Boston Back Bay to Downtown Sightseeing Tour
from
$45
Boston
MA
1-20
people
price for
1 participant
2
hours
  • • Admire European Inspired Boston Architecture
  • • Visit Downtown Boston's Most Historic Sites
  • • Learn About Famous Residents and Politicians
or

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Experience Gifts in Boston: Discover the rich history of Downtown Boston with this detailed sightseeing tour, hosted by an expert local guide who knows everything worth knowing about Boston heritage! Starting in the affluent Back Bay neighborhood, you'll follow a carefully curated route that features Paris-inspired architecture, the famous Boston Common, King's Chapel, Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall, classic New England cobblestone streets, and plenty more.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors, but Boston residents are guaranteed to learn something too! Book the Back Bay to Downtown Walking Tour on your next Massachusetts vacation, or treat a Bostonian to a unique experience gift.

Check Availability & Book

Experience Overview:

Boston Back Bay To Downtown Sightseeing Tour

Highlights of this 2 hour guided tour include:
 

  • Copley Square in all its beauty and grace
  • The 19th century Back Bay area and the Boston Public Garden
  • Historic Beacon Hill's cobblestone drives and gaslights
  • The quirky, vibrant architecture and streets of Downtown Boston
  • The Freedom Trail's historic Revolutionary War era sites from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall

Make Boston yours as we view its history, beauty and culture from the newest part of Boston to the oldest.

Begin in the elegant Back Bay and pass stately and historic Beacon Hill on our way to the dynamic Downtown Area, where you’ll see the major points of the Freedom Trail.

This tour will enable you to see the quirkiness of Boston’s colonial street patterns, the many 18th century buildings, and the history connecting these to the city you see today! 
Learn how Colonial Boston actually tripled in size by using Boston's original three hills. See if Sam Adams really did roll over in his grave. Find out why Ben Franklin left his family to go to Philadelphia, of all places!

We end the tour at the exciting Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market Area, where you can choose to shop and eat to your heart’s delight. Your guide will be happy to recommend restaurants that will fit your culinary desires or point out areas of interest, all you have to do is ask!

FAQ

Activity FAQs

Is advance purchase necessary?

You must purchase your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your space on the tour. Please book well in advance to maximize your chances of getting the date and time you prefer.

How long do the walking tours last?

Tours last approximately 2 hours, but can vary depending upon the number of people, questions asked, etc.

How far do we actually walk?

This tour is approximately 2 miles in length.

Do we walk at a leisurely pace?

Yes, tours move at a leisurely place. Though at times we might move faster because there is so much to see and talk about, we do stop frequently and we promise not to overwork you!! We try whenever possible to stop in the shade when it's hot and in the sun when it's cool. And where there are benches, we'll point them out.

What if I have a particular area of interest?
 

If you have a particular area of interest, like history or architecture, please let the guide know and they will likely be able to emphasize that area(s) for the enjoyment of the whole group.

Are there restrooms on the tour?

There are restrooms at both the start and end points of the tour. While there are no prescheduled stops along the way, we will make every reasonable effort to meet requests for a stop.

Will we be able to purchase water along the way?

On most tours, we will pass by street vendors selling drinks. We will stop there upon request. Make sure to bring extra cash if you might want to purchase from these vendors!

Will there be food available on the tour?

No, but there will be restaurants and other food services available where the tour ends. Please have breakfast before we begin, so that we don't inconvenience others on the tour by taking time away for you to get something to eat. If a snack is required, you could purchase one from a street vendor when we stop for drinks.

Can we do shopping along the way?

While the tour does pass through shopping areas, we request that you save all shopping until after the tour has finished. At the conclusion of the tour, we will be happy to give you directions to get back to specific shops and locations.

Can i ask questions?

YES!!! Questions are always welcome.

Do i need to purchase a ticket for my child?

Yes, please purchase a reduced price Child ticket for children ages 5 to 16. Children under the age of 5 may come on the tour for free, but please let us know if you are bringing any young children when you purchase your tickets. Remember to bring a stroller!

