3 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Discover Boston's revolutionary spirit and rich heritage through an immersive audio experience that puts you in complete control of your journey. Unlike crowded group tours that rush you through attractions, this self-guided adventure allows you to pause at monuments that captivate you, delve deeper into stories that intrigue you, and explore hidden corners that traditional tours overlook. Our expertly crafted narration reveals exclusive insider stories, untold historical secrets, and fascinating details that even many locals don't know, all delivered through crystal-clear audio by professional storytellers whose engaging voices bring Boston's past to life. You'll gain authentic insights into the city's revolutionary roots, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures while enjoying the freedom to customize your route, spend extra time at your favorite sites, and discover Boston at a pace that suits your schedule and interests perfectly.
What's Included
- Admission fee
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 17 attractions with audio guide individually
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 17 attractions
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Boston
MA, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
Marvel at New England's largest Catholic cathedral, where your audio guide unveils the dramatic story of Irish immigrants who built this Gothic Revival masterpiece despite facing fierce prejudice. Explore how this sacred space became a symbol of resilience, hosting presidents and popes while serving as the spiritual heart of Boston's Irish community. Discover architectural secrets hidden in plain sight, from the intricate stonework that took decades to complete to the stunning stained glass windows that tell stories of faith and perseverance. Learn about the cathedral's role in civil rights movements and its surprising connections to famous historical figures who sought refuge within these walls.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The First Church of Christ, Scientist - The Mother Church
Step into the worldwide headquarters of Christian Science and uncover the remarkable story of Mary Baker Eddy, whose revolutionary ideas about healing and spirituality changed countless lives. Your audio companion reveals how this architectural wonder combines classical and Byzantine elements in ways that few visitors notice, while sharing exclusive insights about the church's influence on modern alternative medicine. Discover the secrets behind the magnificent pipe organ and learn about the fascinating controversies that surrounded this religious movement. Explore at your leisure while hearing stories of prominent members whose beliefs shaped American spiritual thinking in unexpected ways.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Boston Public Library
Enter America's first large municipal library and discover why it's called the "Palace of the People" through stories that guidebooks rarely tell. Your audio guide reveals hidden artistic treasures throughout the building, from John Singer Sargent's controversial murals to Daniel Chester French's sculptural masterpieces. Learn about the secret romance between architects and artists that created this Renaissance Revival marvel, and uncover tales of famous authors who wrote their greatest works within these walls. Explore the building's role in social movements and discover how this institution revolutionized public access to knowledge while breaking down barriers between social classes.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Old South Church in Boston
Witness where American independence truly began as your audio guide transports you back to the fiery meetings that sparked the Boston Tea Party. Beyond the famous revolutionary gatherings, discover the church's surprising role in abolishing slavery and its connections to the Underground Railroad that most visitors never learn about. Explore the stunning Italian Gothic architecture while hearing exclusive stories about the congregation's struggles to maintain their radical ideals through centuries of change. Learn about the secret tunnels, hidden artifacts, and the remarkable individuals who used this sacred space to challenge authority and champion justice throughout American history.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Copley Square
Stand in Boston's cultural heart where your audio guide reveals the intricate planning that created this urban masterpiece and the fierce debates that shaped its design. Discover how this public space became a stage for historic moments, from victory celebrations to protests that changed the nation. Learn about the hidden symbolism in the surrounding architecture and the surprising stories connecting the Trinity Church, library, and nearby buildings. Your self-paced exploration uncovers fascinating details about the square's role in the Boston Marathon, its artistic installations, and the secret tunnels that connect buildings beneath your feet.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Church Of The Covenant
Explore this hidden architectural gem where your audio guide reveals the fascinating story of how Progressive Era reformers used Gothic Revival beauty to champion social justice causes. Discover the church's surprising role in women's suffrage movements and its connections to prominent abolitionists whose names are etched in history. Learn about the stunning Tiffany stained glass windows and their hidden meanings while hearing exclusive stories about the congregation's efforts to aid immigrants and fight poverty. Walk through spaces where famous activists planned campaigns that changed American society, all while enjoying the freedom to pause and reflect on the beauty surrounding you.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Boston Public Garden
Wander through America's first public botanical garden where your audio guide unveils the surprising engineering marvels that created this green oasis in the heart of the city. Discover the real stories behind the famous swan boats and the hidden symbolism in the garden's carefully planned layout. Learn about the secret romance that inspired the lagoon's design and the political battles fought to preserve this space from development. Your self-guided exploration reveals fascinating details about the exotic plants, seasonal transformations, and the famous literary connections that make this garden a living piece of American cultural history.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Beacon Hill
Climb cobblestone streets where your audio guide reveals how this aristocratic neighborhood became a hotbed of revolutionary thinking and social reform. Discover the hidden histories behind the Federal-style architecture and learn about the secret networks that operated from these elegant townhouses during the Underground Railroad era. Explore at your own pace while hearing exclusive stories about famous residents, from Louisa May Alcott to prominent abolitionists who shaped American literature and politics. Uncover the fascinating details about gas lamp preservation, hidden gardens, and the neighborhood's role in preserving Boston's historic character against modern development pressures.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Boston Common
Walk across America's oldest public park where your audio guide brings to life 400 years of dramatic history that transformed this space from cattle pasture to revolutionary meeting ground. Discover the shocking stories of public executions, witch trials, and the surprising role this land played in shaping American democracy. Learn about the strategic importance of the Common during various wars and the hidden tunnels beneath your feet. Your self-paced journey reveals fascinating details about the monument symbolism, the ecology restoration efforts, and exclusive stories about famous speeches and gatherings that changed the course of American history from this very ground.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Park Street Church
