive development during the 1800’s birthed some of America’s most renowned architectural wonders. You will view Boston’s memorable mansions and grand townhouses along Commonwealth Avenue.

tour guide boston

The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was not a railroad or underground but it did have real live conductors who gave their lives so Slaves could be free. Underground railroad is a symbolic name used for over 200 years to break away from slavery.

tour guide boston

Historic Salem Walking Tour

See where history and mystery converge in a captivating walking tour of Salem! This 3-hour journey offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of Salem, providing a blend of maritime history, colonial heritage, and the captivating stories that have shaped this iconic city. No admissions are included. Optional admission to any attractions – add one hour

Join us for a private exploration through time and tales in the heart of Salem!

tour guide boston

Lexington & Concord Tour (in your car with our guide)

Travel 16 miles outside the city to the nearby communities where America was born. You’ll hear stories of brave individuals on both sides of the Revolutionary War and have an accurate, vivid picture of the action of April 19, 1775. History will come alive as your guide retells the story of the morning skirmish on quaint Lexington Green where 77 Minutemen stood against 700 British Red Coat soldiers in the first encounter of the Revolutionary War. A charming town, its Green has been carefully preserved and features several statues and historic monuments. View many colonial homes from the 1700’s around the Green and along our route.

*This tour requires our guide to ride along in your vehicle.

tour guide boston

Plymouth - Pilgrim Walk Tour

Walk where the Pilgrims trod and hear how their faith inspired them to flee from England, find refuge in Holland, and cross the ocean to the shores of New England.

This tour will help you understand the monuments of Plymouth erected in honor of her founders as you hear the stories of these Separatists in their own words.

tour guide boston

Other Local Areas to Visit

We now offer custom group bus charter tours to areas outside of the city core including Plymouth, Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester & Rockport, Lexington & Concord. Give us a call to discuss your plans!

Why choose us?

See More With Our Knowledgeable Local Guides!

Our guides are well-versed in Boston's fascinating history, architecture, culture, and food. They'll show you local favorites like Fenway Park, the Boston Marathon finish line, and the bar from Cheers. You'll get the local perspective on Boston's arts, culture, food, education, and sports legacies. There is something here for everyone, and our guides can't wait to share it all with you!

Custom Tours

Custom Tours are our specialty. Let us design one for you!

We specialize in setting up just the right tour for you. We can arrange visits to museums, add stops along the way, coordinate to areas further out of town and anything else that you wish to see.

Step-On Services

Step-On Services for schools & larger groups.

Got a bus? No problem! Need a bus? Again, no problem! We work with area charter bus companies to bring you many different options for small or large groups that are needing transportation services

Top Rated on Trip Advisor & other travel review sites!

Tour with confidence knowing that we are highly rated on many travel review sites. We are often recommended by concierges from Boston area hotels and travel professionals as well as visitors from around the world.

Explorations In A City Of Firsts

As one of America's oldest cities, Boston can proudly claim many "firsts." The first public park, Boston Common, is across from the Massachusetts State House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. The Boston Public Library, founded in 1852, is the first extensive free municipal library. The first subway system in America opened in downtown Boston in 1897. And the first lighthouse in America was established in Boston Harbor on Little Brewster Island in 1716. We boast the first telephone call, the first public school, the first computer, and many, many more!

Boston, and the surrounding area, are also home to many great inventions. The disposable razor was patented in 1901 by King C. Gillette. The 54th Massachusetts was the first unit in the Union Army made up of free Black soldiers in the Civil War. And the original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie was invented in nearby Whitman, MA, by Ruth Wakefield.

Frequently asked questions

What are private tours.

Private tours include just you and your family and friends. That’s all. To ensure you have a personal experience, your group will consist of you and your family/friends/colleagues, only. We never mix groups, or put you with strangers. There is no minimum: if it’s just you, we look forward to becoming your travel companion for the day.

Do you offer private tours for larger groups?

Yes! Larger groups include tour group on a bus, school groups, corporate groups, etc. Tours for larger groups range in size from 10 to upwards of 60 or more people. For information and pricing on group tours for other organizations, please contact us.

What if someone in my group has mobility issues?

We will work with you to the best of our ability to ensure you’re able to enjoy our city at a comfortable pace and within a reasonably safe, respectful environment.

Where does the tour begin?

Starting points can vary depending upon the tour that you choose. Private tours can often begin at the Boston location of your choice including hotels, B&B’s private homes, etc. or a designated meeting place will be determined prior to tour day. The Freedom Trail tours begin at the corner of Hanover Street and Cross Street at the Tony DeMarco boxing statue or the corner of Park Street & Tremont Street between the Park St. subway stations.

Are prices per person?

No! Prices are per group, in US dollars. The price of your tour is guaranteed the moment we receive your deposit.

Are there any additional fees or admissions?

Optional admission to the Old North Church - $5.00 and Paul Revere House - Adults - $5.00 Seniors and College Students - $4.50 Children (ages 5-17) - $1.00 Cash only for admission. Old State House Museum optional visit admission: Adults - $10.00 , Seniors (62+) - $8.50, Students - $8.50, Youth (6-18), Members, US Military, and Veterans - FREE

A booking fee is added to bookings made online through the reservation service. Call us with questions or for additional details.

What forms of payment do you take?

We accept all major credit cards, Venmo or company check in advance of your tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

BTS must receive written notification of cancellation. The date such notification is received by BTS will determine the applicable cancellation penalties. The following cancellation penalties apply:

  • More than 90 days prior to participant's scheduled tour date, 100% of paid contracted tour amount will be refunded by BST.
  • From 21-90 days prior to participant's scheduled tour date, 50% of paid contracted tour amount less any costs associated with ground transportation will be refunded by BST.
  • From 14- 21 days to scheduled day of participant's tour date 25% of paid contracted tour amount less any costs associated with ground transportation will be refunded by BST.
  • Any cancellation of tours less than 14 days prior to participant's scheduled tour date, no refunds will be issued will be refunded by BST.
  • For tours requiring use of a third-party vehicle, no refunds are available if the notice given conflicts with the third-party cancellation policy.

Do you accept gratuities?

Tipping is by no means a requirement or expectation for anyone on our team. If you had a great tour and enjoyed the service that your guide provided then leaving a tip is always greatly appreciated. This can be done with cash, Venmo or added to your invoice.

When are tours offered?

Tours run year round. Select the date on our reservations calendar and a tour representative will respond to confirm the date and time you prefer is available.

What about the weather?

This is New England. We are a hearty bunch and will go out in all kinds of weather. If it rains, we can spend more time inside of attractions and dodge the puddles while using an umbrella. Flexibility is the name of the game! We reserve the right to cancel any tour if the weather conditions are determined to be unsafe.

How do I book a private tour?

