Boston: Historic Pubs Walking & Ferry, Food & Drink Tour

Discover Boston’s Historic Pubs and Scenic Harbor on a Food & Drink Tour

This 3.5-hour tour from Boston Pizza Tours invites you to explore Boston’s rich revolutionary past while enjoying local food and drinks. For $129 per person, you get to hoist a pint where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and George Washington once drank, visit two historic taverns, and take a picturesque round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor. The tour is ideal for those interested in history, local cuisine, and scenic views, but it’s best suited for adults due to the nature of the drinks and the walking involved.

The tour’s standout features include visits to the Oldest Tavern in America, a cruise past historic landmarks such as the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill, and ending with a sweet treat from a renowned North End pastry shop. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable. While it offers a good balance of history, sightseeing, and food, the tour’s physical activity and age restrictions should be considered by those with mobility issues or traveling with very young children.

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Key Points

• Historic taverns dating back to 1795 and 1780 serve as the tour’s main venues.
• Round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor offers scenic views of the city’s waterfront.
• Two stops include food and drink at each tavern—a drink plus appetizers at each.
• The tour finishes with dessert from a famous North End pastry shop.
• The small group size creates an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert guides, like Big Al, bring history to life with lively storytelling.

Starting Point at Modern Pastry Underground in the North End

The tour begins in Boston’s historic North End, specifically at Modern Pastry Underground. Here, participants meet their English-speaking guide and skip the line to walk downstairs into the pastry shop. This convenient starting point avoids waiting in line and sets the tone for a delightful mix of food, history, and scenery.

The location is central, making it easy to access from other parts of Boston. The tour runs in the afternoon, perfect for an engaging and relaxed sightseeing experience combined with a leisurely food tasting. Since the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, travelers should plan their transportation accordingly.

Exploring Boston’s Historic Taverns from 1780 to 1795

The tour features visits to two historic Boston taverns, including the Oldest Tavern in America established in 1795. These taverns are located in Boston’s North End and Charlestown. At each stop, participants enjoy a drink—which can be draft beer, house wine, or soft drinks—plus appetizers.

The Oldest Tavern in America invites you to sip your drink where George Washington, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere once gathered. The historic ambiance and preserved architecture allow a glimpse into America’s revolutionary era. The guides share stories of the taverns’ past, enriching the experience and making each sip even more meaningful.

Scenic Round-Trip Ferry Ride Across Boston Harbor

A highlight of this tour is the round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor. Departing from Charlestown Navy Yard, the ferry offers sweeping views of USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) and the Bunker Hill Monument. The ferry ride provides a relaxing way to see the harbor’s historic sites and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

The ferry ride is both scenic and practical, connecting the North End with Charlestown. It adds a water perspective to Boston’s history and offers excellent photo opportunities. The seating and timing of the ferry are designed to complement the overall tour, ensuring guests have enough time to explore each location comfortably.

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Visiting the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument

Once in Charlestown, the tour includes a visit to the USS Constitution—known as “Old Ironsides”—and the Bunker Hill Monument. These landmarks offer visual insights into America’s maritime history and the Revolutionary War.

While the tour primarily focuses on historic taverns and food, seeing Old Ironsides and the monument adds depth to the historic narrative. Visitors can appreciate the naval legacy and battle sites that shaped U.S. history, all within a short walk from the ferry dock.

Walking Along Boston’s Historic Waterfront and Faneuil Hall

After returning from Charlestown, the tour guides lead participants through the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and Quincy Market. These iconic sites are central to Boston’s political and commercial history.

The walk through the Blackstone Block introduces the true location of the “Boston Stone”, a historic artifact dating back centuries. This part of the tour combines scenic city views with fascinating stories about Boston’s colonial past.

Food, Drinks, and Dessert at Boston’s Oldest Taverns

At each of the two tavern stops, the focus is on local food and drinks. Expect a draft beer, house wine, or soft drink, paired with appetizers that highlight Boston’s culinary heritage. The taverns’ historic ambiance enhances the tasting experience, making each sip and bite more memorable.

The tour wraps up with a sweet treat from a famous North End pastry shop, such as Modern Pastry or Venezia. This dessert adds a delicious finish to the day, pairing well with the overall theme of history and hospitality.

Practical Details: Group Size, Timing, and Accessibility

The tour operates mainly in the afternoon, ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed day of sightseeing. The group size is kept small, contributing to a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. The live guide—notably Big Al, praised for his enthusiasm and knowledge—leads the experience, making history engaging and accessible.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves walking and outdoor ferry rides. The name of the meeting point is Modern Pastry Underground, which is easy to find in Boston’s North End.

Cost and Booking Flexibility

Priced at $129 per person, this tour offers good value considering the two tavern visits, ferry ride, food, and drinks included. The booking process is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Since there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, travelers should plan their own transportation to the North End. The tour typically lasts 3.5 hours, making it a manageable yet enriching addition to any Boston itinerary.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This food and history tour suits adults with an interest in revolutionary history, Boston landmarks, and local cuisine. The small group setting and friendly guides make it ideal for those who value personalized attention and informative storytelling. Travelers who love scenic water views and historic tavern atmospheres will find this experience particularly rewarding.

People looking for a relaxed pace and a combination of sightseeing, tasting, and storytelling will appreciate how well the tour balances all these elements. However, those with mobility challenges should consider the walking involved and the outdoor ferry ride.

Boston’s Best Combination of History, Food, and Waterfront Views

This Boston: Historic Pubs Walking & Ferry, Food & Drink Tour offers a unique blend of revolutionary history, scenic harbor views, and local cuisine. The visits to historic taverns, including the Oldest Tavern in America, are complemented by a water cruise that highlights Boston’s maritime legacy.

The expert guides, especially those praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling skills, bring Boston’s history alive while guests enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks. The dessert finale from a renowned North End pastry shop provides a sweet ending to a day filled with learning and leisure.

While the price and duration are reasonable, the tour’s physical requirements and adults-only policy should be noted. It’s an excellent choice for those who want an interactive, scenic, and tasty exploration of Boston’s historic waterfront and tavern culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is recommended for adults only due to the nature of the drinks and the walking involved. Children under 2 years are not permitted.

What is included in the price?
The $129 fee covers two historic tavern visits, one drink and appetizers at each, a round-trip ferry ride, and dessert from a North End pastry shop.

How do I meet the tour?
Participants meet at Modern Pastry Underground in the North End, where you can walk right in without waiting in line. The tour is primarily in the afternoon and does not include hotel transfers.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel plans.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking outdoors and a ferry ride.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Boston’s historic taverns, waterfront views, and delicious local cuisine, making it a memorable addition to any visit to the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby