Boston By Foot

05/29/2026

Featured Tour!
South End
Tuesday, June 2nd and 16th, 1PM

Join us as we explore the vibrant South End, Boston's first big land-making project. Designed for new housing for Boston's growing upper class, the South End was envisioned to be the finest of neighborhoods. It includes one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the country. After Back Bay provided a newer and more fashionable place to live, the South End evolved into an area occupied by many different immigrant groups. Now known for its wonderful restaurants, funky boutiques, artist lofts and theaters, there is so much to see and explore in this neighborhood.

Learn more and register:
https://bostonbyfoot.org/tours/south-end/

05/27/2026

Featured Tour!
Slavery and Abolition in Massachusetts
Saturday, May 30th, 11 AM and additional dates in June, July & August

Explore the events and people that were a part of Massachusetts’ complex and long history of slavery, from the arrival of European colonists on the Shawmut Peninsula to the passage of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery. Securing full citizenship rights for African-Americans in Boston and the United States required enormous will. Learn how slavery started, evolved, and finally ended here.

Learn more and register:

https://bostonbyfoot.org/tours/slavery-and-abolition-in-massachusetts/

05/22/2026

Featured Tour!
Louisa May Alcott’s Boston
Sunday, May 24th, 11:00 AM

Little Women is one of the most beloved books of all time. The character of Jo March, the book’s heroine, was loosely based on Alcott's own life, growing up in 19th century New England. Today's readers tend to associate Alcott with Concord, MA, but In fact, Alcott lived for long periods in Boston. Most readers of the time associated her with the city’s vibrant literary scene. On this tour, you will see Alcott’s Boston homes, walk the streets and hear stories that inspired this popular author.

Learn more and register:
https://bostonbyfoot.org/tours/louisa-may-alcott-s-boston/

05/20/2026

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Barney Frank, a dedicated public servant, trailblazing leader in LGBTQ rights, champion for Massachusetts and part of Boston By Foot’s earliest history.

In the 1970s, as a young state representative, Barney Frank served as the very first graduation speaker for Boston By Foot’s volunteer training program. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we are especially grateful for moments like this photo, reminders of the people who believed in the value of connecting people to Boston through history, neighborhoods, and shared experiences from the very beginning. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we are especially grateful for moments like this photo, reminders of the people who believed in the value of connecting people to Boston through history, neighborhoods, and shared experiences from the very beginning.

Throughout his career, Barney Frank helped shape conversations about equality, representation, and public service in Massachusetts and across the country. We extend our condolences to all who knew and loved him, and we honor his lasting legacy.

05/15/2026

NEW TOUR!
Toward a More Perfect Union
Saturday, May16th, 11 AM & Sunday, May 17th, 2PM

Boston is often called the cradle of liberty—but what does that legacy mean today? This tour invites you to explore the powerful ideas that took root here—due process, separation of powers, and freedom of speech. But Boston’s own story also reveals the struggles to fully live up to them. You’ll see how Boston’s past still speaks to the challenges we face now. What does it take to build a truly free and just society? And how can the lessons of this city help us move closer to the democracy we aspire to be? This is more than a history tour — it’s a chance to reflect on the unfinished work of freedom and your place within it.

Learn more and register:

https://bostonbyfoot.org/tours/toward-a-more-perfect-union/

05/14/2026

So pleased to partner with the Reading Library and have your patrons join our tours!

This RPL discount pass was made for summer! See Boston's neighborhoods, architecture, people & history in a new way with Boston By Foot. Tours for families and children available.

05/11/2026

You know Boston… or do you? 👀

But how much do you really know about the stories under your feet?

Become a Boston By Foot member and turn your everyday walks into discoveries:
🏛 Hidden history
👣 Surprising stories
🗺 New neighborhoods
💬 Conversations and connections
✨ A whole new way to see Boston

Plus, by becoming a member, you help so many others connect to Boston’s neighborhoods, history, architecture, and communities through shared, place-based experiences.

👉bostonbyfoot.org/about/get-involved/

05/04/2026

It was a tough weekend for Boston sports.

The Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics are out of the playoffs, and it’s been a slow start for the Boston Red Sox.

But we’re not done yet…
We’re turning our attention to the Boston Fleet, who are still fighting in the playoffs 💪

And in the spirit of good sportsmanship, we’re making good on our wager with our friends at Explore Buffalo. A Boston Cream Pie is headed your way! 🍰

Which feels like the perfect moment to share a little Boston history…

Boston Cream Pie was first created at legendary Parker House Hotel (pictured here) in the 1850s. With layers of sponge cake, custard filling, and chocolate glaze, it’s actually a cake - not a pie - and has been a local favorite ever since (and even became the official state dessert!).

Congrats, Buffalo - we’ll be shipping up your Pie!

05/02/2026

Theater District
Includes guided tour of Boch Center Wang Theatre interior.
Wednesday, May 6, 2PM

First, join us for a walking tour of Boston's Theater District exploring the exteriors of such theaters as the Opera House, the Majestic, Wilbur, Colonial, and the Paramount. Hear stories about the history of theatre in Boston, from the Colonial period to Boston's heyday as a tryout venue for some of the country's greatest plays before they went to Broadway. Then, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre – including an exclusive look at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame. Learn about the theater’s architectural highlights and unique history.

Learn more and register:
https://bostonbyfoot.org/tours/theater-district/

05/01/2026

Featured Tour!
The North End: Boston’s Immigration Gateway
Saturday May 2, 4 PM, Sunday May 3, 10:30 AM, Monday May 4, 4:30 PM and multiple times per month.

Explore Boston’s oldest neighborhood. Discover the charm of this unique, compact city space that has been home to immigrants for 400 years. Learn what brought waves of people from Ireland, Eastern Europe, and Italy to the North End; the difficulties they faced when they arrived; and how they made a difference in their new home! Make your way through Boston’s famous ‘crooked and narrow’ streets, ending up in the heart of the North End surrounded by Italian restaurants and pastry shops, the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or treat!

Learn more and register:
https://bostonbyfoot.org/tours/north-end/