To book a private tour for up to 6 people you can book online or call us at 866-817-TOUR. To book a tour for a larger group contact us by email or telephone. Please note that as we are often out giving tours, phone calls are returned in the late afternoons or evenings.

Can I order a gift card?

Yes! We offer virtual gift cards for any amount which can be sent to you or directly to the recipient. Simply click here.

Recent news

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Boston Explained

Boston has it's own set of confusing terminology, geographic references and ways of navigating our roadways. See if you can follow along. If not, let us explain it to you on our tours... The geographical center of Boston is in…

tour guide boston

10 reasons to visit Boston in the Winter time!

The holiday season in Boston is a magical time, with festive lights and decorations throughout the city and a variety of holiday markets and events. The city is home to some of the best ice skating rinks in the country,…

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So many options while touring Boston with our private tour guides

Boston is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of cultural attractions to explore. There are many ways to tour the city with a private guide, depending on your interests and how much time you have available. Here…

Book Your Private Tours Now .

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Boston Tours and Trips 2024/2025

We offer 15 tours in Boston having in total 14 customer reviews. Tour durations range from 5 to 12 days and the top tour categories in Boston are explorer, adventure & city sightseeing. Out of the 15 trips in Boston, 1 of them are private tours and 13 are group tours. Our Boston tours are offered by 10 qualified and hand-picked tour operators and each Boston trip comes with a best price guarantee and no added booking fees.

  • USA Travel Guide

15 Trips in Boston with 14 Reviews

Fall Colours Of New England Tour

  • Starts Boston, USA
  • Ends Boston, USA

Fall Colours of New England

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Tour Type Group Tour
  • Activities Adventure & Explorer
  • Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Lodge
  • Transport Coach
  • Age Range 5-99 yrs
  • Operated in English
  • Brochure Price: US$ 2,723
  • Special Deal (21%): - US$ 575
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,148

Spotlight On Boston Tour

Spotlight on Boston

  • Activities City sightseeing
  • Accommodation Hotel
  • Transport Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 1-95 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,969
  • Special Deal (10%): - US$ 200
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,769
  • Jun 20 10+ seats left
  • Sep 12 10+ seats left
  • View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands Tour

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands

  • Activities Explorer & Adventure
  • Transport Coach, Boat & Ferry
  • Brochure Price: US$ 4,745
  • Special Deal (21%): - US$ 990
  • Total Price from: US$ 3,755
  • May 10 Only 8 seats left
  • May 31 10+ seats left

New England's Fall Foliage Tour

New England's Fall Foliage

  • Activities Adventure
  • Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort
  • Sep 15 Only 10 seats left
  • Sep 19 10+ seats left

Autumn Colors Tour

Autumn Colors

  • Activities Local culture & Adventure
  • Brochure Price: US$ 4,395
  • Special Deal (21%): - US$ 940
  • Total Price from: US$ 3,455
  • Sep 15 10+ seats left
  • Sep 18 Only 10 seats left

East Coast Adventure - Eight-day Tour

  • Starts New York, USA

East Coast Adventure - Eight-day Tour

  • Free cancellation
  • Tour Type Small Group Tour
  • Activities City sightseeing & Adventure City sightseeing , Adventure , Explorer & Walking tours 'data-more-tripid='42307'>+2 more
  • Accommodation Hostel
  • Transport Boat & Ferry
  • Age Range 18-55 yrs

Eastern USA & Canada Escape Tour

  • Ends New York, USA

Eastern USA & Canada Escape

  • Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
  • Transport Coach, Boat, Bus & Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 10-99 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,625
  • Special Deal (28%): - US$ 1,025
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,600
  • Jun 17 10+ seats left
  • Jul 08 10+ seats left

Best Of New England Tour

Best of New England

  • Trip customizable
  • Tour Type Independent Tour
  • Activities Art and architecture
  • Accommodation Resort & Hotel
  • Age Range 8-95 yrs
  • Apr 02 10+ seats left
  • Apr 09 10+ seats left

Colors Of New England Tour

Colors of New England

  • Activities Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites
  • Accommodation Resort, Lodge & Hotel
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,949
  • Special Deal (3%): - US$ 100
  • Total Price from: US$ 3,849
  • Sep 14 10+ seats left
  • Sep 20 10+ seats left

Essence Of Eastern Canada Tour

  • Starts Toronto, Canada
  • Ends Toronto, Canada

Essence of Eastern Canada

  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,550
  • Special Deal (20%): - US$ 317
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,233
  • May 04 Only 7 seats left
  • Jun 08 Only 6 seats left

Indulgence In Eastern Canada Tour

  • Ends Montreal, Canada

Indulgence in Eastern Canada

  • Activities Explorer & Luxury
  • Accommodation Hotel & Luxury Hotel
  • Transport Coach & Boat
  • Jun 15 Only 8 seats left
  • Jun 22 Only 6 seats left

Washington, NY And Boston Tour

  • Starts Washington D.C., USA

Washington, NY and Boston

  • Activities Explorer
  • Transport Bus & Boat
  • Age Range 15-99 yrs
  • Apr 26 10+ seats left
  • May 10 10+ seats left

Colors Of New England Tour

  • Transport Bus, Coach & Ferry
  • Age Range 18-39 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,450
  • Special Deal (40%): - US$ 1,380
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,070
  • Sep 27 10+ seats left
  • Oct 11 10+ seats left

Boston, Cape Cod And The Islands, A Women-Only Tour

Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, a Women-Only Tour

  • Brochure Price: US$ 5,112
  • Special Deal (8%): - US$ 409
  • Total Price from: US$ 4,703
  • Jun 06 10+ seats left

Boston Tour Reviews

Upcoming departures.

  • Spring 2024/2025
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  • October 2024

Boston Durations

  • 8-days Boston Tours

tour guide boston

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Boston Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Boston. We've got 171 adventures going to Boston, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 41 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

171 Boston tour packages with 197 reviews

Cape Cod & the Islands Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Cape Cod & the Islands

".................,.............

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Classic, 8 Days) Tour

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Classic, 8 Days)

Cons: 1. Daniel Webster Inn was over-rated. Would not stay there again. 2. Visit to the Plimouth Plantation was a waste of time. Spent way too much time there. 3. Transportation from Logan Airport to the Boston Hyatt was a mess!!!! No signs, no directions, and the taxi driver had no idea what to do with the voucher. Ended up paying for the taxi! Ridiculous!! 4. Service at the included dinner at the Daniel Webster Inn was horrible!! Kathy (our waitress) should be fired! However, the food was delicious! 5. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 6. Way too much time spent at the Breakers in Newport. 7. This should not be considered an 8-day tour. All we did on day 8 was ride on the bus to the airport! Pros: 1. Tour director Robin was outstanding!! Wellness director, Brittany, was also fabulous! 2. Canolis, Cape Code Chips and Cape Codders on the bus was a nice touch! Thoroughly enjoyed the snacks on the bus! 3. Ferry to Martha's Vineyard was fun! Thoroughly enjoyed the talk session/information about the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Very interesting. 4. Local guide tour of Nantucket Island was great! Lots of interesting information. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 5. Loved the Harbor View hotel! 6. Sailing on the Adirondack II was THE BEST!! Need to offer more than one Mimosa! 7. Luggage service was great.