Will my toddler survive the tour?

Well, it's a long way for a toddler to go, so I can't recommend it. But you know your child best - if you think they'll enjoy it and they'll behave, go ahead and bring 'em along. We'll try and make it as pleasant as we can for both you and them.

Is the tour stroller accessible?

Most of the tour is accessible to strollers and we do recommend them for small children. Please keep in mind, however, that many areas are uneven and there is one set of stairs, but you should be able to carry your children over these short distances.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, we do not recommend wheelchairs on these tours because we pass through many old, historic areas with brick and cobblestone paving that can be uneven and make travel in a wheelchair difficult. There is one set of steps.

What happens if it rains or snows?

The tour runs rain or shine. If precipitation starts during the tour, rain ponchos are usually available from the guide. If really severe weather forces us to cancel the tour, you will be able to reschedule to another date or receive credit for a future event.

How do i get back to my hotel after the tour?

Your guide will give you specific directions following the tour. If either walking or taking the "T" subway are possibilities, your guide will describe both options for you. Maps will be provided upon request.

Does the tour have anything to offer a native Bostonian?
 

Absolutely! Boston is full of little known secrets and treasures. Its nooks and crannies provide a wealth of sights and stories that go along with them. The anecdotal history your guide will share with you is sure to add new nuances to what you thought you already knew. You'll see a side of the city you never knew existed!

Details & Important Info

Additional Experience Details & Important Information

Important Notice: Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time, as tours depart right on time.

What to Wear

You will be outside for much of the tour, so dress for the forecasted weather! We recommend layers, as the temperatures can become higher throughout the day. (It's easy to peel a layer off!)
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
On sunny days, we suggest you use sunscreen. Hats and sunglasses can also be helpful.
If the weather forecast calls for rain or showers, rain jackets, umbrellas and hats can help. On most tours, the guide will have emergency ponchos available in case of unexpected inclement weather.

What to Bring

We suggest you bring a bottle of water with you. These can also be purchased at street vendors along the way. (If you intend to purchase water, be sure to bring some extra cash!)
If you have young children, it is highly recommended that you bring a folding carriage with you, as kids do get tired along the way.
And of course, bring your camera!

Other Tips and Guidelines

If there are any particular types of things you would like to see or hear about, please get ready to let your guide know.
Gratuities are not required, but certainly are welcome and appreciated!!

Cancellations & Refunds

Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 15 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.

All gift certificate sales are final and not refundable. Gift certificates can only be exchanged prior to redemption.

A full list of terms of sale of tickets and certificates can be viewed here.

Organized by

Boston City Walks

Public and Custom Walking tours of Boston

We Share with You Why We Love Boston!

Boston CityWalks gives the BEST walking tours of Boston, with just the right mix of history, architecture and culture. We do tours all year long - including winter! Note that we have evening tours of The Freedom Trail - History and Architecture on Tuesdays at 6 PM and an Excursion to Harvard on Thursdays at 6 PM.

Why Choose Boston CityWalks?

  • Boston is such a great WALKING city and you can see so much more from the ground than on a bus or in a car.
  • We show you all the main sites plus the facts and stories to make the history around them come alive.
  • We share the hidden, quirky parts of Boston that you would never see on your own or on other tours.
  • Boston CityWalks guides are knowledgeable and congenial professional Tour Guides with a love and penchant for the city.
  • Smaller, limited-size tour groups allow you to see and hear everything! We also sell individual tickets to all our tours.
  • Tour content is tailored to your interests, with just the right mix of History, Architecture and Culture.

You get to see lots more of the city in one tour. Not just the Freedom Trail or one area. And you get the stories behind the history as well. You won't get bored at all! Our goal: Have you love Boston.

Product SKU: US-0087-0003
Google Business Profile: Boston City Walks

Boston Back Bay to Downtown Tour

Boston
MA
1-20
people
price for
1 participant
2
hours
  • • Admire European Inspired Boston Architecture
  • • Visit Downtown Boston's Most Historic Sites
  • • Learn About Famous Residents and Politicians
or

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