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The Best Walking Tours in Boston

I love Boston — and not just because I was born there.

Boston’s roots stretch back to the 17th century when it was founded by Puritan colonists from Europe. It was a devout settlement, with enforced church attendance and marriage (persecution of sinners was equally enforced).

The city was home to one of the first schools in America , as well as the very first college: Harvard. The settlement grew in importance, with its most significant role being during the American Revolution.

No single blog post can do Boston — and its complex and important history — justice. For that, you’ll need to visit!

To help you make the most out of your next trip to “Beantown,” I’ve put together this list of the best walking, food, and photography tours. Boston is home to tons of amazing free and paid walking tours that will give you a much better overview of the city and its historical contributions to modern-day America.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker looking to learn something new or a history buff ready to test your expert knowledge, Boston will have a walking tour for you!

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks is my go-to walking tour company. Their guides are always experts who have in-depth knowledge that other tours don’t. In Boston, they have a detailed Freedom Trail tour that covers the highlights while also providing insider access to Paul Revere’s home. They also run a full-day tour to Salem , where you can learn all about the witch trials. I can’t recommend these tours enough!

Best Free Tour

Free Tours by Foot

Free Tours by Foot is one of the biggest and best free walking tours out there. I’ve been on their walking tours all around the world and always come back having learned something new. They have half a dozen different tours around Boston, though I think the Freedom Trail tour is the best place to start. If you’re looking for something more unique, be sure to check out the Beacon Hill Crime tour!

While those may be the best free and paid tours in the city, Boston has a lot of cool tour options to serve any interest. Here are some of my other favorite tour companies in the city:

1. Devour Food Tours

As a foodie, I always try to take a food tour when I visit somewhere. Devour is my go-to company as their tours always feature amazing eats and include tons of interesting information. In Boston, their Freedom Trail & North End food tour lasts three hours and includes stops at six different businesses, including the oldest restaurant in the city. You’ll get to try Italian pastry, as well as local favorites like clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Tours from $89 USD.

2. Cambridge Historical Tours

This company offers some of the best overview tours of Boston. On their Freedom Trail tour, you’ll visit all 16 official sites of the Freedom Trail and dive deep into US history as Boston was a pivotal staging ground for revolutionary activities. You’ll see the resting places of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams; the city’s iconic Golden Dome; historic Faneuil Hall, and much more! It’s a solid introductory tour to the city and the country.

Tours from $32 USD.

3. The Hahvahd Tour

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in the country and one of the most sought-after schools in the world. On this 70-minute tour you’ll get an insider look at this iconic institution. Guides are current students, so you’ll not only learn about the university’s past but also what life is like for students today.

Tours from $22 USD.

4. US Ghost Adventures

If ghosts and the paranormal are your cup of tea, consider taking the Boos and Brews haunted Pub Crawl . On this two-hour pub crawl, you’ll visit four different bars and five haunted sites around the city. You’ll visit a 17th-century graveyard, learn about the life and death of Sam Adams (one of the Founding Fathers), and hear ghostly tales about a haunted hotel.

Tours from $35 USD.

5. Sam Adams Brewery Tour

If you’re the sort of traveler who often gets thirsty on your tours, then this might be the one for you! The Sam Adams Brewery runs a 45-minute tour of its famous brewery, and it includes a few samples to quench your thirst (you have to be over 21 of course). The tour fills up fast so be sure to book early online. The brewery also has a R&D tour for $5 USD where you can try experimental flavors that aren’t available yet and provide feedback as well as Bier Keller experience that brings together two age-old pleasures: beer and cheese!

The Sam Signature Experience Tour is $10 USD. The Bier Keller tour is $40 USD.

6. State House Tour

The Massachusetts State House, home to the governor and government of Massachusetts, has free tours during the week. You can join a guided tour or take a self-guided tour if you’d rather go solo. Tours last 30-45 minutes. You’ll learn about the building, which was built in 1798 and went way over budget, as well as how the state government functions. If you’re a fan of architecture or politics, this brief but informative tour is worth checking out.

Tours are available Monday-Friday 10am-3:30pm. To organize a free tour, call +1 617-727-3676.

7. Boston By Foot

Boston By Foot is a local non-profit that organizes historical tours around the city. They have half a dozen daily and weekly tours on offer, as well as over two dozen tours that run on a monthly or quarterly schedule (so be sure to book early so you know what tours are available). Tours range from the classic Freedom Trail to literary tours to river cruises that focus on the city’s architecture. There’s a huge variety of options and they are all run by enthusiastic local volunteers who are well-trained and knowledgeable about the city and its past.

Tours from $13-16 USD.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone just looking to explore one of the best cities in the United States , Boston will have a walking tour to suit your needs — no matter your budget! While I like Take Walks the best, any tour company here will be great!

Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite hostel to stay in the city is HI Boston .

For more hostels, check out this post on the best hostels in the city.

If you want to know the best neighborhoods to stay in, here’s my guide to all the best areas in town .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Wat More Information on Boston? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Boston for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The 10 best Boston walking tours

See the city on foot with these fun and informative walking tours around Boston

Boston has a history that spans centuries, and the city offers hundreds of landmarks and historic locales where you can learn about some of America’s most important events. Boston is also a compact, walkable city, so its landmarks can be easily explored on foot. Guided tours of the Freedom Trail and other neighborhoods are a great way to take in local history and culture. The city also has a rich culinary scene, and food tours will steer you towards the best of the best. For a deep dive into Boston’s history and culture, check out the best walking tours the city has to offer. And once you ’ ve finished a tour, keep the fun going by checking out the  best Boston attractions ,   best free things to do in Boston , and   best museums in Boston .

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

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Best Boston walking tours

1.  Freedom Trail to Copley Square

This two-hour guided tour from Boston City Walks begins with historic highlights along the Freedom Trail. As it continues, you’ll get a glimpse of the fancy homes in Beacon Hill, explore the Public Garden, see Victorian brownstones in Copley Square, walk along Newbury Street, and end up at the Boston Marathon finish line. This informative and accessible tour is ideal for families and anyone who wants to explore picturesque neighborhoods and the Freedom Trail in one go.

