THE 10 BEST Boston Tours & Excursions

Boston tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Sightseeing 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
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  • 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.

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

2. Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

5. Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

7. Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

downtown boston tour

8. Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

downtown boston tour

9. Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

downtown boston tour

10. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

downtown boston tour

11. Tour of Boston and Quincy: History and Fun

downtown boston tour

12. Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

14. Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour

downtown boston tour

15. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

downtown boston tour

16. View Boston Observation Deck Admission Tickets

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

18. Boston Seafood Lovers Adventure

downtown boston tour

19. 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option

downtown boston tour

20. Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

downtown boston tour

21. Boston Signature Dinner Cruise

downtown boston tour

22. Private Tour of Lexington, Concord, and Boston

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

25. Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

downtown boston tour

26. Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

downtown boston tour

27. Walking Tour Downtown Freedom Trail + Beacon Hill & Copley Square

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28. Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

downtown boston tour

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

downtown boston tour

30. New York City Day Trip from Boston

What travelers are saying.

  • Kay Washington DC, DC 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Can't wait to come back! Great tours at a great price, we had a lot of fun with our experience but our favorite drivers were definitely Hummer and Lurch, they were excellent! We actually had Lurch a second time later on when the traffic was absolutely horrific and bumper to bumper- he kept us in hysterics the whole time we were with him between his comedy and singing! Read more Review of: Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops Written April 23, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marcy K 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour and guide were fascinating! Had a great time and a great guide! Gianna was amazing and so passionate about the rich history of Boston! Learning about all the conflict and key players leading up to revolutionary war was better than anything I learned in high school about history! Read more Review of: Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston Written April 24, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Joanne G

  • Kelsey L 1 contribution 1 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Boston and learn American history along the way! This was a great way to see and learn about so many different neighborhoods while getting a nice walk in at the same time. We learned a lot from Captain Pickles and thoroughly enjoyed his passion for history. Read more Review of: Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour Written April 23, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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  • Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark
  • Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston
  • Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops
  • Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour
  • Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission
  • North End Boston Food Tour
  • Intrepid Urban Adventures - Boston
  • Mobsters and Lobsters
  • Walk & Talk Boston Walking Tours
  • Trailblazer Tours Boston - Private Tours
  • Cambridge Historical Tours
  • Night Rider Private Charters of Boston
  • Boston Chinatown Tours
  • PhotoWalks Tours
  • Boston Foodie 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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Welcome to Boston's Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that leads to 16 historically significant sites — each one an authentic treasure. Explore museums and meetinghouses, churches, burying grounds and more. Learn about the brave people who shaped our nation. Experience over 250 years of history, and discover the rich history of the American Revolution as it began in Boston, where every step tells a story. 

More In This Section Click to Open

There are countless ways to explore the Freedom Trail and its official historic sites. From year-round immersive programs and activities at the 16 historic sites to public and private walking tours led by 18 th -century costumed guides, National Park Service's Park Rangers, and more, to self-guided tours by foot with a map, guide book, or audio guide, there are exciting and comfortable methods for everyone to enjoy the authentic history and sites where fights for American's freedoms were ignited.  Sample itineraries and resources are available to help plan visits to the Freedom Trail.

Walk the Freedom Trail and experience over 250 years of history! 

downtown boston tour

Freedom Trail Brochure

The Freedom Trail Official Online Brochure includes information on all 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites, a detailed map and more!

Visiting the Freedom Trail

Official historic sites.

Step inside the places where the American Revolution was launched, from pews and pulpits, private homes and public offices, with fiery speeches and midnight rides. Experience Boston's indoor/outdoor history experiences!

Walking Tours

Boston's official walking tours led by 18th-century costumes guides (or in plainclothes) are available for public or private groups 362 days per year. From individuals to large groups, tours bring history to life for everyone!

Freedom Trail Store

Purchase Freedom Trail guidebooks, educational items, combination joint tickets, Hear History audio guide, souvenirs and more!

Featured Tours

Walk into history®.

downtown boston tour

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  

Revolutionary Women

downtown boston tour

Experience and discover the women who took part in the American Revolution, and the generations of women that followed, inaugurating their own struggles for freedom and equality.

March, select Saturdays-Sundays: 10:45 a.m.

Private & Custom

downtown boston tour

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. 

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Freedom Trail Map and Self Guided Tour

downtown boston tour

The Freedom Trail at the center of historic Boston is a red brick path through the city leading visitors to many of the city's historic sites.

This self-guided tour and map will cover the entire 2.5 miles (4 km) and 16 Freedom Trail stops.  

  • Where does the Freedom Trail Start?
  • Map and Self-Guided Tour
  • Guided Tours
  • 30-Minute Video Tour

Where Does the Freedom Trail Start?

The Freedom Trail starts at Boston Common, America's oldest public park. The trail begins just outside of the Boston Common Visitor Center ( map ).

The visitor center and the Freedom Trail are both free of charge.

Where does the Freedom Trail Start

The Green or Red Line will take you to  Park Street Station  ( map ) ,  which is the closest station to the start of the Freedom Trail in Boston Commons.

The  State Street Station  on the Blue and Orange lines is literally on the Freedom Trail! It is 5 minutes from the start of the trail.  

One of the Station entrances and exits is on the ground floor of the  Old State House .

Another one on Washington St. at the Old South Meeting House, and one on Congress St. at New Sudbury St. which is down the street from the Old State House.

The Freedom Trail ends at the U.S.S. Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. You can walk or take the  Charlestown Water Shuttle  to get back to downtown Boston.

There are parking garages located on the Freedom Trail map.

There is an underground parking garage beneath the Boston Common on Charles Street and one garage at the Charlestown Navy Yard near the USS  Constitution.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Freedom Trail?

The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and walking it will likely take you an entire day at least.  

Plan on it taking longer if you have children or want to spend more than a little time at any of the sites.

Are There Restrooms on the Freedom Trail?

Not officially! But we've made a post of insider tips on  where to go when you gotta go !

Boston Travel Tips

Map of The Freedom Trail

This is a very historical map and tour and will cover some of the many sites and characters which/who were important in the founded our great nation. 

Some of the characters we will meet are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and Peter Faneuil.  

You can also take this tour as a GPS-enabled Audio Tour . Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour  (the Old South Meeting House)

If you're taking our self-guided tour, let us know and tag us on social media @freetoursbyfoot

Freedom Trail Map

Click here for a fully interactive map .

Stop A - The Boston Common

The oldest public park in the United States (1634) outside the Park St. Subway Station, the first subway in the United States (1897).   

The Boston Common was used from 1634 to 1830 as a common space for the grazing of cattle and continues to be an active spot for visitors and locals to meet, relax and enjoy a day in the park.  

Be sure to stop by the Boston Common Visitor Center and pick up some information about visiting Boston.

Stop B -  Massachusetts State House

Follow the Trail up to the Massachusetts State House (1798), which is the oldest continually running state capital building in America.  

The dome is gilded in 23k gold and was originally made of wood.  

The golden dome was covered in copper by Paul Revere in 1802 and was gilded on our nation’s 100 birthday in 1876.  

During weekdays the State House offers free guided tours of the inside of the State House. 

Tours run every 30 minutes past the hour on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

For reservations for the free guided tour call:   617-727-3676.

Stop C -  Robert Gould Shaw Memorial

Robert Shaw Memorial Boston Common

Walk back across the street and you will be at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial which shows Gould-Shaw and his men of the 54th regiment of the Union Army.   

The 54th Regiment is the first all-volunteer African American unit in the US Army which was formed in 1863 during the American Civil War.  

The 1989 film Glory tells the story of the 54th regiment and stars Matthew Broderick as Col. Robert Gould Shaw.  

The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial is a stop on the Black Heritage Trail which runs through our Beacon Hill Neighborhood.   

Free tours of the Black Heritage Trail are conducted by the US Parks Department.

For more information on tours of the Black Heritage Trail:   www.nps.gov/boaf

Park Street Church, Boston, MA.

Stop D - The Park Street Church

Follow the trail back into the Boston Common to the starting point take a left down Tremont St. (follow the brick line) and cross Park St.  

This church was the site of  the first Sunday school in the United States in 1818;  the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison made his first anti-slavery speech on this church’s pulpit in 1829; and the church choir sang for the first time ever in public on July 4th, 1831, the song “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Stop E -  Granary Burial Ground

The next spot on the Trail sits just on the other side of the Park St. Church is the Granary Burial Ground.

Here is where three signers of the American Declaration of Independence rest as well as Paul Revere, Mary Goose (credited with being Mother Goose), and the parents and siblings of Benjamin Franklin.  

Read and download our  self-guided tour of the Granary Burial Ground for a self-guided tour of this spot.

King’s Chapel Boston Freedom Trail

Stop F -  King’s Chapel

Follow the Trail to the corner of Tremont and School Street and you will see King’s Chapel.

This stone church was built around the original wooden church which was built in 1688 and then the wood from the church was carefully disassembled and the wood and glass were shipped to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and rebuilt to construct St. John's Anglican Church.  

King’s Chapel is free and open to the public for self-guided tours (there is a donation box at the entrance) and is worth going inside.  

Although the church looks a bit plain on the outside, inside it is ornate and you can grab a self-guided tour information pamphlet at the entrance of the church to help guide you through this wonderful stop.

There is also a burial ground here where you could find the frame of Mary Chilton, the first woman to step foot off the Mayflower.

Stop G -  Boston Latin School

Follow Trail down School St. and next to King’s Chapel you will see the monument for the Boston Latin School, the oldest school in America (1635) and still in operation today.  

The school’s current location is near Fenway Park. The monument for the school is in the design of a hopscotch game.  

Some of its famous students include Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Sam Adams, and John Adams just to name a few.  

There is a Benjamin Franklin Statue on the grounds.

Stop H -  Old City Hall

Where the Boston Latin School once stood is now the site of Old City Hall (1865).  

For 104 years Boston’s mayors held court here until they move into City Hall’s Current location (across from Faneuil Hall), New City Hall (1969).  

Stop I -  Old South Meeting House

Follow the Freedom Trail to Washington St. and you will come to the Old South Meeting House (1729).

This church is where the Sons of Liberty departed from a meeting on Dec. 16, 1773, and dumped 242 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.  The famous Boston Tea Party.

The clock tower was restored in 2009 and is the oldest American-made clock in the US which is still in operation (1766) in its original location. 

The bell tower houses a bell cast by Paul Revere in 1801. It is one of only 46 surviving bells he made.

The bell resided at several locations around Boston and was placed at the Old South Meeting House Bell Tower in 2011.

The Old South Meeting House is open to visitors daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm April 1st to October 31st and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Nov. 1st to March 31st.  

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, and $1 for children 5-17 years old, and free for children under 5 years old.    

For more information on visiting the Old South Meeting House: www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org .

Old Corner Bookstore Boston Freedom Trail

Stop J -  The Old Corner Bookstore

On the Corner of Washington and School Street is one of Boston’s oldest brick structures (1712) and was the site of the Old Corner Bookstore.  

The bookstore was made famous for meetings on the second floor by the likes of Nathanael Hawthorn, Harriet Beecher-Stowe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Charles Dickens (who lived in Boston for two years) would meet and discuss poetry, politics, and literature.  

It is now the site of Chipotle.  

Stop K -  Old State House

Continue down Washington Street and you will be at the Old State House (1713).  

This was the center of civic life in Colonial Boston and was where folks like Sam Adams and James Otis would argue against the policies of the British Crown.  

On the front of the building is a balcony where, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and cause a mini-riot during which the Lion and Unicorn which sit on top of the Old State House were ripped down and burnt in a bomb fire.  

The gilded Lion and Unicorn were put back up on the Old State House in 1883 when the building was refurbished. 

Every July 4th at 10:00 am the Declaration of Independence is read from that balcony.  

The Lion and Unicorn, however, is not torn down.

Open daily every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

It closes at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. 