Spotlight on Boston Tour

Spotlight on Boston

I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Small Groups, 8 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Boston Cape Cod & The Islands (Small Groups, 8 Days)

8-day East Coast America Group Tour Tour

8-day East Coast America Group Tour

A lot of travelling but you get to see a lot in a short amount of time. Excellent guides!

Washington, NY and Boston Tour

  • Sightseeing

Washington, NY and Boston

Essential East Coast Tour

Essential East Coast

Expert Local Food & Culture Immersion: Boston, New York City, Amish Country, & Philadelphia Tour

  • Food & Culinary

Expert Local Food & Culture Immersion: Boston, New York City, Amish Country, & Philadelphia

Fall Colours of New England (10 Days) Tour

Fall Colours of New England (10 Days)

The experience was wonderful, the tour guide, the driver and everyone involved in the support of the people during the trip. We went more places than mentioned in the brochure and the ones mentioned were great. The only disappointment was the timing of the colors. This is always a crap shoot and we were a week to early! However the other attractions on the tour made up for the colors. ***** Thanks to all the support staff !!

Cycling Maine\'s Coast & National Park Tour

Cycling Maine's Coast & National Park

21-day USA Group Tour \"The Full Coyote\" Tour

21-day USA Group Tour "The Full Coyote"

From a speedboat to the Statue of Liberty to fireworks on 4th July in Washington to hiking to Yosemite Falls, this trip showcased the very best the USA has to offer. I went on the 21 day Full Cyote trip from New York to San Francisco with my brother. With such a packed itinerary of included activities, it offered great value for money. The guides in every region we visited were excellent. A particular shout out to Ryan, who added in extra stops and experiences based on the group's interests. Other highlights included the Grand Canyon, Washington's museums, whale watching in Boston, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and sunset in Griffeths Park. I met a great group of people on the trip, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with the Cyote Trip again.

Autumn Colors (9 Days) Tour

Autumn Colors (9 Days)

I had a very good experience. The hotel stays were fantastic. Todd our tour guide was very informative and took care of any problems quickly. Everything went very smoothly and we learned a lot and saw many beautiful and historical sites. I would highly recommend this tour.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Eastern USA & Canada Escape (USENY) Tour

Eastern USA & Canada Escape (USENY)

It was a fantastic tour !!. Our guide Larry and driver Markus were amazing. We were in Canada for Canada day- saw the fireworks by Niagara falls and were in Washington for 4th of July fireworks. It could not have been better!!! Loved the stay and the experience. Will definitely travel with them again. P.S- We also went to the Amish village in Pennsylvania with was not part of the itinerary.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Patriot Trails Tour

Patriot Trails

Well worth the money and the tour guides and the bus drivers are all very professional and very knowledgeable on subject matters in many different languages including English.

Eastern US & Canada Grand Vacation Tour

Eastern US & Canada Grand Vacation

Time passed too quickly. Places and people made for a lovely 14 day trip. A great way to see a large area in a limited time frame.

Reviews of Boston Tours

Exceptional itinerary, tour director, and coach driver.
Cons: 1. Daniel Webster Inn was over-rated. Would not stay there again. 2. Visit to the Plimouth Plantation was a waste of time. Spent way too much time there. 3. Transportation from Logan Airport to the Boston Hyatt was a mess!!!! No signs, no directions, and the taxi driver had no idea what to do with the voucher. Ended up paying for the taxi! Ridiculous!! 4. Service at the included dinner at the Daniel Webster Inn was horrible!! Kathy (our waitress) should be fired! However, the food was delicious! 5. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 6. Way too much time spent at the Breakers in Newport. 7. This should not be considered an 8-day tour. All we did on day 8 was ride on the bus to the airport! Pros: 1. Tour director Robin was outstanding!! Wellness director, Brittany, was also fabulous! 2. Canolis, Cape Code Chips and Cape Codders on the bus was a nice touch! Thoroughly enjoyed the snacks on the bus! 3. Ferry to Martha's Vineyard was fun! Thoroughly enjoyed the talk session/information about the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Very interesting. 4. Local guide tour of Nantucket Island was great! Lots of interesting information. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 5. Loved the Harbor View hotel! 6. Sailing on the Adirondack II was THE BEST!! Need to offer more than one Mimosa! 7. Luggage service was great.
I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

Tours starting from Boston

  • for 10 Days (16)
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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Boston Rundreisen
  • Français: Circuits et voyages au Boston
  • Español: Circuitos y viajes por Boston
  • Nederlands: Boston Rondreizen

The Best Time to Visit Boston

Weather & Climate

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in Boston

Public Transportation in Boston

One-Day Itinerary

Day Trips From Boston

Sam Adams Brewery Tours

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near Boston

Beaches Near Boston

Hikes Near Boston

Boston Public Garden

Museums in Boston

Fenway Park Guide

Shopping in Boston

Your Trip to Boston: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova

tour guide boston

If you're looking for a taste of New England 's distinct four seasons, fresh seafood, history and professional sports of all kinds, there's nowhere better than the city of Boston. It's here that over 20 million people come to visit each year to explore each of the neighborhoods , check out museums and other landmarks, and enjoy Boston staples like lobster rolls, Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail. There's plenty of food, culture, and entertainment to take in while you're in town.

When to Visit

Boston is a destination where you can truly experience all four seasons and there's plenty to do within each. Because of this, the best time to visit depends on your preferences, such as experiencing the holidays or snow during the winter months, seeing fall foliage or enjoying the warmer weather while walking around the city. Many prefer to head to Boston in the late-spring (May to June) or early-fall (September to October).

Where to Eat

Boston — and New England in general — are known for coastal foods, particularly seafood, but there are also other staples to try depending on which neighborhood you're in. To start, make sure you grab a lobster roll or clam chowder from one of the local seafood restaurants and an Italian cannoli in the North End. If you head north of the city (and also at select places in Boston), you'll also find roast beef sandwiches that are a staple for those who grew up in the area and much better than standard deli meat.

In the past few years, Boston has become more of a craft beer destination, with local breweries popping up in many of the city's neighborhoods and even out in the suburbs. You can try them out either at the breweries, many of which have fun outdoor, dog-friendly spaces, or at bars throughout the city, as many now have a wide variety to choose from on tap. If you're not into craft beer, you can't go wrong with two of the bigger Boston breweries, Sam Adams and Harpoon.

Explore our articles on the best restaurants in Boston , the city's best bars and the best rooftops for dinner or drinks with a view .

