Watch CBS News

Boston's Best Free Tours

Boston is known for being a cultural and historical epicenter, however, you might miss some of the best sites if you don't have the right guide. Whether you like group tours or private self-guided experiences, these free tours will let you explore while staying in budget. Learn some history, sample the local brew and get up close and personal with the city on Boston's best free tours.
sam adams
(Photo from Samuel Adams/Facebook)

Samuel Adams Brewery
30 Germania St.
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 368-5080
www.samueladams.com

(Suggested $2 donation goes to local charities)

Get the full Samuel Adams experience by taking the free brewery tour. Learn about the patriot and brewer, Samuel Adams, and watch the entire brewing process before sampling the beers and special malts. Visitors to the tour must be at least 21 years old and tours are held Monday through Saturday. Try to arrive as early as possible to avoid waiting in line. Private tours are available for groups over 20 people.

old state house
(WBZ-TV Photo)

Free Tours By Foot
119 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 299-0764
www.freetoursbyfoot.com

These free walking tours are a fun, informal way to see the city. Walking tours include Boston's Back Bay, Women of the Freedom Trail, Cambridge and Harvard, Boston Freedom Trail, North End/Little Italy and Beacon Hill Crime Tour. All tours cover approximately one mile and last about two hours. Free food tours and bike tours are also available. View the full tour calendar here.

Audissey Fort Point Channel iPod Tour
Kiosk next to Intercontinental Hotel
510 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
www.audisseyguides.com

Discover places you have never seen before in this landmark neighborhood while on your personal guided tour. Simply print the map and choose your download. The tour begins at the glass kiosk near the Intercontinental Hotel, so begin playing the audio there. The tour is one hour long and covers one mile of walking. Take the tour at your leisure, however, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. are the recommended times.

Related: Most Relaxing Resorts In The United Staes

State House
Massachusetts State House. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

State House Tour
24 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 727-3676
www.sec.state.ma.us/trs/trsidx.htm

Learn about the architecture and history of the State Capitol, as well as the legislative process, during this informational tour. Volunteers and staff of the Tours and Government Education Division direct the tours, however, self-guided materials are also available if you do not wish to join a group. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and last about 30 to 45 minutes. Advanced notice is needed for groups of 10 or more.

freedom trail
(Photo Credit: CityofBoston.gov)

Freedom Trail Tour
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 357-8300
www.cityofboston.gov

Visit 16 different historical sites during this informational Boston tour. Simply follow the painted line or red brick that guides you as you head from site to site. The tour covers approximately 2.5 miles and takes about two to three hours. Feel free to linger and observe each landmark for as long as you would like. Pick up a tour book at the Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall or the Boston Common Visitors Center, or download a map of the Freedom Trail here.

Related: Top Breweries Across The Nation

Kim Vareika is the owner of Vareika Personal Training and Yoga in Plainville. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years, and believes that wellness is about more than just physical health. When she is not teaching, practicing, or writing, she resides in Bridgewater where she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her nephew Caesar. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.