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We’ve handpicked some of the best Boston ghost tours, from old trolleys that wind through Boston’s most historic sites to lantern-lit walks that explore Beantown’s ghostly/ghastly secrets, there’s something to suit every level of bravery.
We love Boston, here’s every single published guide.
Ghost Tours in Boston
Go on a Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour by Trolley
Take this Boston ghost tour trolley ride and go around the city’s most haunted sites.
The trolley tour lasts for 2 hours and takes guests through two gravesites including the graves of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams.
From the streets of the Boston Strangler to the historic sights of haunted American History, this trolley tour shows you the spookier side of Boston.
Local advice: this is a great ghost tour option if it is raining (hello, it’s Boston) as it takes place from the comfort of a covered trolley, also a sensible option if your feet are sore from sightseeing.
Check out our guide, Boston in the rain, for more wet weather options.
Stroll Through Boston’s Iconic Cemeteries with a Spooky Walking Tour
If you want to explore Boston’s haunted burial grounds and historic landmarks, take this 1.5 hour spooky walking tour.
This tour starts at King’s Chapel Burial Ground and takes guests on a haunted walking tour of Boston Common, The Old State House, and Granary Burying Ground.
Visitors will go on a journey through the haunted places of Boston while learning key stories from the American Revolution.
Experience One of the Oldest Ghost Tours in Boston
The Haunted Boston Ghost Tours (106 Boylston St) is the oldest ghost tour in Boston and offers guests a 1.5-hour haunted walking tour paired with thrilling stories about the city’s history.
Guides on this tour rely solely on their storytelling as they take guests through Boston Common, Central Burying Ground Cemetery, and the Omni Parker House.
Participants of this tour will be able to discover the “darker side” of Boston.
Fun fact: have you seen “scrod” on lots of dinner menus while you’re in Boston? That term for the white fish of the day was coined at The Parker House.
Sip and Stroll with the Spirits on a Spooky Pub Crawl
For those who like both the spooks and the drinks, try this 2-hour spooky pub crawl in Boston and explore historically haunted pubs and restaurants around the city.
Guests will learn the history of Samuel Adams and the other historical figures who are said to haunt Beantown as you make stops at J.J. Donovan’s Tavern, Union Oyster House, The Green Dragon Tavern, The Bell in Hand Tavern, and The Point Boston.
Sip on a Boston Lager as your guide tells stories of the hauntings and history behind some of Boston’s oldest establishments.
This could be a fun date night idea if you don’t mind being social with other boos hounds?
Visit Boston’s Haunted Sites with a Brew
This 2-hour pub crawl takes guests to 4 pubs across the city and 5 historically haunted sites including the country’s 3rd oldest graveyard.
Hear stories of the ghosts of Sam Adams, John F. Kennedy, and many more as you sip and stroll through the haunted sites of Boston.
Local tip: try the Irish coffee at Emmet’s at some point during your visit for a rocket fuel injection!
Take a Ghost Walking Tour to Learn About the City’s Dark Past
Looking for some of the best ghost tours in Boston that let you learn the secrets behind the city’s dark past?
This ghost walking tour with a guide will take you on a journey through Boston’s most haunted spots including The Custom House, The Boston Athenaeum, The Old South Meeting House, The Omni Parker House Hotel, and the Granary Burying Ground.
Hear the haunting tales of colonial America and the headless woman that still haunts the grounds of the King’s Chapel Burial Ground.
The tour will last for 90 minutes and will run rain or shine.
Explore the City on Your Own with a Haunted Self-Guided Walking Tour
Take a spooky stroll through the haunted streets of the city on this self-guided Boston ghost walking tour.
As you wander through the city at your own pace, you’ll get a fascinating history lesson about Boston’s hauntings and its dark past.
During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit eerie graveyards and haunted hotels, plus explore Boston’s oldest neighborhoods all while following an interactive and user-friendly app.
A note from the editor: we love losing a couple of hours to self-guided audio tours as you can stop and start as you wish without relying on a guide or keeping up with the tour group.
We’ve used the same audio app in Salem and Acadia National Park.
For more budget Boston ideas, here’s our guide to free attractions.
Hear the Gruesome History of Boston with the Boston Ghosts Tour
Boston Ghosts (139 Tremont St) offers one of the scariest ghost tours in Boston with their highly-rated tour of the haunted historical places in the area.
This tour covers the gruesome Revolutionary history that fills the streets of Boston, including stops at The Omni Parker House, Old South Meeting House, and Old City Hall.
Hear the haunted history and chase the spirit of the revolution on this ghost tour that is perfect for both first-time visitors and long-time residents.
Explore the Ghosts of Boston with the Family-Friendly Tour from Ghost City Tours Boston
The Ghosts of Boston Tour (40 Tremont St.) offers a Boston ghost tour for families looking to learn the history of Boston with a spooky twist.
The tour begins outside of the King’s Chapel Burying Ground and features a tour of the cemetery, Boston Commons, and other key historic landmarks in Boston.
Tour guides provide stories of the histories and hauntings of the area that are appropriate and engaging for all ages.
If you want to explore the city with the young ones, check out our list of the things to do in Boston with kids.
Take a Chilling Lantern Tour Along Freedom Trail
Explore Boston’s eerie past on a 1.5-hour lantern-lit tour along the iconic Freedom Trail.
Hear tales of sword duels, a ruthless pirate’s grave, and chilling accounts of witch trials and more.
A guide in costume will go with you and share a unique and haunting experience in the heart of the city.
For those planning to explore the city on a budget, read our suggestions for the free things to do in Boston.
See the Spirits on the Water with the Haunted Charles River Cruise in Cambridge
For a spooky day trip from Boston, try this 1.5 hour haunted river cruise.
Explore the Charles River on a riverboat while hearing the haunted history of the waterway.
In addition to hearing haunted stories of the river, this cruise is a great way to see the historic landmarks around the Boston Area.
If you’re looking for ideas on day trips from Boston, check this guide.
Guided Day Trip to Salem
If you want to combine your ghost tours with a journey into mysterious history, take a guided day trip from Boston to Salem to discover the truth about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
Start with a ferry ride from Boston Harbor, then explore pivotal locations in Salem.
Get to know the figures who shaped these events, pay your respects at two commemorative sites, and don’t forget to strike a pose for a photo opportunity at some famous spots along the way.
You may also like our guide to the things to do in Salem.
Final Thoughts
We hope you find this guide helpful in giving you ideas for the haunted tours around Boston.
Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below- we’d love to hear them.
Our Boston Guides
- Boston Bucket List
- Where to Stay in Boston
- Boston at Night
- Date Ideas in Boston
- Boston in the Winter
- Boston Day Trips
- All Boston Guides