Boston Public Garden: Our most recommended tours and activities

Boston: Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Ticket

1. Boston: Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Ticket

Discover Boston onboard an enchanting hop-on and hop-off trolley to see all the historic sights at your own pace. Choose from a 1-day or 2-day hop-on hop-off open-air trolley ticket, providing access to 9 stops, all conveniently located close to the city’s premier attractions. Friendly tour guides are on board, ready to narrate your tour, and you can join and end the tour at any of the stops along the route. Jump off in neighborhoods such as North End and Beacon Hill to explore further. Take the full 1-hour circuit non-stop to get a great orientation of downtown Boston or explore in your own time. Hop-on and hop-off trolley stops: • New England Aquarium - Shuttle and Ferry - Quincy Market – Faneuil Hall • Paul Revere House - Little Italy • North End - Old North Church • USS Constitution - Old Ironsides • North Station - TD Bank Garden Sports Museum • Old State House - Faneuil Hall – Boston Massacre - Government Center • Boston Common - Public Garden • State House - Beacon Hill • South Station - Convention Center - Children’s Museum

Boston: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

2. Boston: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Experience the beauty of Boston on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Visit the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston Fish Pier, and other sites. Board an open-top double-decker bus and be amazed as you ascend above the bustling crowd, capturing awe-inspiring views. You will see all the major attractions and historic landmarks with 9 convenient stops. Hear interesting facts, historical information, and anecdotes about the sights you pass through the sites. The stops for the hop-on hop-off tour are:Stop 1: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (Omni Hotel, Westin Waterfront Hotel, Cruise Terminal Black Falcon)Stop 2: Boston Fish Pier (Leader Bank Pavilion, Seaport Hotel, Boston World Trade Center, Boston Children's Museum, Boston Tea Party Museum)Stop 3: New England Aquarium (Sightseeing Cruise, Marriott Custom House, North End, TD Garden, Paul Revere House)Stop 4: Old State House (Boston City Hall, Boston Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House, New England Holocaust Memorial)Stop 5: Boston Common (Boston Public Garden, Theater District, China Town)Stop 6: Cheers Pub (Beacon Hill, Charles River)Stop 7: Boston Public Library (John Hancock Tower, Fairmont Hotel, South End, Copley Place)Stop 8: Trinity Church (Back Bay, Prudential Tower Boston, Fenway Park, Newbury Street)Stop 9: Massachusetts State House (State House Library, Boston Downtown, Financial District)

Boston: North End to Freedom Trail Food and History Tour

3. Boston: North End to Freedom Trail Food and History Tour

Learn about Boston's own Little Italy district of North End and its rich culinary scene. Also, learn about the significant role the city played during the American Revolution on a fascinating guided walking tour of Boston.  Make your way through to the heart of the North End, home to some of the city’s oldest buildings and renowned for its variety of food offerings. Try some fresh bread and Italian meats and cheeses at a hidden bakery. You will also indulge in some sweet local pastries. On the Freedom Trail, explore the Rose Kennedy Greenway, State Street, and the historic Custom House Tower. Then, head over to Old City Hall, which was the birthplace of public education in America. Don’t forget to get a picture of the bronzed Donkey outside the entrance Your tour will finish at the Boston Public Garden. Enjoy the rest of your day relaxing in the park and its beautiful surroundings. 

Boston History & Highlights Afternoon Tour

4. Boston History & Highlights Afternoon Tour

Begin at the lifeblood of Boston, the Boston Harbor, with a walk through a scenic waterfront park, with views of the harbor. From the harbor, continue past the Rose Kennedy Greenway, State Street, and the historic Custom House Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. Then, your guide will lead you toward the famous Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, which both boast stunning views. Moving into the heart of Downtown Boston, stop in front of the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre. Was it really a massacre or maybe just great propaganda for the Revolution? Ask your expert guide about that one!  A short trek through Downtown Crossing brings you to Old City Hall. This beautiful building, done in French Revivalist architecture, was the seat of city government for years in Boston. It also happens to be the site of the birth of public education in America. You'll definitely want to have your guide snap your picture with the bronze donkey outside the entrance. On most weekdays, you’ll have a chance to see the government at work (or not) inside the inspiring, historic and beautiful Massachusetts State House, designed and built by famous federalist architect Charles Bulfinch in 1798. Outside the State House, take in the views of modern Boston, including the skyscrapers of Downtown, the Financial District, and the tallest building in New England: the John Hancock Tower.   Continue your journey through Beacon Hill, where you’ll have a chance to take in the quintessential architecture of Boston’s red brick row houses. Get out your cameras — this neighborhood is one of the most photogenic in the city. Finally, arrive at the beautiful Boston Public Garden, one of Boston’s favorite green spaces, where you’ll see locals walking the dogs, playing with the kids, and enjoying lunch in the shade. Your guide will point you in the right direction, and will help with any and all recommendations for great things to do in Boston that evening and beyond. 

