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The 10 best Boston walking tours

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

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

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

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Best Boston walking tours

1.  Freedom Trail to Copley Square

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

2.  Boston Movie Mile

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

3.  PhotoWalks Highlights of Boston

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

4.  Boston Jewish Culture Walking Tour

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

5.  Boston Pizza and Taverns Tour

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

6.  PhotoWalks Beacon Hill Tour

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

7.  Davis Square Food Tour

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

8.  Harvard Campus Walking Tour

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

9.  North End Market Tour

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

10.  North End Wine Tour

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

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Visitor guide, subscribe to our, e-newsletter, online store, the freedom trail®, walk through america’s history.

The famous Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution and beyond. From the Old North Church to Faneuil Hall, and through resonant burying grounds, visit the temples and landmarks of the Revolutionary Era.

Freedom Trail Sites | Map of the Freedom Trail |  Freedom Trail Walking Tours  | FAQ

Freedom trail sites.

Begin your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street and conclude at the USS Constitution in Charlestown.

BOSTON COMMON

Massachusetts state house, park street church, granary burying ground, king’s chapel & burying ground, boston latin school site/benjamin franklin statue, old corner bookstore, old south meeting house, old state house museum, boston massacre site, faneuil hall, paul revere house, old north church, copp’s hill burying ground, uss constitution - old ironsides, bunker hill monument.

The Boston Common is America’s oldest public park, purchased from Wm. Blackstone in 1635 to be used as common grazing land for the feeding of  cattell . The British militia used it as a  trayning  field.  

The Common has also been the site of hangings, duels, public celebrations and spirited oratory. Today it continues to host public celebrations as well as concerts, ice skating, Shakespearean plays, holiday festivities, sports activities and public rallies.  

Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the State House was completed in January 1798 at a cost of $133,333 (more than five times the budget). John Hancock, a wealthy merchant, patriot, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first elected Governor of Massachusetts originally owned the land. The oldest building on Beacon Hill is now the seat of the Massachusetts state government. The golden dome, one of Boston’s distinguishing landmarks, wasn’t always gilded. It was originally built of wood. Paul Revere & Sons was commissioned in 1802 to cover it with copper to prevent water leakage. In 1874, the dome was gilded with 23-karat gold leaf.

Park Street Church acquired the nickname Brimstone Corner, both in reference to the fire-and-brimstone sermons and to the gun powder that was stored in the crypt during the War of 1812. Founded in 1809, the Church’s 217-foot white steeple was the first landmark a traveler saw upon approaching Boston.  

On July 4, 1829, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first public anti-slavery address here, and two years later, on July 4, the hymn America, better known as My Country ’Tis of Thee, was first sung on the Church steps. 

So named because of its proximity to Boston’s first granary, this is the most visited burying ground in Boston and the final resting place of many prominent Bostonians. Buried here are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, nine governors, all five Boston Massacre victims, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin’s parents and Peter Faneuil.

Under orders from King James II in 1686, land was seized, and the first Anglican Church was constructed. By 1749, the original wooden structure was too small for the congregation, and so the Georgian chapel was constructed around the original church.  

Adjacent to King’s Chapel is Boston’s first burying ground. Here you will find the graves of John Winthrop, Massachusetts’ first governor; William Dawes, Paul Revere’s compatriot who also made the ride to Lexington, and Mary Chilton, believed to be the first woman to step off the Mayflower.    

Embedded in the sidewalk in front of Old City Hall is the mosaic City Carpet, which commemorates the site of the first public school in the U.S., Boston Latin School (1635). Among the school’s alumni are Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch and Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

Richard Greenough’s statue of Ben Franklin, erected in 1856, prominently stands in front of Old City Hall. Look closely at Franklin’s face. The sculptor said that he found  the left side of the great man’s face philosophical and reflective and the right side funny and smiling.

The original building on this site was the home of Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from Massachusetts in 1638 for her unorthodox religious views. By the mid-1800s, the Old Corner Bookstore was a flourishing literary center. Here, Ticknor and Fields published works by Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Tennyson, Hawthorne, Emerson, Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Julia Ward Howe among others. The Atlantic Monthly, a Boston institution, was originally published here as well. Today, the building continues as a place of commerce. 

Built in 1729, this is the second oldest church in Boston. The largest building in colonial Boston, Old South was used for public meetings when the angry crowd outgrew Faneuil Hall. Many of the crucial events that led up to the Revolution took place here. The most famous of the meetings was held on December 16, 1773, when over 5,000 gathered to protest the tax on tea.  

During the British occupation of Boston in 1775-1776, British troops desecrated this sanctuary of freedom by using it as a stable and riding school, while drinks were served from the balcony. The pulpit and pews were chopped into firewood and the library was used as kindling. 

On another note, Phillis Wheatley, the first female African American published poet, was a full member of the Meeting House. An original copy of her work is on permanent display here.  

Built in 1713, the Old State House is Boston’s oldest surviving public building. It was the center of political and commercial life, housing the merchant’s exchange (a precursor to today’s stock exchange) on the ground floor and the royally appointed government offices and the freely elected members of the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the upper floors.  

The site played a central role in the story of rebellion, from James Otis’ 1761 speech against the Writs of Assistance to the Boston Massacre in 1770 to the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the east balcony in July 1776.  

Adjacent to the Old State House, a ring of cobblestones commemorates the Boston Massacre. Five men were killed in this clash between Colonists and Redcoats. Among the slain men was Crispus Attucks, the first African American to die for the patriotic cause.  

Interestingly, John Adams and Josiah Quincy, loyal to justice as well as the patriotic cause, defended the British soldiers. All but two were acquitted. The guilty had their thumbs branded and were then set free. 

