Top Boston Art & Culture - page 11

Boston’s revolutionary spirit didn’t emerge overnight. It was forged through years of defiance, from merchants smuggling wine, to ropewalkers brawling with British soldiers. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how everyday acts of resistance transformed colonial Boston into the birthplace of the American revolution. You’ll also uncover the gritty reality behind the propaganda and myths taught in textbooks. The tour starts at Long Wharf, once the longest in the Western Hemisphere, where 4,000 British troops landed in 1768 to discipline a rebellious city. You’ll walk through the North End, past John Hancock’s counting house where nervous redcoats fumbled musket balls. Along the way, you’ll hear how Hancock beat smuggling charges, and discover why Puritans refused to name their horses.

It is the winter of 1773, and Boston simmers on the edge of revolution. You have just been sworn into the Sons of Liberty and handed a coded cipher. From the steeple of the Old North Church, through Paul Revere's house and the halls where patriots first dared to speak, follow the hidden trail down to the harbour — and uncover the cause the cipher was protecting before the British close in. Blending real Revolutionary history — the Boston Massacre, the Old State House, the Tea Party — with a conspiratorial spy mystery, every stop reveals the true story of the landmark while advancing the intrigue. Augmented reality brings the clues to life on the cobblestones and facades, with audio narration in 32 languages. Start whenever you like, go at your own pace, pause for photos. No guide, no fixed schedule, no app to download — just open it on your phone and play. A perfect blend of sightseeing, storytelling and puzzles for explorers, couples and families visiting Boston.

Explore Boston's iconic Back Bay while honing your sketching skills. This lesson includes visits to 3-4 notable locations, where you'll receive all necessary materials to create your own sketches. Participants will leave with both initial sketches and a more developed final artwork. Additionally, the session will cover some of the rich history of the area's architecture and highlight key figures who shaped it.

Discover the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Nubian Square in Roxbury, where the African diaspora has left a significant mark on Boston. This culinary tour introduces you to five or more eateries that highlight diverse cuisines from various cultures, all while sharing stories of the historical figures and events that have shaped this vibrant neighborhood. Savor the unique dishes and learn about the traditions behind them, making this experience both delicious and enlightening. - Explore Nubian Square's diverse culinary scene with a local guide - Visit five or more eateries representing different cultural heritages - Learn about the historical significance of Roxbury and its influential figures - Enjoy a community-focused experience celebrating the African diaspora

Swap the usual “what should we do today?” debate for a fun, hands-on candle making class hosted at a trendy local brewery in Boston. In this hands-on experience, Instructor Neemah will guide you step by step as you design and pour your own custom candle. You’ll explore different scents, learn how fragrance, wax and wicks work together and create a candle that feels completely personal. And the best news? No experience is needed. Get ready for an experience that is creative, relaxing and way more memorable than sitting through another average happy hour. This class is ideal for couples looking for a unique date night, friends planning a girls’ night out, solo guests who want a calming creative escape and travelers searching for a local activity beyond the typical sightseeing list. Come for the cozy atmosphere, stay for the joy of making something with your own hands and leave with a custom candle that feels totally you.

This unique walking tour of Boston, led by Jessica Dello Russo, a PhD in archaeology and Context Travel expert, explores the city’s crucial role in the American Revolution. Starting at Long Wharf, Boston’s oldest port, Jessica reveals how the city’s thriving trade and skilled population helped spark independence. The tour highlights acts of civil disobedience and key figures like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and Benjamin Franklin. As you walk, you’ll encounter pre-revolutionary architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the historic Chart House and the controversial Faneuil Hall, built in 1742. On this 90-minute tour, you’ll explore key sites from Boston’s revolutionary history. Visit Granary Burying Ground, where American Revolution figures are laid to rest, and learn about the city’s role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the figures and events that shaped America’s fight for independence.

This immersive self-guided bundle brings together three unforgettable experiences: the iconic Freedom Trail, the hidden history of Beacon Hill’s Underground Railroad, and the chilling ghosts that still linger in Boston’s oldest streets. On this unique Boston experience, you’ll explore the city where revolution began, where courage challenged slavery, and where the past refuses to stay quiet. From historic landmarks and hidden alleys to haunted burial grounds and untold stories, each tour reveals a different side of Boston. No schedules. No groups. Just you, your phone, and the stories that shaped a nation. Perfect for travelers who want flexibility, depth, and a truly memorable way to experience Boston.

This history-driven pub crawl combines Revolutionary Boston with four wildly different bars, drinks, and stories. Over two hours, you’ll discover what connects Sam Adams Brewery, the tropical Tiki Cove, the legendary Green Dragon Tavern, and Modern Underground, a hidden cocktail bar tucked beneath a famous pastry shop. Along the way, your local guide will explore Boston’s history from the colonial era through the Revolution and into the modern day, with stories of smoky taverns, the Boston Tea Party, Caribbean influences, colorful characters, and some of the city’s stranger myths and legends. This isn’t four stops that feel the same, or a history lecture with a bar at the end. Expect beer, rum, cocktails, trivia, gangsters, and plenty of laughs as we separate historical fact from Boston folklore. Your guide may even challenge you to a game of 2 Truths and a Lie! It’s history, drinking, and storytelling with a distinctly Boston sense of humor. Some of it might even be true!