2.  Boston Movie Mile

Movie fans can visit more than 30 filming locations from movies and TV on this tour from On Location Tours . From benches ( Ted and Good Will Hunting ) to bars ( Cheers and The Departed ), historic homes ( The Thomas Crown Affair ) to Dunkin Donuts ( The Town ), you can reenact movie scenes while also learning about some of Boston’s historic landmarks. A local actor leads the tour, so you’ll also get some behind-the-scenes info about Boston’s film industry. This one often sells out, so book in advance. 

3.  PhotoWalks Highlights of Boston

For photo enthusiasts and Instagram influencers, PhotoWalks offers walking tours through Boston landmarks and give instructions and creative tips on how to best capture them, whether with a digital SLR or just a smartphone. The Highlights of Boston tour covers the most photogenic parts of the Freedom Trail. Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, and Back Bay. Lead by a professional photographer, this tour will ensure you see city’s historic highlights and head home with some great pics to share. 

4.  Boston Jewish Culture Walking Tour

Learn about Boston’s Jewish roots on this Boston City Walks tour that explores historic synagogues, homes, gathering spots, and neighborhoods. The tour begins in the “back side” of Beacon Hill, where Jews resided in the 19th century. Stops include the Vilna Shul, Puffer House Cigar-Rolling Factory, and the Holocaust Memorial. The tour concludes in the North End, which was home to Jewish immigrants before Italians transformed it into Little Italy. 

5.  Boston Pizza and Taverns Tour

Beer and pizza make a history lesson a whole lot more fun. With Boston Pizza Tours , you’ll visit a series of historic taverns and try some of Boston’s best pizza. Explore Faneuil Hall, Blackstone Block, and the North End. Settle in at Bell in Hand, a tavern in operation since 1795, and grab a drink where Paul Revere once did. And, of course, enjoy slices from a range of famous Boston pizzerias.

6.  PhotoWalks Beacon Hill Tour

Beacon Hill is one of the most exclusive residential areas in Boston. The neighborhood’s narrow streets, 19th-century homes, charming architectural details, brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and colorful flowers make it one of the most photographed segments in the city. To make sure you capture the beauty of this area, while also learning about its fascinating history, take a PhotoWalks tour led by a professional photographer. You’ll pick up creative photography tips and learn how to capture the beauty of a scene from unexpected angles. 

7.  Davis Square Food Tour

For a unique, food-focused tour, check out Off the Beaten Path Food Tours. Tastings, tours, and progressive dinners are offered in Harvard Square, Kendall Square, Jamaica Plain, and more. The Davis Square Food Tour highlights the colorful, diverse Somerville neighborhood that has become a hot destination for dining. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn the history of the neighborhood, sample innovative eats, try your hand at candlepin bowling, and finish up with a taste of marshmallow fluff, a sweet treat invented in Somerville. 

8.  Harvard Campus Walking Tour

You might just soak up some smarts on this Trademark Tours Harvard Campus Walking Tour . Current Harvard students will guide you around the campus and share their experiences. Visit historic buildings in Harvard Yard, see the famous John Harvard Statue, explore the surrounding Harvard Square neighborhood, and hear stories about some of the famous people who attended the school. 

9.  North End Market Tour

The North End is an easy neighborhood to wander and sample delicious Italian delicacies on your own, but exploring with Michele Topor’s Boston Food Tours can take your knowledge to another level by teaching (and feeding) you along the way. On this tour you’ll learn how Italian food traditions were adapted to America, get insider cooking tips, and find out where to buy the best ingredients. You’ll also learn about the best hidden gems in the neighborhood, ensuring you’ll get more out of your future visits. 

10.  North End Wine Tour

With this offering from City Wine Tours , you’ll learn about the North End while tasting wines at top restaurants and wine shops. Limited group sizes keeps the tours intimate, as knowledgeable guides teach tasting, pairing, and buying fine wines amidst the charming, historic venues. City Wine Tours also offers tasting tours in South End, Back Bay, and Assembly Row in Somerville. 

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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.

Check prices & availability on:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Boston Walking Tours: Daily & Weekly

Our mission, vision, and values.

Boston By Foot is a non-profit educational organization committed to inspiring locals and visitors to discover and appreciate the diverse stories of Boston by exploring the cityscape together.

We envision a city whose residents and visitors have a deep understanding and appreciation of the city’s complex and diverse history, geography, and communities.

• We work to create tours that help visitors and residents alike discover or deepen their appreciation for our multi-layered city.
• We are lifelong learners; committed to sharing thoughtful storytelling through the exploration of our city’s past and present.
• We are dedicated to rigorous and thorough research that creates meaningful, engaging, and entertaining experiences.
• We seek to uncover untold stories, encourage new perspectives about the city of Boston, and ignite continued exploration.

Become a member, Book a private tour, or make a donation

Membership comes with benefits including admission to most walking tours, admission to all virtual programming, exclusive member previews, & more.

Private tours are available upon request for groups of up to 15 people. We’re happy to work with you to find the date, time, and tour that works best for you.

Boston By Foot, Inc. is a non-profit organization, exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code.

Fights for Independence

Birth of America

Freedom Trail® Boston

Every step tells a story.

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.

Explore Tours

Walk into history®.

The Freedom Trail Foundation's most popular tour highlights the revolutionary history that took place at 11 of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites.

Tour Schedule

Daily, 10 am, 11 am,  12 noon, 1 pm  (plus 2 pm Sat. & Sun.) Purchase Tickets  

North End Tours highlight official Freedom Trail historic sites such as Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and other historic places in Boston’s oldest neighborhood.  

Starting May 4 Saturdays  1:30 pm, 2:30 pm Sundays 1:30 pm

Private & Custom

All Freedom Trail tours led by 18 th -century costumed guides are excellent for families, school field trips, corporate team building, incentives, and convention activities. These tours can be customized to fit your group's schedule and are available year round. 

Photos from the Trail

What People Are Saying

Yelp review.

The Freedom Trail is one of the iconic touristy things to do in Boston, and there's a reason for that. I did the full trail many, many years ago but decided to go with this shorter, more compact trail with our family. The 1.5 hour length is the right duration for kids, and our guide, Jeremiah Poope (his actual last name!), kept it interesting the entire time. He has been a tour guide in Boston for many years, and he had a ton of interesting stories and facts beyond the typical revolutionary war factoids.