The building was a gift from wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil in 1742. Faneuil Hall served as a meeting place and an open-air market. It was here that Bostonians met to form their opposition to British authority. As a result of the impassioned speeches by such patriots as Samuel Adams and James Otis, the nickname Cradle of Liberty was earned, especially when citizens rallied against the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Townsend Acts and the landing of British troops.  

Charles Bulfinch enlarged the building in 1806. After the Revolution, Bostonians continued to gather at Faneuil Hall for the anti-slavery speeches of William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and Frederick Douglass. The women’s rights movement, early temperance rallies and nearly every war since 1812 have been debated within these walls. 

Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, and only official Freedom Trail site that is a home. It was from here that its famous occupant set out for the midnight ride. Revere was not only a patriot, but also an expert silversmith, copper manufacturer, part-time dentist, engraver and the father of 16 children. As many as eight children lived here with him, along with his mother, his first and (after 1773) his second wife.  

It was from this steeple that Sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns on April 18, 1775, to signal the beginning of Paul Revere’s momentous ride. The action is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the American Revolution.  

Built in 1723, Old North is Boston’s oldest church building. See a wealth of historic works, including the first bells brought to the Colonies, its original 18th-century brass chandeliers and clock, and the 17th- century carved angels that were captured by a Colonial privateer. More than 1,000 individuals lay in rest in the underground crypt, including the Royal Governor’s second-in-command at Lexington and Concord.

Copp’s Hill was Boston’s largest colonial burying ground, dating from 1659. Some notables buried here include the Mather family, a very prominent New England ministerial family; Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution; Robert Newman, who hung the lanterns for Paul Revere’s ride, and Prince Hall, anti-slavery activist, Revolutionary soldier and founder of the African Grande Masonic Lodge. Copp’s Hill is also the final resting place of countless free African Americans.  

Because of its height and prominent location overlooking Boston Harbor, the British used the burying ground to aim their cannons on Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Target practice was also conducted here. Be sure to take a look at the grave marker of Daniel Malcom, a member of the Sons of Liberty.

Launched in Boston in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Her nickname was earned during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off her impenetrable hull and the seamen cried out Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron! Today she is manned by an active duty U.S. Navy crew and docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. "Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" became the legendary battle cry, according to lore, and immortalized the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists who stood facing the powerful British Army on June 17, 1775. Today the 221-foot granite obelisk commemorates the site of this first major battle. 

Map of the Freedom Trail

Freedom trail walking tour operators.

Stop by a Visitor Information Center to purchase a ticket. Tours leave from the red brick line in front of the Boston Common Visitor Center. 

Freedom Trail® Foundation — Official Freedom Trail Tours®

• (617) 357-8300

Boston By Foot, Inc.

• 87 Mount Vernon Street
• (617) 367-2345

Boston Town Crier - Tours of Freedom Trail

• (617) 794-7512

Hub Town Tours: Freedom Trail Small Group Tour

• 7 Marshall Street
• +1 (844) 482-8696

Tour of the Freedom Trail

• Boston Common Visitor Center
• (978) 741-1170

Action Tour Guide: Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston

Boston Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill GPS self-guided audio tours: Experience the rich history of Boston and its role in the American Revolution with the Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill…

Activities & Events

Heart of the freedom trail guided walking tour.

This 1 hour tour is the perfect introduction to Boston’s Revolutionary history! Visit some of the key sites along the world-famous…

Road to Revolution Guided Walking Tour

Explore the makings of a revolution! From the Boston Massacre to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the birth of the American Revolution…

Tour: Benjamin Franklin - Son of Boston

Celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin on this guided walk along his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. Born in Boston, he came…

Guided Tour: Footloose on the Freedom Trail

A Boston tradition! Footloose on the Freedom Trail is a 3-hour guided walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the Boston…

Freedom Trail FAQs

How long is the freedom trail.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path featuring a unique collection of 16 historic sites throughout Downtown, the North End, and Charlestown. How much time it takes to see the entire Trail depends on how much time one dedicates to each site.   Most guided walking tours take around 90 minutes and cover 1 mile of the Trail. 

Where does the freedom trail start?

We recommend starting your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont Street and concluding at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. However, the suggested Freedom Trail route is based solely on geographical location, and sites can be visited in any order.

Does it cost money to experience the Freedom Trail?

There is no fee associated with walking the Freedom trail, making it the perfect activity during your visit to Boston! There is, however, a fee associated with admission to some historic sites and guided walking tours. Visit the map above for more information on site admission.

How do I buy walking tour tickets?

Tickets to guided tours of the Freedom Trail can be purchased online or at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108). 

Is the Freedom Trail wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the Freedom Trail and guided walking tours are wheelchair accessible. 

Are dogs allowed on the Freedom Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Freedom Trail as it is a path on city sidewalks and in public spaces such as Boston Common, Bunker Hill Monument grounds, and Charlestown Navy Yard.  Dogs are not permitted in the historic burying grounds or the historic sites’ buildings.  Please call historic sites directly to inquire about service animals.

Where can I find maps of the Freedom Trail?

A downloadable map of the Freedom Trail can be found here .

View All Trails & Tours

Retrace the steps of Boston's first Gay Pride March, uncover the stories of a thriving colonial-era black community, walk in the footsteps of Irish immigrants, or discover Boston's innovative spirit. Check out Boston's top walking tours.

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Walk the Freedom Trail

Boston National Historical Park

Originally conceptualized in the 1950s, the Freedom Trail ®  is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston. The trail itself does not necessarily tell a narrative. Rather, it aids tourists with a starting point—an opening sampler of Boston's storied, complicated, and multi-faceted history. While many sites are primarily recognized for their role in the American Revolution, all the sites on the Freedom Trail ®  remained significant because of the role they played in subsequent social, political, and religious movements, controversies, and challenges.

