Seven Tours of Boston

You have to admit it—Boston is a pretty neat city. And what better way to experience its rich history than with a guided tour? If you’re a visitor from afar or a local looking to learn about your own backyard, there are plenty of options for you. Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or a foodie, here are seven of the many options to see the city from a unique perspective.

Walking Tours

The most traditional way to tour Boston is on foot. Walk past the harbor, weave through downtown, and stroll along the Charles River. Organizations like the non-profit, Boston by Foot, offer relatively inexpensive ($10-$25) educational tours that cover a lot of ground, whether you’re interested in learning about the architecture or visiting the North End. Their nine classic tours—such as Beacon Hill, Literary Landmarks, and Victorian Back Bay— are offered regularly from May through October and on a limited basis during the winter months. They also host special tours and book for private groups. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

History Tours

Boston is famous for its history, so why not experience it first hand? The city is crawling with tour groups offering to show visitors the dozens of historical monuments and buildings. The Freedom Trail Foundation offers one of the most traditional options. Guides dress up as 18th century American Revolution characters in period clothing and lead groups along the 2.5 mile trail. The route is marked with bricked or painted red lines and covers 16 historically significant sites. Tickets are available online. $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $6.50 for children.

Biking Tours

Walking is great, but sometimes you might want a little more speed. Hop on a bike and see the city like you’ve never seen it before. Companies like Urban AdvenTours not only offer bike and gear rentals but book guided tours—a perfect option for visitors not comfortable with city riding. Tours leave from 103 Atlantic Ave. daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.. You’ll learn about the local history and explore the quaint neighborhoods throughout the city. They also offer seasonal tours (like their fall foliage tour), a visit to Cambridge, and a nighttime ride. Tickets and bike rentals start at $35 each.

If biking solo isn’t for you, there is still a chance for you to see the city by bike—sort of. Pedicabs,—those bike-like contraptions with seats attached to the back—offer tours and taxi service for a unique experience. $75 per couple. Additional fee per extra person.

Haunted Tours

This tour mixes a little bit of history and fright for a fun evening. Haunted Boston leads 90-minute lantern-lit walking tours nightly that take visitors through the city’s streets in search of the numerous ghosts rumored to haunt the area. Along the way, you’ll hear chilling stories of Boston’s most famous ghosts. This great family-friendly option is sure to amuse and excite. Remember to bring along a camera—you may capture an orb on film. Tickets are $18.

Duck Boat Tours

While many locals will dub this one of the cheesiest tours in the city, Boston Duck Boat tours are something everyone should experience at least once. The boats load downtown followed by a driving tour around the city. Once you’ve seen it all by land, the boat drives into the river and around the Charles River. You may even get a chance to drive the boat. Tickets are $34.99 for adults, $23.99 for children over three, and $10.50 for children three and under.

Foodie Tours

From chocolate tours to wine tours to Italian feasts, there is a tour out there to fulfill your foodie fantasy. City Wine Tours hosts special neighborhood-specific tours throughout the city. You’ll take in the local community, visit restaurants and wine shops, taste various cuisines, and—of course—sample a few different wines. Tours are two hours long and guests will visit three restaurants or shops, sample six wines, and try several food pairings. Groups are limited to 12 guests and tickets cost $66 each.

Boston Food Tours and Bites of Boston offer similar tours exploring cuisine throughout the city. Whether you’re visiting a market or sampling a dish in a local eatery, you’ll come across colorful history and discover many hidden gems. Boston Food Tour tickets start at $54. Bites of Boston tickets start at $52.

Trolley Tours

These tours celebrate the old town charm of the city and will add some entertainment to your transportation. Step on board and participate in specially-designed outings, such as their famous sightseeing tours, educational drives, and the historic ballpark tour. Trolley Tours of Boston circle the city and stop at more than 100 points of interest. Guests are free to hop on and off all day if they purchase the sightseeing ticket ($36.86 for adults if you buy online), which includes free admission to either the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum or a Boston Harbor Cruise, plus a map with coupon book.