They also raised their admission price to $12 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, and kids from 6 to 18 are free. Veterans and Massachusetts Teachers are free.

For more information on visiting the Old State House: www.bostonhistory.org/

Stop L -  Boston Massacre Site

On the walkway in front of the Old State House is the monument for the five victims killed on March 5, 1770, during the Boston Massacre which took place in the middle of what is now called State Street (formerly known as King Street).  

In the center of the monument is a five-pointed star signifying the 5 deaths enclosed by six cobblestones, signifying the six wounded that night, and stretching from the center are 13 cobblestone spokes representing the original 13 colonies.

Stop M -  Faneuil Hall

Follow the Trail to “the Cradle of Liberty” Faneuil Hall (1742).

This building which was given to the city of Boston by rich merchant Peter Faneuil is famous for the meetings and protests that led to the American Revolution.

Notice the grasshopper on top of the building? 

The grasshopper (his name is Gus) was copied from the grasshopper on the London Royal Exchange Building (which Peter Faneuil model his building after) and was chosen as a sign of prosperity.  

There is a statue of Samuel Adams on the western side of Faneuil Hall.  

Read our post on the top things to see and do here .

The National Park Service Rangers present historical talks every 1/2 hour from 9:30 am- 4:30 pm.

Stop N - Paul Revere House

Follow the Freedom Trail down Union St. (notice the Union Oyster House the oldest restaurant in the United States) and down Hanover St. into our Northend/Little Italy Neighborhood.  

The trail winds down Richmond Street to North Square.  

In North Square sits the oldest structure in Boston, the Paul Revere House (1680). Paul Revere lived for 30 years from 1770 to 1800.  

The Paul Revere House is now a museum that you can visit, where you can learn about the man and his famous ride to signal to the patriots that the redcoats were coming.

The Paul Revere House Museum is open daily from April 15 - October 31 - from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm November 1 - April 14 - 9:30 am to 4:15 pm Closed on Mondays in January, February, and March.  

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.    

The admission is $5 for adults, $4.50 for college students and seniors, and $1 for kids 5 to 17 years old.

For more information on the Paul Revere House Museum:   www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere Statue Freedom Trail

Stop O -  Paul Revere Statue

Follow the Trail to the Paul Revere Prado and you will be at one of the most photographed statues in Boston, the Paul Revere Statue which sits in the shadow of the church which made him famous, The Old North Church.  

The statue was designed by Cyrus Edwin Dallin in 1883 and he spent 16 years working on it (1899). The statue was not displayed until 1940. 

Cyrus Edwin Dallin created 260 works over his life and a few of his most famous sculptures are of the Angle Moroni which sits on top of the Salt Lake City Temple in Utah, and also the Appeal To The Great Spirits Sculpture in front of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Dallin died in 1944.

If you go by this statue when one of Boston’s sports teams is in a championship series/game, Paul will be donning a shirt of the team playing for the trophy.  

Stop P -  Old North Church

Walk across the Paul Revere Prado and to the Old North Church (1723), the oldest church building in Boston.  

The church is free to enter and there are guides inside the church who will give you a quick overview of Paul’s Midnight Ride the night of April 18, 1775, which resulted in the battle that started the American Revolution.  

As of Jan, 2024, there will be an admission charge to enter ($8 for adults, $6 for students, military and seniors, and $4 for children under 12)

Stop Q - Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

After you leave the Old North Church, follow the Trail up Hull St. to Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (1659).

It's one of Boston's most important cemeteries and the final resting place of many early Bostonians, including the Puritan Ministers Cotton Mather and his father Increase Mather; Shem Drowne, who made the grasshopper weather-vain on top of Faneuil Hall as well as the banner weather-vain on top of the Old North Church; Robert Newman who hang the lanterns the in the steeple of the Old North the night of Paul Revere’s ride and Prince Hall, the first African American Mason and found of the Prince Hall Masons.

Stop R -  USS Constitution

The Freedom Trail continues down Hull St. to Commercial St. and travels to the next stop the USS Constitution (1797) which is the oldest warship in the US Navy.  

Built to protect American Merchant Ships from pirates off the coast of North Africa, it was made famous during the War of 1812 where it never lost a battle.

It earned the name “Old Ironsides” because the ship was so strong (it is made out of wood) that the cannonballs from British ships would bounce harmlessly off its sides.

The USS Constitution is currently in dry dock but can still be viewed at the location.  

It is open to the public for free guided tours, but tours are now limited due to the construction. For information on touring the ship, read our post .  

Also at the site of the USS Constitution is the USS Constitution Museum .

The Museum is open to the public and provides guests with wonderful tidbits about the ship’s history and what life was like aboard the ship.  

The Museum is open daily from Nov 1st to March 31st from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and from April 1st to Oct. 31st from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Admission is a suggested donation. For individuals and families the recommended donation of $5-$10 for adults, $3-$5 for children, and $20-$25 for families, are suggested donations and any amount is welcome.  

Groups of 10 or more people are required to make an advance reservation to visit the Museum.

Stop S -  Bunker Hill Monument

Bunker Hill Monument Freedom Trail

Follow the Freedom Trail to the final destination and you will be at the Bunker Hill Monument.

The monument was dedicated on June 17th, 1843, 68 years after the famous battle took place.  

The statesman Daniel Webster was the keynote speaker that day.  

The 221-foot monument took 16 years to construct and commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill and has 294 steps.   If you are feeling energetic you can climb the monument.  

The Bunker Hill Museum at 43 Monument Sq. is located at the base of the Hill and is a great little museum.

It is free and has excellent exhibits that will give you a great sense of the battle that took place.  

For more information about how to visit (and climb!) the monument and museum, read our post, Visiting the Bunker Hill Monument & Museum .

This concludes your walking tour of the Freedom Trail.

Guided Tours of the Freedom Trail

We offer a guided tour of the area both on and off the Freedom Trail in our 2-hour tour walking tour.

We also have a self-guided tour of North End/Little Italy that includes some stops on the second half of the Freedom Trail.

Searching Availability...

Hop On-Off Bus Tours

Many of the city's buses (and ducks!) drive through the Freedom Trail map area. The Boston Tourists Passes  offer the option to use hop-on- off buses .

FREEDOM TRAIL AUDIO TOUR

Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour .

Here is how it works:

  • Purchase an audio tour from our Booking Page .
  • You'll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
  • Enjoy the tour(s).

We also offer the following audio tours:

  • Beacon Hill
  • Harvard University and Cambridge

Where to Eat Near the Freedom Trail

  • The Prime Shoppe (inside Quincy Market)
  • Potbelly Sandwich Shop
  • Sam Lagrassa's
  • Luke Lobster at 290 Washington St. ( https://www.lukeslobster.com )
  • Boston Public Market ( Wed-Sun  8-8) https://bostonpublicm
  • Daily Catch (323 Hanover St.) thedailycatch.com/restaurants/north-end
  • Union Oyster House 41 Union St  unionoysterhouse.com
  • Black Rose (Quincy Market) 160 state Street https://www.blackroseboston.com/
  • Pagliuca's (14 Parmenter St)  www.pagliucasrestaurant.com/portal
  • Warren Tavern (2 Pleasant St. Charlestown) https://www.warrentavern.com

BATHROOMS ON THE FREEDOM TRAIL

Officially, there are no Freedom Trail bathrooms outside the Visitor Centers. So where do you go when you gotta go?

We've created a handy guide to free (or close) and clean (or close) public bathrooms on the Freedom Trail.

  • 9 am-5 pm Daily
  • 139 Tremont St
  • 9 am-5 pm Monday-Friday
  • 24 Beacon St
  • 75 State Street
  • Stop by Guard Desk and ask for the bathroom key
  • 8 am-9 pm Daily
  • 1 City Hall Plaza
  • Pay Toilet $.25 per use
  • As of Jan, 2024, there will be an admission charge to enter ($8 for adults, $4 for children under 12)
  • Langone Field (35 Commercial Street)
  • 9 am-6 pm Daily

30-Minute Video Tour of Freedom Trail Sights

Related Posts

  • Downloadable Freedom Trail Map
  • Other Boston Locations off the Freedom Trail Map:  Lexington /Concord
  • Check out our guide to free things to do in Boston .

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downtown boston tour

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The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Massachusetts (MA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Boston

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Boston

Downtown Boston is one of the oldest settlements in North America and has a history dating back to the arrival of the Puritans in the early 1600s. Throughout the centuries, Boston has played an important role in major historical moments including the American revolution and those notable events are celebrated throughout the downtown district.

Explore the Downtown district to discover seventeenth-century buildings between modern-day skyscrapers, eat oysters in a restaurant open since the early 1800s or live the moment which changed America’s history in a re-enactment aboard a floating tall ship museum.

Don’t think Downtown Boston is just for history fans; it’s not. There’s much more to see and do there than visit museums. Don’t miss out on any of these fifteen of the best things to do in Downtown Boston to make sure you have a great stay without getting an overload of the past.

1. Codzilla Boat Cruise

Codzilla Boat Cruise

Downtown Boston has a strong attachment to maritime history, but forget all about that when it comes to the Codzilla Boat Cruise.

Board the seventy-foot-long speedboat at its moorings on Long Wharf and get ready for a full-on thrill ride. The boat hits speeds of up to forty miles per hour as it zooms across the water and spins through a full three-hundred and sixty degrees. Yes, it’s wet and wild, so take a change of clothes.

If Codzilla is too much, scroll down to read about more sedate, stay dry, Boston harbor cruises further on.

Book online : Boston Harbor Codzilla High Speed Thrill Boat

2. Freedom Trail

Boston's Freedom Trail Walk

Explore Downtown Boston’s past by walking the Freedom Trail. Put on some comfortable shoes and join the trail in Downtown at the Old South Meeting House on Milk Street or by the Old Corner Bookstore on Washington Street.

The two and a half mile trail is clearly marked by a double line of red bricks in the pavement and runs through the district, as well as outside its boundaries, and past sixteen of Boston’s most notable historical landmarks.

For a fully immersive and informative experience, join a tour narrated by a costumed guide at the ArtsBoston booth in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. They do a fantastic job of bringing Downtown Boston’s history to life.

Recommended tour : Freedom Trail History and Architecture Walking Tour

3. Downtown Crossing

Downtown Crossing, Boston

Head to the Downtown Crossing for some traffic-free retail therapy. The Crossing, located at the junction of Winter, Summer and Washington Street, is a pedestrianized shopping zone and the best place in Downtown Boston to pick up a bargain.

Downtown Boston is well known for having more jewelers shops than restaurants, and there are plenty on the streets of the Crossing. There are also numerous other retail outlets ranging from street food vendors to large department stores like Macy’s, theaters and more than a handful of coffee shops and eateries.

Related tour : Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise

4. Dreamland Wax Museum

Dreamland Wax Museum

Snap a souvenir photo with some of the wax effigies in the Dreamland Wax Museum in Downtown Boston’s Washington Mall. The wax figures of top stars and politicians are so realistic, convincing friends you met the real person won’t be a big deal.

The museum has twelve differently themed galleries covering a total floor space of over nineteen-thousand square feet. Get up close to Snoop Dogg, Cher, Clint Eastwood, the Queen of England and all forty-four presidents of the US.

Available online : Dreamland Wax Museum Entry Ticket

5. Union Oyster House

Union Oyster House

It’s not often a restaurant is designated as a historical landmark, but it’s one honor which has been bestowed on the Union Oyster House on Union Street in Downtown Boston which has been serving oysters to its customers for over two-hundred years.

With a facade more in keeping with a medieval street than a modern US city, the Union Oyster House looks every bit as historic as it is. The interior of bare wood flooring and beamed ceiling continues the time-warp impression, and there are still plenty of oysters on the menu.

Watch the oysters being shucked while sitting at the bar or take a table and fill up on oysters Rockefeller or go all out with a Ye Olde Seafood Platter. The taste and quality of the seafood won’t disappoint.

6. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Visit the 18th-century replica tall ship at its moorings just of Congress Street in Downtown Boston and be immersed in a live reenactment of a moment which changed the history of North America.

At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, costumed guides portray the roles of the characters involved in the historic event. Join them at the meeting house as rebellion flares before heading onto the decks of the ship to throw tea chests overboard the head below decks to explore the crew’s quarters and the hold.

Don’t miss viewing the 1773 original Tea Party tea chest housed in the museum or taking tea and scones in Abigail’s Tea Room served by waitresses in colonial dress.

Highly recommended : Boston Tea Party: Ships & Museum Interactive Tour

7. Trolley of the Doomed

Old Town Trolley Tours

Forget conventional sightseeing and go spook spotting in Downtown Boston instead. Get on the fright night special Old Town Trolley at the stop on Atlantic Avenue and be ready for some serious goosebumps raising.

The ghost tour is narrated by a 17th-century gravedigger who regales listeners with tales of the Boston Strangler while visiting ancient haunted burial grounds, Boston’s most haunted hotel and other locations in DT where spooks are reputed to wander.

The Old Town Trolleys also operate a daytime, spook-free, hop-on-hop-off service throughout Downtown Boston.

Book online : 1.5-Hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

8. Mr. Dooley’s Boston

Mr. Dooley's Boston

There has been an Irish influence in Boston since the mid-1800s and there’s no shortage of Irish-themed bars, but for a good pint and a dash of authenticity, drop into Mr. Dooley’s Boston on Downtown Boston’s Broad Street.

Dooley’s have been serving Guinness alongside their Irish breakfast in the district for almost three decades. At night, be ready for some proper Irish shenanigans with regular live music and the occasional impromptu fiddle session.

9. Rose Kennedy Greenway

Rose Kennedy Greenway

Head along to the Downtown Boston waterfront for a stroll through the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The Greenway is seventeen acres of parklands which stretch for over a mile through the district and into adjacent neighborhoods.

The Greenway is comprised of seven individual parks connected by broad promenades, plazas with interactive fountains, landscaped gardens and multiple public artworks plus a fun carousel with figures depicting animals native to Massachusetts.

Not only is the Greenway a great place to get a breath of fresh air, it’s also the perfect spot for seeing some great views of the Downtown skyline. If the exercise brings on an appetite, don’t worry, there are over thirty food trucks on the Greenway from where to purchase a snack.

10. The Wilbur

The Wilbur

For an unforgettable night of comedy or music from top American and international stars, there’s nowhere better to go in Downtown Boston than the Wilbur Theater on Tremont Street.

The one-thousand-one-hundred seat theater first opened in 1914 and is one of the city of Boston’s historic landmarks. Externally plain, the theater is Renaissance-style ornate internally and has mezzanine, balcony, and orchestra levels each with full bar service.

11. Sunset Cruise

Boston Skyline At Sunset

Sail out from Long Wharf in Downtown Boston at dusk aboard a Boston Harbor Cruise Boat to view the sensational DT skyline and an impressive Massachusetts sunset.

Choose from a ninety-minute narrated sailing which coordinates with the end of the day cannon firing on the USS Constitution or a one and a half hour trip across the harbor waters with music, light snacks, and sundowners included.

Ninety-minute daytime cruises around the harbor are also available and include a professional narration on the history of Boston harbor.

Related tour: Boston Sunset Cruise

12. Durgin-Park Restaurant

Durgin-Park Restaurant

For historic eats in Downtown Boston stop off at the Durgin-Park Restaurant on North Market Street. Established in 1827, this vintage-style eatery has been serving traditional Boston dishes to its clientele since before the American Civil War.

Don’t visit Downtown Boston without trying the Durgin-Park’s infamous Boston Baked Beans, Clam Chowder or heart-warming Baked Indian Pudding.

The street-level floor of the restaurant houses the Gaslight Pub which, as well as serving the full menu, has a special happy hour food offering and an outside patio.

13. Chinatown Gate

Chinatown Gate, Boston

Walk along Beach Street in Downtown Boston and be surprised by the sight of an elaborate, green-roofed pagoda-style structure with Chinese lettering straddling a street up ahead.

Pass through the Chinatown Gate and discover a completely different culture. The Chinatown in Boston is the third largest in North America and dates back to the 1840s.

Colorful and vibrant, Chinatown is full of restaurants, shops, and hosts many street celebrations throughout the year including the August Moon Festival and Chinese New Year.

Available tour : Chinatown Culture and Cuisine Walking Tour

14. Down Boston

Down Boston

For a mega-party night out, then Down Boston on Downtown Boston’s High Street is a great choice of venue.

The slick nightclub, located in a basement, has a good-sized dance floor surrounded by plush booth seating and positively glows with a neon rainbow of LED lighting.

Top Boston DJ’s man the decks spinning all the latest dance music, so be prepared to rave until at least two in the morning or later.

15. Make Way For Ducklings

Make Way For Ducklings, Boston

While not strictly in Downtown Boston, the Make Way For Ducklings statues are just a stroll away over Boston Common in the adjacent Boston Gardens and a must-see when visiting the district.

The statues commemorate a children’s storybook about a duck family which was based in the city and have become almost as iconic as some of the district’s historical landmarks.

The proud mother mallard and her eight ducklings make for a great, and very Instagramable, souvenir photo of Downtown Boston. Don’t miss out on seeing them.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Boston:

  • Codzilla Boat Cruise
  • Freedom Trail
  • Downtown Crossing
  • Dreamland Wax Museum
  • Union Oyster House
  • Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
  • Trolley of the Doomed
  • Mr. Dooley's Boston
  • Rose Kennedy Greenway
  • Sunset Cruise
  • Durgin-Park Restaurant
  • Chinatown Gate
  • Down Boston
  • Make Way For Ducklings

Boston   Travel Guide

downtown boston tour

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston

As Massachusetts' capital and the birthplace of the American Revolution, there's no shortage of historical sites for travelers to explore within Boston's city limits (and beyond). There's even a Boston Tea Party Museum on the harbor

  • All Things To Do
  • 1-Day Itinerary
  • 2-Day Itinerary
  • 3-Day Itinerary

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Freedom Trail Freedom Trail free

Stretching 2½ miles, the Freedom Trail weaves past 16 of the city's most historic sites, including Faneuil Hall Marketplace , the Paul Revere House and Old North Church . Taking in all of the trail's attractions requires at least half a day (and some comfortable walking shoes), but you can easily plot points of interest before you begin your jaunt from Boston Common .

Though most visitors agree the trail is easy to navigate on your own, some recommend a guided tour or downloading an app to tell you about the sites. (You'll find a handful of apps available for Apple and Android devices.) If you have a Go Boston Card, standard guided tours given by the Freedom Trail Foundation are covered by your pass.

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Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every Friday and Saturday, Haymarket (one America's oldest open-air markets) pops up adjacent to Faneuil Hall. In order to navigate this often-chaotic scene successfully make sure to bring small bills, leave bulky bags at the hotel and keep it moving on the sidewalk. - Jill LeGrow

Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now a stop on the Freedom Trail , Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts politics. Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their soapboxes here. In fact, this is where colonists famously challenged the Stamp Act of 1764 by proclaiming, "no taxation without representation." From those illustrious days, the marketplace has expanded to include more than 100 shops and restaurants.

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Boston Public Garden Boston Public Garden free

Though the Boston Public Garden sits right next to Boston Common , the two are quite different. The public garden is newer (established in 1837) and holds the distinction of being America's first public botanical garden. Flowers and trees are beautifully organized and kept in quality condition throughout. You can see the colorful arrangements and exotic trees from the 6-acre pond as you glide along the water in a Swan Boat. Additionally, the park houses two of Boston's most iconic statues: Make Way for Ducklings (a bronze sculpture of a duck and her eight ducklings) and a sculpture of George Washington (which shows America's first president riding on a horse).

Visitors looking to relax after sightseeing will enjoy the Boston Public Garden. Parkgoers say you'll find plenty of shade beneath the park's trees, which comes in handy on hot summer days. Plus, you'll likely spot some ducks and geese swimming around the lagoon. And if you have a few dollars, visitors recommend taking a 15-minute ride on a Swan Boat. The large paddle boats cost $4.50 to ride (or $3 for kids ages 2 to 15 and $4 for seniors); travelers with Go Boston Cards ride for free. Swan Boats are usually available between mid-April and Labor Day.

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North End North End free

Chances are you'll end up in the North End at least once during your visit to Boston. It's steeped in the city's rich history as it holds the title of Boston's oldest neighborhood and houses three attractions on the Freedom Trail . What makes this neighborhood a top point of interest, however, is its Italian culture: The North End is considered Boston's Little Italy.

While Italians weren't the first to settle in this area (English settlers arrived first then European Jews, African Americans and Irish immigrants), their cultural influence on the North End withstood the test of time. Today, you'll find all kinds of Italian food from classic pizza pies served at the popular Regina Pizzeria to Sicilian-style seafood, such as black linguine (made with squid ink) and calamari meatballs at The Daily Catch . For dinner, try Mamma Maria for fine dining, Giacomo's for its affordable, made-in-house pasta or Bricco , which sources its meats and bread from its own meat and bread shop, located right next door. If you’re only interested in pizza, hit up Galleria Umberto for delectable solo slices or Antico Forno for its full-size, wood-fired pies. Prezza is known for its extensive wine list, boasting hundreds of wine labels to choose from. For dessert, make sure to pick up a cannoli at Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry , or tiramisu at the 24-hour Bova's Bakery .

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Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts

If you want to make the most out of the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most comprehensive art institutions in the country, then you'll need to spend a good chunk of your day here. The museum is home to one of the best art collections in the world, including the celebrated Art of the Americas wing. Inside this sprawling collection, you'll encounter galleries showcasing iconic pieces from indigenous cultures in North, South and Central America to works by contemporary artists like Edward Hopper.

You'll also find an impressive collection of Asian art here, plus works from Monet, Renoir, Manet and Rembrandt on display. And in special temporary exhibits, you can admire masterpieces from Black artists like Diedrick Brackens and Picasso, among others.

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Boston Common Boston Common free

The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. It was also used for Puritan punishments, like whipping, and even for hangings. In 1768, the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events – including theater and musical performances and free fitness classes – hosted here throughout the year. If you plan to traverse the Freedom Trail , you'll start the walk here at Boston Common.

Though some visitors say you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Travelers also mention that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter. Some visitors do note that the park tends to draw Boston's homeless population, particularly at night.

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Best Boston Tours

downtown boston tour

Boston Tours

The 15 Best Boston Tours

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Photo Tour: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston

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Fenway Park Fenway Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to watch a Sox game without a ticket, head to the Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne Street. Located beneath the bleachers of Fenway, the best tables are positioned directly in front of the huge garage window that overlook centerfield. – Jill LeGrow

Fans of America's favorite pastime won't want to miss a game at Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, this stadium has been the site of home runs, stolen bases and grounders since 1912. Regardless of whether or not you're a diehard Red Sox fan, you should try to catch a game and admire the ballpark's original architecture. Must-see features of the park include Pesky's Pole – the right field foul pole named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky – and the 37-foot-tall "Green Monster" wall in left field.

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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

After Isabella Stewart Gardner's husband died in 1898, the art enthusiast carried out their plan to buy land in Boston's Fenway area and open a museum to display her impressive collection of Italian art. The museum, which was fashioned after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice , was completed in 1901, at which point Gardner moved in to the fourth floor and began installing her collection. Today, you can visit this Boston museum to get your fill of the Italian masters, such as Raphael and Titian. The building also showcases a cache of beautiful furniture, photographs, sculpture and rare books straight from Europe. The museum's New Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, includes a glass atrium, greenhouses and landscaped gardens.