Email Review

We had a wonderful time and your guides were wonderful. They were energetic, informed, and brought history to life. Thank you once again!

TripAdvisor Review

We only had 1 day to explore downtown Boston, and this tour was a great way to see several different sites, learn about history, and get a bit of walking in. We were a few minutes late for the start of the 1pm tour but easily able to catch up and join in.. Our tour guide was fantastic! One member of my group uses a wheelchair, and the guide was great about leading the WHOLE tour through accessible entrances to sites and to sidewalks with curb cuts so that all of us could participate without feeling singled out.

Great tour with Isaiah Thomas! Great local guide who was very engaging and a walking encyclopedia of Boston history. It was a nice 1.5 hr walking tour hitting most of the south end Freedom Trail points of interest. For the money, it’s hard to beat!

The Freedom Trail Walking tour presents full of historic knowledge and our guide, Parker, provides us the best experience for this amazing learning adventure. That is to say, in this tour you can also learn about the myth and the truth of the history we learned from our textbooks. I would recommend anyone who visit Boston and is interested in learning history or simply just want to listen to funny stories

Freedom Trail Preservation

Boston's iconic 2.5 mile-Freedom Trail connects 16 nationally significant historic sites, each one an authentic treasure. Thanks to preservation efforts, these cultural assets are still intact, which makes Boston truly unique as one of the few places in America to experience the actual sites and learn the history they tell while walking through modern city streets.

Huzzah! Welcome to Boston’s Top Walking Tour!

Walk & Talk Boston’s tour of The Complete Freedom Trail is designed to be unique, fun and informative. You will always be led by a highly experienced guide who can not only share the story of the origin of the American Revolution, but expand and explore new subjects when you want to ask questions that are not part of the tour. The Freedom Trail connects sixteen historic locations in Boston, and your guide will tell the story of the people and events that propelled Colonists to war with the most powerful nation in the world.

My Complete Freedom Trail tour is the most highly rated tour that visits Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution!

My tours are not: Crowded! (I set a maximum of 16 guests.) Not costumed! I never thought wearing period clothing enhanced the narrative. I do not tell bad jokes. You might get a laugh here and there, but never at the expense of the men and women who built our city and nation.

My tours are: focused on making every tour the “best ever” and a highlight of your time in Boston.

We were brand new in 2022!  I had a wonderful inaugural first season and fantastic year in 2023 with many sold-out tours and 1400 guest from around the US and the world. I can’t wait for Spring 2024 to hit the streets again with you, my curious and enthusiastic visitors!

Check out the About page for more. And then check out the Complete Freedon Trail tour!

Big News! (Well, big for me!) My little company earned the Viator/TripAdvisor Badge of Excellence . So, yes, I’m the new tour in town, but no one has better reviews! Just look! 

Welcome! You've found Boston’s best Freedom Trail tour!

Did you know this is the only tour that actually visits all stops on the freedom trail.

Tour Description: Complete Freedom Trail

Revolutionary Story

Story: Forgotten Heros of the Revolution

James Otis & Dr. Warren

Story: Women of the Revolution

Story: Washington's Unlikely Champion

General Henry Knox

Boston Blog — What’s On Our Mind!

The uss constitution’s sister ships.

by markwalkandtalk | Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized

If you happen to take our "Complete Freedom Trail" tour, we end at the most famous warship in the world, the USS Constitution. She's over 220 years old and remains a commissioned ship in the US Navy. One of the fun things about leading people on tour is that I'll get...

From an Angry Speech to Death on the Battlefield: The Final Days of Dr. Joseph Warren

by markwalkandtalk | Aug 16, 2021 | Uncategorized

There’s an overlooked series of events that had they unfolded differently, may have changed the course of the American Revolution.  Samuel Adams used every anniversary of the Boston Massacre to remind patriots of the tyranny of the British government. The fifth...

Where Should We Stay When Visiting Boston?

by markwalkandtalk | Aug 21, 2020 | Uncategorized

It’s a Small, Walkable Town Boston is compact and getting around without a car is pretty easy. Almost all of the major attractions in Boston would fit inside the same area as New York’s Central Park. As long as you stay in or near the city center, the highlighted...

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Walking Tours in Boston

There are few cities in the US with so much to see as Boston. It helps that Boston is a compact city, and you can easily walk from highlight to highlight, often quicker than taking transit or taxis. Explore Boston on a walking tour (or on a bike), and take in highlights such as Fenway Park, Back Bay, a walk along the Charles River to MIT or Harvard, the Freedom Trail or a great Italian meal in North End, Boston’s Little Italy.

Our list of the best walks in Boston has a bit of everything, from history and culture (past and current), to food, fun, and general site seeing. Each walk can be a short wander through a few neighborhoods or be turned into a whole day out, depending on how many stops you want to make. One of the best parts about each of these walks is that they can be done solo, as a group, as a pair, or with kids. So whatever your Boston trip looks like, we have got the perfect routes to see the city!