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Boston, ranging from well-known brands to boutique options. Renting an Airbnb can also be an affordable option and enable you to live more like a local.

While it's easy to get place-to-place within Boston, think about what you want to see and do before you book a hotel or Airbnb. Being close to the MBTA will make your life easier if you're willing to try out the city's public transportation system. Also, for Airbnbs especially, take a look at the location before you book, as you'll likely find that the least expensive options may not be in the most accessible spots or even within Boston proper.

If you plan to shop and want to see Newbury Street, consider staying in the Back Bay. Or if you plan to focus on seeing the city's historical landmarks and museums, while also experiencing some of the most beautiful and unique neighborhoods, try staying in or near the North End, Beacon Hill or even the South End . Other areas with fewer or no actual hotels but lots of great restaurants and shops are South Boston and Charlestown.

Just outside the city are neighborhoods like Somerville, including their new Assembly Row plaza with a hotel right inside. If you're visiting in the summer months and want to enjoy Massachusetts' beaches , consider staying in a coastal town with public transportation into the city to see the sights.

Explore the different neighborhoods you can stay in and our recommendations on the best hotels, including the top picks for romantic and boutique hotels.

Getting Around

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the best place to fly into, with direct flights from many of the country's major cities and beyond. The airport is located in East Boston, about 15 minutes outside of the city, though the drive will depend on the time of day and traffic.

You can also use public transportation via the MBTA Silver Line to get to South Station for free. That's where you can pick up several other MBTA subway lines, the Commuter Rail, the Greyhound bus station and more.

There are two other airports you may opt to fly into, depending on if you are exploring other parts of New England during your trip and what prices at each look like: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire (less than 50 miles north of Boston) and T.F. Green Airport in Providence , Rhode Island (approximately 60 miles from Boston). You'll likely want to rent a car unless you plan to stay put once you are in Boston, in which case you can take buses and other forms of transportation into the city. Once you're in Boston, you can get by with public transportation and/or ride-sharing services and taxis.

Things to Do in Boston

What you do in Boston will depend on the time of year you're visiting, as spring and fall are the most ideal for walking around the city. However, there are activities like holiday festivities that take place during the cold winter months that are also fun to experience. No matter when you visit, here are a few things you won't want to miss:

  • Walk the Freedom Trail , a 2.5-mile pathway that will guide you along many of the historic landmarks starting at the Boston Common and ending in Charlestown at the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the first major battle of America's Revolutionary War.
  • Check out several of the city's museums , including the Museum of Science, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and Boston Children's Museum.
  • Go shopping on Newbury Street, Boylston Street and in Copley Plaza and the Prudential Center, all in the Back Bay. Charles Street in Beacon Hill is another shopping destination with more local boutiques.

Explore more attractions with our comprehensive articles on the top attractions,  best things to do with kids  and most popular museums .

Money Saving Boston Tips

  • Pick up a Boston CityPASS for savings on popular attractions and things to do like the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory, Boston Harbor Cruises and the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and and to skip ticket lines.
  • You may also find savings with the GO Boston card, which you'll buy prior to your trip and then activate on first use. Choose from one- to seven-day cards good for free admission at dozens of local attractions.
  • Get free admission to many of Boston's best cultural venues, including museums and more, through the " Free Fun Fridays " program during the summer months. Many of Boston's museums also have free or discounted days throughout the year, so be sure to check their websites before visiting.
  • Skip the guided tour of the Freedom Trail and instead opt for the free app that will give you the same information on Colonial Revolutionary Boston, but let you go at your own pace. The Freedom Trail is already easy to navigate thanks to the literal brick line that guides you along the 2.5-mile pathway.
  • Stay close to the city but not right downtown and check out Airbnbs in various neighborhoods and surrounding towns near public transportation.
  • Take public transportation, the MBTA, rather than taxi or Uber, or consider trying out the city's Blue Bike rentals.

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The 13 Best Day Trips from Boston

Boston Marathon: Travel Tips for Attending the World's Oldest Marathon

The Top 9 Things to Do in Beacon Hill

Guide to an Atlantic Coast Road Trip

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The Best Rooftop Pools in Boston

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Boston Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

71 boston trips. compare tour itineraries from 35 tour companies. 323 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular boston tours.

Experience New England

Experience New England

  • From ancient whaling ships, rolling hills covered in grapes, to the Islands and mansions; you will experience a true taste of Southern New England
  • Spend the day exploring Martha’s Vineyard, with its harbor front towns, beaches and lighthouses. The day is yours to enjoy this famous island
  • A local guide offers their knowledge on the Gilded Age, wealthy summer ‘cottages’ and English settlers as you explore Newport, RI. You will visit one of the grandest summer cottages that was built by the wealthy Vanderbilt family
  • Enjoy a historic whaling town to see what life was like and how people lived as one with the ocean. A taste of chardonnay before dinner will make your trip all that more delightful
  • ‘One If By Land’ and the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere ~ walk the Freedom Trail and trace the steps to the Old North Church, walk along the cobblestone streets to enjoy incredible Italian fare, or take a narrated cruise along the harbor front. All found right in the heart of Boston.

Colors of New England  - 2024

Colors of New England - 2024

  • Taste the essence of New England at a dinner featuring succulent fresh lobster.
  • Enjoy lunch prepared from fresh, local ingredients at the Simon Pearce restaurant.
  • Watch apple cider made the old-fashioned way.
  • Explore the Rocks Estate and learn the importance of maple sugaring in the region on a farm tour.
  • Learn the history of the famous von Trapp Family during a visit to their lodge in Stowe.

Colors of New England

Maple Leaf Trail Self-Drive

Maple Leaf Trail Self-Drive

Classic New England Self-Drive

Classic New England Self-Drive

Cities of the East

Cities of the East

Maine and New Brunswick Seascapes Self-Drive

Maine and New Brunswick Seascapes Self-Drive

Fishermen, Farmers & Foodies: A New England Culinary Exploration

Fishermen, Farmers & Foodies: A New England Culinary Exploration

  • Sail on a lobster boat as you learn the history of the profession and pull up your own traps
  • Learn how to harvest and shuck your own oysters -- and then enjoy a tasting! Take part in a culinary class with a former Executive Chef for Celebrity Cruise Lines

All Boston , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Boston

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Small Group Boston Tours

Small Group Boston Tours

On the Road: The Best Fall Foliage in New England

  • I like to spend much of the day exploring
  • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
  • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Boston: Birthplace of American Liberty

Boston: Birthplace of American Liberty

Northern Shores: Québec, the Canadian Maritimes and New England

Northern Shores: Québec, the Canadian Maritimes and New England

On the Road: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

On the Road: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

Spring Training Baseball with the Boston Red Sox

Spring Training Baseball with the Boston Red Sox

  • Attend up to four practice games with a chance to see your favorite Red Sox players
  • Meet with baseball experts, retired players and umpires as you discuss the rules, regulations, heroes and legends
  • Explore baseball’s early beginnings, including the history of the former Negro League in the early 1880s