Exploring Boston's History

Some choose to walk the entire 2.5 mile trail, end to end. Others select a handful of sites of particular interest and focus on those places. Visits can be as short as a few hours—however those who wish to enter every historic site and explore what each site has to offer can spend a full weekend along the Freedom Trail.

Guided tours are available seasonally from both National Park Service staff and through private organizations. Generally, few public tours walk the entire trail. Many sites are part of Boston National Historical Park, however they are independently owned and operated and may charge admission fees.

Free Self-Guided Audio Tour

The National Parks of Boston have developed a FREE Freedom Trail ® Audio Tour for visitors. This tour is available online on our Freedom Trail® Audio Tour webpage , or by downloading the NPS App. Once downloaded, search "Boston National Historical Park" and select "self-guided tours."

• Stairs to the 54th Massachusetts/Robert Gould Shaw Memorial: When in the Boston Common, head toward the Park Street MBTA station at the intersection of Park and Tremont Streets. Follow the sidewalk up Park Street toward Beacon Street.
• Stairs to enter the Granary Burying Ground can be bypassed by entering an at-grade entrance off Beacon Street. When at the main entrance at Tremont Street, continue down Tremont to the intersection with Beacon Street. Turn left to head up Beacon Street. The first alleyway to the left ends with an at-grade entrance to the Burying Ground.
• Old State House can only be entered via stairs.
• When following the trail from Paul Revere Park to the Old North Church, a detour around the block on Tileston Street is required.
• Copp's Hill is only accessible by stairs.
• USS  Constitution  and USS  Cassin Young  are historic ships with stairs, ladders, and gangways that move with the tide.
• boston national historical park
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Freedom Trail Tour

Tour Information

Freedom Trail

Freedom trail highlights.

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

This page provides details of our free Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tour, including tips on directions, times, and sights covered.

Searching Availability...

Tour Description

Boston's historic center may be small, but it packs in so much history.

From an experiment in Puritan exclusiveness to an inclusive modern metropolis, every street, corner, and building whispers stories of the past.

The Boston Massacre and the original Tea Party took place here. Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, and George Washington all roamed its streets.

Before you take our tour, read our Freedom Trail Map and Guide for advice on parking, food, and maps.

Join Free Tours by Foot as we stroll the Freedom Trail's ancient streets, past historic cemeteries and colonial stone houses all the while hearing tales of rebellion, war, and the independence of a nation.

It's the epic story of Boston's rise and America's birth.

Before taking the tour, read up on some of the sites and characters covered on our Freedom Trail Sites List.

Sights we cover on the tour:

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more must  contact us  before booking.

Where:  Outside the  Park St. T Station  on the eastern edge of Boston Common ( map ). The tour ends at Faneuil Hall.

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Tour distance is approximately 1 mile (1.6K)

When:  View our  full tour schedule .

This tour runs year-round

• Take this tour anytime with our  GPS-enabled audio tour app .

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

Save even more money with a  Boston tourist discount pass .

GPS Enabled Self Guided Tour of Boston

Can't make one of our guided tours? No problem, we have recorded some of our best tour guides giving their tours and put them up in an audio format. 

Each tour offers an offline option to view the map and hear the audio of each walk so you don't need to have GPS maps running with the app.

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an Audio Tour
• Receive a confirmation email with all the details.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing.

Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour.

And much, much more

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

Huzzah! Welcome to Boston’s Top Walking Tour!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Description: Complete Freedom Trail

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The uss constitution’s sister ships.

by markwalkandtalk | Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized

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

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

by markwalkandtalk | Aug 16, 2021 | Uncategorized

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

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

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The Best Walking Tours in Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Overall Tour

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

Best Free Tour

Free Tours by Foot

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

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

1. Devour Food Tours

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

Tours from $89 USD.

2. Cambridge Historical Tours

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

Tours from $32 USD.

3. The Hahvahd Tour

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

Tours from $22 USD.

4. US Ghost Adventures

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

Tours from $35 USD.

5. Sam Adams Brewery Tour

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

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

6. State House Tour

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

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

7. Boston By Foot

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

Tours from $13-16 USD.

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

Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Walking Tours

Our walking tours.

Boston By Foot tours offer opportunities for visitors and locals to explore Boston’s cityscape and discover its history with a passionate and knowledgeable guide. Core tours are offered on a daily and weekly basis during the April-November tour season, while others are offered monthly or quarterly. All tours are available upon request as a private tour at any time.

View tours by frequency, topic or by schedule by accessing our calendar . Each tour page contains detailed information about each of our offerings. We look forward to sharing our love of Boston with you!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for all public walking tours closes one hour before tour start time.