THE TOP 10 WALKS IN BOSTON

• Fens and Back Bay ( 6.3 km , 23 m , 1.5-2h): This action-packed Boston walk will explore Greenery of The Fens and the Brownstones of the Back Bay, two of Boston's best neighborhoods. The walk stops at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), The Fens, Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, Newbury Street, and Copley Square before finishing at the impressive Christian Science Church.
• Financial District to Theatre District ( 5.2 km , 32 m , 1.5-2h): Starting at the waterfront, venture into Boston's financial district - the nerve center of the downtown. Don’t let the name confuse you though, there are many must-see historical and fun stops in the area! After walking the financial district, head to the lively Theatre District. Filled with great restaurants and bars as well as a variety of shows, and of course historically significant buildings housing them all - this makes for a great afternoon into evening walk!
• Freedom Trail ( 6.7 km , 71 m , 1.5-2h):The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s most popular walks. Follow the signed route throughout this historic city to the sites that were most instrumental in the American Revolution.
• City Hall to North End ( 3.3 km , 15 m , 1.5-2h): This short but action-packed Boston walking tour shows off a huge number of Boston’s Historical Attractions. The bulk of Boston’s historical sites and tourist destinations are located around Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End. This area is flooded with culture, great restaurants, interesting shops, and sites dating back to the beginning of America.
• Harvard to MIT ( 8.5 km , 10 m , 2-2.5h): Both Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology call Cambridge, home, making this an exciting walk to explore these centers of education. Harvard and MIT both have their own interesting landmarks and attractions that are well worth a visit.
• Emerald Necklace ( 14.6 km , 62 m , 3.5-4h): Explore the greenery of Boston with a long walk along the Muddy River and Boston’s best gardens and parks. The Emerald Necklace is a series of green spaces meandering from Dorchester to Back Bay, providing an escape into nature while remaining in the city.
• Charles River Walk ( 5.7 km , 13 m , 1.5-2h): One of the most scenic features of Boston is the Charles River. Walking alongside the river is the best way to see incredible views of both Cambridge and Boston, depending what side you’re on. This walk will take you by some of those perfect spots, as well as highlighting key sites on the campuses that sit beside the river- Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University.
• MIT to Beacon Hill ( 6.1 km , 46 m , 1.5-2h): This great walk in Boston starts at MIT and then follows the Charles River to beautiful and historic Beacon Hill. This is a great walk in Boston, with great views.
• Foodie Walking Tour of Boston ( 8.6 km , 11 m , 2-2.5h): Boston has a lot of amazing restaurants to choose from, and for this foodie walking tour in particular, you’re going to want to make sure you start with an appetite because these are some of the best the city has to offer!
• Boston Harbor Walk ( 6.3 km , 44 m , 1.5-2h): Boston’s Harbor walk is a great way to spend the day, mixing in the many wharves along the waterfront and the attractions that are near them.

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Best Walking Tours in Boston

Fens and back bay.

This action-packed Boston walking Tour will show you some of the best of Boston. Explore the Greenery of The Fens and the Brownstones of the Back Bay, two of Boston's best neighborhoods. The walk stops at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), The Fens, Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, Newbury Street, and Copley Square before finishing at the impressive Christian Science Church.

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Financial district to theatre district.

This Boston walking tour will allow you to explore the waterfront and Boston’s Financial District. Don’t let the name confuse you though, there are many must-see historical and fun stops in the area! After time walking through the Financial District head to the more-lively Theatre District. Filled with great restaurants and bars as well as a variety of shows, and of course historically significant buildings housing them all - this makes for a great afternoon into evening walk!

Freedom Trail

The best walk in Boston for history lovers, The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s most popular walks. Follow the painted red line on the ground throughout this historic Boston walking tour and see the sites that were most instrumental in the American Revolution.

City Hall to North End

This short Boston walking tour shows off a huge number of Boston’s historical attractions. The bulk of Boston’s historical sites and tourist destinations are located around Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End. This area is flooded with culture, great restaurants, interesting shops, and sites dating back to the beginning of America.

Harvard to MIT

This Boston walking tour takes you to adjacent Cambridge, famous for Harvard Business School, Harvard University and MIT. This is an interesting area to explore, and it’s best done by walking. Across the Charles River is Boston, known for its rich history and cultural attractions, but Boston’s sites should not overshadow the ones across the river. Harvard and MIT both have their own interesting landmarks and attractions that are well worth a visit.

Emerald Necklace Walk

This wonderful Boston walk tour allows you to explore the greenery of Boston with a long walk along the Muddy River and Boston’s best gardens and parks. Known locally as ‘The Emerald Necklace’, this walk goes through a series of green spaces meandering from Dorchester to Back Bay, providing an escape into nature while remaining in the city.

Charles River Walk

This Boston walking tour takes in one of the most scenic features in Boston - the Charles River. Walking alongside the Charles is the best way to see incredible views of both Cambridge and Boston depending what side you’re on. This walk will take you by some of those perfect spots, as well as highlighting key sites on the campuses that sit beside the river - Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University.

MIT to Beacon Hill

This is another great Boston walking tour for lovers of American History. Boston is well-known for being a historic city and most associate it with the Revolutionary War and the founding of America. When you dig deeper, though, you’ll find that Boston is really a city that has mastered the fusion of new with old. Especially with MIT making its home just across the Charles River in Cambridge, Boston has been filled with modern elements that are just as exciting as those rich with history.

Foodie Walking Tour of Boston

The best way to explore a city is with food. This foodie walking tour of Boston will take you to a number of amazing restaurants to show you the best of Boston’s culinary scene. For this foodie walking tour in particular, you’re going to want to make sure you start with an appetite because these are some of the best the city has to offer!

Boston Harborwalk

Boston’s harbor walk is a great way to spend the day, mixing in the many wharves along the waterfront and the attractions that are near them. This is a great walk to explore Boston’s maritime history.

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PhotoWalks Named One of the 10 Best Boston Walking Tours!

We explore areas from a historical standpoint on the famous Freedom Trail tour and the charming, scenic neighborhoods of the city on the Beacon Hill , Highlights of Boston , Boston’s Architectural Landmarks and North End tours.

I’m often asked what’s the best part of my job. Without hesitation, I say meeting wonderful people on my tours. The many  memorable adventures with my clients are unforgettable and I have just as much fun as they do on a PhotoWalks Tour! I truly enjoy teaching people of all ages and skill levels how to capture creative pictures that eventually result in timeless souvenirs of their Boston walking tour experience. We meet as strangers at the beginning of a tour and within two hours form a treasured bond. Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye to one another at the end of a tour…

For 20 years, PhotoWalks has been the first and only photography and history walking tour in Boston. All the city walks operate year-round and include fascinating and insightful commentary of must-see attractions as well as inspiring photo tips. Join us on a fun and eye-opening experience in one of the most beautiful cities in America!

Chronicle , the award-winning TV newsmagazine program in Boston, featured PhotoWalks twice, most recently in this  vid eo clip .

New: Big Savings from March to April 30, 2024 on our Most Popular Freedom Trail Tour! Learn more

Boston Walking Tours with Ben Edwards

Private tours for groups and families.

Private tour guide Ben Edwards, a relative of Paul Revere, offers Boston’s Best customized Freedom Trail walking tour! Ben’s tour is FUN and Educational.

