Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour

Reviews

• Neff .

  Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour February 6, 2017

  Our guide for both halves of this tour was wonderful. We split it into two days which gave us time to enjoy shopping and dinner at unique places along the trail. Strongly encourage taking a guided tour as there is so much history and back ground information the guides share.

• George G.

  Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour January 31, 2017

  I think this walking tour of Boston was just right. We started at the Boston Public library and ended almost two hours later at Faneuil Hall and saw a lot of the city, covered many subjects, and a lot of ground. We had a fine time doing it even in the January cold. Do not take this tour if you like being led by a docent at a museum of fine art. Like Boston itself, the tour covers some rocky ground both literally and figuratively - and our guide was up to the task of discussing it all -once you gave him permission to get off the standard menu a bit. I am planning to go back for another tour soon.

• Nish .

  Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour January 20, 2017

  Really enjoyed this tour. The guide Alan was very knowledgeable, and provided some great insights on the city. Would definitely recommend.

• W B.

  Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour January 13, 2017

  I would have given 5 stars to this fun tour during which we walked through several beautiful neighborhoods and learned a ton of the history and many famous Bostonians, but for one thing--the cultural stereotype that I perceived from our tour guide.
  
  For instance, when he asked if my friend and I knew the word "hermit" and we gave different answers, he acted fairly surprised, "How would you know it but your friend don't?" I wasn't offended at all that he asked this question, but felt upset by his underlying assumption that all Chinese should be the same--as if we are not unique human beings shaped by our own thoughts and deeds, but mass production modeled by our birthplace. In contrast, I doubt if he'll be surprised when two Americans hold different knowledge of, say, what a Norwegian word means. And when talking about the Asian population, he made yet another unjustified assumption, "11% is all Asians combined. Of course, I know you Chinese don't like being grouped together with other Asians." These are but a few examples, but you get the idea.
  
  The other Bostonians I met were extremely nice, friendly, and tolerate, and I wish our guide would not be an exception--the devil is in the details,

• K D.

  Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour December 1, 2016

  If you're interested in history - this is the tour for you. My family went on the two hour tour that took us to neighborhoods we definitely wouldn't have thought to explore on our own. Our guide, the owner, was fantastic. We had accidentally signed up for the wrong day and he took us anyway! The walk was a little brisk, but the guide went out of his way to make sure we stayed warm and moving, while still providing a ton of interesting information. This tour was also not kitchy - there was no one dressed in revolutionary war attire, but it felt more adult and we learned a ton! I would definitely go back and do another one of his tours.

• Jennifer H.

  Downtown, the Waterfront, and North End Tour November 20, 2016

  Alan did a wonderful job of explaining the history, the development, the architecture and the famous inhabitants of downtown Boston! He made sure to ask people if we needed a bathroom break, if the wind was too brutal and if we were comfortable stopping and standing in specific places. He should be lauded for his compassion for the attendees, his sense of humor and knowledge of such a richly historic city!

• beachlover2406 .

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour November 14, 2016

  We enjoyed the tour.....and our tour guide, Alan. He was knowledgeable and took us to all the highlights. Our only issue was that we had to leave right when the tour ended, but it was still going at that time, so we missed one or two things. Otherwise I would have given it a 5 star. The history was great, the tour hit all the highlights and Alan had a great sense of humor.

• Tenbe .

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour October 19, 2016

  We took both the Downtown/Copley square tour and the North End tour with Al, who was a fun, knowledgeable, energetic Boston local. Both walks were just the right amount of time and covered just enough distance. Recommended!

• jgm417 .

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour October 13, 2016

  Our tour with Boston Citywalks was fun, informative, and a highlight of our visit to the city. The guide was an engaging, native Bostonian and well-versed on the city. It was great!

• Sue C.

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour October 8, 2016

  We did this walk at the beginning of our stay in Boston. We quickly got a taste for the rich history of the city.

• bob46m .

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour September 26, 2016

  Interesting and informative walk with excellent and knowledgeable guide. Definitely recommended if you want a god introduction to the history and sights of Boston

• Stuart W.

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour September 19, 2016

  My brother and I enjoyed the walking tour very much. We both learned something new about Boston and its history

• Dawn C.