Stand before the "Brimstone Corner" where your audio guide reveals how this evangelical powerhouse became the launching pad for America's most important social movements. Discover the church's pivotal role in the abolition movement and learn about the famous speeches delivered from this pulpit that ignited national conscience. Explore the stunning Federal architecture while hearing exclusive stories about the church's connections to missionary movements that spread across the globe. Learn about the building's strategic location, its role in education reform, and the remarkable individuals who used this platform to challenge slavery and champion human rights throughout the 19th century.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Pause at this moving tribute where your audio guide shares heartbreaking personal stories of Irish immigrants who fled devastating famine to build new lives in Boston. Discover how these desperate refugees transformed from unwelcome outcasts to integral parts of American society through determination and resilience. Learn about the memorial's powerful symbolism and the artistic choices that commemorate both suffering and triumph. Your thoughtful exploration reveals exclusive insights about Irish contributions to Boston's development, the discrimination they faced, and the remarkable ways they preserved their culture while embracing American dreams in this new homeland.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Experience the "Cradle of Liberty" where your audio guide reveals how this marketplace became the birthplace of American democratic ideals through fiery speeches and revolutionary meetings. Discover the fascinating commercial history that funded political resistance and learn about the building's surprising architectural evolution over centuries. Explore the connection between commerce and revolution while hearing exclusive stories about famous orators who shaped American independence from this very platform. Learn about the restoration efforts that preserved this historic space, the secret meetings held in upper floors, and how modern markets honor the revolutionary spirit of freedom and democracy.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
New England Holocaust Memorial
Reflect at this powerful monument where your audio guide shares deeply moving stories of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Boston and contributed to the city's rich cultural fabric. Discover the profound symbolism etched into the glass towers and learn about the memorial's creation through community collaboration and remembrance. Explore the connection between Boston's immigrant communities and the universal message of tolerance and human dignity. Your contemplative visit reveals exclusive insights about local survivors' experiences, the memorial's artistic significance, and the ongoing efforts to combat hatred while honoring memory through education and understanding.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Boston Public Market
Savor New England's bounty where your audio guide reveals how this modern marketplace connects to centuries of Boston trading traditions and local agricultural heritage. Discover the fascinating stories behind regional specialties and learn about the sustainable farming practices that supply these local vendors. Explore the market's role in supporting small businesses while hearing exclusive insights about the seasonal rhythms that shape New England cuisine. Learn about the building's innovative design, the community partnerships that created this space, and how modern food culture honors traditional farming and fishing practices that sustained Boston's growth throughout its remarkable history.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Paul Revere Statue
Stand beside Boston's most famous midnight rider where your audio guide separates historical fact from popular legend while revealing the real story of this master craftsman and revolutionary hero. Discover Revere's surprising business ventures, from silversmithing to bell casting, and learn about his extensive network of fellow patriots who coordinated resistance efforts. Explore the statue's artistic significance while hearing exclusive stories about Revere's family life, his role in the Sons of Liberty, and the actual details of his famous ride that differed dramatically from Longfellow's poem. Learn how this skilled artisan became a symbol of American courage and ingenuity.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
Marvel at this engineering masterpiece where your audio guide reveals the complex design challenges overcome to create this stunning cable-stayed bridge that honors Boston's revolutionary heritage. Discover the bridge's innovative construction techniques and learn about the community collaboration that shaped its final design. Explore the connection between the bridge's name and Boston's diverse communities while hearing exclusive stories about the engineering innovations that made this structure possible. Learn about the bridge's role in urban renewal, its environmental considerations, and how modern infrastructure projects honor historical memory while serving contemporary transportation needs in creative ways.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bunker Hill Monument
Ascend this granite obelisk where your audio guide reveals the true story of the Revolutionary War's first major battle and the tactical mistakes that nearly cost America its independence. Discover why this "defeat" became a psychological victory that energized colonial resistance and learn about the individual heroism that emerged during desperate fighting. Explore the monument's construction history while hearing exclusive stories about the working-class heroes who fought here and the long-forgotten details of colonial military strategy. Learn about the neighborhood's transformation, the monument's symbolic importance, and how this battlefield became a shrine to American determination and sacrifice.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
- *While all the tourist attractions mentioned above are free to visit, please note that travelers will need to purchase their own tickets if any attraction charges fees for special sections or has recently implemented fees for additional services.
- Select your preferred audio guide language during booking. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your language isn't available, contact us 48+ hours in advance and we'll prepare it specially for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Boston Self Guided Audio Experience?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18568P215
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Boston Self Guided Audio Experience?
A:Apr 2025
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Admission fee.
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days).
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 17 attractions with audio guide individually.
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 17 attractions.
The following is NOT included:
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi).
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Boston Self Guided Audio Experience is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Boston Self Guided Audio Experience will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Admission fee
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 17 attractions with audio guide individually
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 17 attractions
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
- *While all the tourist attractions mentioned above are free to visit, please note that travelers will need to purchase their own tickets if any attraction charges fees for special sections or has recently implemented fees for additional services.
- Select your preferred audio guide language during booking. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your language isn't available, contact us 48+ hours in advance and we'll prepare it specially for you.
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