Boston After Dark

Explore Boston’s Nighttime Secrets with a Guided Walking Tour

Boston After Dark offers a compelling way to experience the city’s hidden stories and shadowy past. Priced at $30.00 per person, this 2-hour guided walking tour takes visitors through two of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods—the North End and the West End. The tour is led by a local guide, who brings Boston’s darker tales vividly to life, making it an ideal choice for those interested in urban legends, crime history, ghost stories, and notorious figures from Boston’s past.

This tour is perfect for adults and older teens, as it contains foul language and discusses themes of death and violence. It covers approximately 1.3 miles, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The tour runs rain or shine but will be canceled in unsafe weather conditions, ensuring a safe experience. With a maximum group size of 20, it offers an intimate environment for exploring Boston’s eerie side.

Key Points

• Price: Only $30.00 per person for a 2-hour tour
• Duration & Distance: About 2 hours and 1.3 miles of walking
• Neighborhoods Covered: North End and West End of Boston
• Highlights: Stories of serial killers, gangsters, and industrial accidents
• Stops Include: Government Center, Brinks Job Building, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
• Not Kid-Friendly: Due to foul language and mature themes

The Starting Point at Bill Russell Statue in Boston’s City Hall Square

The tour begins at the Bill Russell Statue, located at 1 City Hall Square in downtown Boston. This accessible starting point makes it easy to meet the group, especially for those using public transportation. From here, the guide leads guests into Boston’s infamous Scollay Square, historically known as the city’s red light district. This area once housed some of the wildest stories and places in Boston’s past.

The starting location sets the tone for an engaging exploration of the city’s lesser-known, sometimes disturbing stories.

Discover Boston’s Infamous Scollay Square and Government Center

The first stop takes place at Government Center, where the famous (or infamous) Scollay Square once thrived as Boston’s red light district. Known for its wild nightlife and scandalous tales, this area was home to some of the city’s most notorious stories. The guide provides a 15-minute overview, sharing insights into the seedy past and urban legends associated with this part of Boston. There’s no admission fee here, making it a great introduction to the darker side of Boston’s history.

This stop helps set the scene for the more intense stories that follow, highlighting the city’s shadowy past in a lively and informative way.

Exploring the West End’s Darker Tales and Notorious Figures

Wandering the West End, the tour unveils tales of female serial killers and Boston’s most famous gangster. Guests learn about a harrowing murder of a pregnant woman that had racial implications, adding depth to Boston’s criminal history. The 30-minute stop here offers a mix of crime stories and urban legends, giving a fascinating glimpse of the city’s gritty underbelly.

The guide’s storytelling style makes these historical crimes feel vivid and immediate, transforming the streets into a living narrative.

The Heist at the Brinks Job Building

A quick stop at the Brinks Job Building recounts the story of the largest robbery in U.S. history at the time. The heist went unsolved for six years, capturing the imagination of those interested in crime history. With just 5 minutes at this site, the focus remains on the thrilling details of this notorious unsolved robbery, one of Boston’s most famous crime stories.

This stop highlights Boston’s role in major criminal events and the mystery surrounding them.

The Bizarre Great Molasses Flood

Next, guests visit the site marked by the Great Molasses Flood Plaque. This industrial accident remains one of the strangest in American history, where a massive molasses tank burst, flooding the city and causing destruction. The 5-minute stop emphasizes how fact is stranger than fiction, capturing the absurdity and tragedy of this event.

The story of the flood demonstrates that Boston’s history includes some unusual and astonishing accidents.

Haunted History at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

The tour’s final stop is at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, known as one of Boston’s most haunted locations. The guide explains why the cemetery is believed to be haunted and shares stories of the spirits that are said to linger among the historic tombstones. In just 5 minutes, visitors learn about its haunted reputation and its significance in Boston’s urban folklore.

The cemetery’s spooky atmosphere offers a fitting close to a tour filled with ghost stories and mysteries.

Walking Through the Historic North End and Its Dark Past

The North End is known for its Italian immigrant history and, today, some of the best food in Boston. During the 30-minute walk, the guide narrates stories of organized crime, gangsters, and notorious figures from the neighborhood’s past. Visitors get to experience the vibrant streets while absorbing tales that add a layer of intrigue to this lively part of the city.

This segment blends cultural history with unsolved mysteries, making the North End a complex, fascinating neighborhood.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour operates with a minimum of two guests, ensuring a personalized experience. It’s designed as a walking tour, covering about 1.3 miles on sometimes uneven terrain, including cobblestones, hills, and stairs. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, maintaining an intimate atmosphere.

It starts at the Bill Russell Statue and ends at Bova’s Bakery on Salem Street. The tour requires moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for visitors with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are recommended, given the walking distance and terrain. The tour runs rain or shine, but unsafe weather will lead to a cancellation for safety reasons.

The Experience of Guides and Review Highlights

The guides, particularly Beth and Mark, are praised for their knowledgeable, fun, and personable style. The tour has received a perfect 5-star rating, with reviewers emphasizing how engaging and informative the guides are. One review highlights that this is the favorite tour out of five during a visit, praising the informative storytelling and entertainment value.

Guests appreciate that the guides effectively blend history, legend, and local lore into a cohesive narrative, making the tour both educational and entertaining.

Value and Booking Information

At $30 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a well-curated, 2-hour experience exploring Boston’s darker stories. It includes a guided walking tour but does not include transportation or tips (which are very welcome). Free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

The booking process is straightforward, with confirmation received immediately upon booking. The tour is operated by Wicked Good Boston Tours, known for their engaging and informative experiences.

Boston After Dark stands out as an entertaining and educational way to explore the city’s grim and mysterious side. Its well-structured itinerary combines haunted cemeteries, notorious crimes, and urban legends into a cohesive narrative that appeals to those interested in history with a twist. The local guides’ storytelling elevates the experience, making each stop feel personal and authentic.

While it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for moderate walking, the small group sizes and intriguing content make this a recommendation for adult visitors who enjoy dark tourism. The $30 price point provides a great value for a fun, spooky night in Boston, especially given the positive reviews praising guides’ knowledge and charisma.

In summary, Boston After Dark is ideal for history buffs, crime enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Boston’s hidden stories. It offers a unique perspective on the city, blending ghost stories with real-life crime tales in a way that’s both creepy and captivating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is not kid-friendly due to foul language and mature themes. Children under 13 are not allowed, and parental discretion is advised for those aged 13 and above.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers about 1.3 miles of walking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because of the terrain and the walking distance.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in light rain but will be canceled in unsafe weather conditions. You will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Is transportation included?
No, this is a walking tour, and no transportation is provided between stops.

How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Who leads the tour?
The tour is led by a local guide known for being knowledgeable, fun, and personable.

What locations does the tour visit?
Stops include Government Center, West End, Brinks Job Building, Great Molasses Flood Plaque, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and the North End.