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Jewish Beacon Hill

Learn where Boston’s Jewish West End residents worked, lived and worshipped - including The Vilna Shul

Tour Description

Journey to Beacon Hill’s North Slope at the turn of the 20th century.

Explore the lives of its Jewish residents during a period of cultural and architectural change.

Uncover how Boston’s Jewish immigrants created an active community that blended customs from Eastern Europe and changes to the new world around them.

Discover sites where Boston’s Jewish West End residents worked, lived and worshiped, including the sites of three synagogues within a few blocks of each other.


Special Two-Hour Jewish History Tour - Jewish Beacon Hill & The Vilna Shul

Join us once again in 2024 for a unique two-hour Jewish History program that includes both Boston By Foot's guided Jewish Beacon Hill tour and a guided tour of The Vilna Shul.


Sunday April 14 @ 11:00 am
Sunday May 12 @ 11:00 am
Sunday June 9 @ 11:00 am
Sunday July 14 @ 11:00 am
Sunday August 11 @ 11:00 am
Sunday September 8 @ 11:00 am

This special Jewish History tour is open to all and is presented in collaboration with The Vilna Shul.

Registration is limited to 20 people per guide. BBF members receive a $5 discount.

Tour Information

Public Tour Calendar

Private Tours

Boston By Foot private tours are perfect for family groups, school groups, corporate groups, university and alumni groups, people who wish to tour with their pets, and anyone looking for a more personalized tour experience.

Starting Location

Meet your guide in front of the Vilna Shul at 18 Phillips Street.

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

Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: Charles/MGH (Red Line)

Ending Location

This tour ends in the general area of the Vilna Shul.

Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: Charles/MGH (Red Line)

Trip Advisor Travellor's Choice Awards Winner 2024