The Road Scholar Crafts Week at Snow Farm: Metal and Jewelry

The Road Scholar Crafts Week at Snow Farm: Metal and Jewelry

  • In the heart of the picturesque Berkshire foothills, learn hands-on techniques from a professional artist
  • Savor the culinary delights of the Snow Farm kitchen as you enjoy meals prepared with organic and natural foods, topped off with delicious homemade breads and desserts
  • Studio explorations at the beginning and end of the week offer an exciting look at the progress of student artists who are participating in other workshops

On the Road: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

  • Learn about the historic role played by the region’s whaling history on a day trip to Nantucket

Best Boston Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Boston Tours by Price

Top Boston Attractions & Experiences

Boston Tours & Travel Guide

Boston Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Boston reviews & ratings, best of eastern canada with ocean view cabin.

Coach, tour guide and hotels we great. No support on the cruise.

East Coast USA and Canada

Value for money, the best & most enjoyable way to tour this part of USA & Canada

Places visited great experience

The plastic cutlery and cups, at breakfast at the Marriott in London - was extr...

Great places to visit and the tour was a good mix of one and two night stays.

See all Boston reviews

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Dine Out Boston is Back!

Dine Out Boston is offered through March 23! Participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner.  

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Visiting Boston

With our rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone.

Get Started

Upcoming events.

  • When April 13, 2024, 10:00 AM

4 Charles Street Boston Public Garden, Lagoon Boston , MA 02116 United States

  • Contact Swan Boats of Boston
  • Phone 617-522-1966
  • Price $3.00 - $4.50
  • When June 25, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

38 Beacon Street Boston , MA 02108 United States

  • Contact Parks and Recreation
  • Phone 617-635-4505

All Inclusive Boston

We are a city of people. All people. When you get here, whether it's for a weekend getaway or for the foreseeable future, we love you like our own. We see you. We celebrate you. And we want to show you everything. We are all inclusive.

Walking tours

There are a variety of free walks and trails throughout the City of Boston.

Museums and galleries

The City has a wealth of museums, with everything from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Old State House.

Shopping and dining

Boston offers world-class dining and shopping options as well as local, artisan, and ethnic favorites. 

Theaters and venues

We have a number of places for residents and visitors to watch plays, films, and concerts.

With the recent success of Boston’s professional teams, there’s much to experience in the City of Champions.

Farmers markets

The Office of Food Access helps to oversee almost 30 farmers markets in Boston.

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Public restroom maps

On a budget.

Boston's public art

Search Boston’s art collection, watch artist videos, access a map of public art installations across the City, and more!

Walk to the sea

This walk encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Mixing historical landmarks with Boston’s skyscrapers, this walk is truly one worth taking.

State House

Tours last about 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol.

Bunker Hill Monument

Climb the 294 steps up the famous monument for one of Boston’s best views.

The Swan Boats paddle passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a 15-minute peaceful cruise.

View all events on a budget

There are many tours across the City. You can even visit the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

Uncovering Boston's history

It’s no secret Boston is rich with history. From the American Revolution to the site of the very first public school, it’s a city with stories to tell.

Planning your trip

Keep these dates and events in mind as they are usually busy times in Boston.

  • December 31/January 1:  First Night/Day
  • March (mid-month):  St. Patrick's Day Parade
  • April (third Monday of the month):  Boston Marathon
  • June (beginning of the month):  Pride Parade
  • May (throughout the month): College graduation season
  • June 29 - July 1:  Harborfest
  • End of August/Early September: Moving day, students return 
  • October (mid-end of month):  Head of the Charles Regatta
  • December: Holiday season

Boston maps

We can't mail you any printed maps or guides, but these websites have some helpful maps.

Find a number of interactive maps of the Boston area.

Find printable maps of Boston as well as the Greater Boston area.

Find your way around Boston's comprehensive public transit system.

To and from Logan Airport

Bus service

The MBTA offers free Silver Line bus service from all airport terminals to South Station.

The MBTA offers ferry-boat service from Hingham or Hull to the airport, weather permitting.

Logan Express

Massport offers an express bus service from Back Bay to Logan Airport.

Massport provides free shuttle-bus service between airline terminals and Airport Station on the MBTA’s Blue Line.

Boston police regulate all taxis and pedi-cabs. Learn what you can expect from your ride.

Recommended Resources

Get help before you plan your next visit to our great City.

The primary private sector marketing and visitor service organization.

The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s list of hotels.

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Get updates on events going on in the City.

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tour guide boston

Ultimate Boston Hop-on Hop-off Experience with Boston Sightseeing

Boston, renowned for its rich history, academic prowess, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers from across the globe to explore its cobblestone streets and revolutionary landmarks. Amidst this iconic cityscape, Boston Sightseeing emerges as a tour provider and the orchestrator of an immersive, unforgettable experience. This hop-on hop-off double-decker tour offers a delightful blend of convenience, flexibility, and local expertise, ensuring every traveler's encounter with Boston and Cambridge is as insightful as it is adventurous.

Discovering Boston and Cambridge

Boston and Cambridge are two cities that juxtapose the old and new, the past and the present, with fascinating grace. Boston Sightseeing's tours are meticulously planned to give you a comprehensive glimpse into their tapestries.

Venturing through Boston and Cambridge, you'll encounter a treasure trove of historical and cultural destinations. From the hallowed halls of Harvard University to the picturesque Boston Common, each landmark holds stories that have shaped the nation's past and present. The beauty of the Boston Sightseeing trip lies in its comprehensive coverage. You can stop and soak in the essence of each location at your own pace.

The route spans iconic destinations such as the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution, and the bustling Faneuil Hall Marketplace, ensuring you get all the quintessential Bostonian experience. As you travel through these storied districts, the narrative provided aboard the bus carves a vivid picture of the city's legacy, making history come alive against the backdrop of modern city life. Gathering such multifaceted impressions of Boston and Cambridge enriches the tourist experience beyond the superficial touch-and-go tours.

Flexibility at Your Footsteps

The hop-on hop-off model is designed for the curious traveler. Spend as much time as you desire at any given spot; with buses arriving at regular intervals, indulge your interests at a pace uniquely your own. This level of autonomy ensures you don't miss out on the spontaneity that often makes for the most treasured memories.

Unveiling the Experience

A ride with Boston Sightseeing provides more than just a picturesque view from the top deck of their buses, it's a multi-sensory experience designed for maximum impact. The unique vantage point atop the open deck offers unobstructed cityscape vistas that encompass the old and the new, allowing you to appreciate the architectural finesse that defines the region. Each bus has state-of-the-art sound systems that relay historical and cultural insights, elevating your trip to an educational escapade.