The art isn't the only interesting thing here: the museum is also the site of the single largest property theft on Earth. In the wee hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves made their way into the museum disguised as police. The duo stole 13 works, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and Manet. Today, the museum has empty frames on the walls as placeholders until the art returns to the museum. As you may have guessed, the crime has not been solved and the works haven't been recovered. The museum is even offering a sizable reward ($10 million) for information leading to the art. 

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Boston Public Library Boston Public Library free

A library isn't always all about books. The main branch of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, which opened in 1895, is so much more, according to recent visitors who call the architecture "beautiful" and a “must-see.” Walking into the Renaissance Revival building is akin to visiting a museum. On Dartmouth Street, two immense stone lions sculpted by Louis Saint-Gaudens stand guard by the main entrance. Inside, Bates Hall, the library's main reference reading room, is a 218-foot-long room with a barrel-arch ceiling soaring 50 feet high.

Visitors can take a free tour and learn all about the murals found throughout the library, including John Singer Sargent's series on the "Triumph of Religion." Other murals include works by French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, who depicted eight library-centric disciplines in "The Muses of Inspiration," and Edwin Austin Abbey's "The Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail."

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

A must for any history buffs or fans of our nation's 35th president, this excellent library and museum details the life of President John F. Kennedy. Exhibits include his presidential papers; masses of Kennedy memorabilia, including re-creations of his desk in the Oval Office and of the television studio in which he debated Richard M. Nixon in the 1960 election; and artifacts from the U.S. space program. There's permanent display on the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis plus plenty of other artifacts and information about Kennedy's life and presidency. The building itself is quite striking and was designed by architect I. M. Pei.

Museumgoers say that while the museum is off the beaten path (it sits about 5 miles south of downtown on Columbia Point), it is well worth the trek thanks to the exhibits and staff. However, some wish the exhibits had a more detailed explanation of Kennedy and events during his life. The views from the museum are amazing, add some visitors.

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Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

If you want to get outdoors in the greater Boston area, consider hopping a ferry (which operates from mid-May through mid-October) to the Boston Harbor Islands. This collection of 34 islands located in the Massachusetts Bay boasts plenty of things to do and see including historic sites, hiking trails, beaches, wildlife and much more. Popular islands include Spectacle, Georges and Peddocks, though ferries also go to Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin and Thompson.

The 114-acre Spectacle Island is a great option for those looking to hike. Here, you'll find 5 miles of trails, including one which leads to the harbor's highest hill, offering incredible views of Boston's skyline. If you’re looking for a place where you can sink your toes into the sand, head to Lovells Island. Here, you’ll find secluded shorelines as well as tide pools (when it's low tide, a whopping 71 acres are added to the island's land mass). Meanwhile, history lovers will enjoy a trip to Georges Island. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, which the U.S. government used for patrolling and training Union troops as well as housing Confederate prisoners during Civil War times. Peddocks Island, one of the largest of the Boston Harbor Islands, offers a little bit of everything. This island is considered a prime camping spot and features scenic hiking trails that pass through coastal forests, headlands connected by tombolos and the biggest beach of any island. You'll also find a little bit of history thanks to Fort Andrews and a restored chapel from World War II.

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Newbury Street Newbury Street free

Located in the Back Bay along eight blocks between Massachusetts Avenue and Arlington Street, Newbury Street is home to gorgeous 19th century brownstones. It's also Boston's premiere destination for dining and shopping. Newbury Street has been called one of the most expensive streets in the world, thanks in large part to the significant cluster of expensive shops on the lower end (by numbered address) nearest Arlington Street.

Starting at the higher end, by Massachusetts Avenue, you'll find more budget-friendly retailers like TJ Maxx and Forever 21, as well longtime local favorites Newbury Comics and Trident Booksellers. In fact, Newbury Comics' opening in 1978 was the catalyst that began the transformation of Newbury Street from a heavily upper-class retail destination to a hipper, trendier spot for everyone.

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Samuel Adams Brewery Samuel Adams Brewery

Despite its location outside of city center, visiting the Samuel Adams Brewery is a popular stop for beer lovers. This brewery location acts as Samuel Adams' testing facility for new and specialty brews, which patrons can try. You can also take a guided tour of the facility to learn more about the brewing process.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, odds are you'll enjoy a visit to this brewery. Visitors say the staff is knowledgeable, but note there can be long entry lines.

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Cambridge Cambridge free

Cambridge, which sits about 3 miles northwest of Boston's city center, is home to both Harvard University and MIT , but there's more to see in Cambridge than just the schools themselves. The city features an impressive array of cultural institutions that feature collections and exhibitions ranging from fine art to technological innovations.

The Harvard Art Museums , which include the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, house a wide range of periods, styles and mediums within its walls. Here, you’ll find a mix of modern photography, 13th century sculpture, paintings from legends like Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, and much more. If you prefer history, head to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology , which boasts exhibits exploring everything from ancient Latin American cultures to the evolution of American eating habits and tableware to the lives of Native Americans. If science is more your speed, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History to view dinosaur fossils, rare minerals and animal specimens from New England to Asia.

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Beacon Hill Beacon Hill free

Beacon Hill is arguably Boston's most beautiful neighborhood. Located north of Boston Common , Beacon Hill is awash with quaint, cobblestone-lined alleyways, corners dotted with gas street lamps, stately townhouses affixed with bay view windows and vibrant, flower-filled window boxes. It's Beacon Hill's incredible style, a stunning mix of Federal and Greek revival architecture, that make this neighborhood an attraction in and of itself. And recent visitors couldn't agree more.

Travelers who venture to Beacon Hill are charmed by its beauty and say that it's the perfect place to take a long stroll and wander around. While here, make sure to make your way to noteworthy spots including the picturesque Louisburg Square and Acorn Street, the latter of which is one of the most photographed places in Boston. After, head down Charles Street, where you'll find restaurants, shops and bars. Fans of the TV show "Cheers" will want to walk down Beacon Street to find the bar that inspired the program.

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Old North Church Old North Church

Most people who know anything about American history have heard of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride, when he rode through town to warn people about the arrival of British troops. Before heading off to Lexington, Revere gave orders at Old North Church. Robert Newman – the church's sexton – and Captain John Pulling Jr. – the church's vestryman – then climbed the steeple and held two lanterns as a signal that the British were indeed coming, but by sea.

The church itself, which is officially named Christ Church, is filled with beautiful relics from the past, including North America's oldest set of change ringing bells and chandeliers brought in from England in the early 1700s. The pews have a long history as well; Pew No. 54 was reserved for Paul Revere's son.

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Boston Children's Museum Boston Children's Museum

With a giant milk bottle structure at the front of the building, it's hard to miss the Boston Children's Museum. Here, hands-on exhibits present a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about various sciences, culture, art and health and wellness, among other subjects. Among the museum's standout exhibits are "Construction Zone," where little ones can learn about and play with kid-sized construction equipment, "The Common," where kids play with color, games and music, and "Japanese House" – a 100-year-old authentic Japanese house reconstructed in Boston by Japanese carpenters.

Museumgoers praise the variety of engaging exhibits tailored to kids within different age groups and can't recommend it enough. Others warn the museum gets crowded, especially in the summer.

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Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway free

Boston is packed with cool outdoor spaces, but this nearly 1½-mile-long series of parks and gardens offers more than most. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was established to link Boston's diverse neighborhoods through a series of lawns, parks and walkways that occupy a former highway tunnel. Since opening in 2008, visitors have flocked to this sprawling green space to enjoy temporary public art displays, bubbling fountains, numerous food vendors and a carousel. Plus, the park offers free weekly events, including food and art festivals, summer concert performances and seasonal fitness classes.

Many previous visitors said the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway not only offers a much-needed respite from the city, but also an easy way to explore Boston with kids during the warmer months. And, in many sections of the Greenway, you're never more than a few steps away from the Freedom Trail .

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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

This hands-on museum offers an entertaining look at one of Boston's pivotal moments. You can toss (fake) tea overboard, climb around replica ships and converse with period actors about Colonial issues. Exhibits at the museum, which is located on Griffin's Wharf (close to where the actual Tea Party occurred on Dec. 16, 1773) include 3D holograms, talking portraits and the Robinson Tea Chest, an authentic tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. Two of the three ships have been recreated, the Beaver and the Eleanor, which are fun to explore. The film "Let It Begin Here" depicts the events that immediately preceded the American Revolution. You can also grab a cup of tea or a snack in Abigail's Tea Room, which has one of the best views of the harbor around.

Visitors love the interactive nature of the museum and tossing tea overboard, saying their time there was entertaining for all ages. They also add that the guides are informative and stay in character.

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Museum of Science Museum of Science

If you're traveling with young ones in tow, be sure to swing by the Museum of Science. Here, kids can learn about astronomy, earth sciences and anatomy, not to mention participate in some fun interactive exhibits. Budding scientists can examine the Arctic in "Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology" exhibit or play on swings to learn about physics in "Science in the Park." The museum also features the Charles Hayden Planetarium, where you can indulge your inner astronaut during shows. Meanwhile, at the Mugar Omni Theater, you'll feel like you're actually in the IMAX film thanks to its cutting-edge sound technology and five-story-high projection screen.

Although the museum is very kid-focused, past visitors said that young-at-heart adults and even teens will get a kick out of the museum's engaging displays and shows. Though most travelers spend about half a day exploring the museum, you could easily allocate an entire day to this attraction. Also, remember that separate tickets (which cost extra) are needed for some museum features, such as IMAX films, planetarium shows and the Garden Walk and Insect Zoo.

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Boston Duck Tours Boston Duck Tours

Wander Boston for a couple of hours and you're sure to see a Duck Tour quacking its way through the streets (and waterways). These "Truck Duck" vehicles recreate the look of a DUKW truck used by the U.S. military during World War II and transport tourists all over the city by land and water. The tours drive past a number of landmark sites including the Old State House, Newbury Street , Prudential Tower, Public Garden and the Swan Boats, and Copley Square (home to the Boston Public Library ). Once launched into the water, you'll cruise down the Charles River checking out MIT, the Longfellow Bridge, as well as the Esplanade and the Hatch Shell. 

Besides giving tours around the city, Boston Duck Tour boats have been used in all of the victory parades since 2002 for the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins (the city's major teams for football, baseball, basketball and hockey, respectively). What started off simply as a way to roll the Patriots through downtown Boston for a Superbowl celebration has turned into a much-loved tradition that continues today.

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Boston Symphony Orchestra Boston Symphony Orchestra

Even if you're not a classical music aficionado, you can't miss attending one of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's world-renowned performances at Symphony Hall. The BSO began performing in 1881. Today, the symphony performs everything from family shows to traditional concerts and Boston Pops – a lively performance filled with singing and a variety of music. The BSO performs at Symphony Hall from September through April, then heads to Tanglewood (which is about 130 miles west of Boston) in the summer.

Past spectators not only praised the world-class talent, but also noted the impressive acoustics of Symphony Hall as a main selling point for attending future concerts. If you can't score tickets to an orchestra performance, consider taking a free tour of Symphony Hall. Tours, which are offered in the fall, winter and spring, provide information about the property, as well as insight into the orchestra's musicians and conductors.

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New England Holocaust Memorial New England Holocaust Memorial free

Gaze up at the six 54-foot glass towers that comprise the New England Holocaust Memorial, and you're bound to be awestruck. Dedicated in 1995, each haunting tower is etched with numbers. The 6 million numbers represent the Holocaust's victims, while the towers represent the six major death camps. There is also a granite path covered in quotes from survivors that leads visitors inside the towers.

Recent visitors described walking through the columns as an emotionally charged and unforgettable experience. The monument's location next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace makes it very accessible while walking the Freedom Trail .

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Paul Revere House Paul Revere House

For a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1700s, head to Paul Revere's former residence in the North End . The house, which is situated on the Freedom Trail , offers insight into how homes looked in Revere's time (it's even filled with period pieces, including fine silver). Inside, history fans can admire the building's sweeping beams, spacious fireplaces and some original furnishings owned by the Revere family.

