Skip to main content navigation

Historic Waterfront

Take in the spectacular views of Boston Harbor as you wind your way among wharves both old and new

Boston's Harbor

Tour Description

Boston has a great seafaring heritage. Ocean trade and its related industries had a major impact on the growth of Boston and the shape and character of its waterfront.

This tour includes the beginnings of Long Wharf as the grand entry into Boston, and the genesis of its Financial District, the lore of clipper ships and the China Trade, and classic 19th century Boston granite wharf buildings such as Commercial Wharf, Lewis Wharf, and Union Wharf.

Today's waterfront is a vibrant mix of hotels, restaurants, residences, and recreational spaces, from Rowes Wharf to Battery Wharf in the North End.

Take in the spectacular views of Boston Harbor as we wind our way among the wharves old and new.

Tour Information

tour duration
DURATION

90 minutes

tour distance
DISTANCE

1.4 miles

tour terrain level 1
TERRAIN

mostly flat surfaces and little to no inclines

Public Tour Calendar

Private Tours

This tour can be scheduled as a private tour with advance notice. Call 617.367.2345 or use our private tour webform to learn more.

Starting Location

Meet your guide under the Arch at Rowes Wharf, 50 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110.

Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”

Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: South Station (Red & Silver Lines, and commuter rail)

Ending Location

This tour ends in the general area of Battery Wharf, 377 Commercial Street.

Nearest public transportation option: MBTA Bus #4, Commercial Street at Battery Street

Nearest Accessible MBTA subway stations: Aquarium (Blue Line), 0.9 miles away; Haymarket (Green & Orange Lines), 0.9 miles away