Explore by Category

Daily & weekly, beacon hill, walk past the stunning federal and greek revival row homes along beacon hill's charming streets, boston by little feet, this child's-eye view of the freedom trail is specially designed for young walkers (ages 6-12), the dark side of boston, hear tales of misery, misfortune and murder - all based on true historic events, heart of the freedom trail, the perfect introduction to boston’s revolutionary history, the north end: boston's immigration gateway, explore boston’s oldest neighborhood and discover the charm of this unique, compact city space, reinventing boston, discover how boston’s urban landscape has changed as you uncover the clues left behind, road to revolution, ideal for history lovers and those interested in our nation’s revolutionary past., monthly & quarterly, art, architecture and gardens, stroll along a section of the emerald necklace designed by landscape architect fredrick law olmsted, back bay’s victorian architecture, explore boston’s back bay, home to one of the united states’ richest collections of art and architecture, bay village, discover this hidden neighborhood that has maintained its residential charm amidst the surrounding city, becoming back bay, learn why boston's back bay is considered a marvel of 19th century engineering, before boston: shawmut peninsula through 1630, explore 12,000 years of human activity on shawmut peninsula, the lands we now call boston, ben franklin: son of boston, celebrate the life of boston-born benjamin franklin by visiting his homes and haunts in colonial boston, black voices: writers for a 19th century revolution, discover stories of boston’s black writers who were laser-focused on the great topic of the era - slavery, boston reborn: after the great fire of 1872, explore boston's rebirth after the great fire of 1872, a more costly disaster than the chicago fire the year before, boston’s chinatown, visit one of boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and one of the few surviving chinatowns on the east coast, boston's gilded age, learn about boston's upper-class during the late 19th century - their favorite haunts and their social activism, boston’s lgbtq past, travel in the footsteps of boston’s 19th and 20th century gay and lesbian friends, boston’s loyalists, hear the stories of bostonians who remained loyal to the british crown, bulfinch triangle, find out how this transportation and entertainment hub is also becoming a thriving residential neighborhood, change and response: boston’s architecture, take an in-depth look at the people, trends and events that led to boston's architectural evolution, commonwealth avenue, visit the heart of victorian boston while strolling along the city's grand boulevard, east cambridge, travel across the charles and visit a fascinating neighborhood called one of america's industrial powerhouses, fort point and seaport: the evolution of the south boston waterfront, explore two waterfront neighborhoods with the same roots but a completely different look and feel, the hub of literary america, journey to victorian boston and see where writers and poets including emerson, alcott and thoreau gathered, jewish beacon hill, learn where boston’s jewish west end residents worked, lived and worshipped - including the vilna shul, johnny tremain’s boston, relive a young boy's adventures in colonial boston based on the prize-winning, coming-of-age novel, leather district, discover what was once the hub of new england’s leather and shoe industries at the turn of the 20th century, louisa may alcott’s boston, see alcott’s boston homes and hear the stories that inspired the beloved author of little women, north end by little feet, this child's-eye view of boston's north end is specially designed for young walkers (ages 6-12), remarkable women of jamaica plain, boston's jamaica plain neighborhood was home to remarkable women who changed the course of the history, rethinking boston brutalism, explore the historical and social context of an architectural style that has put boston on the international map, the rose f. kennedy greenway, stroll through boston's beautiful new “people’s park” that annually attracts over a million residents and visitors, rowes wharf: sensationally good city making, a visionary concept in urban planning, rowes wharf remains at the center of 21st century boston, annual events, footloose on the freedom trail, our special annual 3-hour july 4th event, beacon hill with a boo, for more than 30 years, this tour has been part of any great halloween celebration in boston., new for 2024, art introspective: copley square to the south end, new for 2024 discover a trove of unknown and underappreciated works of art, boston common: past lives and hidden stories, new for 2024 join us to discover the many lives of boston common and its people, boston's city hall, new for 2024 explore the ins and outs of boston's historic city hall, sam adams' boston, new for 2024 explore the life and influence of patriot samuel adams, slavery and abolition in massachusetts, new for 2024 explore massachusetts' long and complex history of slavery.

Walk Into History®

Boston Common Visitor Information Center 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111

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

Walk Into History® - Reverse

ArtsBoston Booth Faneuil Hall Marketplace  Boston, MA 02109

Starting May 4 Saturdays 10:30 am, 11:30 am Sundays 10:30 am

ArtsBoston Booth Faneuil Hall Marketplace  Boston, MA 02109 

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

African-American Patriots®

June 19 - 10:45 am

February, select Saturdays-Sundays: 10:45 am

Thursdays - Saturdays through October 28 & Monday, October 30 6 pm (Group tours available via reservation)

Historic Pub Crawl Private Tour

Private tours Mondays - Thursdays, reservations required, based upon availability.

Private & Custom

Historic holiday stroll.

Nov. 17 - Dec. 30 Select Fridays & Saturdays 3:30 p.m.

Revolutionary Women

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

Freedom Trail Tour App

Walk into history® web tickets only tour.

Brewer Fountain Plaza, Boston Common (near the intersection of Tremont and Temple Street/across the street from 138 Tremont Street)

Suspended until further notice

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The 15 Best Boston Tours

Get to know one of America's most historic cities with these tours.

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Hoping to experience Boston through the eyes of a local? A guided tour may be just the thing. Factoring in traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected some of Boston's best tours. Whether you're eating your way through the North End or zipping around Boston Common on a Segway, you'll see this New England city in a new light and learn some of its history along the way during these top Boston tours.

The Revolutionary Story Tour

Price: Adults from $76; kids from $38 Duration: 4 hours

Many reviewers call this tour enjoyable and one of the best walking tours they'd ever been on thanks to the engaging guide. Led by a local resident with degrees in history, political science and public policy, the tour takes visitors through the streets of Boston to chronologically retell the story of the American Revolution. Along the 3.5-mile jaunt, you'll pass by a dozen of the sites featured on the Freedom Trail, and you'll also hear about the key players in 18th-century Boston, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere.

Tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. There is also a 1:30 p.m. tour Thursday through Sunday during the winter months and daily during the summer months through the beginning of November. There is a maximum of 16 people per tour. The company partners with another local guide to provide private tours.

Check prices & availability on:

City Experiences by Hornblower – New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $45 Duration: 3.5 hours

Hop on one of City Experience's high-speed catamarans for a whale watching excursion to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This area is a magnet for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures who head there to feed. New England Aquarium naturalists on board offer their insights on whales, answer questions and explain whale behaviors, a big plus for travelers. During your trip, you may see several different species of whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, sei whales and endangered right whales.

Tours leave from mid-May through early-November from Long Wharf, which is located near the aquarium. Tour frequency depends on the month, but there is at least one per day. Cruisers say the tour is fun and report seeing plenty of wildlife. Combo tickets that include admission to the aquarium are also available. The company also offers sightseeing and sunset cruises.

