Boston tours

Things to do in Boston

Boston hums with the echoes of revolutionary fervour, its cobblestones still alive with a spirit of change and progress. From Beacon Hill's historic allure to Seaport's modern dynamism, Boston represents a blend of past and present. Tours with your local guide transcend the conventional. Imagine a private tour tracing the Freedom Trail, hearing lesser-known tales of the American Revolution, or joining a food and wine tour that showcases the city's culinary evolution. A stroll through the Public Garden reveals hidden statues and the scent of blooms, while skipping the line at the Museum of Fine Arts allows you to savour art without delay. With your guide, Boston transforms into a vibrant narrative awaiting exploration. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Boston. Explore Boston your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Boston tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Boston for every interest, including: History tours: Trace the Freedom Trail with a guide who gets you inside Old North Church and the Paul Revere House, then compare stories at the Old South Meeting House. Add Charlestown for the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument on history tours tailored to your pace. Architecture tours: Study Back Bay brownstones along Commonwealth Avenue and step into Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library’s McKim Building for murals and stonework. Contrast that with Boston City Hall’s Brutalism and a quick look at MIT’s Stata Center across the river on architecture tours. Layover tours: On a layover at BOS, your guide meets you at Arrivals and times a quick loop through the North End for a cannoli, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and the Boston Public Garden for a ducklings photo. Short layover tours can use the Silver Line or a private car to keep you on schedule. The Freedom Trail area and Back Bay are very walkable, and the MBTA subway and ferries connect sights well. If you prefer not to navigate transit or you’re short on time, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Boston inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Boston on a private walking tour and consider adding some popular neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to truly understand a neighborhood than with a local by your side. - Beacon Hill: Known for its historic charm and beautiful architecture, this neighborhood is perfect for those interested in history and picturesque streets. Stroll through its narrow, cobblestone lanes and admire the well-preserved 19th-century homes. - Back Bay: Ideal for families and groups interested in shopping and dining. This area boasts a mix of high-end boutiques and popular eateries along Newbury Street, as well as the tranquil Boston Public Garden. - North End: Boston's Little Italy, perfect for foodies and those interested in cultural experiences. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and explore the historic sites associated with the city's rich immigrant history. - South End: Known for its diverse community and vibrant arts scene, it's great for tourists seeking meaningful connections. You can explore art galleries, enjoy the local dining scene, and soak in the neighborhood's unique atmosphere. Day trip ideas from Boston Stay in Boston, then slip out to nearby towns and coastal corners for day trips that mix history, seafood, and small‑town streets, while your tour can lean into battlefields, beaches, or easy harbour walks. Salem: A short ride brings you to witch‑trial history, narrow lanes lined with old homes, and a working waterfront, and you can balance the stories with indie shops and simple bites near the docks. Lexington and Concord: See the Battle Green, the North Bridge, and quiet lanes that still show the opening moments of the Revolution, and if you like nature with your history, Minute Man National Historical Park adds trails and stone walls to wander. Cape Ann, Rockport and Gloucester: Follow the shore to fishing piers, lighthouses, and artist studios, and split time between Rockport’s harbour views and Gloucester’s working boats for a relaxed loop with sea air and chowder. Plymouth: Stroll the waterfront, visit tree‑shaded streets tied to early settler stories, and add a side trip to cranberry bog country, a simple mix of history and outdoors that fits into one unhurried day. Newport, Rhode Island: Walk the Cliff Walk for ocean views, drive the coastal loop past rocky coves, and explore colonial‑era streets near the harbour, a good pick if you want seaside scenery and architecture without a long drive. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Boston most travellers miss.