Boston: In Cold Blood True Crime Guided Walking Tour

5. Boston: In Cold Blood True Crime Guided Walking Tour

Executions, duels, strikes, and schemes have left a mark on Boston over the last 400 years. Join a seasoned US Ghost Adventures guide for a history-packed tour of the most harrowing true crime sites in the city. You’ll meet your group in Boston Public Garden, where you’ll dive into the bone-chilling story of one of America’s first serial killers: Jane Toppan. From there, you’ll wind through 12 other stops, unlocking a new piece of history at each one. Stand where Benjamin Woodbridge fell, bleeding, after an 18th century duel. Hear the chaotic and contradictory testimony that left investigators stumped over the Karina Holmer murder. Get a glimpse into the minds of famous schemers like Clark Rockefeller and Charles Ponzi, and unearth the history of body snatching at the Old Granary Burial Ground. Agatha Christie once wrote, “Crime is terribly revealing.” What will Boston’s crimes reveal about the city? Come find out.

Boston: 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour

6. Boston: 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour

This 2-hour Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, and Back Bay walking tour will give you just the right mix of history, architecture, and culture to bring Boston's personality alive.  During your 2-hour walk, see the Freedom Trail that runs from Faneuil Hall to the Boston Common. Check out the quirky, vibrant architecture and streets of the old city center. Wander among the cobblestone drives and gaslights of historic Beacon Hill and the Back Bay area, then check out the Public Garden and graceful Copley Square. Visit important sites such as Faneuil Hall, the Old and New State Houses, the Old South Meeting House, the Old Corner Bookstore, King's Chapel, the Old Granary Burial Ground, Louisburg Square, Newbury Street, the John Hancock Tower, Trinity Church, and the Boston Marathon Finish Line. There are also plenty more Boston hotspots that you'll get to discover on this guided walking tour! This small-group tour allows you to hear everything your guide is saying as you see Boston's highlights. Feel like part of the city as your guide shares facts, stories, and humor that reflect the quirky nature of Boston in its past and present.

Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Freedom Trail Walking Tour

7. Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Get a combo ticket to immerse yourself in the heart of Boston. Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and a Freedom Trail walking tour. Ride on Boston's only double-decker open-top tour bus. Then, witness the past come alive before your eyes on the walking tour. Hop on the bus to enjoy stunning views of the vibrant city streets as expert tour guides provide live commentary on the most iconic neighborhoods, attractions, and shopping hotspots. Seize the adventure, discover Boston's hidden treasures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Explore the historic Freedom Trail with a guided walking tour of the 2.5-mile-long path. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you encounter 11 magnificent landmarks that have shaped Boston's rich history. Boston Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour Stops: • Stop 1: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (Omni Hotel, Westin Waterfront Hotel, Cruise Terminal Black Falcon) • Stop 2: Boston Fish Pier (Leader Bank Pavilion, Seaport Hotel, Boston World Trade Center, Boston Children's Museum, Boston Tea Party Museum) • Stop 3: New England Aquarium (Sightseeing Cruise, Marriott Custom House, North End, TD Garden, Paul Revere House) • Stop 4: Old State House (Boston City Hall, Boston Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House, New England Holocaust Memorial) • Stop 5: Boston Common (Boston Public Garden, Theater District, China Town) • Stop 6: Cheers Pub (Beacon Hill, Charles River) • Stop 7: Boston Public Library (John Hancock Tower, Fairmont Hotel, South End, Copley Place) • Stop 8: Trinity Church (Back Bay, Prudential Tower Boston, Fenway Park, Newbury Street) • Stop 9: Massachusetts State House (State House Library, Boston Downtown, Financial District)

