Tours & experiences

Boston’s History and Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

About this experience

Are you looking for a way to unlock the story behind Boston's beginnings without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Hear the genesis of a nation on this highlight-packed tour from Copp’s Hill Burying Ground to the George Washington Monument
• Listen to producer Gregg Squeglia, a local history fanatic and officer in the US Army Reserve
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just [pop in your headphones and] tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 hr 30 min–2 hr
  • Private experience

What is included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Not included

  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Itinerary and highlights

This is a local history fanatic's own, extended version of the Freedom trail.

This is a local history fanatic's own, extended version of the Freedom trail.

Visit Copp's Holl Burying ground, the Old North Church and Little Italy.

In Copp's Hill Burying ground, hear how the site got its name and about the historically significant people who are buried there.

Walk down Hull street and see the "skinny house".

As you walk past the Old North Church, hear about Paul Revere's heroic relationship with the establishment.

Stop by the Paul Revere Mall to hear interesting facts about the site and about the hero himself.

Stop past the Paul Revere statue too hear about the sculptor, Cyrus Edwin Dallin, and how Paul Revere alerted the minute men to English offence.

Hear about the oldest house in Boston as you stop by the Paul Revere house.

As you walk through the greenway, learn how the city turned a monstrous highway into a park.

Visit the memorial to the Armenian genocide to hear about this tragedy that has been overshadowed by the holocaust.

Stop by to take in the stalls and street performers.

Stop by to take in the stalls and street performers.

Wander around Quincy market and past the Samuel Adams statue while you hear about the Boston tea party.

Hear about the Boston massacre at the Old State House, where it all started.

As you stop by, you will hear the plight of Irish immigrants who arrived in Boston.

Visit the Granary Burying Ground to see the final resting place of three of America's founding fathers and hear about their lives.

Hear the story of the second Africa American regiment to be established during the Civil War.

Pass by the Boston Common's last remaining water feature.

End your tour at the George Washing statue, where you'll hear about it's creator and subject matter.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Audio
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • VoiceMap Audio Tours

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveller reviews and photos

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