Top Boston Historical Tours

Learn about Boston’s revolutionary history on a walking tour that emphasizes good storytelling. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide in your small group as you walk a curated route that includes the Freedom Trail. Visit well-known sites as well as more local places and develop an understanding of modern Boston along with its history.

Explore the best of Boston at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour of the city. Choose from a 1- or 2-day pass and see Boston’s top attractions, including the USS Constitution, the original bar from TV show “Cheers,” and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, to name a few. The pass includes discounted admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, to enjoy during or after the tour.

Relive one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution and learn about a side of the story most tourists miss on this guided tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Explore authentically restored tea ships with the help of a guide as you get their insights into this pivotal event, and throw some of your own tea into Boston Harbor. It's an ideal experience for American history buffs, tourists, and locals alike.

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 across the Charles River, finishing in a spot that’s convenient to top Boston attractions.

Hop into a duck boat—s renovated World War II amphibious vehicle—for a comprehensive city sightseeing tour of Boston. Pass Boston Common, Quincy Market, the Celtics' home turf at TD Garden, and much more. Then splashdown into the Charles River for a view of the city by boat. Learn all about Boston's history and landmarks as you go.

Experience Boston’s history on a non-stop trolley tour that traces the city’s role in the American Revolution and early United States history. This guided overview provides context on key events, ideas, and figures that shaped the nation, while helping you understand how Boston’s neighborhoods and landmarks fit together. The format offers a time-efficient city introduction without the physical demands of a long walking tour.

Discover the thrilling history of Boston on this immersive walking tour of the Freedom Trail. Hear tales of Redcoats, smugglers, riots, and midnight riders while reliving the American Revolution as you explore all 16 official sites of the trail. Learn about Boston’s leadership in abolition, women’s rights, education, and immigration over its 400-year history. Explore downtown Boston, hearing stories of legendary figures such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, and lesser-known pioneers and patriots.

See some of the top attractions in Boston from the waterfront on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Explore the world-famous Boston Harbor and see the city’s historic sites while listening to live commentary on board, from tales of the Revolutionary War to local legends. While you cruise, enjoy views of the city skyline as well as the Boston Harbor Islands, USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), and the Bunker Hill Monument.

Travel back in time to colonial New England on a historic walking tour. Your costumed and in-character guide gives you an immersive understanding of life during America’s infancy. Hear exclusive stories about the country’s Founding Fathers and discover iconic historical sites on this tour that covers approximately 1.2 miles (two kilometers).

Enjoy unparalleled views of the Boston Harbor from the water during this 90-minute sightseeing cruise. Set sail aboard a classic tall-ship schooner. Enjoy plenty of time to ask the captain and crew about local landmarks and Boston’s history. You'll also have plenty of time to relax. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available to purchase, including several beers brewed right in South Boston.

As the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, five Boston landmarks have joined to create the BOSTON 250 PASS, providing access to five iconic museums and historic churches on a single ticket! This special offer grants discounted adult admission (ages 18+) to five must-see historic sites: Paul Revere House (1680), home of the famed silversmith; Old State House (1713), colonial capital of Massachusetts Bay; Old North Church (1723), Boston's oldest surviving church building; Old South Meeting House (1729), origin site of the Boston Tea Party; and King's Chapel (1754), home of Boston's first Anglican congregation. Museums are independently operated; visitor hours vary, so please confirm in advance! Pass valid for one week (7 days) following date selected. DO NOT PURCHASE if listed (discounts available): Children (0-17); U.S. Military; Groups of 10+ (reservation req'd); MA Teachers; MBTA Employees; WGBH, NEMA, AAM, ICOM Members; WIC & EBT Cardholders

Explore the best of Boston on this hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Board at one of the stops, then hop off wherever you like, explore independently, and get back onto the trolley when you’re ready. Alternatively, ride the 2-hour loop in one go, listening to the informative commentary. Tickets are valid for one or two days, and while admission tickets aren’t included, enjoy discounts to some top Boston attractions.

Discover a whole new side of baseball history with the help of a guide on this tour of Fenway Park, one of baseball’s most beloved stadiums. Revisit the careers of Red Sox greats like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Carl Yastrzemski, celebrate the club’s numerous World Series titles, and tour famous stadium locales like the ‘Green Monster,’ ‘Pesky’s Pole,’ and the Fenway Park Living Museum. It’s ideal for baseball fans, be they locals or tourists.

Enjoy views of beautiful Boston with this 90-minute sunset cruise. Watch the sun sink over the sparkling water as your guides point out the USS Constitution and other historic sights. Once the sun goes down, you’ll have a chance to see the city skyline illuminated. There is a full bar on every boat, with snacks and other beverages available for purchase.

While many tours help you explore Boston’s Freedom Trail, not many also continue the story with a boat ride on Boston Harbor. On this half-day combination walking and boat tour, witness historic landmarks such as the Boston Massacre Site, Quincy Market, and Blackstone Block before heading to the harbor to see the USS Constitution and float by Boston Tea Party replica ships.

Experience the Black Heritage Trail and get to know more about Civil War-era Boston on this small-group walking tour. In the company of a guide, head out into Beacon Hill and hear stories about the Underground Railroad, Boston Brahmins, and other historical facts. Enjoy a focus particularly on the Civil War years.

Spend a fascinating day diving deep into the history of Lexington and Concord, and learn all about the role this part of the world had to play in the American Revolution from a local history expert. You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to see Harvard University, Lexington Battle Green, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, and enjoy included admission to the Concord Museum with bottled water provided.

When tracing the roots of American independence, the city of Boston is one of the most important epicenters in the country’s history. The Freedom Trail runs through downtown to Charlestown, taking you on a literal walk through the events that inspired and instigated the American Revolution. Join a local guide for a tour of the entire 2.8 mile (4km) trail which includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution so you can hear the full historical tale.

Many tours allow you to discover the Boston Freedom Trail, but few allow you to do so while accompanied by a guide in revolutionary dress. On this walking tour, learn about the foundation of the US, visiting historic locations such as the Massachusetts State House, Boston Common, the Boston Massacre Site, and much more.

Cover the highlights of the Freedom Trail on this walking tour of Downtown Boston. A shorter route leading between Boston Common and Faneuil Hall Marketplace is ideal for travelers who don’t have the time or inclination to cover the full extended route. A costumed guide adds a theatrical touch to the experience.

Travel from Boston to Salem on a day trip focused on the town’s history. Learn about the Salem Witch Trials while exploring historic streets and notable landmarks. With transport and a guided itinerary included, this experience offers a convenient way to visit Salem and understand its notorious historical significance—ideal for those looking to step outside the city.

For anyone thinking of attending Harvard, or for those who simply want a glimpse of college life at the famous university, this tour is a must. Get an exclusive account from current Harvard students, who provide key insights into the life and times at Cambridge with a theatrical, humorous flair. Check out the old buildings at Harvard Yard and Harvard Square and learn about the school’s storied past. Illustrated map of Harvard Square included. Choose from several departure times throughout the day.

Eat your way through Boston’s North End and learn about its history with this small-group tour. Explore the neighborhood’s Italian heritage in the company of a guide and stroll through the area’s scenic streets. Enjoy a local lunch at a North End eatery and hear stories about the neighborhood’s past.