CityView Trolley Tours

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $20 Duration: 1 hour

The family-friendly hop-on, hop-off CityView Trolley Tours offer a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city and visit its top attractions , something visitors (especially those in Boston for the first time) appreciate. Stops at the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market and Old North Church, among others, make it easy to access sites along the Freedom Trail and other neighborhoods. What's more, guides share fun and informational tidbits along the way.

Trolleys run daily from mid-April to November from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: While you can hop on and hop off the trolley as you please, tickets are only valid for one full tour loop. Two-day passes are also available.

Old Town Trolley Tours – Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $29 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the top sights in Boston on this hop-on, hop-off trolley tour that makes 18 stops. Along the route, you can hop off and explore attractions like Faneuil Hall, the "Cheers" bar, the USS Constitution and the Old State House, and then hop back on at your leisure. Without getting off, you'll tour for about 90 minutes. Trolleys frequently stop approximately every 15 minutes. Participants praise the convenience this tour offers and rave about the entertaining, informative guides. Reviewers also say the tour is a great way to see the city without having to do a lot of walking.

Trolleys run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the time of year. For one-day tours, tickets allow for unlimited re-boarding. Tickets also get you discounted rates for a Boston Harbor cruise as well as discounted entry to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Two-day tickets, as well as the Ghosts & Gravestones evening tour are also available.

Boston Pizza Tours – North End Pizza Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2.5 hours

Sink your teeth into some of Boston's best pizza on this walking tour. You'll start your stroll in North End, which is considered Boston's Little Italy. Along the way, you'll pass by five sites on the Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. The tour cost includes three full-size pizza slices, water and a cannoli. Tourgoers applaud guides for their positive attitudes and entertaining, educational delivery of Boston history. Reviewers are also complimentary of the food.

Tours are generally offered two times daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but a 5 p.m. tour is offered during certain months of the year. Tours are capped at 12 participants. The tour can accommodate vegetarian diets; those with other dietary restrictions (such as vegan diets or food allergies) will need to take a private tour.

Fenway Park Tours

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $17 Duration: 1 hour

Baseball fans and history buffs relish the chance to take a behind-the-scenes peek at America's oldest ballpark. Even non-baseball fans find the tour worthwhile, according to reviewers. The tour takes visitors to important sites within the ballpark, including the world-famous 37-foot-high Green Monster. The excellent guides, full of Red Sox and Fenway Park trivia, offer an entertaining tour and are a hit with participants.

Tours run year-round from 9.m. to 5 p.m. (at 10 a.m. November through March) and start on the hour. On game days, the last tour is scheduled three hours before game time. Fenway Park also offers a variety of other stadium tours, including Day Game Premium Tours and Fenway in Fifteen, a condensed 15-minute tour.

Courtesy of Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway

Boston Segway Tours

Price: From $69 Duration: 1 or 2 hours

Boston Segway Tours takes visitors on an adventure through the city. Since it's faster to glide than walk, you can cover much more ground on Segway than by foot. As you travel from Boston Common to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, your guide takes you by some of Boston's most famous landmarks while always keeping an eye out for riders' safety, according to tour-takers. Pick a two-hour tour to visit Cambridge.

Participants must be 14 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride; additional restrictions may apply.

Urban AdvenTours – City View Bike Tour

Price: From $60 Duration: 3 hours

Exploring Boston by bike is a great way to cover a lot of ground in an exciting, active way. Urban AdvenTours' flagship City View Bike Tour takes participants on a 10- to 12-mile trek through six different neighborhoods. You'll bike through major Boston sites, such as North End, the Boston University campus and Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, the South End, Boston Common and Long Wharf. Along with the comprehensive overview of the city, riders commend the care guides take in making them feel safe.

This tour rides daily at 10 a.m., with additional 2 p.m. departures on Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. The tour is best for those comfortable riding on city streets. Children must be age 10 or older. Adults can upgrade to an electric bike for an additional fee. Urban AdvenTours also offers cycling trips through Cambridge and the Emerald Necklace park system, as well as a family-friendly tour for kids 10 and younger.

Off the Eaten Path Tours

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $40 Duration: 3 hours

On this food tour of the North End – Boston's famous Italian neighborhood – owner Paula Noukos promises more than just samples of tasty food. Besides stopping at popular spots, such as Bricco Panetteria and Galleria Umberto, you'll hear tips on how to shop for the best extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You'll also learn about the history and architecture of this unique neighborhood, a highlight for reviewers. Travelers are also fond of the guide and appreciate her vast knowledge of the neighborhood.

Tours are generally offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and are limited to 12 people.

Courtesy of Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $53; kids from $38 Duration: 80 minutes

Quack and splash your way around Beantown with the entertaining Boston Duck Tours, which takes passengers around Boston and into the Charles River on World War II-style amphibious landing vehicles. On the tour, entertaining "conDUCKtors" keep up a lively patter, describing neighborhoods, Boston history, architecture and trivia along the way. A highlight for many visitors is when the vehicle heads into the river offering a different perspective of the city.

Ticket discounts are available for seniors and children 2 and younger. Tours depart from the Museum of Science, the Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium several times a day from mid-March through early-December.

Boston Crawling – Independence Pub Crawl

Price: From $75 Duration: 2 hours

Sip your way through the city at four historic watering holes on Boston Crawling's Independence Pub Crawl. On this tour, you'll visit pubs that have historic significance, drink local brews and hear Boston's "secret" history as you barhop along the Freedom Trail. Reviewers say the tour is informative and fun and applaud the beer recommendations provided by the guides.

Participants can take tours daily at 3 and 7 p.m. There is also an additional noon tour on the weekends. Tourgoers must be at least 21 years old, regardless of whether they're drinking. Tickets include four draft beers of your choice. If you prefer to purchase drinks as you go, you can purchase tickets for a lesser price.