If you like American history, travelers say you'll enjoy seeing the Paul Revere House. This house is small, though, so don't allot more than an hour to tour the property. Docents are friendly and knowledgeable.

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Massachusetts State House Massachusetts State House free

The golden-domed Massachusetts State House is an important building for many reasons and is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail . The land it sits on was originally used as John Hancock’s cow pasture. It was designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798 and the cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams in 1795. A copper dome was installed by Paul Revere in 1802 (later covered in gold). Nowadays, senators, state representatives and the governor conduct the Commonwealth's business here.

Free tours are offered by docents who explain the building's history and discuss the important art and architecture within. Make sure to look for the Sacred Cod in the House of Representatives Chamber. The almost 5-foot wooden cod symbolizes the importance of the salt cod industry to the area.

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New England Aquarium New England Aquarium

Your kids will find plenty to love at the New England Aquarium, starting with the Atlantic harbor seals that hang out just beyond the ticket booth. Inside, you'll find thousands of marine critters to study, and at the center: the Giant Ocean Tank. This four-story tank includes a coral reef habitat that houses more than 1,000 underwater creatures including green sea turtles, eels and barracuda. In other parts of the aquarium, you'll find exhibits dedicated to penguins, sea jellies and seadragons, plus a six-story high projection movie screen with digital surround sound, where you can watch films about sea creatures and more. And don't forget to check out the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, which allows visitors to graze sharks and rays as they swim by.

While some visitors bemoan the aquarium's compact size (which, in turn, made for thick crowds), many appreciate the attraction's variety of animals. Several travelers also recommend watching a penguin or seal feeding.

downtown boston tour

USS Constitution USS Constitution free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every July 4th, the USS Constitution takes her annual "turnaround" sail in Boston Harbor. The particular sail is the only one open to the public and the US Navy holds a lottery with the lucky winners getting to board "Old Ironsides." – Jill LeGrow

History lovers, boat enthusiasts and military aficionados alike can't miss the chance to board the USS Constitution. Docked at the Boston National Historical Park in Charlestown, this historic vessel is the world's oldest commissioned warship still operational today. It is helmed by United States Navy sailors, who also serve as the ship's guides. The ship's accompanying museums displays nearly 2,000 artifacts related to the ship's history.

downtown boston tour

Bunker Hill Monument Bunker Hill Monument free

Bunker Hill Monument is part of the Boston National Historical Park and a stop on the Freedom Trail . The first major battle of the American Revolution took place on Breed's Hill in June 1775, though originally it was supposed to take place on nearby Bunker Hill. Names aside, the British won the battle but fared worse than their American foes. The British sacrificed about nearly half of their 2,400 men; American casualties were between 300 and 500 out of an army of 1,400 to 1,800 soldiers. Construction of the monument started in 1827 and was completed in 1842. The 221-foot granite obelisk offers fabulous views from its observatory, though you have to work for it by climbing 294 steps to the top.

Start your visit at the Bunker Hill Museum, located across the street. Exhibits explain the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the monument, and the history of Charlestown. Free tickets are required to climb the monument and you can also pick them up at the museum. Visitors enjoy the museum and say the monument is awe-inspiring and the grounds beautiful.

downtown boston tour

Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

(270 reviews)

from $ 120.00

Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour

Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour

(822 reviews)

from $ 81.31

Guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour

(666 reviews)

from $ 26.00

downtown boston tour

View Boston View Boston

U.S. News Insider Tip: To save some cash on your sightseeing, pick up a Boston CityPass which allows you to visit up to four attractions (such as the Museum of Science , New England Aquarium , Boston Harbor City Cruise and View Boston) for one discounted price. – Jill LeGrow

Replacing the iconic Top of the Hub restaurant and Skywalk Observatory that closed in 2020, View Boston opened in June 2023 to offer 360 panoramic views of Boston from atop the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center. Taking over the top three floors of the Prudential Center, View Boston includes an observatory, a wraparound roof deck and indoor/outdoor cocktail bar called Stratus, and a floor with interactive exhibits such as a projection-mapped 3D model of Boston. There's also Beacon, a bistro offering seasonal beverages and food.

downtown boston tour

The Mapparium The Mapparium

Located at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story, stained glass globe never fails to elicit wonder. Designed by the architect of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, Chester Lindsay Churchill, the globe depicts the world as it was in 1935.

The "How Do You See the World" experience includes the globe; the "Our World: Mapping Progress," which highlights humanity's achievements since 1935; and "Points of Progress," where you can learn about significant events in human rights, scientific advances, exploration, and other fields. A 10-minute audio narration features clips from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai (a Kenyan Nobel laureate) and others. One of the coolest features of the globe is that it is a "whispering gallery." Stand at one end of the gallery while a friend stands at the other. Whisper something to them and they will be the only one to hear it.

downtown boston tour

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boston convention center

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1147 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston 4.3

Faneuil Hall

200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110

Tickets Sold at this Stop

Atlantic Avenue at corner of State Street

Stop #1 is our primary staging and ticketing area, located at 200 Atlantic Avenue, directly on the end of the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. Stop # 1 is also directly across the street from Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and immediately next door to Christopher Columbus Park.

Historic North End

561 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02110, USA

Commercial Street & Hull Street

Stop #2 is at 561 Commercial Street, in front of the Steriti Ice Rink. Stand at the bus stop located at the corner of Commercial Street and Hull Street. It is located about two blocks east from the Charlestown Bridge.

USS Constitution and Museum

Constitution Road between 1st Ave. and 2nd Ave.

(Closest cross street is Chelsea Street).

Stop #3 is located directly in front of Gate #1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The driveway and Gate #1 are just off of Constitution Road, one block down from the cross street of Chelsea Street.

North Station / TD Garden

Westbound side of Causeway Street between Beverly Street and Accolon Way.

Stop #4 is on the Westbound side of Causeway Street at Portal Park. Diagonally across the street is a restaurant called Tavern on the Square.

Downtown Crossing / Historic District

State Street between Washington and Congress Streets. Tickets Sold at this Stop

Stop #5 is on State Street, directly across from the Old State House Museum. The trolley picks up at the glass bus shelter that's on the brick plaza across the street from the Old State House .

Beacon Hill / Antique Row

Charles Street at Mount Vernon Street. Stop #6 is located on Charles Street at the corner of Mount Vernon. The Tatte Bakery and Café is on that corner and a Peet’s Coffee Shop is directly across the street.

84 Beacon Street

Between River and Brimmer Streets.

The trolley picks up directly in front of Cheers, near the corner of Brimmer.

Prudential Center / Skywalk Observatory

40 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Dalton St. between Belvedere St. & Scotia St. Tickets Sold at this Stop

Stop #8 is located between the Hilton entrance and the USPS mailbox.

Christian Science Plaza / Symphony Hall

120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

Stop #9 is located directly in front of the Colonnade Hotel, at 120 Huntington Avenue, near the corner of West Newton Street. The stop is directly across the street from the Shops at Prudential Center, and diagonally across from the Christian Science Center plaza.

Copley Place Mall

100 Huntington Ave #92, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Huntington Avenue Tickets Sold at this Stop

Huntington Avenue at the exit of the Carriage Way from the Marriott Copley Place Hotel

Stop #10 In front of the Marriott Copley Place Hotel. The trolley stops at the traffic light at the exit of the Marriott Copley Place Carriage Way.

Copley Square / Trinity Church

Boylston St & Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Directly across the street from #545 Boylston Street. Stop #11 is on Boylston Street on the north side of Trinity at the bus shelter near the Phillips Brooks Statue.

Old Town Trolley Welcome Center

Charles Street South at Boylston Street and Park Plaza. Tickets Sold at this Stop

Stop #12 is located at the corner of Charles Street South and Boylston, directly across from the Boston Common, and diagonally across from the Boston Public Garden . The trolley pulls in directly in front of our souvenir shop called Old Town Trolley Welcome Center.

Beacon Hill / Boston Common

Beacon Street at Park Street. Stop #13 is located at the top of Beacon Hill, directly across from the Massachusetts State House , and on same side of the street as the Boston Common. There is a large outdoor sculpture near the corner of Park Street. The trolley pulls in next to the large granite staircase just before the monument.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Sleeper Street Stop #14 is located between the MBTA bus stop signs, directly in front of 313 Congress Street. It is located exactly opposite the Congress Street entrance to Boston Children's Museum . Transfer here for our Orange Loop - Seaport Hotel Shuttle.

Boston Convention Center

445 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

This stop is part of the Seaport Loop - available 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar) and 9am-5pm (April-Oct). Return shuttle leaves stop 1 daily at 4pm (Nov-Mar) and 5pm (April-Oct). Summer Street between East Side Drive and D Street. Stop #15 is located at the bus shelter on Summer Street by the Westin Waterfront Hotel.

Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal

666R Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA

This stop is part of the Seaport Loop - available 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar) and 9am-5pm (April-Oct). Return shuttle leaves stop 1 daily at 4pm (Nov-Mar) and 5pm (April-Oct). Located at the north-east corner of the cruise port parking lot. Exit the cruise terminal, turn left and go to the end of the parking lot; you'll see a white tent there. Stop 16a: On days when Old Town Trolley is servicing a cruise ship, there will be an additional stop directly outside the entrance to the cruise ship terminal.

Boston Fish Pier

220 Northern Avenue

This stop is part of the Seaport Loop - available 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar) and 9am-5pm (April-Oct). Return shuttle leaves stop 1 daily at 4pm (Nov-Mar) and 5pm (April-Oct)

Stop #17 is located on Seaport Blvd. at the eastern corner of the entrance to the Boston Fish Pier in front of 75 Liberty Wharf.

South Station

Summer St @ South Station - Red Line entrance, Boston, MA 02110, USA

This stop is part of the Seaport Loop - available 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar) and 9am-5pm (April-Oct). Return shuttle leaves stop 1 daily at 4pm (Nov-Mar) and 5pm (April-Oct). 245 Summer Street Stop #18 is located at the MBTA bus shelter, in front of 245 Summer Street. People arriving in Boston at South Station should be sure they exit South Station on the Summer Street side and walk to their right 75 feet to the MBTA bus shelter at 245 Summer.

boston faneuil hall

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boston historic faneuil hall marketplace

Quincy Market

Outside the New England Aquarium

This festival marketplace offers over 150 shops, restaurants, and merchant carts in the three buildings surrounding Faneuil Hall, North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market. Quincy Market, the center building, is a great gathering spot and place for lunch, with over 35 stands offering a global food selection. During the summer months, street performers often entertain the crowds around the marketplace. Jugglers, clowns, puppeteers, musicians, and magicians are just a few types of entertainers that can be seen on the cobblestone promenade.

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 1/2 hours for lunch and shopping

Boston Harbor Cruises

Outside the New England Aquarium

Boston Harbor Cruises has been introducing visitors to the Boston Harbor since 1926. Today they are New England’s oldest and largest cruise company. Boston Harbor Cruises offers Whale Watching , Sightseeing, Lighthouse, and Sunset Cruises, in addition to fast ferries for private functions and general entertainment. Boston Harbor Cruises also runs The Landing, Boston’s only fully outdoor patio bar and a great spot to enjoy drinks and the view of the Boston harbor. There’s no reason to trek to Boston’s Historic Ballpark when you can catch a Red Sox game on TV from the waterfront!

Admissions

New England Aquarium

new-england-aquarium

The New England Aquarium, situated on the scenic Central Wharf, has more than a dozen exhibits that highlight hundreds of different species from around the world. Attracting 1.3 million visitors each year, the Boston Waterfront attraction recreates natural habitats ranging from reefs and tide pools to rocky shorelines. In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium offers Whale Watch excursions that take visitors 30 miles east of Boston to Stellwagen Bank where you can see whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. The aquarium also has an IMAX® Theater that features films of animals and their habitats, 3-D movies and first-run feature

Shopping

One of Boston’s most well known historic sites , Faneuil Hall Marketplace was constructed in 1742 and served as a marketplace and meeting hall since it first opened its doors. Named after the wealthy merchant who provided funding for the hall, Peter Faneuil, this significant structure has been the site of many important and inspirational speeches by famed Americans, including Samuel Adams. When visiting Boston , a stop here is definitely a must do.

