Boston: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Boston: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a lively and spooky way to explore the city’s haunted history while enjoying some of its best pubs. This 2-hour tour in Massachusetts features visits to 9 historic sites, including 4 pubs, and combines ghost stories with drink stops. The tour is suitable for those who enjoy a mix of history, spirits, and lively conversation, but it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or under 21. With an average rating of 4.1 based on 73 reviews, this experience is praised for its engaging guides and interesting venues, though some reviews note challenges with pacing or organization.

The tour departs from Boston Common Visitors Center with a guide dressed in a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt or colonial costume, carrying a lantern. The experience promises a mix of haunted tales, historical insights, and social drinking, making it a fun choice for those interested in Boston’s darker past and vibrant pub scene.

Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours, making it a quick yet immersive experience
• Stops: 9 historic sites, including 4 pubs and haunted hotels
• Highlights: Share a drink with the ghost of John F. Kennedy at the 21st Amendment and visit Room 303 of the Omni Parker House Hotel where a liquor salesman haunts
• Themed stories: Haunted locations such as the Granary Burying Ground and Beantown Pub with tales of Sam Adams
• Meeting point: Outside Boston Common Visitors Center, with guides in costume and lanterns
• Suitability: Best for adults 21+ and those comfortable walking up to a mile, not ideal for mobility-impaired visitors

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Starting at Boston Common for a Haunted Adventure

The tour kicks off outside the Boston Common Visitors Center, a central and easy-to-find meeting spot. Your guide, easily recognizable in a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt or colonial attire, holds a lantern, setting an atmospheric tone from the start. Present your ticket voucher at this point to begin your journey into Boston’s haunted past. The meeting point’s central location helps with easy access and convenient arrival.

Exploring 9 Historic, Haunted Sites in Boston

During the 2-hour tour, you’ll visit nine locations rich with stories of ghosts, murders, and mysterious happenings. Among these are haunted hotels and the historic Granary Burying Ground, which is Boston’s third oldest graveyard dating back to the 17th century. The tour’s stops are carefully chosen to showcase Boston’s haunted architecture and notable figures from the past, such as Sam Adams at the Beantown Pub.

Each site offers its own spooky tale, from ghostly sightings to sinister legends, making this tour perfect for those curious about the city’s darker side. The stops are spaced out across Boston’s historic districts, allowing for storytelling and socializing in between.

Visiting the 21st Amendment for a Ghostly Drink

One of the tour’s standout stops is the 21st Amendment, where a ghostly encounter involving John F. Kennedy is part of the story. Here, guests have the chance to share a drink with the spirit of JFK, adding a fun twist to the haunted experience. The pub itself is a lively spot with history and character, making it a good place to unwind and enjoy a beverage.

The Omni Parker House Hotel’s Haunted Room 303

A key highlight is the visit to the Omni Parker House Hotel, where the guide recounts tales of a sinister liquor salesman haunting Room 303. This location is renowned for its ghost stories and eerie atmosphere, giving participants a taste of Boston’s haunted hotel lore. The hotel’s historic ambiance complements the storytelling, making it a memorable part of the tour.

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Sampling Boston’s Historic Pubs and Beer Tales

The tour includes visits to 4 pubs, each with its own story to tell. The Beantown Pub is notable for its connection to Sam Adams, where the guide shares the brewer’s fascinating history. The Emmets Pub offers a chance to teleport to Ireland with a pint of Guinness, adding an international flavor to the pub crawl. These stops are designed to give guests time to relax, chat, and enjoy drinks amid Boston’s lively bar scene.

Some reviews mention that the pub time can feel rushed, with about 20 minutes at each location, making it a brisk but energetic experience. The pubs chosen are recognized for their character and historical significance.

The Granary Burying Ground and Boston’s Graveyard Legacy

The tour concludes at the Granary Burying Ground, one of Boston’s oldest cemeteries dating back to the 17th century. Here, stories of colonial-era figures and haunted graves add depth to the experience. The graveyard’s age and history provide a tangible link to Boston’s early history, wrapped in ghostly legends that resonate with fans of haunted sites.

The Role of Guides and Their Storytelling Style

Based on reviews, guides such as Max, Alex, Amber, and Adam are praised for being knowledgeable, personable, and lively. They excel at telling stories with humor and energy, which enhances the fun atmosphere. Some guides go above and beyond, running the tour even when only a single participant is present, making each experience personalized.

However, some reviews mention inconsistent pacing or the occasional rushed stop, highlighting that the overall experience can vary depending on the guide and group size. Nevertheless, most guides succeed in delivering engaging stories that keep participants entertained.

Practicalities of the Haunted Pub Crawl

Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking up to a mile over the course of the tour. It’s recommended to bring ID, as the tour involves alcohol consumption at pub stops. The tour runs rain or shine, so dressing weather-appropriate is wise.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive. It’s not suitable for those under 21 or with mobility impairments. The tour is flexible regarding cancellation—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Pacing, Organization, and Overall Value

Many reviews highlight the entertainment value and interesting stories, especially praising guides’ storytelling skills. Several mention the generous time at each pub and the variety of sites visited, making it a good mix of history and social fun.

However, some comments note that the timing can be rushed, especially at busy pubs, and that coordination with bars for expectations could improve. A few reviewers have experienced poor organization or guide issues, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

The overall value depends on expectations: if you enjoy haunted tales combined with pub visits, this tour offers a compelling and spirited experience. It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and tempering drinking pace.

Final Thoughts on the Boston Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

This tour provides a unique blend of ghost stories and pub culture, making it a lively way to experience Boston’s historic taverns and haunted sites. It’s led by enthusiastic guides who bring stories to life, making the journey both educational and fun. The inclusion of notable locations like Room 303 and the Granary Burying Ground adds authenticity, while the pub stops give a social element that many enjoy.

While some may find the pacing a little brisk or organization inconsistent, the overall experience keeps most guests engaged and entertained. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a short, fun, and spooky tour that combines history with a lively pub crawl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
No, this tour is not recommended for people under 21, as it involves alcohol consumption and is aimed at adult audiences.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring an ID card, as proof of age is required for alcohol sales.

Are the venues expecting the group?
Some reviews suggest that coordination with the bars could improve; however, the tour is designed to include stops at well-known pubs and historic sites. It’s advisable to arrive on time to ensure full participation.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though it involves walking up to a mile, so some mobility limitations could still affect participation.

What is the typical guide experience like?
Guides are generally praised for being knowledgeable, personable, and energetic, with some reviews noting their ability to run the tour even when solo or with small groups.

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