Working with Ben is the ideal choice if you:

• Seek insider secrets and advice from a Boston tour guide who can introduce you to the very best the city has to offer.
• Wish to experience historic Boston like a celebrity and delight in being entertained.
• Desire more than history and appreciate surprises along the way.
• Are intrigued by the opportunity to hold and read rare documents and original colonial newspapers from Ben’s personal collection.
• Value the unique chance to see Boston with a relative of Paul Revere—a highly experienced guide whose ancestors walked the same cobblestone streets as Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.
• Enjoy the bonus of receiving Ben’s children’s book about the beginning of the American Revolution in print, eBook, and MP3 audio formats.

“I cannot imagine a more wonderful tour and a more perfect guide! The walk really does take one to all the great sites. And Ben’s knowledge of people, places, events and dates is absolutely incomparable.”

“Ben is careful to detail, passionate, and knowledgeable of accurate history. And he is fun and personable. All of the characteristics that make a unique and exceptional experience!”

“Wow! If you want a true historical perspective and a fun and entertaining way to see Boston, this is by far the best tour of Boston you can take!”

The 20th Anniversary Edition of One April in Boston

Learn the real story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride in a tale that teaches American history, the power of imagination, and the value of goal setting.

Ben’s children’s book, based on the lives of his Boston ancestors, was written after six years of extensive research. Fully illustrated, 256 pages. Revised in 2024.

Available from the author and at the Paul Revere House, King’s Chapel, and Old North Church – all copies are donated. Tour groups get the print and audiobook versions for free.

Boston Walking Tours with Ben Edwards—What You’ll Experience

On a Walking Boston private guided walking tour, you’ll experience the Freedom Trail sites in Boston in a fun and unique way. Ben Edwards will keep you fully engaged with his lively and animated storytelling and through a history trivia contest that’s sure to bring out the competitive nature in members of your group or family. You’ll appreciate Ben’s endless knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humor.

Along the tour route Ben carries a backpack of treasures including rare documents and historic newspapers and lets you hold history in your hands. Bringing Boston history to life in this fashion is something no other tour delivers . You’ll also see hidden spots that other Boston walking tours miss.

Your private tour group (on tour option 3) will have the opportunity to stop at Parker’s Restaurant in the historic and haunted Omni Parker House Hotel. Here you can purchase and enjoy Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls as Ben transports you back in time through his collection of rare Parker House memorabilia.

Along the route you’ll go inside King’s Chapel, Faneuil Hall, and 3 historic burying grounds. P articipants in tour options 2 and 3 can visit inside the Paul Revere House and Old North Church while option 3 participants can also visit inside Old South Meeting House and the Old State House. Option 3 includes time for a lunch break at Union Oyster House along the Freedom Trail—America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant established in 1826.

Ben’s Boston walking tours are customized to the specific needs of your group or family and are ideal for all ages. You won’t find a tour guide in Boston better at keeping children interested and engaged than Ben. Since 2004 he has worked with thousands of students, a large number of groups and families from across the United States, and visitors from around the globe.

Walking Boston Lets You Hold History In Your Hands

A paul revere connection captured ben’s imagination  .

The unequaled passion Ben Edwards has for Boston is evident from the moment you meet him. It’s one of the things that makes his private guided walking tour unlike any other in the city. With Ben, you’ll walk the same streets that four generations of his ancestors did and even pass the spot where their home once stood before, during, and after the American Revolution.

The Edwards family connection to Paul Revere and the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” have captured Ben’s imagination since childhood. They inspired him to learn more about the patriot and Boston history and even write an educational and inspirational children’s book on the subject. On a walking tour of Boston with Ben Edwards you’ll learn the real story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride and hear tales about Revere, his family, and his many business ventures that you won’t get on ANY other tour. You’ll even receive a wonderful MP3 audio of Longfellow’s famous poem and get a FIRST LOOK at the paintings that will appear in the upcoming book Paul Revere’s Ride: An Illustrated History by Cortney Skinner.

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The Perfect Walking Tours of Boston With Food and Drinks Along the Way

Boston ’s manageable size has always made it one of the most walkable cities in America. The famous 1990s Big Dig project, which sank the city’s major highways underground and replaced them with pedestrian greenways, has made it even friendlier for those on foot.

The following three journeys will take you along some of Boston ’s most essential walking routes. Any of them can be done separately on low-key afternoons, or connect all three to get your steps in for the week and see everything the city has to offer.

Walk one: Brownstones and Green Monsters

This 2.5-mile (four-kilometer) walk will take you through some of Boston’s cultural high points – from the hip and historic South End and the Museum of Fine Arts to Fenway Park.

Start at South End Buttery , and grab a coffee and a croissant while you lace up your walking shoes. Sip your coffee as you take a lap around the block, stopping into PATCH NYC and Lekker Home – two of Boston’s best interior-design shops – to get a sense of the South End’s hip and high-ticket aesthetic.

Brownstone browsing

Now head up tree-lined Union Park Street towards Tremont Street, which will take you through a leafy neighborhood lined with immaculate (and expensive) brownstones. Hang a left on Tremont Street and give yourself some time to meander through dozens of independent shops on this stretch, including SAULT New England for sharp men’s clothing. Feel free to zigzag around the sidestreets here – you’ll get a feel for the historical charm and catch a glimpse of some modern construction straight out of Dwell magazine.

The Pond at the Pru

Eventually, take a right on West Newton Street to head towards the Christian Science Plaza, an IM Pei-designed public space that surrounds the headquarters of the Christian Science church next to the Prudential Center. The long reflecting pool is an impressive counterpoint to the towering skyscrapers that crowd the skyline just behind it.

Best secrets in the Back Bay

From here, cut through the plaza and hang a right on Massachusetts Avenue. Whether you’re a sneakerhead or not, it’s worth popping into Bodega . Behind a false soda machine in this unassuming convenience store hides a high-concept streetwear shop specializing in limited-edition Nikes and other gear. If you’re hungry, grab some authentic Thai and Vietnamese food across the street at Pho Basil . This place will have a line out the door by 5pm, so it’s best to go early.

Trees in the Fens and art at the MFA

Having caught your second wind, walk through the lush Back Bay Fens to the Museum of Fine Arts . While its world-class permanent collection shines, the museum’s multimedia special exhibitions have recently taken it to another level.

