Private tour in Boston Joshua L

Classic Boston Walking Tour: Beacon Hill and the Back Bay

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Joshua L.

4.9

Guide rating

137

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

It would be my pleasure to welcome you to Boston, the perfect walking city! I grew up here, and I love my hometown for its fascinating history and incredible beauty. I'm passionate about introducing visitors to everything from our classic spots to the hidden gems of Boston, Cambridge, Salem, Lexington, Concord, Plymouth, and beyond! Professionally, I am a designer of extraordinary educational experiences — in addition to tour guiding in the Boston area, I have worked as a teacher and facilitator, actor and theatre director, historical interpreter, international trip leader, and am currently an instructional designer at a local university. I have a master's degree in theatre and education, and my storytelling savvy makes Boston's history and culture come alive! I am also a fluent Spanish speaker, having been a Fulbright Fellow in Colombia, and led travel and exchange programs across Latin America and Asia for high school and college students. I am happy to deliver any of my tours in Spanish or English. I'm immersed in Boston's vibrant arts and culture scene. I perform improv comedy and sing in a choir. I enjoy introducing visitors to the abundant cultural offerings here, from theatre and music to visual arts and dance. I also love the Red Sox, but I won't hold it against any of you Yankees fans out there…my dad is from New York, after all! I love meeting people from all over the world customizing my tours to fit my clients' interests. Here are a few examples of bespoke tours that I've recently given: •A tour focusing on Jewish Boston from colonial times through the present day •A ghost tour focusing on haunted local spots, alluringly bizarre legends, and true crime •A tour for a celebrated podcast focused on abolitionists and poets along the Black Heritage Trail in Beacon Hill •A tour in Spanish for Argentine physicians focused on scientific and medical innovations •A recorded tour series around Harvard and Cambridge for the iFit's Immersive Global Workouts As a tour guide, I love revealing the rich layers of history and illuminating architectural masterpieces that exist along the Freedom Trail and beyond. -From Native Americans to Puritans and witches in the 1600s -Revolutionaries and Sons of Liberty in the colonial 1700s -Civil War heroes, literary superstars, and globetrotting sailors in the 1800s -Mobsters, Kennedys, and Boston Brahmins in the 1900s -Boston's sports successes and futuristic advances in science and technology coming out of Harvard and MIT in the 2000s Literally anyplace that you stand in this dynamic city has fascinating stories to tell. The foodie scene is also tremendous! I relish (my jokes are usually better than that, I swear!:) introducing visitors to the deliciousness that abounds here, from classics like waterfront lobster rolls and heirloom apple cider at farmers markets, to unique tastes like shakshuka at innovative boutique cafes and pastries at the best Italian bakeries hidden down back alleys in the North End. Another of my favorite things to do as a tour guide is create customized adventures around the region, from Boston and Cambridge walking tours to excursions out to fascinating historic and scenic spots like coastal Salem and the North Shore; Plymouth; Lexington and Concord; architectural gems like the Boston Public Library; universities like Harvard and MIT; and places where nature's beauty shines, like gorgeous Mt. Auburn Cemetery or Arnold Arboretum. I also enjoy curating guided visits to our extraordinary museums, featuring one-of-a-kind treasures of art, history, archaeology, and science. Popular ones include the Isabella Stewart Gardner, the MFA, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. I connect really well with everyone from seniors to families with kids, and clients tell me that my passion and excitement is contagious! If you're also curious about the world around you, love a good story and a good laugh, and get excited about delicious food, we'll definitely enjoy each other's company. I look forward to helping you craft your dream Boston area experience! • MA, Emerson College- Education and Theatre • BA, Vassar College • Fulbright Fellow, Colombia • Certificate in Spanish, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina • While Boston doesn't offer tour guide licensure, I have given hundreds of private concierge tours throughout the Greater Boston area for a local boutique tour guiding company specializing in customized experiences for a diverse range of clients I am not a commercially licensed driver. If you wish to take a driving tour, I can either accompany you as a passenger in your personal or rented vehicle, or we can hire an insured car and driver from a local chauffeur service.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Joshua L.