Unlike enclosed tours, the open-top bus adventure offers the salty sea breeze off the Atlantic, the characteristic sounds of the bustling city streets, and a palpable energy quintessentially Boston. With a schedule designed to accommodate the free-spirited traveler, you can disembark at any point to take a closer look at a destination, a luxury denied by standard, fixed-route tours. This level of flexibility means visitors can tailor their sightseeing experience to their interests and schedule, adding a layer of personalization that traditional tours cannot match.

Customer Testimonials

The success of Boston Sightseeing lies in the satisfaction of its patrons, and the chorus of praise from previous tourists echoes the sentiment. Many have attested to their enriching experience on the tour, citing the well-informed guides, the smooth operations, and the sheer fun of exploring the city from a double-decker bus.

Customers appreciate the responsive and accommodating customer service, which ensures a pleasant and memorable exploration. They've been eager to share their stories and snapshots of their adventures. Word-of-mouth spreads like wildfire, igniting the curiosity and excitement of prospective tourists who wish to relish a similar experience.

Why Choose Boston Sightseeing?

In a city steeped in heritage, Boston Sightseeing shines as a beacon of modernity, coupling the allure of Boston's past with the convenience of contemporary travel. Transparent pricing, recurrent departures, and a fleet of top-notch vehicles ensure a seamless experience when you explore Boston.

The staff's commitment to customer satisfaction and the emphasis on local expertise serve to elevate your sightseeing adventure to a unique, personalized narrative. Moreover, the eco-friendly touring model employed by Boston Sightseeing aligns with the sustainability ethos that is increasingly dear to the city's heart.

Local Flavor and Culture

While the iconic destinations offer a grand spectacle, the true character of Boston is found in its local flavor. The tour peppers in lesser-known gems, from the beloved eateries to off-the-beaten-path establishments. This mosaic of cultural experiences between landmarks and local haunts provides a multidimensional understanding of the city's pulse.

Imagine sipping on clam chowder at the original Cheers bar in Beacon Hill or wandering the ivy-laden courtyards of Harvard Yard. Boston Sightseeing promises to deliver these moments, blending historical tours with the contemporary essence of life in Boston and Cambridge.

From indulging in a lobster roll in one of the city's quiet alleys to stumbling upon an impromptu street performance, the tour promises an authentic Bostonian encounter. The true essence of any city lies in these unscheduled, organic interactions, and Boston Sightseeing ensures you capture them in full.

Planning Your Tour

To make the most of your Boston Sightseeing adventure, a bit of strategic planning goes a long way. It's advisable to list down your 'must-see' destinations and prioritize those with potentially longer stopovers. Familiarize yourself with the bus schedule to optimize your exploration time. And, most importantly, allow for spontaneity—sometimes, unplanned detours offer the most enchanting memories.

The inclusion of customer input in planning itineraries has been pivotal to the company's success. Frequent updates to the routes reflect travelers' evolving interests, ensuring that the stops are popular and culturally rich. Taking a comprehensive approach to planning your sightseeing ensures that you depart with a satisfied heart and an enlightened mind.

For anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Boston and Cambridge, Boston Sightseeing is the essential guide. It's more than a simple hop-on hop-off tour; it's an educational narrative, a cultural odyssey, and a flexible adventure all rolled into one. With local expertise, convenience, and scenic experiences, Boston Sightseeing promises a comprehensive and delightful exploration of one of America's most beloved cities. Book your tour now, and prepare for a vacation that marries history with the vibrant pulse of the modern world.

Discover the charm of Boston's iconic landmarks and hidden gems at your own pace With Boston Sightseeing. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this historic city.

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Field Guide to Boston

5 things to do this weekend, including boston's revolutionary women walking tour and a '90s jazz night.

  • Solon Kelleher

One of my favorite artists, Caroline Polachek, recently released a cover of “ Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth ,” a 1980s synth song originally by Roger Doyle and produced by Bono. I heard Polachek’s version for the first time on a sunny morning earlier this week, and the sweet, simple and hopeful message of the title (which is repeated throughout the chorus) had me feeling excited for all that’s to come with the changing of the season. If you’re looking for your own seasonal inspiration, we have five options to help you in your quest — from a tour about Boston’s women of the American Revolution to a celebration of a lesbian-owned queer bar in Worcester. If you want more, might we suggest a delicious prix fixe meal? That and more below.

Portrait of the '90s

Thursday, march 7.

This isn’t your average night of covers. Saxophonist Mark Zaleski has curated a program of punk, R&B, metal and Top 40 hits that he and his band will reinterpret through a two-set evening of jazz. Joining Zaleski will be Jason Palmer on trumpet, Glenn Zaleski on piano, Matt Dwonszyk on bass and Mark Whitfield Jr. on drums. Audiences can expect music from Radiohead, Michael Jackson, Nirvana and more. If you’re looking for an excuse to review your 30-year-old mixtapes, possibly even with a new perspective, this is your chance. The concert will be held at the Regattabar in the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. General admission tickets are $30.

Femme's Anniversary Party

Friday, march 8-sunday, march. 10.

Lesbian bars are few and far between. There are only 32 in the country, according to the Lesbian Bar Project . One of those bars is celebrating its one-year anniversary, and it’s slated to be a weekend-long party. The kickoff begins Friday with singer-songwriter Alex Rohan at 8 p.m. and continues Saturday with raffles and giveaways both days. Drag Brunch on Sunday is sold out, but if you miss the celebrations this weekend, there’s always something going on at Femme. Check out the full list of events for this weekend and beyond, including board game nights, open mic poetry and beverage tastings.

'Babar' and Super Arts Saturday

Saturday, march. 9.

You can almost always find something going on at Tufts University’s Department of Music calendar . The school frequently hosts in-person and live-streamed concerts, many of which are free. On Saturday, there’s something fun for families, especially those with young children. Pianist Andy Rangell will perform an adaption of “Babar,” the musical piece for piano and narrator by Francis Poulenc. The 1940 score is inspired by the classic Jean de Brunhoff tale about a beloved and often fashionably dressed elephant. After the concert, the department will host a Super Arts Saturday with dance, music, art and a sing-along with “Rainbow Jeff” Rawitsch. Both events are free and open to the public.

Restaurant Week in Boston

Sunday, march 10-saturday, march 23.

Here’s a tip for Restaurant Week: don’t wait for the final days. You can start this Sunday for deals and discounts at over 150 locations throughout Boston and Cambridge. Multi-course prix fixe lunch menus range from $22 to $36 and dinners from $36 to $55. You can see the full list of restaurants, on the Restaurant Week’s website . For those seeking outdoor, vegetarian or takeout options, look for the little icons throughout the list indicating each restaurant’s offerings. You should also look out for details on what days of the week restaurants will offer their Restaurant Week specials, with some only selecting weekdays or certain times of day. Famed steakhouse Abe & Louie’s, for example, only has weekday lunch specials, while Boston’s Union Oyster House has options for lunch and dinner every day but Saturday. Can’t make it this week? No problem. Although it’s called Restaurant “Week,” it actually runs for 14 days.

