Your Trip to Boston: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Sam Adams Brewery Tours Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids Skiing Near Boston Beaches Near Boston Hikes Near Boston Boston Public Garden Museums in Boston Fenway Park Guide Shopping in Boston The Best Time to Visit Boston Weather & Climate Best Hotels in Boston Neighborhoods to Know Driving in Boston Public Transportation in Boston One-Day Itinerary Day Trips From Boston Best Boston Tours Your Trip to Boston: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Massachusetts Boston The 5 Best Boston Tours of 2022 By Amber Nolan Amber Nolan Amber is a restless travel writer with more than 10 years of experience. She covers travel products for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 03/09/21 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The Rundown Best Bike Tour: Guided Bike Tour of Boston – Buy Tickets at Viator "An active and informative way to experience downtown Boston." Best Culinary Tour: Small Group Guided Walking Food Tour – Buy Tickets at Viator "Provides a chance to sample a bit of Beantown’s flavor while learning about the neighborhoods and lifestyle of the city." Best Boat Tour: Boston Whale Watching Cruise – Buy Tickets at Viator "There are three outdoor viewing decks to help spot the wildlife, as well as a comfortable inside area." Best Walking Tour: Freedom Trail to Copley Square Walking Tour – Buy Tickets at Viator "Explore the historic trail that stretches 2.5 miles past colonial buildings and Revolutionary War-era landmarks." Best Value: Boston’s Hop On, Hop-Off Trolley Tour – Buy Tickets at Viator "This value-packed tour stops at 19 landmarks and icons on a leisurely one hour." Best Bike Tour: Guided Bike Tour of Boston Getty Images Buy on Viator.com For an active and informative way to experience downtown Boston, the Guided Bike Tour is money well spent. On the 2.5- to 3-hour tour, you’ll experience both well-known tourist landmarks and off-the-beaten-path spots, making it a wonderful and fun way to get a feel for the city. The bike tour follows along much of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile long path that passes a number of significant historic sites. You’ll also explore areas such as Charlestown, Copley Square, Fenway Park, and the historic North End (Little Italy), Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood. Cyclists will receive a helmet to wear and a complimentary bottled water before the guide leads the way and educates guests both on the history of Boston, as well as current events. Best Culinary Tour: Small Group Guided Walking Food Tour Viator Buy on Viator.com Seafood dominates much of Boston’s local cuisine, but the city is a cultural melting pot with plenty of fantastic dishes and influences from around the world. A culinary tour provides a chance to sample a bit of Beantown’s flavor while learning about the neighborhoods and lifestyle of the city. The Small Group Guided Walking Food Tour starts in historical North End area of the city, also known as Little Italy, where you'll sample a number of Boston's favorites, including the lobster roll, pizza, colonial-recipe chocolate, cannoli and more. You'll also have the chance to swing by a neighborhood public market to try sausages and craft beer or hard cider. The tour group has no more than 12 people–so you won’t be lost in the crowds. Best Boat Tour: Boston Whale Watching Cruise Viator Buy on Viator.com From April through November, the waters of the Massachusetts Bay are temporarily home to a number of migrating sea life including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales. Hop aboard a whale-watching cruise for a chance to spot these majestic creatures during your stay in Boston. The three-hour, Boston Whale-Watching Cruise heads to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a feeding ground for whales, dolphins and birds, aboard a high-speed catamaran. There are three outdoor viewing decks with naturalist guides to help spot the wildlife, as well as a comfortable inside area with video education stations for more fascinating information on the marine life, plus a galley for food and beverages. Best Walking Tour: Freedom Trail to Copley Square Walking Tour Viator Buy on Viator.com For a reasonably priced tour that touches on Boston’s history, get out and stretch your legs with the two-hour walking tour that follows the Freedom Trail to Copley Square. Meet the knowledgeable guide in Boston’s Old State House and explore the historic trail that stretches 2.5 miles past colonial buildings and Revolutionary War-era landmarks. Travelers will stop by the location of the 1770 Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, the Old Corner Bookstore and King’s Chapel before arriving downtown. Along the way, the guide offers a plethora of information as you pass the infamous Trinity Church and take a ceremonial pass over the finish line location of the Boston Marathon. Best Value: Boston’s Hop On, Hop-Off Trolley Tour Viator Buy on Viator.com Those who enjoy traveling at their own pace but enjoy some structure should consider Boston’s Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Tour–a fantastic way to get around town and experience Boston’s attractions without paying a fortune. This value-packed tour stops at 19 landmarks and icons on a leisurely one hour and 45-minute jaunt around the city. At any time, passengers can opt to get off the trolley and catch the next one–for up to two consecutive days. The tour is fully narrated by knowledgeable guides (gratuities are not included). As an added bonus, admission to the State House is bundled into the tour package. The 5 Best Day Hikes Near Boston Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 5 below.