Fenway franks at Fenway Park

By now, you’re feeling sufficiently highbrow, but don’t forget that Boston is also a sports town. Even if you don’t know Mookie Betts from Mo Vaughn, it’s hard not to feel chills the first time you see the famous green walls of Fenway Park rising above Kenmore Square. A Red Sox game is one of the great experiences in Boston – you can typically snag affordable tickets on the day of a game on the secondary market. For dinner, grab yourself a Fenway Frank (vegetarian available) and an ice-cold beer, and embrace America’s pastime.

Walk two: Boston’s green spaces

This three-mile (4.8-kilometer) walk will take you through Boston’s renowned parks, from Fenway to the Charles River Esplanade. And don’t worry if you’re not an Eagle Scout; there’s time to stop for a breakfast sandwich and a beer along the way.

Stroll around Fenway

Even during the off-season, Fenway Park is a sight to see. You can schedule a tour of the ballpark during quiet times or just walk around. Take a couple of photos near the Green Monster, and grab some Sox souvenirs for the Yankees fans in your life. Then hop on Ipswich Street, which acts as a concourse between Fenway and the Back Bay neighborhood.

Grub and tunes

Morning or afternoon, visit Pavement Coffeehouse for its in-house roasted coffee, and stay for its home-made bagels. Treat yourself to Pavement’s flagship ‘Sunrise’ breakfast sandwich, available with bacon, sausage or tempeh. As you exit, be on the lookout for street musicians (buskers) – you’re right in the middle of Berklee College of Music. St Vincent, Passion Pit, John Mayer, Gillian Welch and Rivers Cuomo all studied music here, so you never know which future rock star you might see.

Trendy Newbury and greenery on Commonwealth Avenue

Head over to Newbury Street to check out Boston’s premier shopping strip. Trident Booksellers and Café is a great place to browse for the perfect novel, and Newbury Comics has an excellent selection of vinyl LPs in its basement.

Once you’ve tired of navigating the crowds of shoppers, cut over to Commonwealth Avenue, Boston’s most stately avenue and the perfect counterpoint to the bustle of Newbury Street. Here, you’ll find a pedestrian-only, tree-lined mall (a walking mall, not shopping mall) stretching to Boston Common. Along the way, you’ll find monuments to Boston’s unsung heroes, from abolitionists to firefighters, educators to suffragists. If you’re in the city during the spring or autumn, be ready for an abundance of blossoms or fiery leaves.

Pause at the Public Garden

At the end of the mall, you’ll find yourself at the bronzed feet of George Washington, or rather his horse, which stands at the entrance to the Boston Public Garden . These European-style gardens are immaculately maintained, considering the volume of people who pour through every day. The scenery here – manicured flowers and greenery surrounded by modern skyscrapers – is worth a trip alone, but many people visit to ride the Swan Boats. If you want to skip the ride, opt for a photo from the footbridge.

Historic Beacon Hill

For more quintessential Boston photo ops, cut through Boston Common to the picturesque Beacon Hill neighborhood. Head up Charles Street past the shops and pubs and go to Louisburg Square, whose red-brick row houses will make you feel as though you’re living in Revolutionary-era Boston.

River views on the Esplanade

Cross the footbridge at the end of Charles Street to go to the Charles River Esplanade, a stretch of parkland that runs alongside the Charles River, which separates Cambridge from Boston. If all this walking has made you thirsty, you’re in luck. The Owl’s Nest beer garden (run by Boston craft-beer juggernaut Night Shift) serves ice-cold IPAs, saisons and other refreshments right on the river from May through September.

Walk the bridge to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

For a fun side trip, cross over the Longfellow Bridge, which connects Boston to Cambridge. About halfway across the bridge, turn to your left for a postcard view of Boston, with the river in the foreground and the city’s skyline in the background. Just over the bridge, you’ll be standing on the MIT campus. Its mix of modern buildings is a purposeful counterpoint to Harvard’s red-brick traditionalism, with no better illustration than the Stata Center, Frank Gehry’s trippy academic building.

Walk three: Beyond the Freedom Trail

This three-mile (4.8-kilometer) walk will take you through the touristic heart of Boston along the Freedom Trail and North End, ending at an 18th-century pub where George Washington and Paul Revere got their drink on.

Towers and tombstones

Start at Boston Common, the city’s central park, grabbing a coffee or tea for your journey at Thinking Cup . Look for the towering steeple of Park Street Church and head in its direction on Tremont Street, passing the Granary Burial Ground where many Revolutionary War luminaries, from Paul Revere to Samuel Adams, are buried. On your right, you’ll see the Omni Parker House, where JFK is said to have proposed to Jackie Bouvier back in the day.

Civic fights and civil rights

Hang a right on School Street and a left on Washington Street to approach the Old State House. This red-brick beauty is one of the oldest buildings in the US and the site of many formative events for the city and country, including the Boston Massacre. Cross the street to Boston’s City Hall Plaza and high-five the statue of Bill Russell, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and peerless NBA legend who brought home 11 championships with the Celtics. As you descend the steps from City Hall Plaza and cross the street, pause for a moment at the moving New England Holocaust Memorial.

Traditional and local foods

By this point, you may be ready for a break from the historic sites. If you’d rather skip eating at the quaint but touristy Union Oyster House and Faneuil Hall Food Market, go to Boston Public Market instead. Here, you’ll find an array of artisanal food kiosks from around the state, including coffee, donuts, pastrami sandwiches and banh mi.

Walk off your lunch with a stroll along Boston Harbor on the gorgeous Harborwalk. This waterfront trail runs for 47 miles (76 kilometers) along the Massachusetts waterfront. From the Public Market, take Hanover Street towards Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park – some of the best views are at the ends of the piers here. If your time is limited, make sure to walk around the perimeter of the New England Aquarium (no admission required), where you’ll have incredible harbor views, as well as views of the aquarium’s resident seals.

History and cannoli for dessert

The next stretch will take you through Boston’s historic North End, legendary for the multitude of homey Italian restaurants and cafés lining Hanover Street. Mike’s Pastry attracts the crowds, but Caffé Vittoria next door has a better ambience for a mid-afternoon pastry or coffee. Follow Hanover Street until you see the Paul Revere statue on your left – cut through this park and have a look at the Old North Church, where the whole “one if by land, two if by sea” scenario supposedly went down.

