Boston Tours: Hang Out With Locals and Enjoy the Sites
One of the best cities in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler, Boston is a big city with lots of attractions, sites and things to do. In fact, some travelers may find it difficult to see everything in one trip. That’s where sightseeing tours help. They allow visitors to see everything in a fun way. To learn more, read about the top Boston tours and what to expect.
Boston Tours Showcase the Best Sites, Stories and Attractions
Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston
Those who want more time at area attractions and sites enjoy Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston. These tours provide guests the opportunity to hop-on and hop-off, so they can spend time in their favorite places. Trolleys run during the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and welcome all ages.
Guests should expect to stop at 18 sites. They can ride the trolley the entire time to see everything, or get off and explore historic sites, neighborhoods and attractions. For example, Faneuil Hall and North End provide a place for visitors to shop and dine before they re-board. Other sites include Beacon Hill, Cheers bar, and USS Constitution and Museum.
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Duck Tours ranks among the most popular Boston tours because it ventures on land and into the water. Guests will board a duck boat, which is a WWII-style vehicle that travels on land and water. Each family-friendly tour spends an hour on land and 20 minutes in the water.
During the tour, guides navigate and tell stories about Boston’s history. Viewed sites may include Long Wharf, Custom House, Trinity Church, Old State House, Cambridge and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, bridges, and Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Boston Segway Tours
Segway tours provide a fun, safe way to see the city without walking. Plus, guests enjoy fresh air while riding. Boston Segway Tours hosts one- and two-hour tours suited for ages 14 and older.
On the one-hour tour, visitors ride through Boston Common area, Harborside and Harbors Compass Point. During a two-hour ride, expect to see historic sites, Boston Harbor, Chinatown and popular neighborhoods.
North End Boston Food Tour
Food tours are also popular in Boston. One of the best ways to start sampling local cuisine is a walking tour with North End Boston Food Tour group. This option combines North End history and culture with raved-about Italian food. It’s also a great way for the family to learn about Boston’s Little Italy.
Led by locals, North End Boston Food Tour showcases cobblestone streets, Paul Revere’s house and statue, churches, and hidden gems. Visitors will also hear tales about infamous historical figures. While immersing in local lore, guides stop at pizzerias, bakeries, pastry shops and other restaurants.
Boston Ghost Tour
Several tour operators offer ghost tours in Boston, but this one ranks among the best for supernatural flair. These tours take less than 90 minutes and involve a maximum of 1.7 miles of walking distance. All ages welcome.
Boston Ghosts guides visitors through 10-12 sites in the downtown area. Each have a haunting history and include stories and facts. For example, guests will walk through old burial grounds and places where ghosts roam, according to local guides. Continue to read why Boston is one of the most haunted cities in America.
Boston Town Crier
Boston Town Crier welcomes all ages to spend the day on the Freedom Trail. The trail features a red brick line that measures 2.5 miles and takes guests to 11 noteworthy sites. Tours last about 90 minutes, with public and private options available.
The hosts dress in period clothing and portray historical figures. Many have authentic Boston accents and blend humor with tales of Boston’s Revolutionary War history. Attendees should expect to see Boston Common, Faneuil Hall and Bunker Hill Monument, to name a few sites.
Boston Harbor City Cruises
For something different, book a water tour with Boston Harbor City Cruises. The company offers several types of cruises that are safe and age-appropriate. Options last from 40 minutes to a few hours.
Adventure-seekers enjoy the fast Codzilla, which cruises through the harbor at fast speeds. For something more gentle, book the historic harbor cruise or sunset cruise. In addition to sightseeing tours, the company has whale-watching tours and offers ferries to nearby Salem and Provincetown.
Other Boston Tours
These Boston tours are a small sample of what is available. Other sightseeing options include year-round Boston CityWalks for smaller groups and Boston Pizza Tour, which offers a pizza crawl. For photo opportunities, try PhotoWalks Tours of Boston. This tour combines Boston’s sites and history with photography. Other popular tours include Fenway Park, The Revolutionary Story Tour, Boston Brew Tour and Bites of Boston.
Ready to visit? Learn more about vacationing in Boston and find things to do.