From Boston Common to Yale University, during your Boston sightseeing tour you will discover some of Boston’s most incredible landmarks with exciting stops along the way.
The Boston Massacre Site
The Boston Massacre, often referred to as “the incident on King Street” was a famous incident that occurred in March of 1770. It was of great historical significance as it was one of the signals that led to the Revolutionary War. During the massacre British Army soldiers killed five civilians and injured six others after tensions that had been building for some time over unpopular parliamentary legislation broke out among the American colonies.
The Old State House
Located at the intersection of Washington and State Streets, the Old State House was built in 1713 and was the seat of Massachusetts legislature until 1798. Just one of the historic landmarks on Boston’s Freedom Trail, the Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston and currently houses a history museum.
The Granary Burying Ground
Founded in 1660, the Granary Burying Ground is Boston’s third-oldest cemetery. The final resting place of many notable Revolutionary War-era patriots, the burial sites of three individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence, Paul Revere and the five men who lost their lives during the Boston Massacre can be found in the Granary Burying Ground.
Boston Common
Stretching 50 acres across Boston city, Boston Common is a central public park in Boston bounded by Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street, Charles Street and Boylston Street. Dating back to 1634, it is known by Americans as the oldest park in the United States.
The Boston Public Garden
Adjacent to the Common, the Boston Public Park was built 200 years after the Common. While the Common was built to be practical and pastoral with walkways built for cross-town travel, the Public Garden was built for pleasure. The first botanical garden in the world, the Boston Public Garden is decorative and flowery with meandering pathways for strolling.
Copley Square
Copley Square is a public square in Boston’s Back Bay. Named after painter John Singleton Copley, the square is renowned for the number and variety of important architectural works, many of which are known as official landmarks. Frequent stops are made at Copley Square to provide tour groups with unique photo opportunities, so have your camera ready.
Trinity Church
Built between 1872 and 1877, Trinity Church is also situated in Boston’s Back Bay. Housed in a grand and historic building, Trinity Church is consistently ranked as one of America’s most significant architectural landmarks and holds regular church services to this day.
The John Hancock Tower
The tallest building in Boston and New England for more than 30 years, the John Hancock Tower is a 60-story, 790 foot skyscraper designed by architect Henry N. Cobb. While John Hancock Insurance was the main tenant of the building when it first opened in 1976, in 2004 some offices relocated to a new building in Fort Point, Boston.
The New State House
The New State House, often called the Massachusetts State House, is the State capitol and house of government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, the building is home to the Massachusetts General Court and the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts.
Old South Meeting House
Built in 1729, the Old South Meeting House in Boston’s Downtown Crossing area is best known as the organizing point for the Boston Tea Party that took place on December 16, 1773. On that cold, December day around 5,000 colonists gathered at the Meeting House, the largest building in Boston at the time.
Shopping and Dining in Quincy Marketplace
Explore the shops, taste the food, or stroll along the promenade during a two and a half hour break at Quincy Marketplace. Over 100 of the finest shops and pushcarts occupy over 200,000 square feet at the marketplace and that’s not all. 36 international food vendors and 14 restaurants and cafes are also located at Quincy Marketplace, many of which offer a great lunch menu.
Old North Church
After your time in Quincy Marketplace you’ll make your way toward Salem Street to see the Old North Church. The location from which Paul Revere’s lanterns are said to have been lit “One if by land, and two if by sea”, Old North Church is the oldest standing church building in Boston and a National Historic Landmark. Step off the bus at Old North Church for a unique photo opportunity and to explore the grounds.
Harvard University
As you make your way across the Charles River you’ll see Harvard University, a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1636, its history, influence and wealth have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
-Should Boston’s Black History be of special interest to you, your step-on-guide will be happy to highlight contributions of African-American Bostonians and Abolitionists during your bus tour of Boston.
-Please note that while your tour guide will do their best to make stops at Copley Square and Old North Church possible, these stops will be dependent on time.
-Stops along your tour of Boston are accessible by wheelchair.