Blacksmiths are a rarity in our mass produced age. You can meet and watch a working blacksmith who has created objects ranging from tools to hangers and hooks to artisan art creations. Watch him at his craft and see authentic blacksmith tools. Learn about how history of blacksmithing had an important role in colonial towns like Lexington. Discover blacksmithing materials, how a forge works, and the science behind blacksmithing, including how coal turns into coke and how temperature affects the malleability of metal. Optional: kids can do clay craft to experiment with moulding and shaping Enjoy homemade corn bread and lemonade after and go home with a blacksmith souvenir.

Dive into New England history with this tour combo of Salem and the Boston Freedom Trail. In Salem, uncover the truth behind the Witch Trials. Relive the panic which seized this colonial town. Learn about the victims and why they were accused. Explore this historic town, admire its preserved architecture, and unearth all its dark secrets. Then, walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers on Boston’s Freedom Trail. History comes alive with this gripping retelling of the fight for independence! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Journey through Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll past with a local musician. See where iconic artists like Pixies, Joan Baez, and the Cars lived, recorded and performed. Dig for vinyl at a local record store, explore Harvard Square’s folk roots, and end with a pint at an Irish pub.

Embark on a captivating journey through Boston's rich history with our Boston Walking Tour Bundle, featuring self-guided audio tours of the Freedom Trail (Parts One and Two) and the charming Beacon Hill neighborhood. Walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries as you explore iconic sites like the Old North Church and Paul Revere's House, then meander through Beacon Hill's cobblestone streets, uncovering stories of abolitionists and literary figures. With GPS-triggered narration, offline maps, and expert storytelling, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace without the constraints of group tours. Join thousands of travelers who have transformed their Boston visit into an enriching experience—download now and let the city's history come alive! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Explore the Boston waterfront with a lifelong local, born in Salem and raised in the Boston area. A history graduate of Northeastern University with nearly 30 years of tour-guiding and waterfront experience, your guide brings both historical knowledge and a personal connection to the city. Discover Boston's maritime history, Revolutionary past, architecture, and remarkable waterfront transformation while hearing the stories behind the landmarks and the city you see today.

Follow the cinematic trail of CODA and Manchester by the Sea on this scenic 4.5-hour coastal tour through Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Step aboard Ruby’s world with a visit to the real "Angela Rose" fishing boat at Rockport Wharf, and stroll through the seaside town where her dreams took flight. Continue along the beautiful Massachusetts coastline to Manchester-by-the-Sea, where quiet streets and sweeping ocean views formed the emotional backdrop of the Oscar-winning drama. Along the way, soak in local stories, film trivia, and photo-worthy moments that bring screen magic to life in these two charming New England towns.

Explore Boston’s history with a spirited twist on the Freedom Trail. This lively walking tour blends sharp colonial storytelling with a pub crawl through several of Boston’s most iconic bars. Led by a costumed guide with a talent for good‑natured mischief, you’ll enjoy curated half‑pours of beer or cider at each stop, each chosen to match the landmark and the legend right outside. The tour kicks off at Democracy Brewing and wraps up at either its Beer Garden or The Black Rose, depending on the season. With a two hour run time, it’s a relaxed, rowdy way to raise a glass to Boston’s past. Visit multiple historic pubs along Boston's Freedom Trail Enjoy curated half‑pints at every stop Hear engaging stories tied to nearby landmarks Costumes aren’t required, but they’re absolutely encouraged (and frequently roasted).

Ready for a night that’s equal parts laughter, creativity and cocktails? Join this hands-on paint and sip class in Boston, hosted through Classpop!, and rediscover how fun it feels to just make something. Your local instructor keeps it light and easy while you sip, swirl and paint your way to a surprisingly awesome masterpiece — even if you swear you can’t draw a stick figure. Everything’s included (canvas, brushes, paint, apron), and every class takes place in a cool local spot like a brewery or bar. Whether it’s a casual date, a team hangout or your solo night of self-care, this experience guarantees good vibes, great drinks and a painting you’ll actually want to show off.

The Shirley-Eustis House is the only Royal Governor's residence still standing in Massachusetts, and one of the only in New England. Its story includes the enslavement of Africans in the Shirley household, use as a Revolutionary War hospital during the Siege of Boston, Federal Era governor's residence, and subdivision into tenement apartments for Irish immigrants in the Victorian period. Tours include a complete tour through the Mansion, taking you through time as you wander.