Revolutionary Women Tour

Various dates.

Do you know the story of Phillis Wheatley’s exchange with Thomas Jefferson? How about the first woman to serve as second lady, Abigail Adams? You can hear about these stories and more on the Revolutionary Women Tour, as told by the historical figures themselves! Well, people in costume, which is as close as you’re going to get to the real thing in 2024. It’s a special tour running on select Saturdays and Sundays during the month of March. Tours meet at 10:45 a.m. at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. If you can’t make it to one of the Revolutionary Women Tour times, you can also check out “Walk Into History,” The Freedom Trail’s daily tour that brings guests from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall and nine other historic sites along the way. General admission tickets cost $17, and tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $8.

Freedom Trail Revolutionary Women Tour (Courtesy of the Freedom Trail Foundation)

Solon Kelleher Arts Reporting Fellow Solon Kelleher is the arts reporting fellow at WBUR.

More from Field Guide to Boston

What is Boston’s Irish music scene without Brian O’Donovan?

Still thriving, but without its most active and enthusiastic tour guide.

Musicians, including Boston Celtic Music Festival director Summer McCall, gather for an Irish music session at The Druid in Cambridge, March 12.

I n 1980, the Boston area offered two regular Irish music sessions — informal gatherings where musicians get together to play traditional tunes, usually in a pub. Lindsay Henes, a graduate of Boston University, was a regular at the session at the Village Coach House in Brookline, where she sang and played the old upright piano near the back of the room.

At one of these sessions, she met Brian O’Donovan, a native of Cork, Ireland, who was planning to stay in town for three weeks. “I asked him if he knew the song ‘Boys of Barr Na Sráide’, and he said no,” said Lindsay in a phone interview. Then they kept talking.

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Three days later, they were engaged to be married. Brian’s three-week stay in Boston would eventually stretch to more than four decades. He died last October at age 66 from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Brian O'Donovan's weekly radio show on WGBH, “A Celtic Sojourn,” sealed his reputation as a pillar of Boston’s Celtic music community — and helped turn the city into a destination for like-minded musicians.

Even in those early days, there was never any question of the pair leaving Boston, said Lindsay in a phone interview. The Irish music scene had been “just coming alive here” when he arrived. According to his GBH obituary , it was a 1984 festival of Irish music that placed him on his early career path in professional sports management at Gillette Stadium, which was then known as Sullivan Stadium. In 1986, Brian joined GBH (then WGBH) to host his weekly radio show, “A Celtic Sojourn,” which would seal his reputation as a pillar of Boston’s Celtic music community — and eventually help turn the city into a destination for like-minded musicians.

One of these was fiddler, cellist, and dancer Summer McCall, 30, who moved to the city in 2019 “simply because of the Celtic music scene that was thriving here,” she said in a phone interview. As a teenager in northern California, she attended music camps hosted by Scottish fiddler Alisdair Fraser, and these featured a rotating cast of faculty who often “either lived or at one point lived in Boston,” she said.

Because GBH had been streaming over the internet since 1999, McCall was also able to listen to “A Celtic Sojourn” from across the country. “I would have a pen and paper and write down names, and look them up later on iTunes,” said McCall, who is now the director of the Club Passim-based Boston Celtic Music Festival.

Because of the radio show, she said, Boston was cemented as an “epicenter” of Celtic music.

Callum Bell plays Irish music on the fiddle at The Druid in Cambridge, March 12.

Brian himself was an “incredible tour guide,” said Shannon Heaton, a flutist and the host of the “ Irish Music Stories ” podcast. “This is a folk music, this is a shared music. It really relies on all of us coming together, for it to really live, and Brian connected people with this music and with the bigger context of it.”

“He loved greeting people. He loved sharing,” Lindsay O’Donovan said, fondly recalling the frequent gatherings and parties the O’Donovans would host at the “big old house” in Newton where the pair raised their four children: Aoife (now a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter), Ciaran, Aidan, and Nuala.

“I thought my parents’ friends were so cool,” said Aoife O’Donovan, who founded the Americana bands Crooked Still and I’m With Her. “For many people, that can go the other way, where you’re cringing at your parents’ nerdy folk-musician friends, but I wanted to be them.” Musicians touring through town would stay at the house, and the music would go until “three, four, five in the morning,” she said in a phone interview from her home base of Orlando.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan, daughter of Brian O'Donovan, performing in Lowell.

Whenever he hosted public-facing events, he wanted to “invite people in” and do what he did at home, said Lindsay.

He accomplished this through not just the radio program, but annual live “Celtic Sojourn” events around Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, as well as a concert series that showcased Celtic performers in the back room at Somerville Irish pub The Burren. The holiday events have not continued after his death, but the backroom concerts have persisted as the Brian O’Donovan Legacy Series, with Lindsay as cohost.

Brian O'Donovan hosting an "A Christmas Celtic Sojourn" concert in a file photo.

Montana-born guitarist and singer Lindsay Straw, who got involved in Boston’s Celtic music scene shortly after her 2010 graduation from Berklee College of Music, said that Brian’s “warmth and great presence” made it hard to imagine the holiday events without him. “At the same time, there are all these other components of the community which are stronger because of him,” said Straw, who will be leading workshops on Celtic ballads at Club Passim on Sunday, March 17.

McCall has noticed a clear “trickle-down effect,” as musicians who grew up in his orbit such as piper Joey Abarta and fiddler Nathan Gourley have become inspirational figures for the next wave of rising artists. In programming BCMFest, McCall said she tries to follow his example by booking acts that represent various generations of musicians, as well as traditions from across the Celtic music world outside of Ireland, which typically receives the most attention.

Brian O’Donovan was “very inclusive of different roots and branches,” McCall said. To nurture that next generation, Passim recently established a new grant fund in Brian’s honor for Celtic musicians, named the Brian O’Donovan Legacy Fund; the goal is to open applications in late 2024, Lindsay O’Donovan said.

Musicians gather for an Irish music session at The Druid in Cambridge, March 12.

Because of St. Patrick’s Day, March is an especially busy season for most performers of Celtic music, but for Brian, “every month was an important music month,” Heaton said. The events still exist, but “the thing we’re missing is the one guy to tell us about all of them. It’s all happening; it’s just a little more under the radar.”

Lindsay O’Donovan agreed that the loss of the radio show also left a void in the scene, since Brian would interview visiting performers and play their music to get people excited about attending shows. “I think we just need to keep getting the word out,” she said. “Brian’s whole mantra was, live music is where it’s at.”