Entertainment

Paul Revere House

boston copps hill burying ground

Built in 1680, the unimposing wooden house at 19 North Square is the oldest house in downtown Boston . The 3-story building was the home of silversmith and Boston Patriot Paul Revere from 1770-1800, previously housing the parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. Revere sold the house in 1800 and it became a tenement with the ground floor used for shops and various businesses over the years. In 1902, Revere’s great-grandson purchased the property and restored it so that it could be opened to the public. In 1908, after restoration by architects and preservationists, the Paul Revere House opened to the public as one of the earliest historic house museums in Boston and the U.S.

Old North Church

boston copps hill burying ground

Officially called Christ Church, the Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston, a National Historic Landmark, and a stop on the Freedom Trail . Built in 1723, the Old North Church was inspired by the works of Christopher Wren, a British architect. It is most commonly known as the first stop on Paul Revere’s “Midnight Ride,” where he instructed three Boston Patriots to hang two lanterns in the church’s steeple. The lanterns were used to inform Charlestown Patriots that the British were approaching by sea and not by land.

Copp's Hill Burying Ground

copps-hill-burying-ground

The gravestones in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Boston’s second oldest burying ground, tell the story of the population of the North End in colonial times. Originally known as Windmill Hill, the hill took the name of William Copp, a shoemaker who donated the land for a burying ground in 1659. It is the place of rest for thousands of artisans, craftspeople, and merchants. Some of the well known individuals are Increase and Cotton Mather, of the family of ministers, Robert Newman, sexton of the Old North Church at the time of Paul Revere’s ride, Edmund Hart, shipyard owner and builder of the USS Constitution , and Shem Drowne, the artist who made the weathervane for Faneuil Hall, among others.

boston uss cassin young

USS Cassin Young

Boston bunker hill monument

Named for Captain Cassin Young who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Cassin Young (DD – 793) is docked adjacent to Old Ironsides. Built in 1943, she was. The ship served during World War II and the Korean War. The destroyer saw action off Tinian, the island the Enola Gay took off from to drop the first atomic bomb, as well as Okinawa and Iwo Jima. One of only four Fletcher-class destroyers still afloat, she was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Bunker Hill Monument

bunker-hill-monument

The Bunker Hill Monument was the first public obelisk in the United States designed to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. The battle was actually misnamed because the majority of the action took place on Breed’s Hill and that is where the monument sits. The monument was begun in 1827 but construction had to be halted and it wasn’t completed until 1843. The architect, Solomon Willard, had the granite for the 221 ft structure brought in from Quincy, Massachusetts.

boston uss constitution

Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Crisscrossing the globe, this three-masted frigate participated in the Barbary War off the coast of North Africa and sailed the Caribbean in search of pirates. She earned her nom de guerre Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when enemy cannonballs bounced off her resilient wooden hull. Docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the famous ship is a floating museum open to public. It is also a stop on the on the Freedom Trail and the Old Town Trolley.

boston museum of science

Museum of Science (MOS)

harrison gray otis house

Boston’s Museum of Science, located on the Charles River Basin, has over 500 interactive exhibits and a variety of live presentations throughout the day. The museum also features a planetarium, New England’s only domed IMAX, a theater of electricity with one of the world’s largest Van de Graaff generators, and exhibits from the original Computer History Museum. Beginning with a collection of men sharing scientific interests in the early 1830’s, the museum still houses some of the artifacts that were originally stored and displayed.

harrison gray otis house

TD Garden is the home arena for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association. TD Garden is owned by Delaware North, whose CEO, Jeremy Jacobs, also owns the Bruins. It is the site of the annual Beanpot college hockey tournament, and hosts the annual Hockey East Championships.

The Sports Museum

harrison gray otis house

The Sports Museum is located on the 5th and 6th floors of the TD Garden . This Boston attraction features exhibits organized by sport, including hockey (Boston Bruins, Hartford Whalers, and Olympics), basketball (Boston Celtics), football (New England Patriots), and baseball (Boston Red Sox). Concourse galleries also feature boxing, rugby, soccer and artifacts from the Boston Marathon. The museum has life-size statues of Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Orr, Larry Bird, and Harry Agganis, an old Boston Garden hockey penalty box, and thousands of other items.

Harrison Gray Otis House

harrison-gray-otis-house

Built in 1796 by Charles Bulfinch for Harrison Gray Otis and his wife Sally, the house is the last surviving home in what was once Boston’s most exclusive neighborhood. As a developer of Beacon Hill , Otis made a fortune, and he later served as a Representative in Congress and Mayor of Boston. The Federal Style is emulated in the home’s classic architecture and elegant furnishings.

141 Cambridge Street, Boston

boston massacre site

Boston Massacre Site

harrison gray otis house

On March 5, 1770, the tension from the British military occupation of Boston escalated into the event now referred to as the Boston Massacre. There was heavy military presence in downtown Boston in order to maintain control over civilians and to enforce the Townshend Act. Various brawls between soldiers and civilians had taken place; but the evening of March 5th was the first to result in civilian deaths. Today the site of the massacre is marked by a cobblestone ring on the traffic island at the intersection of Devonshire and State Streets.

Old South Meeting House

harrison gray otis house

The Old South Meeting House was the largest building in colonial Boston and stands today as a symbol of the right to free speech and free assembly. The most well known meeting that took place here was held by the Sons of Liberty on December 16, 1773. The discussion in protest of the British tax on tea led directly to the Boston Tea Party, which took place later that very evening. 5,000 colonists gathered in the Old South Meeting House that day, an example of one of the larger crowds that could not have been accommodated by Faneuil Hall.

Old State House

harrison gray otis house

The Old State House, built in 1713 on the site of the first Town House, is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. The building served as a meeting place for the exchange of economic and local news and was said to be the center of politics in the colonies. The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony on the east side of the building, and just below it is the spot where the Boston Massacre took place. The Old State House is one of the most important public buildings in the U.S.

Old Corner Bookstore

harrison gray otis house

The Old Corner Bookstore, located on the corner of School and Washington Streets, was built in 1718 as an apothecary shop and residence. During the 19th century, it housed the Ticknor and Fields Publishing House and later became the literary center of Boston. Authors such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau brought manuscripts here to be published. It is now known as the Globe Corner Bookstore and specializes in New England travel books and maps. Before the Old Corner Bookstore was built, the original building was the home of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, who was condemned for her dissent from Puritan orthodoxy.

Boston Latin School

harrison gray otis house

Established in 1635, the Boston Latin School was the first public school in America. By inviting boys of any social class to enter, the school set a precedent for tax-supported public education. The Boston Latin School’s curriculum is inspired by the 18th century latin-school movement, which centered on the idea that study of the classics was the basis of an educated mind. Some of the school’s most famous students were Ben Franklin, Samuel Adams, Henry Ward Beecher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Hancock, and Leonard Bernstein. A statue of Benjamin Franklin keeps a watchful eye on the site and a mosaic on the sidewalk behind King’s Chapel marks the spot as well.

Kings Chapel & Burying Ground

harrison gray otis house

Kings Chapel is a Christian Unitarian church located on Tremont and School Streets. The church was organized in 1686 as an Anglican Church. In 1785 it became the oldest member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the first Anglican Church. Beside the church is the Kings Chapel Burying Ground, which was Boston’s only burial ground for 30 years. Many historical figures are buried here, including John Winthrop, the colony governor, William Dawes, who rode with Paul Revere on the Midnight Ride, Mary Chilton, the first woman off the Mayflower, and William Emerson, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s father. The original building was a wooden church built in 1688 and it was replaced by the current stone building in 1754. The bell was hung in 1772 and was recast by Paul Revere in 1814; it still rings at services today.

charles street meeting house

Charles Street Meeting House

boston massachusetts state house

The Charles Street Meeting House in Beacon Hill is a historic church that was built in 1807. Its first congregation was the Third Baptist Church, which baptized its members in the Charles River . Before the Civil War, the church was an important site for the anti-slavery movement, used for speeches by Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth. The building is currently used for commercial purposes.

Louisburg Square

boston massachusetts state house

Louisburg Square was designed as a model for town house development in the 1840’s but the square was not replicated because of space restrictions. Today, the area is one of the most prestigious addresses in Boston. The homeowners, not the city, own the square and the oval park. Statues of Columbus and Aristides can be seen on the north and south ends , donated by a Greek merchant in 1850. Residents in the square have included author and critic William Dean Howells, the Alcotts, including author Louisa May Alcott, and currently Secretary of State, John Kerry.

Charles River Esplanade/Hatch Shell

boston massachusetts state house

Charles River Esplanade is one of the many examples of land set aside in Boston for public enjoyment. During the summer you can catch a free concert or play at the Hatch Shell, or watch the rowers practice in the Charles River as you stroll in the park.

Nichols House Museum

boston massachusetts state house

Built in 1805 and renovated in 1830, the Nichols House Museum was constructed by architect Charles Bulfinch. The museum takes its name from Rose Standish Nichols, who lived in the house between 1885 and 1960, and represents the lifestyle of the American upper class during that period. The Nichols House Museum offers a room-by-room tour of the four-story row house, which is decorated in original furnishings.

Acorn Street

boston massachusetts state house

Get MORE out of your summer in Boston aboard the iconic Old Town Trolley and see the best first!

One of the most photographed streets in the city, Acorn Street offers visitors a reminiscent ride back to colonial Boston. It was on this lovely street that 19th century artisans and trades people lived and today the row houses are considered to be a prestigious address in Beacon Hill .

Boston Athenaeum

boston massachusetts state house

One of the oldest libraries in the United States, the Athenaeum was founded in 1807 and is an exclusive club of sorts in which a membership is required to use the many magnificent resources of this institution. But feel free to visit the first floor of this historic building that is open to the public and is home to an art gallery with a variety of rotating exhibits. Marble busts, porcelain vases, oil paintings, books and more are a delight to browse through and view. There’s also a children’s room with cozy reading nooks that overlook the Granary Burying Ground .

Ultimate Guide to Boston Common

boston massachusetts state house

Established in 1634, the 50-acre Boston Common is the oldest public recreation area in the country. Colloquially known as “the Common,” the park is one of the gems in the Emerald Necklace, a series of parks, urban open spaces and greenways that meander through several Boston neighborhoods and stretch to Roxbury. Boston Common, situated across from the Massachusetts State House , forms the southern base of Beacon Hill and is delineated by Beacon, Park, Tremont, Boylston and Charles streets.

Museum of African American History

boston massachusetts state house

The Museum of African American History is New England’s largest museum dedicated to telling the story of organized black communities from the Colonial period through the 19th century. A variety of exhibits, programs, events and educational activities are presented that showcase the stories of black families – from how they lived, educated their children, worshiped, worked, created artwork and how they organized politically to advance the cause of freedom. Located within the African Meeting House , which is the oldest African Meeting House in America and inside the Abiel Smith School, which was the first building in the country constructed for the sole purpose of housing a black public school, the buildings themselves are a big part of the rich heritage and incredible past of the African Americans in New England.

Massachusetts State House

massachusetts-state-house

In the distinctive gold-domed building atop Beacon Hill , the past meets the present. On weekdays, you can discover Massachusetts’ history on a free tour of the center of the state government. The building, completed in 1798, was designed by Charles Bulfinch to replace the Old State House .

In addition to housing the state government, the State House also displays various portraits of governors, murals depicting the state’s heritage, and statues inside and on its grounds. The building is recognizable because of its dome sheathed in copper and covered by 23 karat gold, as seen in the film The Departed .

gibson-house-museum

Gibson House Museum

duckling day parade

The Gibson House offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century living in Boston’s Back Bay . As one of the Back Bay’s first residences, the Gibson House was built in the mid-19th century and remains the unspoiled residence of a well-to-do Victorian Boston family. Kitchen, scullery, butler’s pantry, and baths, as well as formal rooms and personal quarters are filled with the Gibsons’ original furniture and personal possessions. Located on 137 Beacon Street, between Arlington and Berkeley Streets, Boston.

