Boston Harborwalk & Waterfront History Walking Tour
See more
Discover Boston’s waterfront with a seasoned local guide who’s been exploring the area for nearly 30 years. Born in Salem and raised in Boston, your guide combines deep historical knowledge with personal stories that bring the city’s maritime and revolutionary past to life.
Over the course of this 2-hour Boston Harborwalk and Waterfront History Walking Tour, you'll see iconic landmarks, learn about Boston’s shipping and harbor history, and hear fascinating stories behind the city’s transformation from a busy port to a vibrant modern waterfront.
Whether you're interested in historic buildings, maritime legends, or recent waterfront redevelopment, this tour offers a rich, engaging experience that connects you directly to Boston’s past and present.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Boston Harborwalk and Waterfront History Walking Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore and learn without feeling rushed.
What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. It’s designed for ages 6 and up. Children aged 6-12, youth 13-17, and adults up to 64 can participate. Infants and small children can ride in strollers or prams.
Are attractions included in the ticket price?
No. Admission to museums and attractions is not included. The tour focuses on exterior views and discussions of the sites.
Is the tour accessible for all travelers?
Yes, infants and small children in strollers are welcome. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy the walk comfortably.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Live historical commentary throughout the tour
- Guided walking tour led by a Bostonian with 30 years of experience
Not included
- Admission to museums and attractions is not included
- This tour discusses sites from the exterior only
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Begin at the Old State House, where the guide will discuss its history, the Boston Massacre, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony.
-
Stop 2
Walk down State Street to Long Wharf, Boston's oldest wharf. View the Gardiner Building from 1763 and enjoy a scenic harbor view while learning about Logan Airport and East Boston.
-
Stop 3
Stroll past Central Wharf and the New England Aquarium. Hear about Boston’s shipping history and see harbor seals near the aquarium.
-
Stop 4
Pass India Wharf, once a hub for ships from India, now home to the Harbor Towers, built in the 1970s to revitalize the waterfront.
-
Stop 5
Walk along the Harborwalk to Rowes Wharf, home to the Boston Harbor Hotel. Learn about the wharf’s shipping past and the boats docked there, including those operated by Massachusetts Bay Lines.
-
Stop 6
Pass the Northern Avenue bridge, once a functional turnstile bridge now condemned for safety reasons.
-
Stop 7
Enjoy views of the harbor and Boston skyline from Fan Pier, once a busy area where train tracks met ships to unload cargo.
-
Stop 8
See the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse and hear about high-profile cases like Whitey Bulger’s trial and the Boston Marathon bombing suspect.
-
Stop 9
Learn about the rapid development of the Boston Seaport and the modern art scene at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).
-
Stop 10
Explore the Boston World Trade Center at Commonwealth Pier, its history as an ocean liner terminal, and recent renovations. Hear about the Titanic wreck piece exhibited here in 1998.
-
Stop 11
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum site and learn about the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party, plus the Great Boston Fire of 1872.
-
Stop 12
Walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway, discovering how the Big Dig transformed an elevated highway into a lush green space.
-
Stop 13
See the art deco architecture at Post Office Square.
-
Stop 14
Visit The Old South Meeting House and learn about its role in Boston’s revolutionary history and its survival through the Great Fire.
-
Stop 15
Explore one of Boston’s oldest buildings and its diverse history of businesses.
-
Stop 16
Walk to City Hall Plaza and discuss Boston City Hall’s controversial Brutalist architecture and its history of urban renewal.
-
Stop 17
Return to the starting point, concluding your waterfront exploration. The guide will thank you for joining the tour.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the Old State House
Meet at the circular Boston Massacre pavement marker directly beneath the Old State House balcony, on the State Street side near Congress Street. Look for your guide wearing a stovepipe hat and a Tarn's Boston Historic Walking Tours sign. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours
- Tour may be canceled in case of bad weather
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $40.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