PhotoWalks Tours of Boston – Freedom Trail

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $20 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the historic sites of the city and refine your photography skills at the same time on this tour. In addition to visiting Freedom Trail landmarks, such as Boston Common, Park Street Church, the Granary Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre Site, you'll also learn expert tips on how to use your camera or smartphone to take the best pictures – a highlight for many participants. Reviewers are also complimentary of the insightful guides.

Tours run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday year-round at 1 p.m. The tour is capped at 10 participants, but maybe more during peak times of the year. If you're interested in exploring other neighborhoods or topics, you can sign up for one of PhotoWalks' other tours, including Beacon Hill and the North End, among others.

Courtesy of the Freedom Trail Tour

Freedom Trail Tours – Walk Into History

Price: Adults from $17; kids from $8 Duration: 1.5 hours

The nonprofit Freedom Trail Foundation leads the way on this tour of the Freedom Trail – a milelong path that weaves past some of the city's most historic sites. A costumed guide, in character, leads you to 11 sites, including Boston Common, King's Chapel, the Old South Meeting House, the Boston Massacre site and Faneuil Hall. Reviewers rave about the guides and the characters they inhabit, and highly recommend this excursion over a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail.

Tours are given daily at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Other themed tours, including tours that focus on the women of the Revolutionary War and African American patriots, are also available.

Boston Foodie Tours – Boston Public Market & North End Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 3 hours

Boston Foodie Tours explores two of Boston's famous mainstays: The North End and the Boston Public Market. After enjoying pizza, cannoli and bread in the North End, you'll wind your way to the market to sample doughnuts and ice cream, among other treats. Your tour concludes with a tasting of clam chowder and cornbread. Past tourgoers say this is a must-do experience while visiting Boston.

Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Tours are not given on major holidays. The company also offers a comprehensive tour of the North End, plus a private foodie outing to Beacon Hill, among other options.

City Brew Tours – Boston Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

For an in-depth Boston beer education, City Brew Tours' Signature Brew Tour is a great place to start. During the tour, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three craft breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 different local craft beers and a snack along the way. Tourgoers laud the knowledgeable guides and love that driving isn't an issue.

City Brew offers this tour Wednesday through Sunday. Outings depart at 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday through Sunday, tours begin at noon. All participants must be 21 or older to tour. Tours are capped at 14 participants. A Boston Brew Mystery Crawl is also offered, as are private tours.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Boston

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• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England
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Tags: Tours , Boston , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , New England Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
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New: Big Savings from March to April 30, 2024 on our Most Popular Freedom Trail Tour! Learn more

Boston Walking Tours with Ben Edwards

Private tours for groups and families.

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

Working with Ben is the ideal choice if you:

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

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

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

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

The 20th Anniversary Edition of One April in Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking Boston Lets You Hold History In Your Hands

A paul revere connection captured ben’s imagination  .

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

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

Boston's Best Walking And Photo Tour Of The American Revolution! It All Began Here! What Is Freedom Without Liberty? There Is No Freedom Without Liberty!

Liberty Trail Boston offers a historical walking tour along Boston's Freedom Trail, and also a published guidebook to Boston's history in the Revolution. Liberty Trail Boston’s friendly tour guides offer guests a fun and educational experience.

Paul Revere Statue

On April 18th, 1775, Revere made the most famous ride of his life, to Lexington, to warn patriot leaders about the British regular troops marching their way.

Samuel Adams Grave

“For if our Trade may be taxed why not our Lands? Why not the Produce of our Lands & everything we possess or make use of? This will reduce us to the miserable State of tributary Slaves!.” Samuel Adams

The Old State House

The Governor, The House of Representatives, and The Supreme Court for Massachusetts all presided here in Colonial Days. The first opposition to tyranny under King George III took place here. The Declaration of Independence was read for the people of Massachusetts from the Balcony.

LIBERTY TRAIL TOURS

Liberty Trail Boston’s walking and photo tour brings the cause for Liberty alive! Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Joseph Warren, James Otis Jr., Oxenbridge Thatcher, and Henry Knox lead the conflict to create a new nation.

Cradle of liberty – Samuel Adams

Grave Stone of John Hancock

Old State House

 The Irish Famine Memorial

“ liberty trail walking and photo tour “.

It will be a group tour starting at 11:00 am $69 per person for a 4 1/2 hr tour!

What Our Clients Say

Short and Interesting Say hi to Gary if you go on this tour. We wanted a shorter tour where we would get a lot of history but not spend the whole day. This hit the spot. We hit some major attractions and Gary knew his information. He could answer tons of questions and he had many fun facts or quips. Gary clearly loved the history and it showed. If you want some history from someone who knows it and not just recites, plus you don’t want to take a half a day on full Freedom Trail then this would be a good tour for you.

FANTASTIC TOUR Gary was both personable and knowledgable. He was also great with our kids. We all learned a great deal. I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Boston. It’a a MUST!

Great Tour This was a great tour and we were very pleased. He was interesting full of facts and very funny. We would definitely use them again

Great tour We have returned from a great introductory Liberty Trail tour of Boston. Our guide, a young man named Christian made it very worthwhile. He spoke with in depth knowledge and passion….. much more interesting than a number of open top bus tours I have gone on. A great way to see a city when on a flying visit!

Great Tour Gary was excellent! His tour was very interesting and as an American History Buff I thought I knew it all but boy was I wrong! Gary gave us interesting facts and information!!! Wonderful tour!

Not a review yet Just wanted to say we are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow July 30 at 2pm my 14 year old daughter is big into American history. Bob M Maine

Very knowledgeable with many fun facts and stories I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Gary was excited and energetic to teach us all about the freedom trail. He was very personable and pleasant. I would definitely recommend his tour to all that want to learn more about our US History.