Boston Public Garden

duckling day parade

The landscaped, 24-acre Boston Public Garden, established in 1837, was the first public botanical garden in the U.S. The Public Garden contains lovely manicured paths, the famous “Make Way for Ducklings” statues, a 4-acre pond with swans and a variety of other birds, and several memorable statues throughout. You can enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Swan Boats, pedal-powered gondolas which have been in operation during the summer months since 1877.

Make Way For Ducklings

make-way-for-ducklings

In the  Public Garden,  you’ll find Mrs. Mallard and her eight duckling statues, based on the popular children’s book  Make Way for Ducklings  by Robert McCloskey.

Old Town Trolley outside the famous Cheers bar in Boston, MA

The historic landmark pub was transformed from a long-standing neighborhood gathering spot for locals into one of Boston’s must-see stops for visitors after gaining notoriety as the location of the popular 1980’s TV sitcom, Cheers. The Cheers Pub was founded in 1969 and was discovered in 1981 by Hollywood couple Mary Ann and Glenn Charles. During their visit, they photographed the interior and exterior of the pub, which they gave to the set designer back in Hollywood to replicate for the set of the show. Cheers premiered on NBC in 1982 and remained on the air for 11 seasons, receiving over 100 Emmy nominations over the years. The pub eventually changed its name to Cheers to avoid confusion.

Prudential Center

boston newbury street

Newbury Street

exterior picture of Boston historic ballpark

Eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and fabulous dining. Boston’s Newbury Street has something for everyone. Shops include The Boston Baked Bean, So Good Jewelry, Niketown, Hempest and more.

Mapparium at Mary Baker Eddy Library

exterior picture of Boston historic ballpark

The How Do You See the World? experience explores stories about global progress—how individuals worldwide have overcome challenges and found hope. The space encourages you to reflect on this question while exploring the interactive exhibits.

Historic Ballpark

historic-ballpark

Get your behind the scenes look at America’s most legendary ballpark, Boston’s Historic Ballpark. Visit the place where Carlton Fisk hit one of baseball’s most famous homeruns, walk the same warning track once strolled by Ted Williams, and even touch the beloved “Green Monster.” Tours leave hourly from the Souvenir Store on Yawkey Way seven days a week.

boston museum of fine arts

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

boston christian science plaza

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the largest museums in the U.S., housing the second largest permanent museum collection in the Western Hemisphere. The museum is affiliated with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and the sister museum, the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts, in Nagoya, Japan. The Museum of Fine Arts offers a fine permanent collection from the masters of American painting as well as a vast selection of works of art from all important periods; it also hosts special exhibits on loan from around the world.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

boston christian science plaza

Isabella Stewart Gardner, a patron of the arts, established the museum in 1903 when her own property on Beacon Hill became too small for her growing collection. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was designed as a replica of the 15th century Venetian style palazzo. Because Gardner disliked the cold, impersonal experience that museums usually offer, she chose the palazzo-style, a design which provides natural light and garden views. The museum, a must-see Boston attraction , features three floors of galleries surrounding a garden courtyard. The collection includes paintings, sculpture, tapestries, furniture, and decorative arts spanning 300 years, from locations around the world.

View Boston

boston christian science plaza

View Boston is the city’s preeminent observatory experience offering unrivaled 360-degree views of Boston’s breathtaking city skyline. Encompassing the top three floors of Boston’s iconic Prudential Tower, the 59,000-square-foot destination features indoor and outdoor panoramic views of the city, an open-air roof deck, two dining destinations, state-of-the-art immersive experiential exhibits, and more. Whether discovering famed landmarks and coveted hidden gems or meeting friends for a sunset cocktail, your unforgettable Bostonian experience begins here.

Symphony Hall

boston christian science plaza

The Symphony Hall in Boston, Massachusetts is considered one of the top concert halls in the world because of its impressive acoustics. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops share the hall. The Symphony Hall was designed through a collaboration of architects McKim, Mead and White and assistant professor of physics at Harvard University , Wallace Clement Sabine. Sixteen Greek and Roman statue replicas line the walls of the hall and Beethoven’s name is inscribed over the stage. The Symphony Hall’s organ, a 4,800 pipe Aeolian-Skinner, is also considered to be one of the best in the world. It was installed in 1949 and is autographed by Albert Schweitzer.

Christian Science Plaza

christian-science-plaza

The Christian Science Plaza is the location of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, one of the largest churches in New England. The plaza consists of 14 spacious and serene acres, paved in brick and granite, with orderly rows of trees, buildings, stone benches, a large reflecting pool and a circular fountain. The Mother Church, built in 1894, consists of a Romanesque Church Edifice with a bell tower and stained glass windows, and the larger Church Extension, added in 1906, is a mix of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture.

copley place

Copley Place

View from the Boston Prudential Center Skywalk

Copley Square, named after the American portraitist John Singleton Copley, is a historic focal point of this busy commercial area. A bronze statue of Copley can be found on the northern side of the square. Nearby Boylston Street offers shopping and attractions plus Newbury Street features upscale boutiques and restaurants in its quaint 19th century townhouses.

View from the Boston Prudential Center Skywalk

Prudential Center Skywalk

prudential-center-skywalk

The Boston Skywalk Observatory is located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center. From this vantage point you have sweeping 360-degree views of the city and beyond. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of New Hampshire. The Skywalk offers a state-of-the-art Antennae Audio Tour pointing out historic and cultural attractions, and special interactive, audiovisual exhibits on Boston history and architecture.

Copley Square / Back Bay

boston trinity church

Trinity Church

boston newbury street

Boston’s Trinity Church was founded in 1733 and was originally located in downtown Boston. After the Great Boston Fire of 1872, the church complex moved to its current location and construction was completed in 1877. The impressive church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and is the first instance of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Trinity Church is a Boston landmark and a cultural center for the city.

Boston Public Library

boston newbury street

As the oldest large free-lending library in America, the Boston Public Library was designed as a “palace for the people.” The McKim building includes a children’s room, the first in the country, and a sculpture garden with an arcaded gallery surrounding it. When facing the Copley Square side, the library façade resembles a 16th century Italian palace. Bates Hall is the library’s magnificent reading room, named after the library’s original benefactor Joshua Bates.

Old Town Trolley Welcome Center / Theater District

view of boston boch center wang theatre from the stage featuring two levels of seating, a stage and ornate ceiling and walls

Boch Center - Wang Theatre

boston theater district

Visit the historic Boch Center – Wang Theatre and take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Boston’s most prominent landmarks. Plus get an exclusive look at The Music Hall, part of the upcoming Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame!

boston theater district

Chinatown in Boston is the only historic Chinatown in New England. The area first became populated by Chinese immigrants in the early 1890’s. Before that, the area was settled by White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Irish, Jewish, Italian, and Syrian immigrants also all lived in the area at one time or another because of the low cost of housing and job opportunities in the area. In the late 19th century, manufacturing plants moved into the area and remained active through the 1990’s.

Boston Theater District

theater-district

More than a dozen theaters are clustered in the Boston Theater District. On Warrenton Street or Shear Madness Alley, the Charles Playhouse is home to the Blue Man Group, as well as Shear Madness , the country’s longest running non-musical play. Other theaters include the Colonial, Shubert, Orpheum, Opera, Emerson Majestic & Wilbur, most of which were built in the grand architectural style of early 1900s performance halls. These beautifully restored Boston gems , some intimate, some grand, host critically acclaimed productions.

New State House / Boston Common

boston freedom trail

Freedom Trail

boston common

For the average Bostonian, life in the New England colonies during the 17th century was, as you might’ve guessed, not exactly one of ease and leisure. Before they were built by stone or brick masonry, homes were small, dank, drafty and made entirely of wood. This building practice was abolished toward the advent of the 1700s due to the susceptibility of fire. Most of the population subsisted as farmers, the drinking water was unsafe, medicine was still in the Dark Ages, and the average lifespan was just shy of 40 years. These were arduous and challenging times and living under the yoke of an oppressive foreign monarchy would eventually prove too much to bear and, thus, a revolution was born.

Comprised of 16 places of interest, each one a milestone in the evolution of Boston from English colony to independence, the Freedom Trail is an essential component of any trip to Boston . This historic attraction literally lays out Boston’s colonial history before you on the very streets where the city’s most transformative events unfolded several hundred years ago.

The thinking behind the design of the Freedom Trail is attributed to William Schofield, a former travel writer for the Boston Herald. He noticed that visitors eager to immerse themselves in the city’s historic past were having trouble finding the landmarks they were looking for. Schofield proposed a solution – Link the most important sites in a numbered sequence along a clearly marked, easy to follow trail that could be walked from end to end without the chance of getting rerouted or lost. There was also the idea that the Freedom Trail would’ve been a typical path to walk for the average colonist back in the day, further enhancing the sensation of traveling back in time.

Park Street Church

boston common

The Park Street Church was founded in 1809 by 26 locals who were mainly former members of the Old South Meeting House . The church became known as Brimstone Corner, possibly because the area was used for the storage of gunpowder during the War of 1812. In 1816, the Park Street Church joined the Old South Church and formed the City Mission Society, which served Boston’s poor. The church was the site of many firsts, including the nation’s first Sunday School in 1818, first prison aid in 1824, and William Lloyd Garrison’s first public statement against slavery in 1829. Park Street Church can be seen from the various surrounding neighborhoods because of its steeple, rising 217 ft. high. Open to visitors summer time only.

Granary Burying Ground

boston common

Founded in 1660, the Granary Burying Ground is the third oldest burying ground in Boston . During the Revolution, the area where the Park Street Church now stands had been used to hold grain, which is the reason for the burying ground’s name. Located on Tremont Street, the following famous individuals are buried in the Granary Burying Grounds: Peter Faneuil, Sam Adams, Crispus Attacks, John Hancock, James Otis, Robert Treat Paine, Paul Revere , and members of Ben Franklin’s family.

Black Heritage Trail

boston common

The Black Heritage Trail features various homes, memorials, and sites that are significant in the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community. The first slaves arrived in 1638 and by 1705 there were over 400. At this time there were also the beginnings of a free black community in the North End , and by 1790, the time of the first census, Massachusetts reported no slaves. The trail includes the Robert Gould Shaw & the 54th Regiment Memorial, first black regiment, the George Middleton House, the oldest home built by African Americans on Beacon Hill, and the Phillips School, one of Boston’s first schools with an interracial student body.

African Meeting House

boston common

Dedicated in 1806, the African Meeting House is the Oldest African American Church and was the First African Baptist Church in the United States. Over the years it also served as a school and a community meeting place. It was here that William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Slavery Society, making it the center of the abolitionist movement. In 1972, the building was acquired by the Museum of Afro-American History and it was restored in 1987. Today, the museum commemorates African American history from slavery to the abolitionist movement, with a focus on educational equality.

boston common

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

picture of front of Boston Children's Museum building made up of brick and glass, Boston Harbor in the foreground, people sitting on picnic tables in front of museum and a giant structure on the right shaped like a milk bottle with windows and awnings

Boston Children's Museum

boston institute of contemporary art

Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest and one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. For over 100 years it has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. The Museum’s exhibits and programs emphasize hands-on engagement, learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children. Designed for children and families, Museum exhibits focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), environmental awareness, and health & fitness.