“I think there’s still ways for people in the Boston Irish music scene to find that spirit of Brian O’Donovan,” said Aoife, whose new solo album, “All My Friends,” releases March 22.

When he arrived in Boston, there were only two regular sessions in the area; now, according to a list compiled by multi-instrumentalist Elias Cardoso, there are 25, with at least one every day of the week.

BRIAN O’DONOVAN LEGACY SERIES

The Burren, Somerville. Ongoing. www.burren.com

The following bars and restaurants in the Boston area host public sessions of Celtic music. Anyone is free to listen, and some also welcome walk-in musicians. Call ahead or check online for details.

Backbeat Brewing Company, Beverly

The Bebop, Boston

Brendan Behan Pub, Jamaica Plain

Bunratty Tavern, Reading

The Burren, Somerville

The Druid, Cambridge

Emmets, Boston

Lower Mills Tavern, Boston

Malachy’s Saloon, Quincy

Tavern at the End of the World, Charlestown

A.Z. Madonna can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @knitandlisten .

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    Private Tour of Boston & Cambridge. 5. This private full-day tour will take you through every highlight Boston and Cambridge! The tour will include sights such as the Old North Church, Paul Revere's house, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, Beacon Hill, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, Harvard, MIT, Copley Square, Boston Public Library and so ...

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    3. Cambridge: Harvard University Student-Guided Walking Tour. Join a student-led walking tour of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, around 10 kilometers from Boston. Discover the historic campus through the eyes of a student and visit highlights including the John Harvard Statue and Memorial Hall.

  10. Boston-Massachusetts

    Credentials: Licensed Walking Tour Guide in Boston and Revere, Massachusetts. Member, Greater Boston Tour Guide Association. Member, Massachusetts Historical Soci,... Learn More Message Ricky M. Neal R. Andover, MA, United States. Rating (151) Languages: English (fluent)

  11. Boston Hidden Gems

    The. Take a private Boston tour with a local and discover Boston's hidden gems! Our Boston tours include a private vehicle, luxury amenities, and stories tailored to your interests. Explore the North End, Freedom Trail, and all of Boston as you laugh and eat your way through the city on an affordable luxury private Boston tour!

  12. Meet Boston

    2024 South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade. March 17, 2024. See All Events.

  13. Book Things To Do, Attractions, and Tours

    Walk back in time on the Freedom Trail (2.5 hours) Boston's best historical showcase is found on the Freedom Trail Walking Tour, a 2.5-mile city trek through 18th-century Boston. On a journey that passes 16 significant landmarks in the history of the United States — from the Old South Meeting House and the Old Corner Bookstore to the King's ...

  14. 10 Best Tours and Trips in Boston 2024/2025

    Boston Tours and Trips 2024/2025. We offer 15 tours in Boston having in total 14 customer reviews. Tour durations range from 5 to 12 days and the top tour categories in Boston are explorer, adventure & city sightseeing. Out of the 15 trips in Boston, 1 of them are private tours and 13 are group tours. Our Boston tours are offered by 10 ...

  15. 10 Best Boston Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    4. Local guide tour of Nantucket Island was great! Lots of interesting information. Not enough time spent in Nantucket. 5. Loved the Harbor View hotel! 6. Sailing on the Adirondack II was THE BEST!! Need to offer more than one Mimosa! 7. Luggage service was great. Destinations Boston, Plymouth, Sandwich, Martha's Vineyard Island, Nantucket ...

  16. TOP 10 BEST Tour Guide in Boston, MA

    See more reviews for this business. Top 10 Best Tour Guide in Boston, MA - January 2024 - Yelp - The Hahvahd Tour, Boston Town Crier - Tours of Freedom Trail, Tours of The Freedom Trail, Boston Custom Tours, Freedom Trail® Foundation, Free Tours By Foot, Sunshine Travel, See-Town Walking Tours, Hub Town Tours, Haunted Boston Ghost Tours.

  17. Your Trip to Boston: The Complete Guide

    Many of Boston's museums also have free or discounted days throughout the year, so be sure to check their websites before visiting. Skip the guided tour of the Freedom Trail and instead opt for the free app that will give you the same information on Colonial Revolutionary Boston, but let you go at your own pace. The Freedom Trail is already ...

  18. Top Boston Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews & photos]

    Boston Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025. 71 Boston trips. Compare tour itineraries from 35 tour companies. 320 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating. Choose your trip style:

  19. Official Boston & Cambridge Visitor Guide

    General Information. Meet Boston 99 High Street, Suite 1000, Boston, MA 02110 1-888-SEE-BOSTON, fax: 617-424-7664

  20. Boston questions, answered: Tour guides share visitors' most-asked

    The brutalist architecture of Boston's City Hall often surprises people, said Tom Revay, tour guide for Boston by Foot. "I give them a brief history, that it was a competition that was held in ...

  21. Boston: Guided Seafood Tasting Tour

    Boston: Guided Seafood Tasting Tour. 4.9 / 5 33 reviews. Eco-certified. Activity provider: Intrepid Urban Adventures. Add to wishlist. View all 8 images. 1 / 8. Experience the culinary and historical delights of Boston on walking tour. Try a tasty lobster roll, creamy clam chowder, and other regional dishes and responsible, locally sourced ...

  22. Visiting Boston

    Frog Pond Spray Pool Opening 2024. Jun 25. When June 25, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Where. 38 Beacon Street. Boston, MA 02108. United States. Contact Parks and Recreation. Phone 617-635-4505.

  23. Ultimate Boston Hop-on Hop-off Experience with Boston Sightseeing

    Boston Sightseeing's tours are meticulously planned to give you a comprehensive glimpse into their tapestries. ... Boston Sightseeing is the essential guide. It's more than a simple hop-on hop-off ...

  24. Boston has one of the best brewery tours in America

    USA Today released a list of the 10 best brewery tours in America on Friday, part of its 2023 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and Samuel Adams Boston Brewery ranked No. 10.. The No. 1 brewery ...

  25. 5 things to do this weekend, including Boston's Revolutionary ...

    Tours meet at 10:45 a.m. at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. If you can't make it to one of the Revolutionary Women Tour times, ... The ARTery's Weekend Preview Field Guide to Boston.

  26. Loss of Brian O'Donovan and Boston's Irish music scene regroup

    What is Boston's Irish music scene without Brian O'Donovan? Still thriving, but without its most active and enthusiastic tour guide. By A.Z. Madonna Globe Staff, Updated March 14, 2024, 3:33 p.m.

  27. Boston: Fall Foliage Tour

    Start with pickup from your hotel in the greater Boston area. Ride north into New Hampshire and experience the beautiful fall colors as you drive higher into the mountains. Make a short stop half-way through the drive where you can buy a coffee or cider. Relax, on the scenic drive along the Kancamagus Byway and make several stops for pictures ...