Boston Tours

[beast/del]

Could anyone please give me information of Tours of Boston. Is there anything thats a to-do? Is there anything that will be dissapointing to me? Any deals on tours will also help. I want to enjoy Boston but i dont want to leave my wallet there.

 

[diesel]

There's a walking tour of Boston that you can do yourself. Called the Freedom Trail (www.thefreedomtrail.org). The Duck Boat tour is supposed to be very good. It's a land and water tour of Boston. Not sure of the cost (www.bostonducktours.com).

 

[disneygirl 17]

I have done both of these tours and I enjoyed them both.

Children really seem to like the Duck tour.

 

[Maddie2]

We were there in Aug 2008 and took the Old Town Trolley tours... http://www.trolleytours.com/boston/

It is a bit pricey, but worth it, IMO. You can get off and on the trolley throughout the day at your pace. We only had time to use it one day due to time constraints, but there is a 2-day pass that makes it more economical. We were able to see most everything in one day, but two days would have been very nice to have.

We go out there every 2-3 years and we never run out of things to see. We already have a list for next time - go back to the Museum of Science and possibly the Salem Witch Museum. In years past the witch museum would have held no interest to us, but in doing my husband's genealogy we have found one of his ancestors involved in the trials.

Over the years, we have enjoyed ....

The Swan Boats .... http://www.swanboats.com/

Mike's Pastry in the North End ... http://www.mikespastry.com/index.html

Fenway Park Tour ....http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp

Shopping/Eating at Fanueil Hall .... http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/?q=shoppingdining

also the Old North Church, several historical cemetaries, Paul Revere's house, The Freedom Trial and the USS Constitution.

...and though you can't say it was something to be enjoyed per se, the New England Holocaust Memorial was very moving and most definitely something to see and experience ... http://www.nehm.org/

We spend most of our time in MA outside of the city, but it is always fun to go into the city to explore too.

Have fun!!

 

[Trish Bessette]

OMG the Duck Boat Tours are a hoot! Went a few years ago with my DD's 8th grade class trip and we had such a great time doing this. Everyone agreed that was the best part of the trip (and we did LOTS of stuff)

 

[dizneechic]

Another for the Boston Duck Tours! We did this last year with the kids and they STILL talk about it and our driver (Supersize!). Here's a video of our "splashdown". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUz1dOQ6sLU and or blog post with some of the pictures of the sights we saw during the tour: http://thesfamilyblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/boston-duck-tour/

If I were planning a trip I would do the duck tour on day one, get a feel for what I would want to see around town, and spend the next few days checking out the sights you got a preview of on the tour. Of course I would add in a trip to Faneuil Hall (amazing street performers) and walk a bit of the Freedom Trail as well.

 

[ScottWalked]

My top recommendations would be:
1. Freedom Trail - Boston is a great walking city that is rich in history. A great way to do both.
2. Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market - Ok, it's touristy but great for people-watching, souvenirs and lots of good restaurants/pubs.
3. Beacon Hill - 19th century America at it's most preserved. Check out Acorn St (most photographed street in the US) and Charles Street (restaurants/antiques)
4. Boston Duck Tours - Positives = you get to see a lot of the city quickly and kids love it. Negatives = Expensive and can be a bit cheesy as sometimes the drivers try too hard on the humor.
5. Cheers - There are actually 2, so be sure to check out the original in Beacon Hill (aka - The Bull and Finch Pub).
6. Fenway Park - Check out the beloved Red Sox. Capacity is less than 40,000 so tickets are hard to come by. You may need to acquire tickets on the street near Kenmore Station. Also check out Lansdowne Street for pre-game festivities.
7. North End - Boston's own Little Italy. Each restaurant supposedly brings with it cuisine from a specific region of Italy. Hanover Street is the most popular but Salem Street is a bit quieter.
8. Boston Common / Public Garden - The Swan Boat rides in the Public Garden are a nice relaxing ride in the lagoon. Afterwards, grab a pizza "to go" at nearby Upper Crust on Charles Street in Beacon Hill and have a picnic in the Boston Common.
9. New England Aquarium - It's a bit pricey again, but kids love it. If price is an issue at least check out the harbour seals outside for some free entertainment.
10. Trinity Church - Surprisingly does not make many Top 10s but this is one of the most impressive Gothic churches you will find in America.

For other free Boston travel advice I recommend checking out the Facebook group "HELP! I'm traveling to Boston and don't know where to go"
Hope this helps!