Celebrate the Revolution with a beer

Walking over the Washington Street footbridge will give you time to brush up on your bad Boston accent because you’re heading to Charlestown, a favored movie backdrop for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Give yourself some time to walk around the piers of the Charlestown Navy Yard, a decommissioned naval base with great harbor views and moored wooden battleships. Pass by the Bunker Hill Monument, this neighborhood’s talisman, on your way to a much-deserved pint at the atmospheric 18th-century pub The Warren Tavern .

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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The 10 Best Freedom Trail Tours in Boston

Explore the history of the original New England patriots.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

A Freedom Trail Foundation tour guide in Boston Common. / Photo provided by Freedom Trail® Foundation

Whether you’re a Boston local or a tourist here for the weekend, you’re probably familiar with the red-brick road of the Freedom Trail, a quintessential landmark as recognizable as our beloved Citgo sign. But unlike Kenmore’s iconic sign, there’s no debate over the historical significance of the Freedom Trail. With 16 sites over 2.5 miles, stretching from Boston Common to Charlestown, the Freedom Trail paints a picture of the American Revolution, and the vital role our city played in the nation’s independence. Next time you’re looking to revisit the roots of our city, check out one of these tours to find the experience that works best for you.

Boston By Foot Heart of the Freedom Trail

Dust off your U.S history knowledge in a 90-minute, 0.7-mile tour of downtown Boston’s most famous landmarks from the nation’s path to independence. From Faneuil Hall to the first public school in America, you’ll be guided through the stomping grounds of the original New England patriots.

$8-$15, Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org .

Boston By Foot: Boston By Little Feet

Described as a “child’s-eye view” of the Freedom Trail, this condensed version of their Heart of the Freedom Trail tour is designed specifically for children ages 6-12. Covering 0.7 miles and 10 historic spots in 60 minutes, the Boston By Little Feet tour is built to pack the city’s history into shorter attention spans.

$10-$12, Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org .

Boston Duck Tours

The duck boats are as iconic as Boston itself, so why not use these semi-aquatic vehicles to tour the city? On any Duck Tour, you can see Freedom Trails sites like the Granary Burying Ground, Boston Common, and Faneuil Hall, as well as slightly more modern landmarks, like Cheers. Plus, you can receive discounts at the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, shops, and restaurants with your ticket.

$10.50-$42.99, 9 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset, Prudential Center, 53 Huntington Ave., Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com .

Free Tours By Foot Freedom Trail Tour

With Free Tours by Foot, you name your price. This 2-hour, 1-mile tour of Freedom Trail sites including the Old Corner Bookstore, Park Street Church, and Boston Common tells an “epic story of Boston’s rise and America’s birth.” And at the end, the price is up to you.

April to June, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday at 10:30 a.m., June 20-Labor Day, everyday at 10:30 a.m., Labor Day to November, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday at 10:30 a.m., November-April, weekends at 10:30 a.m., Park Street T Station, Boston, 617-299-0764, freetoursbyfoot.com .

Lessons on Liberty Freedom Trail Walking Tour

With tours conducted by classically trained historians, Lessons on Liberty promises to be “Boston’s most historically accurate tour,” providing “little known facts and details” about colonial Boston’s landmark events, from the Stamp Act to the Boston Tea Party. If you’re craving an even more authentic experience to transport you back in time, visit Lessons on Liberty founder Gary Gregory’s colonial print shop, The Printing Office of Edes & Gill .

$8-$14.95, Boston Common Visitors Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 857-205-1775, lessonsonliberty.com .

Old Town Trolley Tours Trolley and Freedom Trail Package

If you’re looking to get the most out of a day spent sight-seeing in Boston, consider bundling a walk of the Freedom Trail with a trolley tour of the entire city. With Old Town Trolley Tours Trolley and Freedom Trail Package, you can experience a narrated hop-on, hop-off ride from the Pru to the waterfront and a 90-minute walking tour of the Freedom Trail. As a bonus, your ticket grants you free admission to the Old State House Museum and Boston’s Dreamland Wax Museum.

$25.46-$54, Old Town Trolley Tours, November-March 9 a.m.-4 p.m., April-October 9 a.m.-5 p.m., A Walk Into History Tour, daily tours at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 200 Atlantic Ave., Boston, 855-396-7433, trolleytours.com .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Walk Into History

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll see 11 out of 16 official Freedom Trail sites, including Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, and the Granary Burying Ground, where you can visit the graves of noteworthy Revolutionary figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

$7-$14, daily tours at 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s African American Patriots

Gain a perspective on the American Revolution that your history classes might have missed through a tour that delves into the stories of African-American patriots in Boston. With discussion of notable figures like Crispus Attucks, Prince Hall, and Peter Salem, the Freedom Trail Foundation sheds light on the often lesser-known histories.

$8-$14, February, select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Lantern Tour

Explore the darker side of Boston’s history guided by a costumed Freedom Trail Player and the eerie glow of lantern light. You’ll hear stories of murders, assassins, and witch trials while visiting Freedom Trail locales like King’s Chapel Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre site. Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older.

$8-$14, September-October, select Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., ArtsBoston Booth, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Revolutionary Women

This Freedom Trail tour is all about the women behind the Revolution, and the ladies who followed in their forward-thinking footsteps. Covering the same 11 sites as the Walk Into History tour, Revolutionary Women shifts the focus to tell the stories of female game-changers like Abigail Adams, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Susan B. Anthony.

$8-$14, March, select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

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See our Calendar Below for All Tours, as well as Things to Do & Travel Tips

Featured tours.

Freedom Trail

Freedom trail highlights.

• Boston Common
• Massachusetts State House
• Park Street Church
• Granary Burying Ground
• King's Chapel
• Old South Meeting House
• Old Corner Bookstore
• Old State House
• Boston Massacre Site
• Faneuil Hall
• and much more!

The Story of Boston (Along the Freedom Trail)

The story of boston (along the freedom trail) highlights.

• Kennedys Love Nest
• Rough Old Scollay Square
• The growth of the Irish, and other diverse ethnic groups as the all-important Newspaper Row and much more!
• This is a different, fascinating walk through historical Boston you will not want to miss.

Beacon Hill Crime

Beacon hill crime highlights.

Free Tours by Foot offers walking tours and travel tips for your trip to Boston (and other cities).

Our expert guides share their knowledge about Boston, Harvard, Cambridge and more on our guided tours and offer local travel advice for the top things to do, how to get tickets, and what to do in Boston tonight.