Boston: Seafood, History & Highlights Day Tour

8. Boston: Seafood, History & Highlights Day Tour

Meet your local guide at Boston’s Independence Wharf, from where the viewing deck grants you incredible views over the city. From here, we’ll head to the Harborwalk, a walkway linking waterfront neighbourhoods to the Boston Harbour. Learn about the history of this iconic harbour and take some time to soak in the marvellous views. We’ll walk past Long Wharf and the first main port of Boston, where all goods entered the city for almost 200 years. Along the way, your guide will take you into some of their favourite eateries, from waterfront shacks to classic restaurants, so you can sample some of Boston’s freshest seafood. Tuck into a seriously tasty lobster roll and sample a cup of classic New England clam chowder. Depending on what’s in season and available on the day, you may also try stuffed scallops, stuffed quahog clams, raw oysters or fried clams. Swing by the historic Quincy Market, a huge food hall popular with locals and visitors alike. Next door is the famous Faneuil Hall, one of Boston’s most significant buildings. The hall was nicknamed the ‘Cradle of Liberty’ after playing host to meetings about abolition, women’s suffrage and war. With your minds full of local history and your stomachs full of Boston’s best seafood, finish off your tour at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. We will continue at the lifeblood of Boston, the Boston Harbor, with a walk through a scenic waterfront park, with views of the harbor. From the harbor, we’ll continue past the Rose Kennedy Greenway, State Street and the historic Custom House Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. Then, your guide will lead you toward the famous Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, which both boast stunning views. Moving into the heart of Downtown Boston, we will stop in front of the Old State House and site of the Boston Massacre. A short trek through Downtown Crossing brings you to Old City Hall. This beautiful building, done in French Revivalist architecture, was the seat of city government for years in Boston. It also happens to be the site of the birth of public education in America. On most weekdays (government hours only!) you have a chance to see the government at work inside the inspiring, historic, and beautiful Massachusetts State House, designed and built by famous federalist architect Charles Bulfinch in 1798. Outside the State House, take in the views of modern Boston, including the skyscrapers of Downtown, the Financial District, and the tallest building in New England: The John Hancock Tower. We continue our journey through Beacon Hill, where you’ll have a chance to take in the quintessential architecture of Boston’s red brick row houses. Get out your cameras — this neighborhood is one of the most photogenic in the city. Finally, we arrive at the beautiful Boston Public Garden, one of Boston’s favorite green spaces, If you’re spending more time in Boston, be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on the best spots to eat, drink and visit.

Boston: Private City Driving Tour

9. Boston: Private City Driving Tour

Community Impact: -We are committed to a “360-degree view” of storytelling, featuring stories about under-represented groups, such as women, immigrants, and people of various ethnicities, ages, religions, and sexual orientations -Our guides prioritize “supporting local” through recommending and patronizing family-run and locally owned businesses so that culture and traditions are preserved and are passed onto the next generation -Our small-group tours minimize negative impacts on the local community, reducing pressure on small businesses we frequent, allowing locals more room to maneuver around our tours, and reducing noise pollution without the need of microphones Summary: Your Boston walking tour starts in Copley Square, located in the heart of the Back Bay and home to the first free public library in America. From here, we’ll stroll through the best shopping district in all of Boston – Newbury Street – and see the stores go from high-end to mainstream to down-right funky. This trendy neighborhood is also known for its beautiful architecture, and your Boston tour guide will point out some of the most notable Victorian-era homes before heading down to the waterfront for a picturesque walk along the Charles River and the Boston Esplanade. We’ll then pass by Boston Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in America, as we make our way over to Beacon Hill. This popular neighborhood’s quaint and narrow streets will take you past some of Boston’s most expensive homes. Get your camera ready – we’ll also be walking down the most photographed street in the city! From here, our tour continues through the Boston Common and begins our segment of the world-famous Freedom Trail. We’ll venture past and into must-see historic stops including Faneuil Hall and see where the first cries for Revolution rang out. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on some of the events that led to the American Revolution – like a tea party and a massacre. You’ll also see where the very first public school in America was located and how it connects us to modern public education. Your Freedom Trail tour continues into the North End, which is steeped in colonial history. You can see where Paul Revere lived as well as the famous Old North Church, which played a very important role in the start of the American Revolution. This area is also well known for Italian eateries. Maybe a stop for some cappuccino and a cannoli will add to the experience. Next, we head down to the harbor front, cutting through one of the prettiest waterfront parks in the city. A walk around Long Wharf will show you the main hub of all activity in Boston during the 17th and 18th centuries. Once a vast wasteland of parking lots, Boston’s Seaport District is now one of the city’s fastest growing areas with exciting architecture and rich colonial history. From a special vantage point, you’ll see the very spot where colonists famously threw British tea into the Boston harbor.

Boston: 2-Hour Back Bay and Freedom Trail Walking Tour

10. Boston: 2-Hour Back Bay and Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Your tour begins in the affluent neighborhood of Back Bay. Walkthrough Back Bay and see many of Boston's most famous architectural sites. Learn about the neighborhood and its development since the 19th-century. Continue your tour towards the stately Beacon Hill, once home to Boston's Aristocracy. during the 18th and 19th-centuries. Afterward, proceed to Boston's downtown area to see the major attractions of Freedom Trail. Visit Fanueil Hall and the Quincy Market Area, where you can later shop or eat to your heart's delight.  On this 2-hour tour see the beauty and grace of Copley Square, the Boston Public Garden, cobblestone drives and gaslights of historic Beacon Hill, the quirky, vibrant architecture and streets of old Downtown Boston, and walk along Freedom Trail from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall.

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What people are saying about Boston Public Garden

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 634 reviews

A great way to explore both historic and modern Boston with funny, informed guides, especially for those who would find walking physically challenging.

A great tour, well run, easy to book. Excellent knowledge by our guide and great fun on the tour around Boston.

Alan was really knowledgeable, entertaining, and considerate. Amazing experience overall - highly recommended.

Alan was a great guide for the day and even though we were English he treated us very well!

We loved the time we spent with Janet. She was warm and knowledgeable.