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour September 17, 2016

  Enjoyed the tour very much. Very informative. Our guide was excellent. I would highly recommend taking this tour of Boston.

• Phyllis G.

  Downtown Boston to Back Bay Walking Tour September 1, 2016

  The Guide very knowledgeable, had interesting facts to share, and accommodating to our needs. We would recommend it our friends.

• amck55 .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture July 30, 2016

  Very interesting and friendly guide. He made the walk interesting with a mixture of history and architecture information. Good value tour.

• bahrain .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture July 20, 2016

  Really enjoyed Boston City the harbour area is very nice with lots of sight seeing on boat trips. Our girl was amazing on board made it very interesting. The trolly tours around the city are good to get off and on at various locations. The famous market is packed with lots of eating places. We had a giggle at the water fountain near the harbour were the kids ran in and out trying to dodge the sprays. A couple of days is enough for the city so much to see in the other states. The difficulty we found was finding a money exchange I couldn't believe in this day and age there was absolutely no where to exchange money. It was a major problem for us. We drove over a thousand miles making Boston our gateway. Loved the people and areas we vistited.

• LBuzzard .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture June 29, 2016

  Alan was an excellent guide who clearly loves and knows his city. His enthusiasm and knowledge meant that the tour flew by. With an easy pace he took us to some of the key historical parts of the city, pointing out lots of points of interest that we would not have seen without his expertise. We were a small group of 8 and Alan adjusted his commentary around our questions and points of interest. A fascinating personal insight into the beautiful city.

• Evelyn C.

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture November 29, 2015

  Loving Boston! It's a different world to truly fall in love. There is much to see and do and it feels good to wonder around with friends.

• UKgrandej .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture October 15, 2015

  90+ minute tour. Our guide Alan was very knowledgeable and gave lots of history and talked about a number of buildings. Only one other couple on the tour. From the Public Library walked along Newbury shopping street and through Public Gardens. Across from Cheers got a free ice cream from Good Humor man handing out samples. Walked up Beacon Hill and then along Boston Commons. Then finished at Faneuil Hall.

• Shosh_ca .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture July 11, 2015

  We had a very good guide from Boston Citywalks on our walk. If it wasn't for him we would have missed a significant part of the charm of Boston. On top of the usual attractions, like the Freedome Trail, Beacon Hill, Boston Common and so many others, we were olso educated about the incredible historical buildings, interesting architecture, public art, history of the city and the Back Bay, and the endless, ever present green spaces. We were remaindered to look up and appreciate the beauty of the city. So glad we took the tour.

• Lorri855 .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture October 6, 2013

  This is a great city made better by the fact that it is walker friendly. There is a lot to see and do not least the walking trails which are marked by coloured lines to follow on the walkway. There are several routes to follow. We did the freedom trail which is full of history on the war of independence. It will take you to sights such as the scene of the famous Boston tea party and a number of other historic buildings including churches and cemeteries housing the graves of those killed in the war of independence. There is a wealth of information at all points on the trail and it is educational for adults and children alike. Boston has plenty of places to eat and drink and there are plenty of these en route including the famous Quincy market where in the food halls there is a wealth of international cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets. Boston is relatively flat so it is wheelchair friendly although not all of the buildings have wheelchair access.

• AllanandSally .

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture August 27, 2013

  We booked this walking tour before leaving the UK as we wanted to get our bearings and learn about the city on our first morning. Alan was a great guide - very knowledgeable and humourous throughout the walk - and provided us with an excellent understanding of the city, the Freedom Trail and areas such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Although the weather was warm, the pace of the walk was easily manageable and the distance covered modest. Good walking shoes and a bottle of water advised though. All in all, a great thing to do. Thoroughly recommended.

• Kathy O.

  Downtown Freedom Trail Tour: History and Architecture January 23, 2013

  Alan was a very friendly tour guide. My husband and I were the only two people who booked that day so we got a private tour. Alan was very accommodating, focusing on what we liked (history more than architecture) since it was just the 2 of us. He knew his stuff and presented the information in a fun way. We did Tour #3 Copley Square (Back Bay) to Downtown Freedom Trail via Beacon Hill Walking Tour, starting at 12:30pm on a Saturday. We enjoyed it very much and thought it was the perfect length to fill in some free time that afternoon.