WALKING TOURS IN BOSTON

Free Tours by Foot is pleased to present the best free, self-guided and name-your-own-price guided Boston tours .

These interesting and informative sightseeing city tours will take you through many of Boston's most famous neighborhoods.

Our guided tours are led by expert city guides who can help you plan your best trip. From the best places to visit in Boston to the most fun Boston attractions.

There is no charge to take our tours, meaning you may pay what you feel the tour was worth after the tour is completed. This ensures that your tour guide must strive to give his or her best on every tour.

Name-your-own-price Boston tours are tours for everybody's budget and we're one of the best things to do in Boston .

Tour Calendar

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SELF-GUIDED BOSTON WALKING TOURS

We know that sometimes our schedule doesn't fit into yours. Here for a day trip or a short weekend in Boston?

Our self-guided Boston tours allow you to see what we think are the most important places to visit in Boston on your own time.

We also offer audio tours .

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Good Housekeeping

The 10 Best Cities For Walking

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

Even though putting one foot in front of the other is the easiest form of exercise there is, it's still hard to find the motivation to bypass the car and head out on foot in your everyday life. But with a couple of tools—including a visit to Walkscore.com which grades cities and neighborhoods on the ease of finding entertainment or provisions on foot, and Prevention.com's at-a-glance guide to the attractions that you'd never notice on a drive—you can get (ahem) one step closer to a more exciting pedestrian lifestyle. The closer a city on this list scores to 100, the better the walkability.

Whether you're in the market for a new 'hood or planning a trip, you can take advantage of these 10 cities where pedestrians give wheels a run for their money. Read on to learn what makes these metro areas walker-friendly.

MORE: 7 Incredible Results You'll Get From Walking 30 Minutes A Day

10. Long Beach, CA

Walk score: 69.9

Long Beach has numerous business and shopping districts, as well as parks and waterfront areas that are pedestrian-friendly. Take Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath, for example, the 4-mile trail has gorgeous views of the water and is perfect for trying any of these

9. Oakland, CA

Walk score: 72.0

8. Seattle, WA

Walk score: 73.1

You know you're in a pedi-friendly city when the municipal government publishes a Seattle Walking Map , making it clear that creating a greener environment and a healthier population is a top priority. From the historic district surrounding Pike Place Market to the shops and eateries in Fremont, there are loads of places to explore on foot in picturesque Seattle. Other attractions include the Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park, the Myrtle Edwards Park, Elliott Bay Park, and the Graham Arboretum.

7. Washington, D.C.

Walk score: 77.3

Between D.C.’s National Mall, the Smithsonian, and the blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, there are countless places to sneak in some steps in our nation’s capital.

6. Chicago, IL

Walk score: 77.8

From The Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, anyone who's lived in the Windy City knows it's a walker's dream. First-time visitor? Check out the Chicago Greeter program for a free guided walking tour. You'll meet a Chamber of Commerce sponsored local for a free guided tour of a neighborhood.

5. Philadelphia, PA

Walk score: 79.2

Philly is so committed to keeping pedestrians safe that its Center City district boasts the largest comprehensive pedestrian sign system in North America. The city also has more than 10,000 acres of pedestrian-friendly parks.

4. Miami, FL

This oceanfront city is a flat belly factory—whether you choose to walk on the beach, or burn off the yummy lunch you enjoyed on pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road.

3. Boston, MA

Walk Score: 80.9

While the Freedom Trail has long been a way to stay fit while learning about the birth of our nation, Boston has seriously stepped up its efforts to create a citywide walker's paradise. To wit, WalkBoston —an initiative to make the city safer, easier to navigate on foot, greener, and more community-based, which they do by encouraging businesses and individuals to create a pro-walking atmosphere. They also offer awards to businesses that create inviting parks and seating areas, or individuals who advocate for increased pedestrian safety measures. WalkBoston's initiatives create a sort of universal access—with more than just a nod to citywide mobility for individuals of all incomes and abilities.

2. San Francisco, CA

Walk Score: 86.0

Hilly reputation notwithstanding, the city has serious walking cred in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Financial District. San Francisco has also just launched a city-sponsored program called WalkFirst , which works to improve pedestrian safety and walking conditions with sidewalk buffers, revamped intersections, and better lighting in key pedestrian areas citywide. Walk San Francisco , an advocacy group that promotes pedestrian activity and safety, offers group walks as well.

New York, NY

Walk Score: 89.2

New Yorkers have long used their own two feet to book it around town. But recent pedestrian-friendly enhancements all over the city have considerably upped how pleasant that experience can be. Two favorites: The High Line—which transformed 1.45 miles of long-neglected elevated freight train tracks into a birds-eye-view promenade above the shore of the Hudson River—and a more walkable Times Square.

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3 of the best places south of Boston where walking is great and views are beautiful

When you're ready to spend a few hours or more walking outdoors and enjoying the scenery, it helps to be able to have a hassle-free start.

Gail McGrath, of Pembroke, has a few tips. She looks for parks or conservation areas that are free to enter, easy to access and have enough parking.

McGrath, a retired teacher, is a leader with the nonprofit organization Nordic Walking United . She's grew up in Quincy and has seen what the South Shore has to offer in local walking and hiking trails with some good views.

"There are so many beautiful places to walk on the South Shore," she said.

Here are three of the best South Shore places that offer trails for walking and beautiful views.

Blue Hills Reservation, Quincy, Milton, Randolph  

Over 7,000 acres and 125 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph. Houghton's Pond for swimming and fishing. Department of Conservation and Recreation. You get both big and more focused views. Great Blue Hill, at 635 feet, is the highest of the 22 hills in the Blue Hills chain. 695 Hillside St. 617-698-1802.

World's End, Hingham

251 acres on a peninsula bordered by the Weir River and Hingham Harbor. Trek along Frederick Law Olmsted-designed carriage paths over rolling hills and rocky shorelines, and discover sweeping views of the Boston skyline. At the end of Martin's Lane in Hingham. 781-740-7233.

Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth  

Easy walking trails with scenic views of Boston's harbor and skyline on a grassy peninsula between Weymouth’s Back and Fore rivers extending half a mile into Hingham Bay. This state park is the only mainland portion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. 361 River St. 781-337-8264. Great Esker Park is also nearby.