Overview of your Boston tour

These beautiful Boston streets of my hometown are a feast for the senses. Stroll through elegant Beacon Hill, with its cobblestones, colonial architecture, and abundance of history. Meet iconic poets, underground railroad heroes, and Senators who changed our world. Marvel at the hidden gems of the palatial Boston Public Library, from marble sculptures and ceiling frescos to historic maps that never cease to amaze. Be dazzled by the Boston Public Garden, the first botanical garden in America, as I bring statues to life, from immigrant revolutionaries to the inventors of anesthesia. Discover the artistry of Copley Square and its historic hotels and churches, featuring stunning stained glass and tales of witchcraft and revolution. Experience today's Boston- the marathon, an 1800s prison turned haunted hotel, antiques and galleries, farmers markets, hidden seafood gems and chocolate shops… This tour is completely customizable to your interests- tell me what excites you and we'll make that our focus!

Recent Reviews

Ursula K.Switzerland
July 2023

As it was our first time in Boston we were very eager to get some information about Boston in the past and Boston today. This tour and our guide Josh completely fulfilled our expectations. We would recommend this tour 100% to others. Thanks again.

Jeff W.United States
May 2023

Josh was fantastic and highly recommend. Knew exactly where to go, well planned, and super friendly/engaging. Really enjoyed and if you need Spanish he is 100% fluent.

Kelly P.United States
August 2021

Josh was an excellent guide! We were a family of 5 (3 older teenage children). We covered so much of the city during our time with him (over 10,000 steps!!). He tailored to our preferences and was a wealth of (very interesting) information! Would highly recommend! We'd love to get him again to explore other areas of the city.

Charmaine H.United States
August 2020

Want a passionate, knowledgeable and fun tour about Boston's history and architecture? Look no further and GO with Joshua!!! You will not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, you will want more of him. Our 2.5 hour tour was very informative, far from boring. Had a great time in Boston because of this tour. Has a lot to do with Joshua-friendly, energetic, enthusiastic & proud of his hometown. My girls, husband & I enjoyed your company. Thank you, Josh! = The Rivera Family (booked by my sister, Charmaine)

Bruce R.United States
July 2019

Outstanding tour considering we battled 93 degree heat on a Sunday morning. Josh was extremely knowledgeable and is passionate about both leaning and educating his guest. 3 hours went by super quick. We now have a better understanding of the history of Boston. Josh is very personable and takes interest in his guest. I strongly recommend this tour.

Barbara M.United States
June 2019

Josh was knowledgeable about Boston's history and flexible in designing our tour. He had interesting stories to share and kept everyone from 10 to 78 years engaged.

Your Boston tour itinerary

There are days worth of stories and sights in these historic and foodie-friendly neighborhoods, so we'll focus on what you're most interested in! Classic stops include: Boston Common State House Louisburg Square Acorn Street Charles Street Cafes and Antique Shops African Meeting House Vilna Shul Synagogue Liberty Hotel Ether Dome/Mass General Hospital Boston Public Garden Swan Boats The Angel of the Waters sculpture Cheers Pub Make Way for Ducklings George Washington and Alexander Hamilton Statues The Esplanade and Charles River Frederick Law Olmsted and the Emerald Necklace Commonwealth Avenue Park Boston Women's Memorial Newbury Street Galleries and Boutiques Tiffany Windows at the Church of the Covenant New England Genealogical Society Copley Square Trinity Church Boston Marathon Bombing Site and Finish Line Fairmount Copley Plaza Boston Public Library John Hancock Tower Eataly Prudential Center The Mother Church and Mapparium Symphony Hall Prudential Skywalk Observatory The "Smoots" Bridge to MIT

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour. Downtown Boston is compact- some call it the perfect walking city! If you want to cover lots of ground quickly, we can always hop on the T—the oldest subway system in the Americas—or take a short Uber ride.

What's included
Other: -Fantastic stories and laughs -Beautiful photos -Answers to all of your questions about where to eat, drink, see theatre, hear music, catch sports games, be wowed at museums and by nature in the Greater Boston Area and New England
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. -Local snacks aren't included in the price of the walking tour...but are definitely worth trying! -Entrance fees to a couple of optional stops along the route that charge for entry aren't included- some people are inspired to visit in the moment; always a fun addition to the experience, but I can also tell you what you'll see inside, and you can go back later if you wish!
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

We can meet wherever is most convenient for you and begin from there! If you're happy to meet anywhere, I suggest the Boston Common.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
543432
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Boston best suited for?

This private tour in Boston is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's historic and cultural highlights at their own pace. It's ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and local stories, as well as anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Josh for deeper insights into Boston's past and present. The tour is also suitable for families, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Can this private tour in Boston be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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