Institute of Contemporary Art

institute-of-contemporary-art

Housed in a dazzling edifice, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a treasured centerpiece in Boston’s flourishing Fort Point Channel neighborhood. Featuring a glass-enclosed gallery space cantilevered over the Boston Harbor, the modern façade of the Institute provides an interesting contrast to the historic architectural designs prominent in the city’s skyline. The arrival of the museum in 2006 helped spur the artistic renaissance of this former warehouse district. The ICA sponsors a variety of dynamic permanent and rotating exhibits in its breathtaking waterfront setting.

boston tea party ships museum

Located on the Congress Street Bridge, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive, high tech, floating museum. Unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before, this unique museum sits on a barge in the water, includes tours on restored tea ships and a stunning, interactive documentary that immerses you into the events that led up to the American Revolution. Touch, feel, see and hear what the patriots felt when their passions and angers flared at the injustice of taxation without representation. Participate in multi-sensory exhibits, witness dramatic reenactments by professional actors and historians and discover the true story behind the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Convention Center – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

boston cruise ship terminal

Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal

boston seaport district

At the Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal, more than 100 ocean-going vessels embark for numerous destinations around the world.

Boston Seaport District

seaport-district

Located on Boston’s waterfront, just across from downtown and not far from the airport, the Seaport District is one of the city’s most burgeoning neighborhoods. If you were looking at a map, you’d find this area stretches from the harbor to Fort Point Channel and into South Boston to East and West First Streets. It includes the four neighborhoods of Fort Point, Fan Pier, the Convention Center , and the Marine Industrial Park.

boston convention center

In June of 2004, the Boston Convention Center opened near the South Boston Harbor and Boston’s World Trade Center. Boston’s Convention Center is the largest in New England, offering 516,000 square feet of exhibit space, 300,000 square feet of function space, and a 40,020 square foot ballroom overlooking the city skyline and Boston Harbor. The space had originally been planned to house a stadium for the New England Patriots but concern over traffic prevented its construction.

Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal

Stop #16 is conveniently located just outside of the Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal. When you exit the terminal turn left on Black Falcon Avenue; at the stop sign continue straight onto Terminal Street. You will see a fenced-in parking lot on your left, at the end of the lot turn left towards the water. At the end of the fence turn right and wait next to the fence; the orange and green Old Town Trolley will stop right by the fence.

To return to any of the piers, adults must have both ship’s card (which usually doubles as your room key) and a valid photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

Stop #16 will be open during cruise ship “port of call” days only; for more information please call 617-269-7150.

Boston Fish Pier – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

spirit of boston cruises

Spirit of Boston Cruises

boston seaport district

For a truly unique and entertaining view of Boston Harbor, consider taking a cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston. The Spirit of Boston offers a variety of cruise experiences including lunch, dinner, sunset cruises, and midnight moonlight cruises. The cruises pass the World Trade Center, Boston Tea Party site, Boston Massacre site, the Old North Church, the Bunker Hill Monument , Old Ironsides, and more.

Harpoon Brewery

boston seaport district

Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal - Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

boston seaport district

Blue Hills Bank Pavilion

boston seaport district

One of Boston’s premier concert venues, the Pavilion, is open seasonally from May through October. From Tony Bennett to K.D. Lang to Bonnie Raitt to Jay-Z; they have all played at the Bank of America Pavilion, and this year’s lineup looks just as exciting as past years. With a perfect Boston Harbor location and many outstanding “sea oriented” restaurants located nearby, as well as a cutting edge New York style steakhouse, Del Frisco’s, spending an evening in the Seaport District can be a real Boston experience. When the concert is over, visit Harpoon Brewery and Beer Hall just 100 yards away from the Pavilion.

South Station – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

boston fort point channel

Fort Point Channel

boston tea party ships museum

The Channel extends from Gillette Headquarters, home to America’s premier razor manufacturer since King Gillette founded the company over 100 years ago, to the site of the Boston Tea Party on those very waters in 1773 and out into the Boston Harbor. In today’s Boston, the Fort Point Channel is bordered by restaurants, fabulous hotels and water view condos (look at the beautifully mirrored InterContinental Hotel and Residences), as well as attractions like the Children’s Museum and the recently rebuilt Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum .

tea-party-ships-museum

Completed in 1899, this beautiful pink granite building has been the hub of Boston’s rail transportation for more than a century. South Station was built to be a union station for the four railroad terminals serving Boston. The train shed, which was removed in 1930 due to corrosion, was one of the largest in the world. South Station was restored in 1989, leaving 13 tracks and a smaller building, which features Boston restaurants and businesses. Here you can catch an Amtrak train for points south, a commuter rail to Boston’s suburbs, or take the city’s red and silver lines of the subway system.

  • RESTAURANTS
  • ATTRACTIONS
  • 1 STOP Faneuil Hall
  • 2 STOP Historic North End
  • 3 STOP USS Constitution and Museum
  • 4 STOP North Station / TD Garden
  • 5 STOP Downtown Crossing / Historic District
  • 6 STOP Beacon Hill / Antique Row
  • 7 STOP Cheers Bar
  • 8 STOP Prudential Center / Skywalk Observatory
  • 9 STOP Christian Science Plaza / Symphony Hall
  • 10 STOP Copley Place Mall
  • 11 STOP Copley Square / Trinity Church
  • 12 STOP Old Town Trolley Welcome Center
  • 13 STOP Beacon Hill / Boston Common
  • 14 STOP Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  • 15 STOP Boston Convention Center
  • 16 STOP Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal
  • 17 STOP Boston Fish Pier
  • 18 STOP South Station

WELCOME TO BOSTON

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Free WINTERACTIVE Tour

Free WINTERACTIVE Tour

Get an inside look at a selection of the 16 art installations of WINTERACTIVE!

Every Saturday at 10 am, through April 6, the public is invited to join a member of the BID leadership team for a guided tour of Boston's buzzing public art experience. 

PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE

The tours will meet inside the Hyatt Regency by the concierge desk.

Learn more about WINTERACTIVE

IMAGES

  1. 15 Best Boston Tours

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  2. Time Out Boston

    downtown boston tour

  3. Downtown Boston’s 6 must-visit sites

    downtown boston tour

  4. Walking Tour Of The Downtown Boston Freedom Trail

    downtown boston tour

  5. 20 Best Things To Do In Downtown Boston, Massachusetts

    downtown boston tour

  6. Downtown Boston’s 6 must-visit sites

    downtown boston tour

VIDEO

  1. Boston Downtown Tour

  2. Tour at Downtown Boston #shorts

  3. [4K] Brookline, Massachusetts- Boston Drive

  4. Donut Tour

  5. We Are Boston

  6. Boston downtown

COMMENTS

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

    Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. 14 Stops. 33 Points of Interest. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes. Operating Schedule: Enjoy an hour and 45 minute panoramic trolley tour of Boston or tour all day at your own pace by hopping on and off at any of the 14 stops. It's the perfect way to explore the city!

  3. Walk Into History®

    Boston's official Freedom Trail tours! The Freedom Trail Foundation's most popular, introductory, tours highlight the diverse history that took place at 11 of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites, featuring Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel & King's Chapel Burying Ground, Boston Latin School site/Benjamin Franklin statue ...

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  5. Homepage

    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, ... 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 ...

  6. THE 10 BEST Boston Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    14. Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour. 537. Historical Tours. 1-2 hours. The Tour of The Freedom Trail by the Histrionic Academy is the best way to see and learn about Boston's inspiring history…. Free cancellation. from. $25.

  7. Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

    Highlights. Hop off the trolley at any of its 14 stops in downtown, Beacon Hill, and more. Visit 100+ points of interest including Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall. Discover the Historic North End, the Seaport District, and the Old North Chruch. Make the most of your time in the city of Boston with a 1-day or 2-day ticket.

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    Boston, Massachusetts. Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops. 4,171. from $42.00. Likely to Sell Out. Boston, Massachusetts. Private Full Day Tour to Coastal Maine from Boston with Hotel pick-up. from $1,615.05. Price varies by group size.

  9. The Official Downtown Boston Website

    First Class Dining. Boston Chops Floor-to-ceiling marble walls, stunning vaulted ceilings, elegant tufted leather seating, eye-popping seafood towers, and award-winning steaks paired with innovative twists on traditional sides. Top Choice.

  10. Walking Tour of the Downtown Boston Freedom Trail

    Boston, Massachusetts. Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour. 1,380. from $25.00. Boston, Massachusetts. Private Boch Center Wang Theatre & Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Tour. 15. from $181.82. Per group.

  11. Boston Freedom Trail Daily Walking Tour 2024

    Overview. Walk the Freedom Trail with a guide in historic costume on a tour from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall, a 1.2-mile route that covers important sites in the heart of Boston. This tour's shorter distance lets you follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers and American revolutionaries without making the more strenuous trek all the way ...

  12. Visit

    Welcome to Boston's Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that leads to 16 historically significant sites — each one an authentic treasure. ... From year-round immersive programs and activities at the 16 historic sites to public and private walking tours led by 18 th-century costumed guides, National Park Service's Park Rangers, and more ...

  13. Boston: Small Group Freedom Trail History Walking Tour

    Walk the iconic Freedom Trail and see Boston's major historic landmarks. Enjoy a small-group experience, avoiding large crowds and congested sidewalks. Hear stories from the American Revolution and the birth of the United States. Visit the final resting places of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and others. Full description.

  14. 20 Best Things To Do In Downtown Boston, Massachusetts

    This tour consists of the most famous cultural and historical sites, a 2.5-mile-long (4-kilometer) Freedom Trail which winds through Downtown Boston, to the nation's oldest public park, to the Bunker Hill Monument on the north side of the Charles River.

  15. Freedom Trail Map and Self Guided Tour

    Freedom Trail Map and Self Guided Tour. The Freedom Trail at the center of historic Boston is a red brick path through the city leading visitors to many of the city's historic sites. This self-guided tour and map will cover the entire 2.5 miles (4 km) and 16 Freedom Trail stops.

  16. The 15 Best Boston Tours

    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 ...

  17. Explore Downtown Boston

    Featured Itinerary Explore Downtown Boston's "Hidden Gem" Historic Sites About Us The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID) is a private, non-profit corporation created and maintained by property owners to serve the entire downtown community.

  18. 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Boston

    3. Downtown Crossing. Source: Keith J Finks / shutterstock. Downtown Crossing. Head to the Downtown Crossing for some traffic-free retail therapy. The Crossing, located at the junction of Winter, Summer and Washington Street, is a pedestrianized shopping zone and the best place in Downtown Boston to pick up a bargain.

  19. 30 Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston

    Boston Tours. Photo Tour: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. June 26, 2023 #7. View all Photos. Fenway Park. ... (it sits about 5 miles south of downtown on Columbia Point), it is well ...

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    Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour. 22. from $7.75. Boston, Massachusetts. Public Small Group Walking Tour of the Full Boston Freedom Trail. 667. from $35.00. Boston, Massachusetts. PRIVATE Authentic Revolutionary Boston Walking Tour.

  21. #1 Boston Tourist Map

    BEST VALUE: Trolley Tours & Boston Tea Party Ships . TOUR 2-Day Old Town Trolley Tour . MUSEUM Boston Tea Party Ships . TOUR Ghosts & Gravestones ... Boston's Trinity Church was founded in 1733 and was originally located in downtown Boston. After the Great Boston Fire of 1872, the church complex moved to its current location and construction ...

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    Embark on an immersive walking tour of downtown Boston. Discover historic sites from the Freedom Trail to the enchanting Boston Common, and uncover hidden ge...

  23. Boston: Historic Downtown Donut & Food Tour

    The birthplace of Dunkin' Donuts and home to numerous delicious artisanal donut shops, Boston was an easy choice when we thought about what city to add next. Our tour begins in the Financial District at Kane's Donuts where we'll sample several of their daily flavors. After which, we'll take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront on our ...

  24. Downtown Boston

    Free WINTERACTIVE Tour. Get an inside look at a selection of the 16 art installations of WINTERACTIVE! Every Saturday at 10 am, through April 6, the public is invited to join a member of the BID leadership team for a guided tour of Boston's buzzing public art experience. PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE. The tours will meet inside the Hyatt Regency ...