17 Best Tours In Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States, filled with charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and rich Revolutionary War history. One of the best ways to experience it all is by taking a guided tour - whether by foot, trolley, bike, or even boat. As a Boston native, I’ve seen it all: costumed colonial guides walking the Freedom Trail, duck boats cruising through the streets, and plenty of overpriced tourist traps. That’s why I’ve curated this list of the best tours in Boston - the ones that are actually worth your time and money. From food tours to historic walks, these are the top-rated experiences that will help you explore Boston like a local.
This post is all about the best tours in Boston, Massachusetts.
This post may contain affiliate links - if you purchase a tour or hotel via Daisies Abroad we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
17 Best Tours In Boston, Massachusetts
1. Duck Boat Tour
The Boston Duck Boat Tour is a fun and unforgettable way to explore the city — perfect for all ages. These unique amphibious vehicles travel on both land and water, giving you a one-of-a-kind perspective of Boston’s most iconic sights. Originally designed during World War II to transport troops and supplies across land and sea, today they offer an entertaining and educational ride through the city's history. If you’ve never experienced a Duck Boat before, this tour is an absolute must!
2. Hop On Hop Off Trolly
If you don't have a lot of time in Boston this Hop On Hop Off Trolly is a perfect way to see the city in a short period of time. This trolly has 14 stops all over the city with stops in every place a tourist would want to visit. The stops include The North End, Faneuil Hall, USS Constitution Museum, TD Garden, Historic District, Beacon Hill, Prudential Center, Tea Party Ships, Newbury Street, and more.
3. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a must while you're in Boston. This immersive experience brings one of the most pivotal moments in American history to life — the Boston Tea Party, a key event that helped spark the American Revolution.
It’s an especially great activity for families and kids. Costumed actors reenact historic scenes, lead interactive exhibits, and even let you throw “tea” into the harbor. The museum makes learning about history genuinely fun and unforgettable. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique Boston experience, this stop belongs on your itinerary.
Related Post - 15 Places To Visit In Massachusetts
4. Freedom Trail
This small-group Freedom Trail walking tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to dive into Boston’s rich Revolutionary War history. You’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic historic sites while enjoying a guided walk filled with fascinating stories and local insights. If you love being outdoors and getting in some steps while sightseeing, this tour is a great fit — and it consistently earns five-star reviews for a reason!
Local Tip: Skip this tour in the winter - Boston gets really cold. The best time to enjoy this experience is during the summer or fall, when the weather is ideal for walking and the city is especially beautiful.
5. Tour of Harvard University
Boston is known for having some of the best universities in the world, the most famous being Harvard University. Weather you are dreaming of attending Harvard or just want to explore this gorgeous campus this tour of Harvard is for you.
6. North End Food Tour
I cannot tell you how much you need to do this tour. I hate to be pushy on my posts but if you do any tours in Boston do this North End Food Tour. The North End has the best Italian food in the country. This tour will bring you to the best restaurants and shops in the North End.
7. Tour Of Fenway Park
The famous Fenway Park is the oldest baseball park in the USA. If you can make it to a Red Sox's game or if you just don't like watching baseball this tour is perfect for you. I highly recommend visiting Fenway on your trip to Boston because this stadium will make you feel like you have entered the 1950s.
8. Private Tour Of Boston
In this private tour of Boston you will see all the main highlights of the city in one day. This tour is completely customizable so if you don't want to see something or if you want to spend extra time somewhere it's all up to you. This tour is great for families or friend groups because it is completely private.
9. Donut Tour
I mean, do I need to say more, it's a donut tour. This tour will take you to all of the best donut joints in the city. Boston has a ton of donut joints. I have been to all of the donut shops on this tour and I approve them for being insanely good and worth your time.
10. Sunset Cruise
This sunset cruise is the perfect way to end your busy day in Boston. Hop on a historic tall ship and sail around Boston Harbor. It seriously doesn't get much better than drinks with the a sunset on a boat.
Best Day Tours From Boston
1. Provincetown, Massachusetts
This ferry to Provincetown from Boston is perfect if you want to see Cape Cod on your visit to Massachusetts. There is no better town to see on the Cape than Provincetown. Provincetown is only a 90 minute ferry ride from Boston, driving would take you around 4 hours.
Provincetown is full of unique shops, great food, and lovely beaches. Make sure to do this tour in the summer or fall because of weather. For more on Provincetown read our Complete Guide To Provincetown, MA here.
2. New Hampshire and The White Mountains
If you are in Boston in the fall, summer, or winter consider doing this New Hampshire and White Mountains day trip.
New Hampshire is beautiful in the fall because of their famous fall foliage. This your chance to see the lovely yellow, red, and orange leaves.
The White Mountains are so amazing. Whether you go in the fall, summer, or winter (not the spring) the White Mountains are great trip that is totally worth it.
3. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is home to an amazing coastline, mansions, and an adorable downtown area.
This tour to Newport will take you all over the quaint New England town - downtown Newport, The Breakers Mansion, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Touro Synagogue, Fort Adams State Park, the Marble House, Ocean Drive, International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the famous Cliff Walk.
I would recommend going to Newport in the summer or fall. For more on Newport (things to do, where to stay, and travel tips) read our Newport, Rhode Island Travel Guide here.
4. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is located on the rugged southern coast of Maine. The town of Kennebunkport is the definition of a charming New England town and this tour showcases it perfectly.
While on this Kennebunkport tour you will explore downtown Kennebunkport, explore the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, walk along the beautiful Marginal Way, checkout Perkins Cove, and see Walker's Point.
I would recommend doing this tour in the summer, winter, or fall.
5. Salem, Massachusetts
A short drive away from Boston is Salem, a town haunted by witches from the Salem Witch Trials. The history about what happened in Salem years ago is very interesting and worth the trip to experience.
On this tour of Salem you will visit the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem Witch Village, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, the Ropes Mansion and Garden, the First Church in Salem, The Witch House at Salem, and Essex Street.
6. Martha's Vineyard
If you are looking to escape reality, than this Martha's Vineyard Tour is for you. Martha's Vineyard is a truly magical place. This island located off the coast of Cape Cod is home to prisene beaches, the famous gingerbread houses, and an adorable downtown.
For more on Martha's Vineyard read our complete guide to Martha's Vineyard here.
7. Plymouth
Plymouth is located south of Boston near Cape Cod. This tour of Plymouth will help you learn all about this 400 year old town home to some of the first people to settle in the United States.
Explore Plymouth Plantation, Plymouth Rock, and visit the Mayflower on your trip to Plymouth.
Where To Stay In Boston
After all of your tours and exploring you will be ready for a restful nights sleep. These are my favorite hotels in Boston.
The Seaport Hotel is in a great location by the water and offers a very comfortable stay. At the Seaport Hotel you will be close to some of the best restaurants and coffee in the city, make sure you grab a coffee at Tatte if you are at the Seaport Hotel.
The Newbury is located on the charming Newbury Street. Newbury Street is full of shops, cafes, and european style architecture. Across from Newbury Street is the lovely Boston Common that you could wonder in for hours.
If you are looking for something more affordable in Boston, checkout the Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront. This hotel is in a great location in the North End, so there will be no shortage of delicious food.
Best Tours In Boston Wrap Up
Boston is such a cool city with so much history and beauty! We hope that this guide to the best tours in Boston help you navigate the winding streets of Boston. If you liked this post we think that you will love our Locals Guide To Boston and our guide to the best coffee shops to study in Boston.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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