Boston History & Highlights Walking Tour (With Private Option)
Discover Boston’s rich past and vibrant present on this small-group (or private) walking tour—a relaxed and informative way to get your bearings if visiting the city for the first time. Gain valuable insight from local guide as you explore spots such as Boston Harbor, Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill, and the Public Garden. As you wander, learn about the city’s Revolutionary roots, architectural gems, and cultural evolution—and get an understanding of what life is like for modern-day residents.
Highlights
- ✓Upgrade to a private tour for a personalized experience
- ✓Discover hidden gems and lesser-known sights often missed by visitors and even locals
- ✓Learn about Boston's Revolutionary roots, architecture, and cultural evolution from an expert local guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓Please meet outside the main public entrance of the Boston RMV Service Center, located at 156 Blackstone Street. The RMV is in the same building as the Boston Public Market and sits directly across from the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Look for the glass-and-metal awning that extends over the sidewalk—this is right beside the Surface Rd & Hanover St bus stop. Above the entrance, you’ll see a sign that reads “Massachusetts Department of Transportation”. This is the correct door and the spot where your guide will be waiting.
- ✓Your tour starts at Faneuil Hall, where you'll learn about the revolutionaries who first pushed for independence from Great Britain.
- ✓From Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to see Custom House Tower, the first skyscraper built in the city of Boston and originally the location where incoming goods were stored upon arrival to Boston.
- ✓You can't visit Boston without learning about the Boston Tea Party. At this former church, hear how Bostonians planned their 1773 act of rebellion and who said "No taxation without representation!
- ✓Next, we'll pass the site of Boston's first bookstore, home to publishers of Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and Longfellow’s Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.
- ✓This hall housed the city council and America’s first public school. Admire its stunning French architecture and snap a photo with the Bronze Donkey.
- ✓Next, you'll walk through Downtown Crossing, pass Old City Hall, and visit King’s Chapel. If lucky, you might hear the organist on the oldest church organ in the US.
- ✓Continuing on, you'll stop at the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was announced in 1776. Your guide will share both the excitement of that moment and the tragic Boston Massacre.
- ✓Boston Common, the oldest city park in the US, is a favorite for both locals and visitors. As you walk through, you'll see memorials, fountains, and recreation areas, all enjoyed since 1634.
- ✓One of Boston's most popular neighborhoods, this area once declined due to sailors and British soldiers. You'll explore cobbled streets as your guide shares how it became the iconic spot it is today.
- ✓This lesser-known but significant memorial honors one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War and their colonel, Robert Gould Shaw.
- ✓Admire the glittering dome of the historic Massachusetts State House. Learn about John Hancock, the original landowner, and Paul Revere, who presided over the 1795 cornerstone ceremony. Your guide will share how the building has stood the test of time and remains vital to the state’s government.
- ✓Originally part of Boston Common, this cemetery dates back to 1660. You'll pass the graves of famous Revolutionary heroes like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.
- ✓This lively garden, the first public park in America, is enjoyed by Bostonians for walks, exercise, and relaxation. As you stroll through, you'll learn how it was used during the Revolution and beyond. The tour ends here, a perfect spot to continue your day in Boston.
What's included
- ✓Insider tips on where to eat, explore, and relax in Boston
- ✓Stops at Rose Kennedy Greenway, Custom House Tower, Quincy Market, Old State House, Old City Hall
- ✓Expert English-speaking guide with local insights and storytelling
- ✓Small group experience for a more personal and interactive tour
What's not included
- ✓Additional food and drink
- ✓Tips/gratuities for your guide
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a child-friendly tour. Children under 6 can join for free. Please let us know when booking if you're bringing a child under 6. Children aged 6 to 11 can join at the adult rate. Please inform us at the time of booking if you're bringing a child between 6 and 11, using the special requirements box on the checkout page.
We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking.
Experiences happen rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Boston History & Highlights Walking Tour (With Private Option)
Discover Boston’s rich past and vibrant present on this small-group (or private) walking tour—a relaxed and informative way to get your bearings if visiting the city for the first time. Gain valuable insight from local guide as you explore spots such as Boston Harbor, Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill, and the Public Garden. As you wander, learn about the city’s Revolutionary roots, architectural gems, and cultural evolution—and get an understanding of what life is like for modern-day residents.
Highlights
- ✓Upgrade to a private tour for a personalized experience
- ✓Discover hidden gems and lesser-known sights often missed by visitors and even locals
- ✓Learn about Boston's Revolutionary roots, architecture, and cultural evolution from an expert local guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓Please meet outside the main public entrance of the Boston RMV Service Center, located at 156 Blackstone Street. The RMV is in the same building as the Boston Public Market and sits directly across from the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Look for the glass-and-metal awning that extends over the sidewalk—this is right beside the Surface Rd & Hanover St bus stop. Above the entrance, you’ll see a sign that reads “Massachusetts Department of Transportation”. This is the correct door and the spot where your guide will be waiting.
- ✓Your tour starts at Faneuil Hall, where you'll learn about the revolutionaries who first pushed for independence from Great Britain.
- ✓From Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to see Custom House Tower, the first skyscraper built in the city of Boston and originally the location where incoming goods were stored upon arrival to Boston.
- ✓You can't visit Boston without learning about the Boston Tea Party. At this former church, hear how Bostonians planned their 1773 act of rebellion and who said "No taxation without representation!
- ✓Next, we'll pass the site of Boston's first bookstore, home to publishers of Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and Longfellow’s Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.
- ✓This hall housed the city council and America’s first public school. Admire its stunning French architecture and snap a photo with the Bronze Donkey.
- ✓Next, you'll walk through Downtown Crossing, pass Old City Hall, and visit King’s Chapel. If lucky, you might hear the organist on the oldest church organ in the US.
- ✓Continuing on, you'll stop at the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was announced in 1776. Your guide will share both the excitement of that moment and the tragic Boston Massacre.
- ✓Boston Common, the oldest city park in the US, is a favorite for both locals and visitors. As you walk through, you'll see memorials, fountains, and recreation areas, all enjoyed since 1634.
- ✓One of Boston's most popular neighborhoods, this area once declined due to sailors and British soldiers. You'll explore cobbled streets as your guide shares how it became the iconic spot it is today.
- ✓This lesser-known but significant memorial honors one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War and their colonel, Robert Gould Shaw.
- ✓Admire the glittering dome of the historic Massachusetts State House. Learn about John Hancock, the original landowner, and Paul Revere, who presided over the 1795 cornerstone ceremony. Your guide will share how the building has stood the test of time and remains vital to the state’s government.
- ✓Originally part of Boston Common, this cemetery dates back to 1660. You'll pass the graves of famous Revolutionary heroes like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.
- ✓This lively garden, the first public park in America, is enjoyed by Bostonians for walks, exercise, and relaxation. As you stroll through, you'll learn how it was used during the Revolution and beyond. The tour ends here, a perfect spot to continue your day in Boston.
What's included
- ✓Insider tips on where to eat, explore, and relax in Boston
- ✓Stops at Rose Kennedy Greenway, Custom House Tower, Quincy Market, Old State House, Old City Hall
- ✓Expert English-speaking guide with local insights and storytelling
- ✓Small group experience for a more personal and interactive tour
What's not included
- ✓Additional food and drink
- ✓Tips/gratuities for your guide
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a child-friendly tour. Children under 6 can join for free. Please let us know when booking if you're bringing a child under 6. Children aged 6 to 11 can join at the adult rate. Please inform us at the time of booking if you're bringing a child between 6 and 11, using the special requirements box on the checkout page.
We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking.
Experiences happen rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.