Private tour in Boston Joshua L

Full Day Boston Highlights Experience

4.9

(22) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 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 7 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

136

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 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

Choose your own adventure on this completely customizable Boston area excursion. See all of the classic highlights or get off the beaten path, or some of both! We will tailor the tour experience to your interests, whether they be history, arts and culture, food, sports, science, nature, museums, or any combination that strikes your fancy. Often, visitors enjoy combining a walk around downtown Boston (North End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Freedom Trail) with a visit to Cambridge (Harvard, MIT) and a stop for a local lunch together. Get a in-depth look at Boston and Cambridge from a local expert, exploring the riches on offer here, from waterfront gems to hip galleries, historic homes and hidden overlooks. Combine exploring the must-sees with a private tour of our world-class museums and eateries. I'm also happy to do a full day combo trip to popular places like revolutionary Lexington and Concord, Salem, Plymouth, Newport, etc. Be in touch and let's plan something that will be the highlight of your stay!

Recent Reviews

Linda S.United States
October 2025

Josh (and the driver he recommended) were terrific. Josh curated a day for us that was customized to our interests. He was very attentive to what we did and did not want to do, and how much time we wanted to spend at various locations. His telling of the history and culture of Boston and Cambridge was interesting and entertaining. His knowledge of the sites we chose to visit was impressive. Also, Josh selected a place for lunch that was not a tourist attraction; food was creative and delicious, and we were able to order and share multiple dishes. It was a terrific day. Thank you, Josh!

Kayla C.
March 2025

Josh was an amazing host to our private group for the duration for our stay in Boston. We highly recommend Josh!

Jim H.
October 2024

Josh was an excellent tour guide. We are a senior adult group with a few who were a little slower getting to the next stop in our walking tour. He was sensitive to these folks and made sure to include them as he shared information about that portion of the tour. Josh is extremely knowledgeable of Boston history, shared dates and events with precision, passion and appropriate humor. He was great to work with as we coordinated our location to meet and adjusted our tour schedule to accommodate a restroom break upon our arrival after commuting from our hotel and too much morning coffee. Josh made our experience smooth and pleasant. I highly recommend him as a guide, so secure him for your tour as I plan to on our next visit.

Robert E. M.United States
November 2023

We had an amazing day with Josh. While the weather did not alway cooperate with us, Josh gave us a great tour and made sure we saw all the sights in Boston.

Veronica C.United States
October 2023

A spectacular tour that exceeded my expectations, the story was very well explained, and even more so because it was in Spanish which was easier for me, the tour of all the places we visited was incredible, Josh knows the story down to the smallest details we found on the journey, Josh you are super incredible, not only do you have a passion for Boston, you have a passion for history and your work, thank you for being my guide and my companion on my birthday, I had an incredible time. THANK YOU JOSH :)

Tim V.United States
October 2023

Exceptional knowledge, friendly, and enthusiastic. Truly appreciated our time with Josh.

Your Boston tour itinerary

There are days worth of stories and sights in this historically and culturally rich area, so we'll focus on what you're most interested in! I've customized itineraries for extremely diverse clients: from first-time visitors looking for the highlights to serious history buffs to foodies, there is so much to delight and amaze you here! Here are some possibilities: -The Freedom Trail, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill -The North End and Charlestown -Harvard and MIT -Cambridge and Somerville -Lexington and Concord -Salem by ferry -South End and South Boston -Boston Harbor Islands National Park, Seaport District, Waterfront -Plum Island and Crane Beach/Estate -Museums and Historic Homes: Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Harvard Museum of Natural History, JFK Library/birthplace, Peabody Essex, Longfellow/Washington, Alcott's Orchard House, Emerson's Old Manse, Thoreau's Walden Pond -Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow -Arnold Arboretum -Brookline, Allston/Brighton, Fenway Park -Foodie gems -Jewish Boston

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

Walking, Uber, Ferry, Public Transit, your rental vehicle, or a private driver.

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: -Downtown Boston is largely walkable, but covering both Cambridge and Boston in one tour is best done via subway, bus, or a quick hop in an Uber or Lyft. The cost of the transportation method of your choice is not covered in the tour fee. -If you wish to go to destinations father afield, like Salem or Lexington and Concord, the cost of travel (ferry tickets, train, car rental/driver, etc.) would not be included. -Entrance fees to any museums along the route that you should desire to visit aren't included- some people are inspired to do so in the moment; always a fun addition to the experience, but I can also tell you what you'll see inside, or even take you on a separate museum tour! -Local snacks aren't included in the price of the walking tour...but are definitely worth trying!
Meeting location

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Wherever you'd like. Just let me know!

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Art And Culture
Architecture
Tour reference number
644022
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Boston best suited for?

This private tour in Boston is perfect for travellers who want a personalized experience tailored to their interests. Whether you're a first-time visitor looking for the highlights, a serious history buff, a foodie, or someone interested in arts and culture, this tour can be customized to suit your preferences. It's also ideal for those who want to connect with a local expert like Joshua L. for deeper insights into the Boston area.

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 7 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 7 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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