Discover Boston beyond the revolution. WEM showcases the history of a neighborhood with a rich and storied past that was destroyed by urban renewal efforts between 1958 and 1962. Experience how our the West End evolved from one of the country's earliest settlements of free Black people, to a diverse immigrant community, became a debris field, and transformed into the neighborhood you see today. Deepen your understanding of Boston's urban history and cultural heritage at the only urban planning museum in the United States. **LAST ADMISSION 30 MINS BEFORE CLOSE**

Discover the art of distilling at Bully Boy Distillers with an engaging tour of our facility in Boston, MA. Learn about our unique bourbon philosophy and processes, and explore our diverse range of handcrafted spirits including bourbon, gin, rum and amaro. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how we create our award-winning products, along with tastings of our signature spirits. Perfect for spirit enthusiasts and those looking to deepen their understanding of craft distilling. - Behind-the-scenes tour of Bully Boy Distillers in Boston - Learn about the distillation process and bourbon philosophy - Sample a variety of our handcrafted spirits during the tour including bourbon straight from the barrel - An engraved Glencairn for you to take home - Hang out at our craft cocktail bar before or after the tour - Ideal for spirit lovers and those interested in craft cocktails

Explore the streets of Boston through the eyes of Frederic Tudor, the visionary who revolutionized ice distribution. This outdoor escape room game immerses you in Tudor’s journey, as you solve clues and unravel the story of his rise from a humble merchant to the architect of a global enterprise. Navigate historic landmarks and discover the pivotal moments that shaped his success, all guided by an interactive app that transforms the city into an outdoor escape room. Engage in this unique adventure that blends history with innovative puzzle-solving, allowing you to experience Boston like never before. Escaped Escape Rooms are a new kind of adventure that breaks free from four walls. Instead of being locked in a room, your surroundings become the game. Guided by your phone, your team explores real landmarks, uncovering virtual clues and solving puzzles that connect directly to the world around you. It’s part treasure hunt, part walking tour, and part mystery thriller.

Boston’s story didn’t end with the American Revolution—it only got more delicious. Shaped by waves of immigration, global trade, and constant innovation, Boston and its food have evolved. Every bite tells a piece of the city’s history, even some we're not proud of. Food reflects who we are—our culture, our environment, and our economy—and in Boston, that spans centuries of change. On this walking tour, you’ll explore Boston’s rich history through the lens of what its people have harvested, eaten, and produced—from pre-Colonial Native Americans to the 20th century. Discover how molasses fueled candy and commerce, cod fed empires, science expanded diets, and tea sparked revolution. We’ll taste classic New England dishes and modern Boston favorites, plus some sweet surprises you might not realize have local roots! If you’re hungry to go beyond the Freedom Trail and experience Boston’s history through its flavors, this tour is for you. Bring your appetite and your walking shoes.

Discover the local shopping scene and its fashion DNA with a professional stylist as you embark on a personalized shopping circuit built to meet your style and wishes. Learn more about the art of styling your body features and take a figurative soft tour outside your comfort zone as your stylist pulls pieces for you to explore and try. Think of it as a mini style consultation followed by recommendations and a hands-on practice session during the shopping tour where you can ask any fashion and style-related questions. Throughout your shopping circuit and neighborhood's discovery, listen to fashion stories as told by your fashion savvy guide, and get a unique insight into the industry. Prior to your shopping tour, you will be sent a little shopping form to help personalize your experience. And following your fashion escapade, you will be sent a personal style summary of recommendations received by your stylist as well as some tour souvenir photos.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle to make the most of your Eastern USA road trips. As you drive, hear stories play automatically as you explore scenic drives, national parks, lakeshores, and historic parks. This is the ultimate collection of 14 iconic destinations, including Acadia, Blue Ridge Parkway, Catskills, Florida Keys, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Superior, Outer Banks, Shenandoah, and Vermont’s Route 100. A memorable adventure awaits on America's iconic roads. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one bundle per vehicle.

Step into the world of film and television on this immersive, full-day tour through Boston and the North Shore. Begin at the Boston Public Garden, where Good Will Hunting fans can sit at the famous bench from Robin Williams and Matt Damon's emotional lakeside scene. Nearby, retrace Ted’s playful antics on the garden’s lawns and capture photos by the iconic swan boats. Next, visit Cheers Beacon Hill, the real-life bar behind the beloved sitcom. Snap a photo at its recognizable staircase and enjoy a themed drink where "everybody knows your name." In the afternoon, head to Cape Ann to explore CODA’s heartfelt story. At Rockport Wharf, see the real fishing boat “Angela Rose,” symbolizing Ruby’s family and her dream to sing beyond the horizon. Then, follow the Gloucester coastline to Manchester by the Sea’s filming spots. The sweeping ocean views and quiet streets echo the film’s grief, healing, and resilience. From laughter to legacy, every stop brings the screen to life.