The 6 Back Bay and Charles River Tours in Boston That Earn Their Price

1.Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,378 reviews · from $59Our pick

See Boston by road and river aboard a restored WWII amphibious duck boat. A personal ConDUCKtor, such as Mike or the Viking, supplies jokes and history as you pass the Common, State House, Quincy Market, TD Garden, and more. The final 20 minutes are on the Charles River.

“Super fun and good way to see Boston on land and in water. Fun ride for the whole family. The conductors are very knowledgeable.”

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2.Downtown Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill & Back Bay Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

This two-hour morning walk links Boston’s colonial landmarks with Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, Back Bay, and Copley Square. Guides such as Allan and Alan add local stories, architectural details, humor, and restaurant tips. Expect a small group of up to 20, varied sidewalks, and all-weather operation.

“Had a wonderful morning being guided through Boston by Alan. The tour was informative, interesting and fun. Would not hesitate to recommend this tour.”

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3.Charles River Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 109 reviews · from $30Best value

Spend 70 minutes on the Charles River with a live English-speaking guide and views of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, MIT, Harvard, Boston University, and the CITGO Sign. Choose covered seating or the front of the boat. Snacks and drinks are sold onboard, and parking is available at CambridgeSide Mall.

“Fantastic well priced 90 minute cruise. Dillon the mate was awesome and his tour narration was fantastic. Captain Tina brilliant too.”

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4.Beacon Hill + Back Bay History + Photo Walking Tour(SMALL Group)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55Top rated

Join longtime local guide Saba Alhadi for a two-hour small-group walk through Beacon Hill, Acorn Street, Louisburg Square, the Public Garden, and Back Bay. You’ll hear Boston stories, learn easy smartphone photo tips, and finish near First Church in Boston.

“Saba, our guide was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We have beautiful family pictures with gorgeous backdrops.”

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5.Votes for Women History Tour of Back Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Spend 2.5 hours walking Boston’s Back Bay with a small group of up to 15 people. Guide Maura introduces you to Pauline Shaw, Julia Ward Howe, Blanche Ames, Lucy Stone, and other women who shaped the fight for voting rights. Expect outdoor stops, historic homes, and no museum admissions.

“It was a great experience. I really enjoyed learning about the cool history of the women’s segregation.”

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6.Back Bay Chocolate and Art Galleries Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Join Adam of Up and Adam Food Tours for a 2.5-hour, 1.3-mile walk through Boston’s Back Bay. You’ll taste hot chocolate, a cookie, cupcake, and chocolate hazelnut cake, visit art galleries, and hear neighborhood history in a group capped at 12.

“Adam was an amazing guide, very very knowledgeable and could answer almost any question you ask. Tasted some of the best chocolatey desserts ever, and saw some beautiful artworks. If you love chocolate and modern art this is the tour for you!”

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