Wonderful! So fun and interesting! We arrived at Boston Commons with no plans of doing a guided tour but happened upon Gary and instantly fell in love! His adoration for the history of his city is apparent and infectious. He answered all of our questions with enthusiasm and showed us a marvelous time. I would definitely recommend his tour to anyone wanting to learn about our Founding Fathers from a dedicated historian.

htimmerman12

A++ Gary was so great! He had a lot of interesting facts and stories about each stop and I appreciated that he was in costume too – it made it even more enjoyable! I would recommend this walking tour to anyone visiting the city!

Must see Nice walk in the historic district. Walking along the history of the revolutionary age. Highly recommended.

Very Informative and Interesting Gary did a great job! He is very enthusiastic about the history of Boston and it comes out as he shares it! We had a group with my Mother who has a hard time walking to my 15 year old son. They both did not want to go and both ended up LOVING it!! He also made the effort to call the day before our tour and reschedule due to weather! We felt like we had our own private custom tour!

LearnedMyLessob

Boston Had a wonderful time with Gary, he’s very knowledgeable with his city’s history. Made early Boston come alive for us.

Great tour Mr. Finneran is extremely knowledgeable about Boston. He obviously loves his city and he’s super friendly. We enjoyed the tour.

CallieSuesMom

Awesome Tour Gary was fantastic and full of great information. It was the best tour we ever had in Boston. We would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great tour.

Fantastic!! Gary was extremely nice and very knowledgeable! He was able to answer all of our questions and had fun facts about almost everything! I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking to learn some history. Just an added bonus that he was so lovely! You also get a newspaper that Gary wrote himself all about Boston and revolutionary war history that is really great.

Great Tour This was a great tour. We really enjoyed our tour guide Gary. He has all the answers and runs a nice low key tour. There were other large tour groups that had tons of people and were noisy and kind of pushy. This was not. He did a great job. We are a family of 5 and the kids enjoyed it.

Excellent Tour The tour was great if you are looking to get a quick idea of where everything is at and learn some of the unique history of Boston. The best part was the smaller group that this tour consisted of. We came across much larger groups and I was happy that we went with Liberty Trail Boston and had a smaller group where we could all ask questions. Also, the guide was well informed on his history and was happy to follow-up with some research if there was something he wasn’t sure on.

GREAT TOUR Gary was a very experienced and informative tour guide! He was really great with all of the historical spots to take us and explain everything behind them.

OUR TOUR GALLERY

“I mean to say that Boston is what she is today because the past is physically as well as traditionally a part of her modern life.” David McCord

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Walking Tours in Boston

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

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

THE TOP 10 WALKS IN BOSTON

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

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Best Walking Tours in Boston

Fens and back bay.

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

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Financial district to theatre district.

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

Freedom Trail

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

City Hall to North End

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

Harvard to MIT

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

Emerald Necklace Walk

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

Charles River Walk

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

MIT to Beacon Hill

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

Foodie Walking Tour of Boston

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

Boston Harborwalk

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

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The Everything Tour — 5.5 Hour Private Tour

Trip Highlights

A journey that covers all major sites with a stop for lunch

Go inside churches and famous houses

Learn about what makes Boston such a cosmopolitan city today

Description.

The name says it all. This exciting journey covers all major sites with a stop for lunch. In this detailed excursion you will experience all of the sites & attractions we offer.

Why take this tour?

This tour gets up close as we walk portions of the Freedom Trail, including all of the sites between the North End and the Boston Common. Go inside the Old North Church and Paul Revere's House if you wish. See the final resting place of historical figures like Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Follow the foot steps of our founding fathers and learn about the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party and see where these events actually happened.

After lunch, we will explore the many diverse neighborhoods of Boston and Cambridge. See Fenway Park and the TD (Boston) Garden where our sports teams win championships! See the Back Bay, Copley Square and then head over to Cambridge across the Charles River to see MIT and Harvard University.

Learn about what makes Boston such a cosmopolitan city today. 

This tour involves A LOT of walking!

Boston & Cambridge sites & attractions that we will cover  (traffic and other unexpected factors could affect this list):

• Beacon Hill & picturesque Acorn Street
• Boston Common
• Boston Marathon Finish Line
• Boston Massacre site
• Bunker Hill Monument
• Charlestown Navy Yard
• Christopher Columbus Park
• Copley Square
• Copp's Hill Burial Ground
• Faneuil Hall & Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Fenway Park - home to the Boston Red Sox
• Granary Burial Ground
• Harvard University
• Harvard Square
• Holocaust Memorial
• King's Chapel
• King's Chapel Burial Ground
• Longfellow's house
• New City Hall
• Newbury Street
• Old North Church
• Old State House (1713)
• Park Street Church
• Paul Revere Mall aka the Prado
• Public Garden
• Quincy Market
• Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
• Scollay Square/Government Center
• State House 
• TD Garden - home of Bruins & Celtics
• The North End (Little Italy)
• The Waterfront
• TV's "Cheers Bar"
• U. S. S. Constitution 
• Union Oyster House (oldest operating restaurant in America)
• Victorian Back Bay

Local Tour Guide

Photographic sceneries, visit at least 38 and more sites, things to know.

Full payment is required in advance by major credit cards to reserve tour date. We also accept payments via Venmo. Every attempt is made to keep the booking calendar current but issues can arise. Alternate dates or times or full refunds will be offered if a tour cannot be offered after making an online booking.

Adjustments to cost

Adjustments to cost may be necessary if the itinerary or length of tour changes. Does not include any charges to optional sites that may charge admission.

Want to give a gift card for a tour or part of a tour? We've got you covered!

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of a reservation must be made at least 72 hours prior to the tour to qualify for a full refund. 50% refund between 48-72 hours.

No refunds will be issued within 48 hours of a tour.

Custom Private Tours Cost

The cost of a custom, private tour is often less for a family than a trolley bus or duck tour because you do not pay by the person, but by the tour! Because every tour is different, costs can vary by booking. Please contact us for specific pricing information on private tours.

Did You Know?

