Accessibility
We strive to create engaging, accessible experiences for all. Boston By Foot offers a wide range of tours, virtual programs and volunteer opportunities. There are accessible ways to enjoy many of our activities. We look forward to exploring Boston with you!
It helps to understand Boston’s history and geography. Boston is a city of made land. Boston was once 800-acres of steep hills, meadows and swamps. Over time, land was created, most of our cobblestone streets replaced, and some hills leveled. The city today still has many narrow paths, some brick and cobblestone sidewalks, and a few hills. We also have neighborhoods of flat made land, and wide paths.
Plan Your Tour
We understand that everyone experiences their disability differently. We offer a range of services to help you have a great tour.
Click on this icon to have a more accessible web experience.
Physical or Mobility Needs
- In each tour description we provide a terrain rating. If you have limited mobility, our tours with a Terrain 3 rating (likely uneven surfaces and significant inclines) are the least accessible. Fortunately, we have lots of other choices. You can search for tours by terrain rating by clicking on the terrain rating icon.
Terrain 1: Mostly flat surfaces and little to no inclines
Most tours start and end in different places. Each tour description lists the tour meeting and end location, and if the nearest MBTA transit station is accessible.
We are happy to provide you with information in advance on local wheelchair rental companies. Call 617-367-2345 or email us at info@bostonbyfoot.org
Deaf or Hearing Loss
Assisted Listening devices or sign-language interpreters may be requested for any tour. Please provide us with two-week notice to make arrangements. Call 617-367-2345 or email us at info@bostonbyfoot.org
Virtual programs have captions.
Most tours start and end in different places. Each tour description lists the tour meeting and end location, and if the nearest MBTA transit station is accessible.
Blind or Low Vision
Many tours incorporate tactile elements and our tour guides are trained to use descriptive language.
- Most tours start and end in different places. Each tour description lists the tour meeting and end location, and if the nearest MBTA transit station is accessible.
Sensory or Neurodiverse Needs
Our Tour Preview Guide provides an illustrated, step-by-step guide on what to expect during a Boston By Foot tour. Use the Tour Preview Guide to prepare for your tour.
Visual Vocabularies are available for select tours. These can support communication or help families and groups focus their tour. Use these Visual Vocabularies to get a sense of what to expect on a specific tour and introduce new vocabulary.
Boston By Little Feet (PDF) Heart of the Freedom Trail (PDF) Beacon Hill’s South Slope (PDF) Road to Revolution (PDF) North End: Boston's Immigration Gateway (PDF)
We can recommend several tours that take place in quieter neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill and Back Bay’s Victorian Architecture. Call 617-367-2345 or email us at info@bostonbyfoot.org
During the summer, some areas of the city are most crowded in the afternoon and evening, especially the North End and on the Freedom Trail.
- Most tours start and end in different places. Each tour description lists the tour meeting and end location, and if the nearest MBTA transit station is accessible.
Service Animals
Boston By Foot welcomes service animals and their handlers at all tours and programs. We follow the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of a service animal. This is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability. A service animal may also be a miniature horse. (Pets are welcome only on private tours with advance notice.)
We train our staff and volunteers to welcome people using service animals and to respect your medical privacy. Unless there is a concern regarding your animal’s behavior, we will assume it is a service animal and not inquire. If you have experienced unwanted attention, please let us know at 617-367-2345 or info@bostonbyfoot.org
Contact Us
If you did not find answers to your accessibility questions, please reach out to us at 617-367-2345 or info@bostonbyfoot.org. We can provide tour-planning advice tailored to your individual needs. We also welcome your suggestions for removing barriers and creating more enjoyable experiences.