Booking directly with a company and not through a third-party vendor saves that small business a lot of money. Our booking service is safe, reliable and we will not need to pay a commission to a huge online travel agency.

We appreciate you booking directly with us!

Online booking fee

Online booking fee (5 percent) is not included in the cost of the tour and is added at checkout if booked through our website. Call us to book to save 5 percent!

Booking Preference

If a particular date or time is not showing as available, or for custom tours, please call us at 866-817-TOUR or email us: [email protected]

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Tour-in-Four -- 4 Hour Private Tour

A four-hour combination walking and riding tour. In this extended tour, you will stroll through the historic North End. Perhaps have a snack from a famous North End pastry shop. See the Old North Church and Paul Revere's house, Explore...

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

TOURS START MAY 14th! Tours will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additional days coming soon! Experience more than 250 years of history on Boston’s Freedom Trail a red brick line connecting historically significant sites. Most Freedom Trail tours only cover...

Private Freedom Trail Tours - 3 Option Available

Experience more than 250 years of history on Boston’s Freedom Trail which is a 2.5 mile red line connecting 16 historically significant sites. The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship,...

The Overview Tour -- 2.5 Hour Private Tour

This tour covers the many exciting sites & attractions of Boston, Cambridge & Charlestown in a short amount of time. See sites along the waterfront, through the North End, Charlestown, The West End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Cambridge, if...

Beacon Hill Private Walking Tour

Beacon Hill is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in America. From the golden dome of the State House to the luxury homes of Louisburg Square, this tour takes you by picturesque streets, highlighting examples of early American...

Cheers! Beacon Hill & Back Bay Combo Private Tour

Starting atop Beacon Hill by the gold domed 1798 State House, stroll through these historic neighborhoods, one from the early and the other, late 1800’s. The elegant red brick sidewalks and Federal style townhouses of Beacon Hill have attracted residents...

Back Bay & Copley Square Private Tour

In this exciting and historic excursion you will learn how it earned its name and how its progressive development during the 1800’s birthed some of America’s most renowned architectural wonders. You will view Boston’s memorable mansions and grand townhouses along...

The Underground Railroad/Black Heritage Trail Private Tour

The Underground Railroad was not a railroad or underground but it did have real live conductors who gave their lives so Slaves could be free. Underground railroad is a symbolic name used for over 200 years to break away from...

Historic Salem Private Walking Tour

See where history and mystery converge in a captivating walking tour of Salem! This 3-hour journey offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of Salem, providing a blend of maritime history, colonial heritage, and the captivating stories that have shaped this...

Lexington & Concord Private Tour (in your car with our guide)

Travel 16 miles outside the city to the nearby communities where America was born. You’ll hear stories of brave individuals on both sides of the Revolutionary War and have an accurate, vivid picture of the action of April 19, 1775....

Plymouth Private Walking Tour

Walk where the Pilgrims trod and hear how their faith inspired them to flee from England, find refuge in Holland, and cross the ocean to the shores of New England. This tour will help you understand the monuments of Plymouth...

Other Local Areas to Visit

We now offer custom group bus charter tours to areas outside of the city core including Plymouth, Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester & Rockport, Lexington & Concord. Give us a call to discuss your plans!

Boston CityWalks

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History, Architecture, and Cultural Walking Tours of Boston

Offering Sightseeing Trips in Our City

History, Architecture and Cultural Walking Tours of Boston

Public and private walking tours, public walking tours.

• Available on a scheduled basis and are sold as individual tickets.
• Adult Rates $30 - $45 per person
• Half-Price for Children 16 and under.

Private Walking Tours

• Group events that are built around your schedule (and Tour Guide availability of course). These are closed to the Public and just for you and your Group.
• You may choose one of the Public Walking Tours to be done as a Private Walking Tour at a time specified by you.
• Private Walking Tours of 2 to 2.5 hours are Group Priced at $595.

Customized Private Walking Tours

• You may also choose to create your own tour based on your particular needs and desires. It might include a different Starting or Ending Point (like your hotel or a restaurant) or have different type of content – perhaps a different area or a different focus like architecture, culture or something else that interests you.
• Private Customized Walking Tours of 2 to 2.5 hours are Group Priced at the same $595.
• These are also available for longer periods at a higher rate.

Let Our Reliable Guides Take You Around the City

At Boston CityWalks, our team brings history, architecture, and culture together to make the city’s personality come alive in our walking tours. You can rely on us to share our love for the city with facts, stories, and humor that reflect the unique nature of Boston.

Our History

Alan Maltzman, our founder, grew up in Boston and has always expressed his love and passion for the city. With his extensive knowledge of the history and architecture of the area, he entertains many with anecdotal stories of events and people in Boston’s past.

Due to his dedication to sharing everything he knew about the city, Alan decided to establish our business. Through his leadership, we continue to guide many tourists around the city and give them more information about Boston.

Make your visit a perfect and memorable event with our sightseeing services. We offer regularly scheduled trips, as well as walking tours that are tailored according to our clients’ needs. You can get some of the most informative details about Boston at our tours.

Walking Tours Personalized for You

Explore the areas you want to visit with our customized walking tours. On these specially-created trips, you will see the warmth, timeless beauty, and unique historic charm of Boston. Most of these tours only cost $595 for up to two and a half hours.

Our Process

Once you have booked our services, we may be able to arrange greet you and your guests agreed upon location. Whether you are staying at a hotel or a bed-and-breakfast, we can come to you. We will then provide you with a guided walking tour that highlights what makes the city special.

Ask About Our Walking Tours Today

Experience being a part of our city through our walking tours. For more information about our services, get in touch with us today.

North End Boston: Mafia Mission - Exploration Game

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Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 02110

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Hills Reservation, Quincy, Milton, Randolph  

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

World's End, Hingham

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

Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth  

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